text:
All Is Bright: A Festive Holiday Home
A Sparkling Display
Every year at holiday time, Anne and Jonathan Carr's Connecticut home becomes a backdrop for a seasonal display that sparkles with sophistication while feeling totally down to earth. A mother of three children, ages 5 to 10, Anne says her decorating strategy is rooted in modern design, not fussy details. She likes to make a couple of big statements relying on a palette that harmonizes with each room. "I used to do a lot more when the kids were younger," she says, "but I think you can get a festive look with a few easy touches and also save your sanity." Decorating is more than a pastime for Anne who, with partner Connie Dirvin, created the online home design shopping guide Blinkdecor.com. Both her effortless style and her new business sprang from a need to save time and simplify her life. "When you have kids there are only so many days for shopping and decorating," says Anne.
The Main Event
Anne trims the tree with mirrored garlands and ornaments that play off the contemporary cool of the living area's graphic fabrics. She attaches balls to an oversize boxwood wreath and places shimmering reindeer—the kids glued glitter onto forms—on the coffee table. The striking color scheme reflects Anne's fearless sensibilities. "I'm a color person," she says, "but for anyone who's afraid of bold hues, try bright accessories such as lamps or pillows first."
Sweet Idea
Anne sets the scene by filling apothecary jars with treats. She and the kids make candy trees from Styrofoam forms and gumdrops.
Room to Play
Even when the family room isn't dressed up for the holidays, the big cushy sofas, a study nook with desks, and a TV make it a magnet for the kids—Henry, Charlotte, and Melanie (pictured with Anne)—and their friends. Anne chose the color scheme because she loves red and was inspired by the idea of primary-school hues. "The stripes caught my eye when I was shopping," she says. "I usually find a fabric I love and then build the room around it." The bright, happy space lends itself to Anne's vision of a child's ultimate fantasy: being inside a candy store.
Floral Flourish
A swag of fuzzy pom-poms and vases of amaryllis on the mantel add to the jolly atmosphere.
Small Pleasures
"Every year my kids put a mishmash of balls and wood ornaments on these quirky little artificial trees," Anne says.
Turn the Tables
Anne gives the dining area a little bling by dangling snowflakes and a mirrored disco ball from the chandelier. The hanging lamp, made of low-voltage lightbulbs adorned with feather wings by designer Ingo Maurer, was an impulse purchase. "When I first saw the fixture I thought maybe it was too daring," she says, "but my approach to decorating has always been to just go with my instinct."
White Christmas
The benches and marble and Lucite table are kid friendly—they can easily be wiped clean with a sponge.
Enlightened Dining
You don't need much to create a brilliant table—colorful plates, gleaming glass, and candlelight.
Feather Your Nest
An arrangement of feather, gold, and silver trees makes a fun tabletop vignette.
Anne's Easy Holiday Tips
—Fill a glass pedestal bowl with clear glass balls—Anne likes aqua—and add shimmer by cutting up mirror garlands and arranging them inside.
—For a simple, natural look, arrange greens and pomegranates on the mantel.
—Rosemary topiary trees never go out of style—on a table or in the kitchen.
—Spray white lacquer on pinecones for a snowy, shiny look.
Get the Look
Make your home sparkle with some of Anne's key holiday decor items.
Visions of Sugarplums
Lime-green drop ornaments, Seasons of Cannon Falls, $6 each, visit seasonsofcannonfalls.com for stores.
Disco Fever
Mirror ball, eParty Unlimited, $14, epartyunlimited.com.
O Christmas Trees
Cream bottle brush trees, Cody Foster & Co., four for $75, 800-595-5907.
String Along
Round mirror garland, Jamali Garden Supplies, $7, jamaligarden.com.
Doe, a Deer
Glitter deer, KD Vintage, two for $36, kdvintage.com.
Let It Snow
Silver snowflake ornaments, Seasons of Cannon Falls, $4 each, seasonsofcannonfalls.com for stores.
Pretty Enough to Eat Off
Red Velvet appetizer plates, Rosanna Inc., four for $30, rosannainc.com.
Anne's Favorite Gifts to Give
Antiqued gold contemporary Soleil Mirror, $125, jaysonhomeandgarden.com.
Bright merino wool and cotton knit blankets, Ducduc, $148, ducducnyc.com.
Robin's egg Munjoy mod tumblers, Angela Adams, four for $32, angelaadams.com.
Mercury glass tea light candleholders, two for $26, tonichome.com.
Originally published in the December 2007 issue of Family Circle magazine.
This piece was accurate at publication time, but all prices, offerings, and styles are subject to change.


text:
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
The other day I had a talk with a good, kind, sensible friend who approvingly referenced an op-ed in Sunday's NYT to the effect: Why can't you Catholics focus on what you do best--serve the poor--and just shut up about sex, about which you know nothing, about which you insist on clinging to your ridiculously medieval notions that any self-respecting modern person would be mortified to voice? Having been raised in the Church and long since fallen away, my friend can't possibly see, for example, why anyone of nominal intelligence, and the Church, would not counsel every woman in the world to get birth control. If women where in charge of the Church, she is sure THEY would change the "law"...
How can you tell people you have been saved from the abyss and thus live in state of insane bizarre grace and that you offer up your sexuality out of love? That to manage and control human creation, to the lover of Christ, seems monstrous? That when we say "I believe in God" we are really saying, "I view life as a gift, not as a possession"...
It's the secular world that's obsessed with sex. It's the secular world that has divorced sex from life. In my sixteen years in the Church I have never heard a single homily in which the priest exhorted the congregation that birth control is wrong, extramarital sex is wrong, being gay is wrong, gay sex is wrong. I've hardly heard those things mentioned. I have heard countless homilies about mercy, sacrifice, our longing hearts, our brokenness, our stumbling search to learn how to love.
Dorothy Day could be a champion of the poor partly because she left the love of her life and offered her whole self to God. St. Maximilian Kolbe offering himself up to starve in the place of another at Auschwitz was on a continuum with his celibacy. St. Francis of Assisi could speak to the birds because his entire procreative urge was ordered to Christ.
So it's not a matter of being right on social justice and wrong on sex (nor a matter of celibacy being a higher calling than marriage). It's a matter of worshiping an entirely different Master than the world, whose gods are security, comfort, efficiency, power, property, prestige and control. I wanted to say to my friend, Haven't you ever wanted to bow your head in wonder? Haven't you ever looked around for Someone to thank? In so many words I did say those things, and then I wrenched my hands, for I could feel her embarrassment for me and my "archaic" views.
"I actually believe it," I stammered. "I believe Christ is the Savior of the world"....
For a second, I wished I'd come up with something snappier, more clever, more brilliant.
Then I remembered: broken, stumbling, poor--that's what we do best.
35 comments:
Brings me to tears, this post. Love. That is it. Thank you, Heather.ReplyDelete
Wow. Both for your words, Heather, and for posting that, well, awesome video.ReplyDelete
Aren't the nuns awesome? And haven't you noticed that nuns are among the happiest people on the face of the earth ... while some of our more "enlightened" (and as you say, sex-obsessed) thinkers don't often radiate that same joy?ReplyDelete
And golly, I'm with you on Good Pope Francis, as you already know. I'm with every Pope! But this good bishop and priest of God has given me a kind of soul-to-soul resuscitation! I intend no disrespect to the two titanic pontiffs who preceded Pope Francis -- but I really want to be holy for and with this pope! Joyfully holy!
If anything I'd like to thank the Holy Father for his reminder (not expressed in words) that our faith is not homework, but a glorious and challenging adventure!
I hope that the new Bishop of Rome turns us all into "radical Jesuits" -- people who at their roots (radix) are of, for, and with Jesus!
I don't think I've ever heard anyone explain it better, even the religious men & women I've known and loved. I feel the Holy Spirit at work through you. And the videos of the nuns is wonderful. I must admit I was at work watching cnn live as the news came. I am hopeful that our Good Pope Francis will reach out to our youth as John Paul II did, for they our the future of our church.
Be well,
You know a few weeks ago I was speaking to a group and someone shouted out that they liked what I was would say all the words and things that no one else would. When I heard that I thought, "Man, they should hear HEATHER KING. then they would really hear someone who really says it, like no one else does."ReplyDelete
Thank you, Heather.
You know, Heather, I was with some friends last night and we were talking about deprivation. We are so afraid of it, and I think that's the problem. So, we drink, eat, carouse, spend,and live a promiscuous life all so that we don't feel inhibited; that we're missing out. So, we're told (often by professionals) that "everything in moderation" (which is an oxymoron) is a good thing. But the beauty of deprivation, which we get to particularly discover in Lent, is that we open ourselves up more to encountering God, to getting a glimpse of what eternal communion with God is like.ReplyDelete
The Church, like God, values my freedom more than my salvation, and allows me to make my own decisions. The Church in her infinite parental wisdom, simply reminds me that there are always consequences to every decision I make; that even by the standards of human nature, every action I take has an effect. Had God valued my salvation over my freedom, both salvation and freedom would be gone as I would just simply be a puppet of a supreme puppeteer.
- AnonymousMarch 20, 2013 at 6:22 AM
"It's the secular world that's obsessed with sex. It's the secular world that has divorced sex from life. In my sixteen years in the Church I have never heard a single homily in which the priest exhorted the congregation that birth control is wrong, extramarital sex is wrong, being gay is wrong, gay sex is wrong."ReplyDelete
If you had, it wouldn't then mean that the Church is "obsessed with sex." I think it's regrettable that we do not hear more about the evil that birth control and extramarital sex and gay sex are ("being gay" in itself is not wrong).
This is the teaching of the Church. It's part of our offering all that we accept it, strive to live it, and witness to it.
I've been waiting for a post like this! Now, I think there should be more homilies that talk about sin in order to make clear the need for God's lovingkindness (I love that word!). After all, where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more!ReplyDelete
This is perfectly put, Heather. I've printed it out and linked to it on my Facebook page. Thank you.ReplyDelete
Perfectly put, Heather. I appreciate your comments too Ms. Luisi. I've printed this out and linked to it on my Facebook page. More people need to read your words Heather!ReplyDelete
BTW: I also really enjoyed your essay in the Magnificat for St. Joseph's feast day. I remember similar moments with my Dad at the table - waiting for the reaction that would make or break the meal. Well done.
Just so perfectly said, Heather. And to end with the sisters--Oh. I had seen this video posted but for some reason had not taken the time to watch it until this moment. Now I know why. Perfect.ReplyDelete
And if you want to hear homilies that reference those things, maybe you need to head to the heartland. Here in Cleveland, we hear homilies like that quite frequently.
I actually believe it too...the heart of the matter....the heart of the " matter of God"...Jesus Christ, crucified, risen, forgiving victim.ReplyDelete
Thanks so much for your as-always generous response! I'm not wildly interested in hearing about other people's sins but I'm always interested in looking more closely at my own: my fear, my self-righteousness, my hardness of heart, my terrible pride, my abysmal lack of charity. All the things that lead to loneliness and isolation and the desperate hunger that lead to wanting to anesthetize the pain with sex, food, booze, shopping, drugs, porn…I would like to hear more homilies on the beauty of the Narrow Gate! That Christ calls us to come fully awake, fully alive, fully open to joy…That doesn't come from limiting faith to the following a rule book and even less does it come from constantly peering around to make sure everyone else is following the rule book. Of COURSE when you're awake in love, you're not going to cheat on your spouse. Of COURSE you're not going to be frittering away your life energy on porn.ReplyDelete
And of course you are going to feel your own pain and loneliness and hunger and fear very deeply, so deeply that at times it seems it cannot be borne. You're going to be pruned into compassion. That is our whole value as followers of Christ: our we allow our suffering to make us available and vulnerable to the suffering of the world; to the terrible sexual and emotional wound at the heart of mankind…Replies
Lord I came here for the post and I found a hidden treasure in the combox. I truly truly truly am moved by this comment. Beautiful. Succint. Truthful. God bless you!Delete
Came here for the post and found a treasure in the combox. Lord, what a beautiful, truthful, succinct statement. God bless you Heather!Delete
PS. Are you a Walker Percy fan/reader?Delete
Bravo, Heather. So often your writing leaves me with a lump in my throat. Coach Jim Valvano said you should laugh every day, think every day, and cry every day. See? You're a one-stop shop.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 20, 2013 at 10:30 AM
Terrific post Heather.The secular world wants everything their way. I loved the video of the sisters.ReplyDelete
Just one thing- I am having a little bit of trouble reading the answers on the dark gray background.
I know, Barbara, I have tried every which way to change the template and get rid of this darn gray comment background but nothing seems to work. I'll gather my strength sometime soon and try again and in the meantime, sorry, folks...ReplyDelete
Thanks, Peter!
Your frank and provoking post blew me away, Heather! Thank you... yes, that *is* the heart of the matter. And then that video -- it brought tears to my eyes :-)ReplyDelete
thank you for being genuine and for sharing yourself with all of us. we may never meet in person, but we are One in heart and sisters in faith.
Lovely post.ReplyDelete
When I can find silence for prayer and for time to listen, I am humbled that God called me to the Church. Me, with all of my warts.
I am very optimistic about Pope Francis not b/c he is Pope but for the way he has lead his life. It is beautiful!
At the risk of sounding stupid allow me to say that until last week I knew little to nothing about who the pope was, what he did, or why there even needed to be a Pope. I was raised by ignorant Catholicism-hating Protestants who apparently thought discussing such things was unnecessary. But, as my interest in Catholicism increases I am reading articles and other pieces about this new Pope, and I am impressed! I am thankful for such a love-filled, humble man to be in leadership, and I look forward to learning more about this gentle man's commitment to God, the world, and Catholics everywhere!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 21, 2013 at 7:34 AM
"I would like to hear more homilies on the beauty of the Narrow Gate! That Christ calls us to come fully awake, fully alive, fully open to joy…That doesn't come from limiting faith to the following a rule book and even less does it come from constantly peering around to make sure everyone else is following the rule book. Of COURSE when you're awake in love, you're not going to cheat on your spouse. Of COURSE you're not going to be frittering away your life energy on porn."ReplyDelete
Have you read or listened to Anthony De Mello? This is his message.
Thanks so much all and GW, yup, I've read and liked Anthony DeMello, but I also think this is not some original or new idea but the very heart of the Gospels. Everything Christ taught, lived for, died for was about coming awake in love...ReplyDelete
Tracy, love The Moviegoer but for some reason have never responded deeply to the couple of other Walker Percy novels (Love in the Ruins, Lancelot) I've tried. Paul Elie quoted from several of his essays (the way I remember) in The Life You Save May Be Your Own: An American Pilgrimage so maybe I'll explore those one of these days. Of course I love his response to the question, "Why Catholicism?": "What else is there?"...
Heather--let me whisper a suggestion to you--the Walker Percy book I think you would like best of all is Lost in the Cosmos, "the last self-help book".ReplyDelete
Spot on, and beautiful. Thanks, Heather.ReplyDelete
great post, you nailed it.ReplyDelete
All I have to say is WOW! You said all that needed to be said, Thank you.ReplyDelete
I hope you will be watching the Mass on Holy Thursday as Papa Francis will be celebrating the evening Mass in a youth prison outside of Rome. I know it will be a powerful witness of love and charity in line with the gospel message of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am new to your blog and as a fellow Southern Californian, I relate to your views on L.A.ReplyDelete
The video of the Sisters is wonderful and joyful. Love their reaction to the pope as he was making his appearance onto the balcony, what joy!
May our hearts be set aflame with the same joy so we can carry on in this vale of tears.
God bless!
About the dark-gray background color here in the comments: Don't know if this tutorial is too high-tech, but it might help.ReplyDelete
Thanks, Lydia, I didn't mind the gray so much as that the links/headings were a lighter gray and therefore difficult to see. Now that all the text is black I can breathe easier and am happy for now.ReplyDelete
It's difficult to talk about chastity in life and purity of love in our sex obsessed media but it can be done. And you just did a wonderful job, Heather! It's all a question of priorities and articulating them well. What we all want is LOVE, what we are all searching so relenlessly is LOVE and although sexual intimacy is (sometimes) a component of love, sex has to rest on a firm base of trust and respect, sex cannot be divorced from emotions and feelings, commitment and honesty! So right there, I just threw promiscuity and porn out the window... And you know what? When that's what they hear, young people understand this very well.ReplyDelete
It's difficult to talk about chastity in life and purity of love in our sex obsessed media but it can be done. And you just did a wonderful job, Heather! It's all a question of priorities and articulating them well. What we all want is LOVE, what we are all searching so relenlessly is LOVE and although sexual intimacy is (sometimes) a component of love, sex has to rest on a firm base of trust and respect, sex cannot be divorced from emotions and feelings, commitment and honesty! So right there, I just threw promiscuity and porn out the window... And you know what? When that's what they hear, young people understand this very well.ReplyDelete
As we are finished with Advent and celebrating Christmas what two people better to exemplify the notion of offering up sexuality out of complete love and respect for each other than Jospeh and Mary. Joseph, out of respect for who and what Mary is-the Arc of the Covenant and Mary for who she bore. Mary also said yes in her fiat to a lifetime commitment to God out of love. It is breathtaking when one thinks about it.ReplyDelete

subset: commoncrawl


text:
© University of Kent - Contact | Feedback | Legal | FOI | Cookies
Mill collections search: record view
Use your browser's back button to refine your search, or the menu on the left to start a new search.
- Place: Belchamp St. Paul, Essex, England
- Creator: photographer : Muggeridge, Donald William, Mr.
- Date: 11.4.1936
- Description: Black and white negative and print made from it of a tower mill in Belchamp St. Paul, Essex, showing roundhouse, taken on 11th April 1936.
- Identifier: UKC-MIL-MUG-BW.537730
- Subject:
Tower mill
Further Details
- Accession number: 537730
- Item caption: "BELCHAMP ST. PAUL R/H. OBL. EX"
- Dimensions: 60 x 90mm
- Material type:
black and white negative
black and white print
- Identity code: UKC-MIL-MUG-BW.537730
- Part: Muggeridge Collections
- Repository: Special Collections, University of Kent at Canterbury
This material is available for education use and may not be used for any commercial use without prior agreement. By using this material you are agreeing to the terms of use (pdf) offered by the University of Kent.


text:
Events for September 10, 2019 › open mic
Events Search and Views Navigation
8:00 am
One Mic One Night Open Mic
One Mic, One Night every Tuesday at C-Note's Upscale Sports Lounge (5138 N. 37th St. ) Hosted by The Original Darryl Hill. Signup is 8-8:15; start @ 8:30.Find out more »
7:30 pm
The Off The Rails Open Mic
Comics get 5 minutes List goes out at 7:30 Early online sign up at 3pm or when Facebook event is posted in comment section onlyFind out more »
8:00 pm
Tickle Me Tuesday Open Mic
Tickle Me Tuesday at Skybox Sports Lounge (MLK and North Ave.) Hosted by D-Rock. Signup @ 8pm, start @ 9. First 2 spots are signup and you can earn paid spots!Find out more »
9:00 pm
Ripple Effect Open Mic
The Ripple Effect Stand Up Comedy Open Mic Comics sign up at 9pm, show starts at 9:30 Hosted by Chris SchmidtFind out more »


text:
The sun is finally out after what has seemed like a long dark winter, and humanity is heading outdoors in droves. In my neck of the woods hiking trails are crowded and creeks are overrun with fisherman. In my neighborhood, everyone, and I mean everyone, is outside soaking in the beautiful spring at any available opportunity. So reluctantly, I drag myself inside to expound upon the joys of yoga asana which at the moment is identifying with the natural instinct to ditch four walls and get out of doors for practice as teachers, students, and studios across the country find a space in nature for their asana classes.
Asana at its essence is a reflection of our natural world. Through the various poses we take the shapes of animals, angles, and divine expressions of natural phenomenon. It seems only natural that we would be drawn outdoors as the animals awake from their winter sleep and the trees and flowers unfold their greens and reds and pinks to explore that which we reflect in our practice. When we talk about becoming more grounded, there is a place deep within us that truly wants to feel the grass and soil beneath our feet. In our often "virtual" world, the realness of our practice guides us to the realness of our experiences.
Viewing ads supports YogaBasics. Remove ads with a membership. Thanks!
So teachers take their classes to public parks, to outdoor spaces, and even to mountaintops. When they instruct their students to "reach their hands toward the sky," they are met with a beautiful blue expanse instead of a non-descript roof over their heads. And the students feel the difference. My teacher says that prana, the life force that rides upon the breath, is strongest in the places that are most alive, most green and most vibrant. So we are subtly but undeniable drawn outdoors at the dawn of spring to fill our "energetic" cup. We drink in the smells of grass and flowers that we have almost forgotten during the cold winter months, and we elevate our aliveness in the process.
Practicing outdoors brings the teachings of yoga and asana into focus. The world might be full of distractions, from birds chirping to jackhammers pounding, but when we come into contact with our Self in nature, we are able to dig deep inside to find our balance and strength. Getting out of the ordinary element of our yoga studio or gym might be just what was needed to reawaken our practice after a long, winter hibernation.
As practitioners, yogis are moving outdoors outside of the context of organized classes. Spontaneous asanas may erupt on an afternoon hike or during a day at the park. Several of my friends and students are recommitting to their practice now that the back porch is baked in morning sunlight. Organized programs like "Park Bench Yoga" encourage public displays of asana, and provide tools to make it more accessible. There are outdoor classes everywhere from Central Park to the Rocky Mountains. And with a little bit of searching, you can find one to choose from in your area.
What do you think? Does practicing outdoors have an effect on your practice?
Disclosure: YogaBasics.com participates in several affiliate programs. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. When you click on external links, we may receive a small commission, which helps us keep the lights on.


text:
Kyocera supplies finished products and components for almost all areas of industrial production. Kyocera started 1975 with the production of cutting tools – today we are one of the leading manufacturers of cutting tools in the world.
Our wide range contents various products of innovative technology for turning, drilling, milling, grooving, threading and cut-off based on diversity of cutting materials like carbide, cermet, ceramic, CBN and PCD.
Especially our "Advanced materials" like mixed ceramic, silicon nitride ceramic, CBN and cermet are rated highly. In manufacturing Kyocera uses modern precision technology.
Our tools are designed to the individual need and find employment in generally mechanical engineering, the automotive manufacture and their supplier (here e.g. brake disks, antifriction bearing etc...) as well as in tool and mold making. Constant advancements (Cell Fiber) ensure for the fact that Kyocera tools have foresighted answers to existing and future needs of metal working industry.


text:
WhatIfSports.com is proud to feature jeremylewosu, nominated by the Gridiron Dynasty community, in our latest User Interview. Jeremylewosu makes time for his GD team between - and sometimes during - his deployments as a member of the United States Army. Jeremylewosu generously fielded a few questions regarding his role in the military and the challenge of maintaining his team when duty calls.
jeremylewosu Gridiron Dynasty Overall Records
|Conf. Champs
|Natl. Champs
|376-146 (72.0%)
jeremylewosu: First let me say that I am honored to be selected for an interview. There are so many fantastic coaches who play this game and are much more worthy of this honor. Thank you for giving me this moment and it really is a reflection of those that I have learned from and played this game alongside.
WIS: Who is jeremylewosu?
jeremylewosu: I am a husband, father, brother, son and a Soldier. I have been married for almost 11 years and we have four children. I am a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army and currently serve as a Battalion Commander. I have served for slightly more than 16 years.
WIS: How did you find out about WhatIfSports.com?
jeremylewosu: I was going to graduate school and came across an advertisement as part of a fantasy football league.
WIS: Which of our games have you played? Which do you prefer?
jeremylewosu: I have only played Gridiron Dynasty. Of all sports, football is my favorite and therefore, I have enjoyed playing GD. If I had more time, I might venture out into another sport, but I really do not have the time available.
WIS: What are some of your other interests and hobbies?
jeremylewosu: My main interest is making lasting memories with my family. Being gone quite often, I really try to maximize the time spent with my family. If we have free time, we are heading out somewhere, either for a short day trip or an extended trip to visit family or friends.
WIS: Which five people, past or present, sit at your dream roundtable discussion?
jeremylewosu: I would say Abraham Lincoln, Harry Truman, Black Jack Pershing, Dwight Eisenhower, and George Marshall. All of these men were faced with a tremendous complex challenge. They held to their values and the idea of what America is. Through this they stood-fast, faced adversity and never gave up. They sacrificed a significant part of their lives and faced harsh scrutiny to secure the United States of America.
WIS: Did you play any sports growing up?
jeremylewosu: I did, as mentioned above I am a brother. I have five brothers. So everything was a sport. As for organized sports, I played summer league baseball, junior high and high school athletics which included football, wrestling and track. There were plenty of unorganized baseball, softball, basketball, fighting, and pick up football games.
WIS: Who are your favorite all-time players?
jeremylewosu: I really like Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. I guess a lot of people do, but they are examples of true professionals within their fields.
WIS: Do you have any sports-related items on your bucket list that you have not yet done?
jeremylewosu: I would love to see the Ohio State Buckeyes play in the National Championship Game. Other big ones include the Super Bowl, World Series and I really need to see an Ohio State vs. Michigan game in Ohio Stadium (I had tickets this year but had to pass them on due to my duties).
WIS: What is your favorite WIS moment?
jeremylewosu: Winning my first National Championship, granted it was DIII and I think everyone was on Christmas break but it was nice to get my one and only under my belt. I think there was a glitch in the system.
WIS: What branch of the military are you in and what role do you serve?
jeremylewosu: I am in the United States Army, I am a logistics officer and command a support battalion.
WIS: Where have you been stationed and deployed?
jeremylewosu: I have deployed to Bosnia in 1997 as a Platoon Leader with the 1st Infantry Division. This was a great way to start an Army career. I gained a wealth of experience. I later deployed to Kuwait and then into Iraq in 2003 as a Company Commander with the 3rd Infantry Division. This was part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the initial ground war, this was an incredible and humbling experience. Then in 2005, I was asked to deploy again to Iraq to train and advise Iraqi forces. In this role I was a Special Police Transition Team Executive Officer. We were part of B Company, 3-187 IN Rakkasan's in Samarra, Iraq. My next deployment, I was part of the United States Forces Afghanistan where I served as a planner and was part of the planning team for the expansion of U.S. Forces into Afghanistan. My most recent deployment, I served as a battalion operations and executive officer of a support battalion in Afghanistan where we worked with local Afghan government officials and the military on transition. I have been stationed in Germany, Georgia, Ohio, Kansas, Virginia and Colorado. This is all part of serving our nation.
WIS: Are you able to maintain your GD team while deployed?
jeremylewosu: Sometimes and sometimes not, in some cases I stopped playing, others I have had help and a couple I was able to use my free time. Most of the time I give up my team, there is typically too much work to do and my free time is contacting my family or trying to stay physically fit. On some occasions my league mates step up and help me out. It really depends on the longevity that I am gone. The main reason I play is for the camaraderie with those in my conference. They are the ones that have taught me the game, continually keep it interesting and support me when I am gone. It is great to win and see the rebuilding of a team, but it really comes down to the discussion we have in our conference. The great part is many of those players are in my conference now, swooft01, bullfrog333, champ83, and bhouska. But through the years there have been quite a few other players that helped or encouraged me, like jmason, specialk, lyonzfan37, badaxe and so forth. I am amazed at the help people offer. Looking at the time and effort bhazlewood, yatzr, dukelegend, and the like put into make this a fun experience in a very professional way is amazing.
WIS: In 17 seasons at Montclair State, you built a team from the ground up to a consistent playoff contender. Now you are in the process of another rebuild at DII Harding. Do you prefer the challenge of building a program versus taking over one that's already built to win?
jeremylewosu: I love building a team from scratch. It takes some time and it is about the loyalty and dedication. The main reason though is it comes down to my conference mates. For both of those teams, I had and have great conference mates. If they all voted to move up or down then I would go with them.
WIS: You took some seasons off between coaching at Montclair State and Harding. What brought you back to Gridiron Dynasty?
jeremylewosu: I thought I would come back and see what was going on, and it just so happened that quite a few other coaches did also. When I realized we could get the band back together, I was all in.
WIS: Do you have any favorite players from any of your GD teams?
jeremylewosu: I really don't, I have not really had any super standouts .each season I check the multiple list of preseason/postseason all American lists. I really never have any. I never have the vision like Swooft's teams :).
WIS: How much time do you spend on your Gridiron Dynasty team? How much do you think is necessary to be competitive?
jeremylewosu: It really depends. Right now my job doesn't allow much time, but I can still remain competitive if I keep up with the recruiting. I might be able to sneak in some extra time over the holidays.
WIS: If you were to give one piece of advice to a new user, what would it be?
jeremylewosu: Find veteran coaches to teach you the game. They are out there and willing to dedicate their time to show you the keys to building a solid team. Again, this game is really about people and there are so many coaches willing to help someone out. I would not have won a fraction of the games if it were not for Bullfrog, Champ, Swooft and so many others.
WIS: What is your favorite aspect of Gridiron Dynasty?
jeremylewosu: Again, it is the camaraderie in the conference. Without it, the game would be a bunch of 1's and 0's. But reading the trash talk and humor makes a big difference.
WIS: Least favorite?
jeremylewosu: Those who get really worked up and start targeting other people, in the end this is a game. Not at all worth anything less than fun and professional.
WIS: What is one feature you want to see implemented in a future update?
jeremylewosu: Safety, we really need to increase safety when it comes to our athletes and coaches.
WIS: Who are the users you respect and/or enjoy the most?
jeremylewosu: I have mentioned this already, but my main mentors who taught me the game and helped support my team while I was deployed or training are Bullfrog333, Champ83 and Swoof01. Others that are no longer in the game or I have enjoyed playing with are Bhouska, Specialk, Jmason, Lyonzfan, and Badaxe. All these coaches at one time or another offered me help or just smacked me down in good fun on the message boards.
WIS: If you were in one of our games, what sport would you play, at what position, and what would you be rated?
jeremylewosu: In reality, I would be in the stands at the GD DI National Championship game, but if WIS could up my skills .I would love to be a hard-nosed Linebacker that could stop the run, lead the league in sacks and pick off any pass across the middle. So really I am asking to be 90s across the board (except blocking, no real need for that ..unless )
WIS: A heartfelt thanks from everyone at WhatIfSports.com for your service in protecting our country. Thanks also for taking the time out of your busy schedule to share with the Gridiron Dynasty community.


text:
It's been almost 6 months since I last posted on this little blog of mine. Wow. Six months. That's long.
The hiatus was unintentional, of course. I simply had no energy to create much and to write about it. While looking through my photo files in my computer, I realized that the only year I took less photos than in 2012 was the first year I got a digital camera (2006.) Sad really. So, this year, hopefully, that will change.
I'm not making promises of blogging on a schedule but I do promise to post at least once a month. If only to let you all know that I am still alive.
For a few years now, it's been a custom to choose a word to begin the new year. This time, I couldn't pick just one word. "Simplicity" and "Balance" kept coming back to me so I decided to keep both words. Last year, I had made a page like this for my word (move) and I liked it so much that I made a new page this year for my words.
Have you chosen a word for the year? Do you make resolutions?


text:
It's dinosaur time folks so here is "how to draw a triceratops for kids", step by step. This cute dinosaur reminds me of Cera from Littlefoot. Drawing dinosaurs are really fun because you can make some really nice textured skin with different types of scale or bone patches. The simple design will prove to be easy to replicate. Kids love dinosaurs, and so do adults. What better way to have fun with them then to spend some family time together and draw a triceratops for kids. I will be back momentarily so be sure to come back around or stick around. Peace out people.
DragoArt members upload artwork and drawing tutorials! They are also allowed to leave comments on tutorials, profiles, etc. Many more features, as well; it's way better than just being a boring guest! Register Now!


text:
As his mission requires, Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli is trying to make his team better prior to the March 5 trade deadline. The deal that Chiarelli would like to make to improve his defense, however, may not be possible.
He's all right with that.
The current trade market could fill the textbooks of Economics 101 courses around the country. Among defensemen, the principle in play is supply and demand. The first commodity is scarce. The second is through the roof. The result: Prices are more inflated than Facebook's P/E ratio.
"There's not much of a market right now," Chiarelli said. "I like the personality of our team. If we don't end up doing anything, we don't end up doing anything. I'm OK. But I'd like to add some depth at some point defensively."
Even before Dennis Seidenberg shredded his knee against Ottawa Dec. 27, the Bruins were always planning to add on defense before the deadline. Chiarelli's philosophy is to enter the playoffs with eight NHL-ready defensemen.
The Bruins have no delusions about replacing Seidenberg via trade. It is hard to find a defenseman as experienced, physical, versatile, and dependable as Seidenberg. The left-shot Seidenberg was the team's No. 2 defenseman, a strongman who is even more comfortable patrolling the right side of the ice. It's even harder to acquire one.
But they can add a second-pairing defenseman who could provide some of Seidenberg's defensive presence. Such candidates include Henrik Tallinder, Andrew MacDonald, and Chris Phillips. The Bruins have the assets required: a first-round pick and prospects such as Zach Trotman, David Warsofsky, Justin Florek, and Alexander Khokhlachev.
Two questions remain. Are any of the available defensemen better than Matt Bartkowski? If so, is it worth the high price to land such a player?
Assuming all the defensemen are healthy, the Bruins have a blue-line rotation set for the playoffs. On the left side, Zdeno Chara and Torey Krug are locked into their spots. Dougie Hamilton, Johnny Boychuk, and Adam McQuaid are good to go on the right side. Kevan Miller will be the spare right-shot defenseman.
Bartkowski, once the healthy scratch to start 2013-14, is the lone defenseman whose postseason role is in question. Bartkowski has appeared in seven career playoff games. When Bartkowski struggles with his decision-making, the mistakes can be costly.
The way Bartkowski is playing, a high-priced replacement may not be necessary. In 10 of his last 11 games, Bartkowski has played 20 or more minutes. Coaches grant such workloads to defensemen they trust.
Saturday's 7-2 blowout of the Senators may not be a good example. The flat-line Senators played like they were already on the beach.
But Bartkowski looked comfortable playing alongside Hamilton. Bartkowski led all Bruins with 21:27 of ice time. He landed two shots on goal, dished out two hits, and blocked two shots. In the second period, Bartkowski gapped up to close on Bobby Ryan. He then led with his stick to check Ryan. The Ottawa sharpshooter's attempt deflected off Bartkowski's stick and floated into Chad Johnson's glove at 6:17.
Bartkowski easily and repeatedly executed his trademark move, one that makes him look like Duncan Keith. There is no better defenseman on the roster at wheeling around the net with the puck, accelerating through the defensive zone, and serving as a one-man breakout.
"I would be," Chiarelli said when asked if he'd be comfortable using Bartkowski as a top-four playoff defenseman. "He's learning better how to defend. He's getting more minutes. He's still making mistakes, but the rest of them are, too. I've been looking closely at his defending. He can certainly wheel the puck out well and turn the net well, but he's maturing as a defender. That's what we're looking for: better defenders."
The defensemen the Bruins are targeting may trump Bartkowski in experience, hockey sense, and in-your-face presence. Bartkowski's assets are his skating and puck-rushing skill. The Bruins do not have great team speed. Bartkowski's breakout skills make them faster.
The rental market is limited. Most teams in playoff contention are tight against the cap, both this year and next. They're not eager to add players whose contracts will not expire. In turn, that drives up the cost of rentals.
The blue-line market expands if the Bruins look beyond UFAs-to-be. Like their peers, the Bruins' preference is to add an expiring contract. But the Bruins have not ruled out taking on a player with term remaining beyond the season. That most likely would mean moving a current Bruin to make room for future signings.
"I can see it," Chiarelli said. "My objective is not to take anyone off my roster. I'd probably have to do that based on who we have to sign and where we are at the cap. But I'm not ruling it out."
Krug, Bartkowski, and Reilly Smith are restricted after this season. Of the three, Krug and Smith will require the biggest raises. Jarome Iginla will be unrestricted. The Bruins have been happy with the right wing's presence on the first line.
If the Bruins broaden their targets, defensemen such as Andy Greene would be in the mix. Greene, New Jersey's ice-time leader, is a smart, experienced, left-shot defenseman. He would require a big return. Also, Greene has one more year remaining on his contract ($3 million cap hit in 2014-15, according to www.capgeek.com).
The most likely casualty would be Chris Kelly, who has two years remaining at $3 million annually. Carl Soderberg has displaced Kelly as the No. 3 center. Kelly has a no-trade clause.
If the Bruins are comfortable with Bartkowski as their second-pairing defenseman, they'll pursue depth reinforcements. That means a cheaper but experienced defenseman who could shuttle from press box to the ice.
Either way, the Bruins need help on defense. Injuries will happen. Their main men will be gassed after the Olympics.
The Bruins' window is now. They can chase Cups for the next four seasons while Chara is under contract. Help, whether it's a top-four presence or a depth defenseman, is required.
Fluto Shinzawa can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
Hi Spec AP 356mm Brake Rotors (discs)
Here you will find the full list of HiSpec Motorsport 356mm replacement bolt on brake rotors and discs which are available to fit AP racing brake conversion kits. These are available as straight grooved rotors, curved grooved and cross drilled rotors. HiSpec Motorsport is now producing AP replacement rotors. Each rotor is produced from our UK sourced cast iron castings, precision machined using probe technology and the best CNC tuning machines and lathes available. The use of probe technology means we can achieve the most accurate size possible.
Each rotor will have a list of the specifications available within the product description. We recommend reading this thoroughly before ordering. The prices are all based on 1 individual rotor.
If you can not find the replacement brake discs and rotors that you are after then please contact us and we will be happy to help with any questions and enquiries.


text:
A series of shock waves heard around the world. Natural disasters and plates moving, peaceful protests against police brutality and simultaneous city riots, a transgender athlete coming out of the closet, and same sex marriage arguments before the supreme court. Though we can always make the case that the media creates or distorts these epics, or we can say that we simply see what we want to see, it doesn't change the fact that the collective "focus" moves toward what it is moved by. There is an opportunity for deeper reflection in moments like these, but we have to be careful not to get sucked into the same old scripts too quickly.
As we're just coming off a powerful eclipse cycle (one whose full moon engaged the Pluto/Uranus square), we're now experiencing some of the after shocks of that cycle. For example, Freddy Gray's arrest happened under the orb of the last quarter moon of the recent eclipse season (a highly potent symbol of final lessons or the harvesting of a cycle), right after the final meeting of the Pluto/Uranus square (another image of final lessons or the harvesting of a cycle). Freddy's death occurred under the orb of the subsequent new moon, a week after his arrest. Now as the full moon approaches, we're seeing significant peaceful protests around his death in Baltimore, as well as rioting, vandalizing, and violence.
While it's easy to want to blame or quickly label one group versus another (rioters, versus peaceful protesters, versus 'thugs,' versus uprisers, versus kids) we should recognize that these exact discourse dilemmas are part of the nature of the Pluto/Uranus square and why its so different from the Pluto/Uranus conjunction of the 1960's. When two planetary energies combine in a conjunction, they tend to act as one cohesive energetic/archetypal front. This doesn't mean that the 1960's were completely free from some of the same contradictions we're trying to work through now (which we'll look at shortly), but it does mean that their general expression "looked and felt" more united in purpose.
With the Pluto/Uranus "square" era we're now dealing with the continuation of many of the same themes from the 60's: social transformation, rebellion, powerful surges of pent up energy from the collective, etc. The difference is that the planetary archetypes are more at odds with each other than they were in the 1960's (generally speaking). Some examples of how the discourse has shaped around the square:
* Occupy wall street is seen as revolutionary but not necessarily deep or transformative, or vice versa...there are mixed feelings and responses as to whether or not the movement was effective, mature, well organized, focused, etc, while others experienced it as profoundly transformative.
* A black president is elected but an ongoing conversation swirls around his presidency as to whether or not he's just "more of the same politics" or if his election actually achieved anything authentically revolutionary.
These are just two very obvious examples of major collective events that have embodied the tension of the square (I'm not taking sides on any of the above issues). When we apply the same understanding to the events unfolding in Baltimore we see the same tension. Peaceful protests and then rioters and vandalizers. Or wait...is it a natural uprising that goes beyond the simple categories of good and bad, black and white? As someone pointed out yesterday on a previous post I made, Doctor King himself said in 1968 (as the last Pluto/Uranus era was similarly climaxing), "These conditions are the things that cause individuals to feel that they have no other alternative than to engage in violent rebellions to get attention. And I must say tonight that a riot is the language of the unheard."
For example, we praise a black mother for getting her son off the street in the midst of the riots, but forget that uprisings are a natural part of how the youth revolutionize broken systems. This leads us to question to what degree that mother's handling of her son was based upon the same broken value system (shut up, work hard, and hope the broken white-favoring system does you right when it most likely won't). At the same time, can we blame any of the peaceful protesters for being angry that their marches are being compromised by violence? But then can we really draw such tidy lines when it's all simply happening? If we zoom out isn't it fair to say that something flat out human, in all the range of our humanness, is simply expressing itself, collectively saying in different voices, "enough is enough."
Yet we have governors and mayors and preachers and teachers (black and white alike) framing it as though, "some of this is good and some of it is bad." Which is an unfortunately limited way of perceiving these events, and yet....and yet...isn't some of this good and some of it bad? Can we really condone violence like this? Again the dilemma of the square and its unwillingness to compromise.
Layers upon layers of history are colliding in events like these, and the difficulty we have in sorting through it is happening specifically because we can't think so simply anymore. The categories of "black and white" are so much more and also so much less than what their names imply. With conflicts like these, with so many delicate complications, we are slowly but surely revolutionizing our consciousness beyond or deeper into the most obtuse and simple forms of categorical conflict: gender, race, sex, religion, age, class, etc. It will be interesting to see what happens during the Pluto/Uranus opposition in 35+ years from now when these planetary energies reach a peak opportunity for conflict and synthesis.
In the meantime, it's important that we recognize how easy it is to get caught up in one or another layer of the many sensitive scripts floating around right now. Revolution is not the same as reaction, and yet reaction is part of revolution. So what can we do but participate in the contradictions of the times we live in?
Prayer: There isn't just one problem and there isn't just one solution...help us to respect the complications of these powerful events and do the best we can to live into the paradox of the times.


text:
BANNER ELK, N.C. – For the first time in school history, the King University women's soccer team has advanced to the second round of the Conference Carolinas Tournament.
Since becoming full NCAA Division II members in 2010, the Tornado (6-10-2) had gone 0-2 all-time in Conference Carolinas Tournament games. But Paula Doran's first goal of the season in the 58th minute gave the Tornado a 1-0 lead, and the defense, led by goalkeeper Nicole Dagher, held off Lees-McRae (10-7-1) over the final half hour to give King a 1-0 victory, a berth in the conference semifinals on Thursday, and the program's biggest win since it began NCAA competition.
Doran's goal came after the Bobcats had dominated the stat sheet for nearly the entire game to that point. Lees-McRae had taken 20 total shots in the game to King's two, but Dagher's seven saves kept the Tornado from falling behind. With 58 minutes gone by, Rachel Thorpe sent a pass to the feet of Shalisa Barnett streaking down the right sideline and continued a run into the box. Barnett's cross that Thorpe attempted to head into the net was just high. But Doran, a freshman midfielder, made a secondary run into the box and was there to redirect the ball out of the air and past the goalkeeper, who had come out to defend against Thorpe's header. A wild celebration along the Tornado sideline ensued.
The Bobcats had ample time to mount a comeback, and the offense applied relentless pressure to the Tornado back line over the remainder of the game. But Dagher finished the match with 12 saves, five of which came on 13 shots after the Tornado took the lead, and the King defense turned away numerous scoring opportunities to preserve the tenuous advantage.
The first half was played to a scoreless draw, with most of the action taking place on the Tornado's defensive half. King finished the half with just one shot to the Bobcats' 17, but the King defense was impenetrable.
The Bobcats dominated the match statistics. Lees-McRae outshot the Tornado 34-3, led in shots on goal 12-1, and held a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks.
Doran's goal broke an 840-minute scoreless streak by Lees-McRae goalkeeper Kaitlyn Briggs, and was the first goal conceded by the Bobcats since an October 3 win at Pfeiffer eight matches ago. Briggs had allowed just eight goals in over 1200 minutes coming into the match, stopping nearly 90% of opponents' shots.
The win was King's first over Lees-McRae since August 29, 2007, snapping a five-game losing skid against the Bobcats. King became the first No. 8 seed in the Conference Carolinas Tournament to defeat a top-seeded team since at least the 2006 season, and snapped a ten-match unbeaten streak by Lees-McRae.
With the win, King will travel to face No. 4 seed Pfeiffer at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday. The Falcons advanced to the conference semifinals by virtue of a 3-1 win over No. 5 seed Converse on Monday afternoon. Pfeiffer defeated the Tornado 4-0 on September 21 in a match in Bristol.


text:
Trip Report: Lisbon Espresso
Posted by TheShot on 08 Nov 2006 | Tagged as: Café Society, Foreign Brew, Restaurant Coffee
In a previous post, I noted some generalizations about the espresso in Portugal. For this post, I've selected a few notable cafés to review in Portugal's political and cultural capital, Lisbon.
|Espresso [info]
|Cafe [info]
|Overall [info]
|A Brasileira
|Rua Garrett, 120
|Café Nicola
|Rua 1° Dezembro, 20
|Pastéis de Belém
|Rua Belém, 84 a 92
|Terreiro do Paço
|Praça do Comércio
The first two are famous examples of Portugal's historical grand cafés. Both have spawned national franchises. The third, Pastéis de Belém, is classically Portuguese in that it is far more famous for its baked goods (a pastelaria) than for its coffee. The last, Terreiro do Paço, represents one of Lisbon's many modern restaurants. In 2001, Condé Nast Traveller listed it among the world's top 50 restaurants.
A Brasileira
This 1800s throwback is one of the most historic cafés in Lisbon. It's packed with tourists and Chiado shoppers (and ultimately Bairro Alto clubgoers) for about as long as its doors are open. There are deep rows of table seating inside, though most prefer the outside seats beneath parasols. There you can sit next to a statue of the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa. They use two-group semi-automatics from both Gaggia and Visacrem (a Spanish-made System KB 200). With them, they produce shots with a good aroma and a medium brown crema of modest thickness. The body is fine, but the cup lacks flavor depth to be truly great. Classically cheap at 0,50€.
Café Nicola
This is the mothership Café Nicola in the Baixa, with a Nicola Gourmet just up the block (definitely recommended). Unlike A Brasileira, Café Nicola expanded beyond a chain of branded cafés and kiosks to licensed coffee service for numerous independent cafés. Given that Café Nicola is my favorite among the major Portuguese chains and coffee distributors, it's an expansion strategy that has worked well for them.
There's a row of café tables inside the front door with more restaurant-style seating at the back. Plus some counter service and ample sidewalk seating. Using a three-group Magister Kappa XT and a three-group Promac, they pull shots with a solid, darker brown crema with full textured froth. It has a deeper, darker flavor — more elements of cloves. However, bodywise, it's still a bit watery. Particularly when compared with their owned-and-operated cafés that you can find in indoor malls — such as at the Armazéns do Chiado just down the block. Shockingly, the mothership café of this quality chain has the worst, and most expensive, espresso of the lot.
Pastéis de Belém
Since 1837, its namesake is perhaps the most famous pastry in all of Portugal. Started as a church fundraiser by nuns, the recipe is carefully guarded. And they crank out pans among pans of flaky crusted pastéis, served warm. The site is cavernous, with gigantic rooms expanding as you explore further and further back from the busy front counter. The place comes off like New Orleans' Cafe du Monde when you consider their pilgrimmages for begniets and chicory coffee. Here they serve espresso that has a thin layer of medium brown crema. It's a touch watery with a flavor of mild spice. Served in Costa Verde Porcelana de Hotel cups branded for Delta Coffee.
Terreiro do Paço
This excellent restaurant covers a couple of levels at the west side of the otherwise ghostly Praça do Comércio. It is quiet, event dining, with well-prepared food derived from native Portuguese ingredients. For espresso, they produce a good medium brown, textured crema. It has a more pungent flavor for Delta Coffee, and they serve it with four unique sugars (a sugar menu?!), a small cup of chocolate, and a small serving of crème brûlée.
In Portugal, restaurants serve espresso that is every bit as good as what the famous pasterlarias or cafés serve. Therefore it's not a surprise that their shot was the best among those reviewed here.
Still to come… espresso ratings and reviews from other towns and cities in Portugal.
3 Comments »
3 Responses to "Trip Report: Lisbon Espresso"
[…] In my last post on espresso in Portugal, I reviewed a handful of notable cafés in Portugal's capital, Lisbon. For this installment, I review notable cafés in other parts of Portugal. Namely, futher north … where I generally found the espresso to be even better than that in Lisbon. […]
[…] Trip Report: Lisbon Espresso […]
[…] are other places to enjoy a great espresso, like the famous Cafe Nicola with its complex and deft treatment of the bean. It's difficult, however, to repeat the […]


text:
A DJ by the name of Bar'el Wachtel (who, full disclosure, is a friend of mine) gave up a dream job spinning tunes at a luxury resort in the Maldives and moved to Fiji to set up a beautifully sybaritic hangout that he called Cloud 9. Part tiki-themed floating restaurant and part buoyant day club, Club 9 is a large designer pontoon moored in the gin-clear waters of a tropical lagoon not far from the tourist hub of Nadi on Viti Levu, the largest of Fiji's 322 sun-kissed islands. Better yet, it floats only 800 m from Cloudbreak, the reef break described by surfing deity Kelly Slater as "the best wave on earth."
Cloud 9 proved a hit with surfers when it launched in June in time for the Volcom Fiji Pro, Cloudbreak's annual surfing contest. Since then, its patrons have hailed predominantly from the family-friendly resorts and cheap backpacker digs Fiji is famous for. But last Wednesday, four tourists were swept up in a tribal dispute when, in a bold daylight attack, a group of men from the mainland village of Momi armed with machetes approached Cloud 9 on a boat, cut its mooring and set it adrift at sea.
(PHOTOS: Riding the Surf With Lucia Griggi)
"At first I thought they were fisherman and didn't pay any attention," bartender Ana Sukanaisoro tells TIME. "But then they cut the line and I panicked. I started shaking uncontrollably. The thing that came into my head was that we were going to drift far away and be helpless or probably hit the reef and break up. I was really scared."
Fortunately, calm seas and a quick rescue by boats from nearby resorts averted the scuttling of a $500,000 investment and an international incident if any of those aboard had been harmed or drowned. Cloud 9 is now back on its mooring and open for business.
All's well that ends well? Not exactly. Last week's raid on Cloud 9 was but one in a long line of clashes between indigenous landowners and investors in Fiji. The construction of a multimillion-dollar expansion project at Vuda Marina, north of Nadi, came to a halt earlier this year after villagers tripled their compensation demands for future income loss from a fringing reef that has been declared dead by the Ministry of Fisheries.
Last month in the Sabeto Valley, locals trespassed into a new jungle-adventure park, severed costly zip-line cables and pointlessly poisoned hundreds of fish. "They still eat people in Fiji," says the park's American owner, Kevin Purser, in reference to the unsavory past of what were once known as the Cannibal Isles. "Only now they do it in a different way."
(MORE: Fiji Water to Leave Fiji)
"People take the law into their own hands because that is way things are done in Fiji," adds Brij Lal, Fiji expert and professor at Australian National University. "There is no real guidance on what people should and should not do."
It's comments like these that put a spotlight on business stability in a country that has seen foreign investment plummet from $450 million in 2009 to a paltry $16 million last year. Fiji may still be one of the most developed Pacific nations, but it owes much of its wealth to the 800,000 tourists who fly or sail into the country annually. The country's second largest industry — sugar processing — is antiquated and inefficient, while the potentially lucrative lumber and mining sectors are hamstrung by perpetual land disputes.
Says Lal: "Investor confidence will only increase when there is proper rule of law and clarity over ownership."
It's not difficult to imagine why some Fijians, earning minimum wages of less than $2 an hour, hold wealthy foreign investors in contempt — a phenomenon facsimiled in other developing nations in the Pacific. In neighboring Vanuatu, Australian investors have snapped up 90% of the coastline of the main island of Efate, putting upward pressure on rents and making locals to move to outer islands. In the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, Malaysian loggers work in cahoots with corrupt politicians and criminal syndicates to strip entire islands. In Fiji, Greenpeace alleges that Chinese fishing trawlers are devastating tuna and shark stocks, while landowners from Momi told the Fijian Broadcasting Association that Cloud 9's operators were polluting their custodial fishing grounds.
(MORE: Fiji Is No Paradise for Low-Wage Workers, Says New Website)
My friend's Fijian business partner, four-time windsurfing world champion Tony Philp, says those allegations are nonsense: no chemicals are released into the water by Cloud 9 and all rubbish is painstakingly transported to the mainland for recycling or disposal.
"It's in our interests to look after the lagoon and keep it pristine," says Philp, whose family owns Vuda Marina and a slew of marine and tourism assets in Fiji. "The real reason they attacked was to extort money because they're annoyed about losing their monopoly over Cloudbreak. For the past three decades, they've used custodial fishing rights to say they own the wave. Anyone who wanted to surf there had to pay them a lot of money or risk getting bashed."
In 2010, the Fijian government passed special legislation, the Surfing Areas Decree, that annulled all existing and new ownership claims over waves. That, according to Philp, has been a hard pill to swallow for chiefs at Momi who have got rich off Cloudbreak.
"The government has to send a clear message to these villagers that they are accountable to the laws of this country. Otherwise it's saying this country is not a safe place to holiday, invest or take seriously," he says.
Philp's sentiments were seconded by Luke Kennedy, editor of the Australian surfing bible Tracks. Kennedy, who witnessed an earlier raid by machete-wielding villagers at Cloud 9 while covering the Volcom Fiji Pro, says he isn't surprised to hear it happened again: "Fiji seems like a place where the chief's instructions can still override more conventional forms of legislation. I think the actions of the [people at] Momi are about monopolizing the existing tourism industry more than anything else."
The police have arrested four Momi youths, who have been released on bail. However, Fiji's military government has refused to comment on the raid at Cloud 9 or the security of tourists and investors in the country. That doesn't come as a big surprise given its vexed relationship with the media. Fiji's once-dynamic press has been reduced to a docile government mouthpiece since the army seized power in a 2006 coup, while foreign reporters who rock the boat face deportation. I'd originally gone to Fiji to interview interim Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama for TIME. But after spending 10 days in hotel rooms while my request was passed backward and forward to members of his inner circle, the interview was denied.
As for my friend, well, he's highly perturbed, but he's not ready to throw in the towel just yet. "I expected doing business in Fiji would be hard," Wachtel says, "though not this hard."


text:
Motorists are being given advice on how to stay safe on the road this winter.
A 12-step guide has been issued by personal injury solicitors Accident Advice Helpline in support of Brake's Road Safety Week which runs from November 23-29.
The advice includes: Drive slowly and safely and get familiarised with the local speed limits, remember it's 20 for a reason.
Before setting off, people should be sure their car is in roadworthy condition. Always check the tread on your tyres is correct, the condition of your windscreen wipers is good, that all of your lights work and that you have enough oil, coolant, anti-freeze etc.
Motorists should also take note of the weather conditions; poor visibility and rain could mean that you need to drive slower.
Stopping distances should double in the rain due to reduced friction between your tyres and the road surface. When driving in icy conditions stopping distances should be multiplied by ten.
Motorists are also urged to anticipate everything around them and observe the behaviours of other road users as well as pedestrians that are far ahead.
Larger vehicles, such as public transport, may not be able to see vehicles hiding behind them so always position yourself in a place that you can be seen, to reduce the risk of an accident.
Motorists should also never drive while tired as your reactions will be slower so you could miss things such as pedestrians stepping out.
Try to avoid driving during times when you'd usually be asleep including during the night and very early in the morning.
If you are driving and start to feel tired take a break, sometimes getting out of your car, stretching your legs and having some food and drink can help. Drink two cups of coffee, or a high caffeine drink and rest for 10-15 minutes to allow time for the caffeine to kick in.
Always be calm and courteous to other drivers. Don't put yourself, other road users and pedestrians in danger.
Drive cautiously through school zones and residential areas. Children could unexpectedly run out in front of you if the visibility is restricted, so you need to be aware.
Be patient. You may be in a rush to get somewhere, but you must always give all pedestrians time to cross the road.
Remember, there aren't just cars on the road. You must be aware of cyclists and motorcyclists, they may be harder to see but you must be prepared to make room for them.
A spokesman for the Accident Advice Helpline said: "Many road traffic accidents could be avoided if drivers were more mindful of other users of the road – other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
"We back Brake's Safety Week and advise motorists to consider what appear to be obvious but essential measures to protect others."


text:
You are not logged in. [Login]
Having difficulty with the site? See RooWriter Usage Tips
Wednesdays 12 P.M. - 2 P.M.
During this weekly window, the RooWriter website may be totally or sporadically unavailable as the software team implements performance updates and bug fixes. Users may experience slow response times, or certain tools may be unavailable.


text:
Gwyneth Paltrow Very Taken With These 'Iced Creams'
While filming a movie-picture in Nashville, the blogging actress recently discovered delicious fried foods. Now in her latest Goop missive she regales us with a tale of how she discovered sweet frozen parlour treats.
The totally pigging-out actress exclaims:
The Sundae was perfect, not too large, made with good vanilla ice cream, drenched in chocolate and peanuts, and with just the right amount of toffee.
Why Ms. Paltrow, what's next? Fattened meats??


text:
Visco Futon Mattresses
- Categories
- General
- More Info
- Free Shipping
- Warranty
Following the popularity of visco type mattresses, we have included futon mattresses that include this type of foam as well. Visco futon mattresses include a layer of visco foam to create an additional level of comfort.
There are no additional subcategories for this product type.
More About Visco Futon Mattresses
Free Shipping of Visco Futon Mattresses
Get FREE shipping for any of these products when you live in the Continental United States. For more information about shipping terms, time frames and over-seas shipping options, click on any of the items below or contact us directly.
Warranty Information
These products include a manufacturer's warranty that meets or beats the industry standard. Click on any of the items below to learn more. If you don't see the information you are looking for, please contact us for help.
Pulsar Futon Mattress (Visco)
Sale Price
Quasar Futon Mattress (Visco)
Sale Price


text:
Download of the Day: uTorrent 3.0 Build 25583
Super fast. Ultra light. for August 29, 2011
Our Download of the Day today is uTorrent 3.0 Build 25583.
µTorrent is a small and incredibly popular BitTorrent client.
Micro-Sized Yet Feature Filled
Most of the features present in other BitTorrent clients are present in µTorrent, including bandwidth prioritization, scheduling, RSS auto-downloading and Mainline DHT (compatible with BitComet). Additionally, µTorrent supports the Protocol Encryption joint specification (compatible with Azureus 18.104.22.168 and above, BitComet 0.63 and above) and peer exchange.
µTorrent was written with efficiency in mind. Unlike many torrent clients, it does not hog valuable system resources - typically using less than 6MB of memory, allowing you to use the computer as if it weren't there at all. Additionally, the program itself is contained within a single executable less than 220 KB in size.
Skinnable and Localized
Various icon, toolbar graphic and status icon replacements are available, and creating your own is very simple. µTorrent also has support for localization, and with a language file present, will automatically switch to your system language. If your language isn't available, you can easily add your own, or edit other existing translations to improve them!
Actively Developed and Improved
The developer puts in a lot of time working on features and making things more user-friendly. Releases only come out when they're ready, with no schedule pressures, so the few bugs that appear are quickly addressed and fixed.
The latest version includes the following changes:
Changes in Version 3.0 Build 25583
- Fix: webUI bug after /proxy request
- Fix: comment sorting drop down layout issue in ratings tab
- Change: don't show balloon tip when adding torrent from copydata message
- Fix: DHT responses would sometimes be invalid
- Fix: Allow non-english surveys
- Fix: shutdown hang when deleting torrents
- >> NEXT STORY: App of the Day: Adobe CreatePDF (iOS)
- << PREVIOUS STORY: Deal of the Day: 27" Planar PX2710MW 1080p LCD Monitor with VGA, DVI, HDMI, 2ms Response, and 3 Year Warranty for $229.99 with FREE Shipping


text:
Hairston's deal includes incentive clauses that could increase the value to $6 million (Levin, ESPN Chicago).
6:15 am: According to people familiar with the situation, Hairston was asking for two years and $8 million guaranteed. The Mets were offering a one-year deal worth up to $3 million. The Cubs offered the same, but added a second year. So, good for him.
Hairston always wanted to lock in the most money, even if it meant being a platoon player. If no one offered a two-year deal, people say he would have accepted just a one-year contract, but the choice would have been based on playing time not money. The Mets, Braves and Yankees were said to be offering him one-year deals. Now, the Mets are telling people this situation was more about playing time than money, which may have been true at one point. However, the Cubs eventually jumped and guaranteed a second year, which Hairston accepted, despite knowing he'll get less at bats. So, it pretty much seems this ended up being ALL about money, from what I can tell. If the Mets (like the Braves and Yankees) just didn't think Hairston was worth committing to for two years, that's fine. They weren't alone in that thinking. But, to pretend it wasn't about him taking the most cash (which is totally understandable) just doesn't seem accurate anymore. In other words, if the Mets really wanted Hairston, they could have had him by offering what the Cubs offered. They didn't, because they obviously didn't want him that bad... which is surprising, given their outfield.
I mean, at this rate, unless the Mets make a surprising trade or sign Michael Bourn, the early-season outfield is likely to be some rotating combination of Lucas Duda, Mike Baxter, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Andrew Brown, Colin Cowgill, and anyone else who owns a glove and pair of flip-up sunglasses.
Hairston hit .263 with a .299 OBP, 20 HR, 25 doubles and 57 RBI in 377 at bats for the Mets last season, during which he hit .286 in 189 at bats against left-handed pitchers.
Jan. 11, 1:36 pm: The Mets like Hairston, but would like to acquire a bigger name outfielder first. If that falls through, they will move on signing Hairston (Heyman, CBS Sports).
Jan. 10, 3:06 pm: The Mets are hoping that, by waiting him out and by offering him the playing time they have available, Hairston will eventually agree to a one-year deal (Davidoff, New York Post).
Jan. 9, 2:53 pm: The Mets could give Hairston a two-year deal (Rubin, ESPN New York).
Jan. 9, 9:00 am: Yankees no longer seem as involved with Hairston as they once were (Heyman, CBS Sports).
Jan. 8, 7:30 am: Hairston is seeking a two-year deal, but a team official thinks he will consider a one-year deal if the money is right (Puma, New York Post).


text:
Product 18/29
Current Reviews: 2
This product was added to our catalog on Wednesday 11 November, 2009.
Gift Vouchers
BeautyHealth.com.cy Tutorials
1. How To Create An Account
2. How To Order
BeautyHealth.com.cy Offers
Get 15% Discount on Jewelry
For Customers that have completed a paid amount over 100 Euro for Jewelry will get 15% Discount on their next Jewelry Order !!!
Click The Button For Live Help.
BeautyHealth.com.cy on Facebook


text:
1) All formerly banned users are invited back by the new owner[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=63402\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Name one.[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=63411\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Andrew, you would make a damn good moderator at RG but my gut feel is you would rather stay here and help those of us lesser beings of the color world?[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=63414\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
You put your soul into RG.[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=63419\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Getting Drew, the new owner, to agree that all banned users should be invited back was the best I could do. No one has been able to convince Drew to keep old content free and open. It is a shame and I completely understand how you feel Andrew. You put your soul into RG.[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=63419\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
If they reinstate me so I can delete all my posts (a huge job but that's not the issue), that's fine. So Drew can keep his archives but he better either delete my posts or let me in the door to do so.[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=63421\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
On the positive side: maybe you shouldn't worry too much about old posts. At the rate this industry is currently going, especially medium format and professional printing, any answers older than say 6 months are virtually obsolete. And to spice things up: aren't you guys overrating the value of your posts a wee bit? ;-)[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=63454\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
You put those images on your site for others to see but not for others to profit from.
On the positive side: maybe you shouldn't worry too much about old posts. At the rate this industry is currently going, especially medium format and professional printing, any answers older than say 6 months are virtually obsolete.
You know full well that you have supplied a wealth of information for the benefit of the community
I don't know how familiar you are with MF backs, or the lack of information on them there is in the internet, but an archive packed with user reports on medium format digital is quite valuable, at least for me. Especially since MF backs are updated less frequently than anything else in digital photography, you might have confused that with '35mm' digital cameras....
"Benefit of the community" - not for the benefit of Rob or the new owners. Fact is that Rob Galbraith have sold something that doesn't actually belong to him - our knowledge and experience, and new owners are planing to get their money back by selling this content back to us.So if anyone really cares for "community" - his duty is to insist that his posts should remain acessible for free and for anyone or be deleted.
And to anyone who thinks that erasing all your posts is overreacting - NO it's NOT. Freedom of information requires action!
You seem to turn into a negative state of mind. Seriously. You know full well that you have supplied a wealth of information for the benefit of the community, not for shameless self promotion. People consider you an expert because they know your information is valuable as is, not solely in connection with you. In your idiom, it is exactly the fact that they "profit" and benefit from your information, not just to see it. Mind you, I'm not denying you your right to have your posts deleted. It would simply constitute common courtesy on their side. And considering they are in Canada, you even stand a chance legally. But I still believe that the "tone" of your postings around this topic is somewhat unlike you, or at least unlike your usual postings...[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=63458\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


text:
Why Cybersecurity Breaches Worry the U.S.
In President Barack Obama's first call to China's Xi Jinping, he highlighted the importance of addressing cybersecurity threats. Duncan Clark of BDA China tells the us why Mr. Obama is raising this topic.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... the the ... every species of cybersecurity in its first congratulatory phone call ... to Chinese President Xi Jinping ... I'd ever con joining me now is the BBA Chairman Duncan Clark ... I can't and so ... on ... basically it was like congratulations now let's talk about cybersecurity ... I guess you can really ... raise more attention to an ABC them at the gym ... that's right I mean I think the Wii U S China relationship is already yet so complex and deep ... of that actually from school is probably not a bad idea because they've got so much to get to ... if so I mean do you believe in you know you're based in China that into you believe that bed the cybersecurity ... is actually the threats are actually getting worse ... aam as the U S alleges from from China ... well I think the evidence laid out by him and in which it is a private sector ... company was was very compelling let you you couldn't extend Intel's overall ... it did show a big following an increase for this one ... alleged perpetrator or the building ... where many attacks emanate in and I think im standing is this is one of many ... but in the inner weighing in this week of the intelligence needs him most of the present Obama ... on this case is a validation of the private sector had ... that done and taking a beating ... in calling out this issue ... so yes I think this that that that it's the change could lead in the last year or so aam make this true industrial scale ... and I think another memorable role of these things is is going to call and it seems that there is going to call ... so in the U S the biggest concern is that over intellectual property beaker and I mean ... what you know we've heard everything from allegations to ceiling at intellectual property to actually ... in at worst a Flickr if anyone is the biggest worry to the U S to resolve the above ... I think that makes the men at its birth IP and business process sees ... as well is of course the so the more common garden ... concerns about protecting infrastructure ... aam ... such that say you know of no ... ports electricity illicit critical infrastructure but potentially having a in a late presence there ... is of course a concern financial security but my sense is that the attack on boardrooms which has been alleged is more ... damaging ultimately is you know that the corporate suite has been one of the so the biggest ... in anchors of U S China relations from the U S I ... am multinationals seeking to profit as they are in many cases ... and in this it chips away at the core base of support I think is is ultimately damaging for for both sides ... at KNF Danny and in its Hedge anemone up with a lot of these allegations and and hard to prove but ... is there any any figure out there and EADS have a study that kind of gauge is how much this possibly could be costing a US company ... it's very hard it's almost like piracy indication we'll see figures coming out saying how much they only with the music industry suffered ... a globally are also in China from online piracy in the numbers can run very easily into the hundreds of billions ... but the big question is I think it's not so much about the actual of volume but that the direction of travel that he will that this is increasing ... its getting broader ... on the relationships any becoming more important for the for the U S and China but the market ... I think it's more about that that that way which were having a manner that it expects to be zero anytime soon ... but I think um this is like blowing the whistle insane ... we know of course ... no admission is owned by private sector player probably with the blessing of the state but now out in the federal government coming in and and cooling in the South ... you know we know also on the Chinese side or seventy different interest groups aam ... we don't actually netting from amended report whether the information was allegedly stolen ... aam are accessed and was actually passed on to state and prices in China ... but there is a big concern in China today was the of the size of the state enterprises ... whether they're encroaching on any of multinationals but on the private sector ... safe we see these mega companies with global ramifications ... you know being us with information that that's a really concerning thing not just the US but I think that I know also ... I think this is something to say look ... you know ... we not going to ... that operate this kind of action in an audition you ... and cake thanks Fran that's and that Duncan Clark of BDA ... for more on that star a competitive beest dot com I'm Deborah con ...


text:
Introduction: The Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) (5 U.S.C. 8101 et seq.) is administered by the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) of the U.S. Department of Labor. It provides compensation benefits to civilian employees of the United States for disability due to personal injury sustained while in the performance of duty or to employment-related disease. The FECA also provides for the payment of benefits to dependents if the injury or disease causes the employee's death. Benefits cannot be paid if the injury or death is caused by the willful misconduct of the employee or by the employee's intention to bring about his or her injury or death or that of another, or if intoxication (by alcohol or drugs) is the proximate cause of the injury or death.
Medical Benefits: An employee is entitled to medical, surgical and hospital services and supplies needed for treatment of an injury as well as transportation for obtaining care. The injured employee has initial choice of physician and may select any qualified local physician or hospital to provide necessary treatment or may use agency medical facilities if available. Except for referral by the attending physician, any change in treating physician after the initial choice must be authorized by OWCP. Otherwise, OWCP will not be liable for the expenses of treatment.
The term "physician" includes surgeons, osteopathic practitioners, podiatrists, dentists, clinical psychologists, optometrists and chiropractors within the scope of their practice as defined by State law. Payment for chiropractic services is limited to treatment consisting of manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation as demonstrated by x-ray to exist. If the physician selected has been excluded from participating in the Compensation Program the OWCP District Office will advise the employee of the exclusion and the need to select another physician.
Compensation for Temporary Total Disability: An employee who sustains a disabling, job-related traumatic injury may request continuation of regular pay for the period of disability not to exceed 45 calendar days or sick or annual leave. If disability continues beyond 45 days or the employee is not entitled to continuation of pay, the employee may use sick or annual leave or enter a leave without pay status and claim compensation from OWCP.
When disability results from an occupational disease, the employing agency is not authorized to continue the employee's pay. The employee may use sick or annual leave or enter a leave without pay status and claim compensation.
Compensation for loss of wages may not be paid until after a three-day waiting period, except when permanent effects result from the injury or where the disability causing wage loss exceeds 14 calendar days. Compensation is generally paid at the rate of 2/3 of the salary if the employee has no dependents and 3/4 of the salary if one or more dependents are claimed.
The term "dependent" includes a husband, wife, unmarried child under 18 years of age, and a wholly dependent parent. An unmarried child may qualify as a dependent after reaching the age of 18 if incapable of self-support by reason of mental or physical disability, or as long as the child continues to be a full-time student at an accredited institution, until he or she reaches the age of 23 or has completed four years of education beyond the high school level.
Compensation for Permanent Effects of Injury: The Act provides a schedule of benefits for permanent impairment of certain members, functions and organs of the body such as the eye, arm, or kidney and for serious disfigurement of the head, face or neck. For example, an award of 160 weeks of compensation is payable for total loss of vision in one eye.
In addition, compensation for loss of earning capacity may be paid if the employee is unable to resume regular work because of injury-related disability. This compensation is paid on the basis of the difference between the employee's capacity to earn wages after an injury and the wages of the job he or she held when injured.
OWCP may arrange for vocational rehabilitation and provide a maintenance allowance not to exceed $200 per month. A disabled employee participating in an OWCP-approved training or vocational rehabilitation program is paid at the compensation rate for total disability.
If the employee's condition requires a constant attendant, an additional amount not to exceed $1500 per month may be allowed.
Compensation for Death: If no child is eligible for benefits, the widow or widower's compensation is 50 percent of the employee's pay at the time of death, if death was due to the employment-related injury or disease. If a child or children are eligible for benefits, the widow or widower is entitled to 45 percent of the pay and each child is entitled to 15 percent. If children are the sole survivors, 40 percent is paid for the first child and 15 percent for each additional child, to be shared equally. Other persons such as dependent parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, and grandchildren may also be entitled to benefits. The total compensation may not exceed 75 percent of the employee's pay or the pay of the highest step for GS-15 of the General Schedule, except when such excess is created by authorized cost-of-living increases.
Compensation to an employee's surviving spouse terminates upon his or her death or remarriage. A widow or widower's benefits continue, however, if the remarriage takes place after the age of 55. Awards to children, brothers, sisters and grandchildren terminate at the age of 18, unless the dependent is incapable of self-support, or continues to be a full-time student at an accredited institution, until he or she reaches the age of 23, or has completed four years of education beyond the high school level.
Burial expenses not to exceed $800 are payable. Transportation of the body to the employee's former residence in the United States is provided where death occurs away from the employee's home station. In addition to any burial expenses or transportation costs, a $200 allowance is paid for the administrative costs of terminating an employee's status with the Federal Government.
Cost-of-Living Increases: Compensation payments on account of a disability or death which occurred more than one year before March 1 of each year are increased on that date by any percentage change in the Consumer Price Index published for December of the preceding year.
Settlements With Third Parties: Where an employee's injury or death in the performance of duty occurs under circumstances placing a legal liability on a party other than the United States, a portion of the cost of compensation and other benefits paid by OWCP must be refunded from any settlement obtained. OWCP will assist in obtaining the settlement and the Act guarantees that the employee may retain a certain proportion of the settlement (after any attorney fees and costs are deducted) even when the cost of compensation and other benefits exceeds the amount of the settlement.
Appeal Rights: An employee or survivor who disagrees with a final determination of OWCP may request an oral hearing or a review of the written record from the Branch of Hearings and Review. Oral and/or written evidence in further support of the claim may be presented. The employee may also request a reconsideration of a decision by submitting a written request to the Compensation District Office which issued the decision. The request must be accompanied by evidence not previously submitted. If reconsideration has been requested, a hearing on the same issue may not be granted. The employee or survivor may also request review by the Employees' Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB). Because the ECAB rules solely on the evidence of record at the time the decision was issued, no additional evidence may be presented.
More Detailed Information: More detailed information about the requirements for coverage and benefits under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act may be obtained from Federal Personnel Manual Chapter 810, Injury Compensation OWCP Publication CA-810, and booklet CA-550, Questions and Answers About the Federal Employees' Compensation Act, which answers questions commonly asked about compensation benefits.


text:
*At Week 0 and Week 2.
*REMICADE® 10 mg/kg is not an FDA-approved starting dose.
Azathioprine (AZA) is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Crohn's disease and its contribution to the effectiveness of use in combination with REMICADE® has not been established or approved. The use of AZA in combination with REMICADE® should take into account the potential risks associated with combination therapy and monotherapy.
References: 1. Targan SR, Hanauer SB, van Deventer SJH, et al, for the Crohn's Disease cA2 Study Group. A short-term study of chimeric monoclonal antibody cA2 to tumor necrosis factor alpha for Crohn's disease. N Engl J Med. 1997;337:1029-1035.
2. Hanauer SB, Feagan BG, Lichtenstein GR, et al. Maintenance infliximab for Crohn's disease: the ACCENT I randomised trial. Lancet. 2002;359:1541-1549. 3. Colombel JF, Sandborn WJ, Reinisch W, et al, for the SONIC Study Group. Infliximab, azathioprine, or combination therapy for Crohn's disease. N Engl J Med. 2010;362:1383-1395. 4. Sands BE, Anderson FH, Bernstein CN, et al. Infliximab maintenance therapy for fistulizing Crohn's disease. N Engl J Med. 2004;250:876-885.


text:
MOUNT CARMEL, Ohio, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Ohio said a man attempting to kill bedbugs with rubbing alcohol while smoking a cigarette sparked a fire in his apartment.
Union Township firefighters said they received a call about 5 p.m. Friday about a fire at a Mount Carmel apartment complex, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported Monday.
"The occupant was trying to self-exterminate bed bugs and was spraying the couch with rubbing alcohol while smoking a cigarette," Fire Chief Stan Deimling said.
Deimling said the fire destroyed the man's couch and damaged the carpet. He was treated at University Hospital for burns to his hands.
"As far as we're concerned, this is an accidental fire. The damage will be between the tenant and the landlord," said Deimling, who estimated the damage at about $600.


text:
usk needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 62 designs submitted by 25 freelance designers.
We are a veterinary centre in South Wales in the UK in need of a simple, crisp and professional logo for our new brand 'Usk Vets'
Usk Vets
Usk, Caerleon, Pontypool (in any order)
Desired Color Scheme:
no particular scheme
Desired Style:
Simple, Clean and no frills
Accepted File Formats:
PDS or JPEG
The logo should be centered on the words 'Usk Vets' or incorporate it in some fashion. The tagline is optional but we will leave it to your interpretation. The file format would be a psd file or failing that high-res jpeg to allow for resizing for a variety of uses. There is no specific colour scheme, so feel free to be creative; however we would like to avoid anything fluorescent, 'fluffy' or cartoony and anything that is too busy... 1 to 3 colours is fine. There are a couple things that we would like to avoid, animals in the design, paw prints (they've been done to death) and any symbols or objects i.e. it should be an abstract design. We are willing to offer $150 to the winning entry, ideally payable through Paypal. Alternative payment methods may be possible but cant be guaranteed, but please feel free to discuss it with us. Any other queries just ask. Many Thanks
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


text:
NEW YORK, N.Y. – Coming off of record breaking performances at the Penn State Relays, the UMBC track and field team continued their 2011-12 indoor season with another strong showing, this time at the Gotham Cup at the Armory Track and Field Center in New York City on Friday.
Senior Aaron Brooks (Upper Marlboro, Md./DeMatha) continued the Retrievers' trend of breaking school records, as he bettered his own UMBC record in the shot put, with a throw of 15.71m (51'6.5"). Brooks, whose throw beat his old mark of 15.43m (50'-7.5") by almost a foot, placed third in the event. He also finished 10th in the weight throw with a toss of 14.63m (48'0").
Junior Cameron McDearmon (Owings Mills, Md./Franklin) contributed to a good day in the field events, claiming the weight throw with a winning mark of 17.28m (56'8.5").
Reigning America East Male Track Performer of the Week, Trae Proctor (Brandywine, Md./Thomas Stone), had another solid day placing 5th in the 60m hurdles with a time of 8.16.
For the women, Mercedes Jackson (Huntingtown, Md./Huntingtown), who has already been named America East Female Track Performer of the Week twice this season, picked up her third win in three collegiate meets in the 60m dash. Though not breaking her own record, Jackson's time of 7.55 just edged Long Island's Jesse Gaines by .02 to earn the win.
Several other Retrievers, however, left their mark on the record book during the New York City competition. Senior Keri Wilson (Columbia, Md./Long Reach) bettered her time in the 3000m (10:33.26) and continues to hold on to ninth in the school record book.
In a battle of underclassmen, sophomore Cody Mezebish (Westminster, Md./South Carroll) now ranks 10th in UMBC history in the 800m (2:21.22) after finishing 6th at the Gotham Cup, which is just ahead of freshmanMary Katherine Kulp's mark set at last week's Penn State Relays. Kulp (Vestal, N.Y./Vestal) set her own mark in New York though, running a personal best time of 3:06.80 to place 7th in the school record book for the 1000m run.
In addition, sophomore Deborah Adelola placed herself 7th on the UMBC all-time list as well after running a 58.86 in the 400m.
The Retrievers continue their busy January schedule next weekend at the Terrapin Invitational held in Landover, Md.