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Our teams are building an accessible website. In the meantime, you can continue your experience on our Accorhotels website or contact us through the web accessibility page by email or phone.
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Our exclusive lifestyle hotel experience, designed to fulfill the needs of the discerning business executive and leisure traveler.
Our hotels offer a broad range of function rooms - from elegant boardrooms to banquet halls.
Whether on an epic journey or a weekend getaway, we make every child's stay magical.
These exquisite properties are the perfect vacation oasis for you and your loved ones.
Purchase a gift card or browse through our selection of quality bed linens, pillows and bathrobes or sample our premium teas.
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Our luxurious golf destinations include breathtaking mountains, stark deserts and warm tropical beaches.
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As we're now part of AccorHotels with a unique customer online account, the authentification process has changed. Therefore you'll need to reset your password with the email address linked to your Fairmont account.
– 2013 Weddings Commit to Elegance & Staying Social –
The place of special occasions for over 100 years, Fairmont properties both modern and historic host the most important events in town. Always ahead of trends, the brand's bridal experts are the ideal source for a sneak peek at the tips and tricks that are growing in popularity with chic couples around the world; today's socially savvy brides can even check out fun ideas and stunning spaces at pinterest.com/fairmonthotels. From innovative ways to add opulence to clever ideas for leveraging social media, these insights add flair to any event:
Haute on the Beach – Destination weddings have moved past the days when the wedding party dons their finest formal tuxes and gowns only to dress down with bare feet or flip flops. Wedding parties that don't want to compromise on couture but still want to take advantage of the beauty of the beach can get creative with ceremony set-up. Brides can keep their Louboutins for a ceremony on the sand by creating custom catwalks - turning the walk down the aisle into a walk down the runway."Nature and fashion are perfect partners," said Stephan Miller, Director of Catering and Special Events at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii. "We essentially built a runway for one particularly stylish bride who wanted a beach wedding, but whose heart was set on wearing her designer shoes. The same strategy also works on grassy areas like our Turtle Pointe venue, which features a lovely gazebo surrounded by beautiful greenery."
#BestWeddingEver – Facebook may be great for sharing photos after the Big Day, but a number of couples have figured out that making a social media hashtag for their wedding makes it easy to connect with guests, share photos in real time, and end up with a huge trove of candid shots. There's no need for disposable cameras on the tables when guests are online with Instagram and Twitter. As an added bonus, they never run out of film!"We've seen couples include hashtags on everything from save-the-date cards and invitations to actually displaying it on signage at the event," said Jennifer Zajac, Internet Marketing Coordinator at Boston's Fairmont Copley Plaza. "Twitter lights up when certain weddings are in house – not only does it make it super easy for friends and family to share the fun, it also means that people who couldn't make it to the event can participate from wherever they are in the world."
Ditch the Bar & Free the Bartender – Wine or Champagne may be the beverage of choice during the wedding reception, but once the speeches are done, the party begins. Some couples are avoiding tedious cocktail lines by having mobile bars roaming the venue – on carts or even attached to roving waiters. Drinks and shots with fancy names add life to the wedding, and having the bartenders rove around the festivities keeps events fun and lively all night long."Mobile bars can come in many shapes and sizes, and don't just have to consist of waiters walking around with pre-made drinks," says Monique Garcia, Associate Director of Events at Fairmont Makati, Philippines. "They can be stylishly imagined and offer a surprising variety of beverages. One of my favorite ideas is to make cocktails named not only after the couple, but their bridal entourage as well!"
Party of 10 – The trend of diminutive weddings is going strong, with some receptions becoming more like intimate dinner parties for 10-20 guests. These luxurious affairs allow hotels to produce amazing plated dinners, and also allow the couple to share the day with just the people who mean the most to them."Small weddings allow for a lot of flexibility, and can offer a unique kind of grandeur that you just can't get with an enormous event," said Heather Courtney, Wedding Coordinator at The Fairmont Palliser in Calgary. "Especially common for people getting married for the second time, we've put together intimate affairs around regal King's Table concepts that are simply stunning.""Smaller, more intimate weddings events are still on the rise," said Ann Renneker, Director of Catering and Conference Services at The Fairmont Dallas. "We've had requests for varied course options and table-side culinary demonstrations that simply wouldn't be possible with large groups. Couples often request several choices for entrée selection and we now even offer a choice of appetizers, which are served according to guest response cards."
Go for the Gold – Trends are often dictated by recent events, fashion, interior design, and the vast world of print and social media – and gold has never been more popular across the board. The opulent accent adds drama to all kinds of décor, and lends an unmatched level of sophistication to everything it touches."If I had to pick one trend for 2013, based on my own upcoming client weddings, and London Fashion Week, it would be the use of gold as an accent color," said Bruce Russell, London Wedding Planner for Weddings at The Savoy by Bruce Russell. "I am seeing gold accents in all kinds of décor – whether it's linen, candelabras, cutlery or stationery. Florists are also being asked to create arrangements with more neutral colors, with some blooms being dipped in gold."
Tea Time Instead of Cocktail Hour – As weddings gravitate toward heightened elegance and sophistication, a new way to bring style to an event is by including teatime. After a stunning ceremony, smart couples don't let guests mill around with passed canapés and cocktails, they go all out with exquisite pastries and a fully formal afternoon tea before the reception."We are seeing lots of brides move beyond cutesy cupcakes and cookies," said Christo Van Wyk, Wedding and Function Coordinator at Fairmont Zimbali Lodge & Resort in South Africa. "Couples still love the idea of a variety of small bites instead of one big wedding cake, but don't want to compromise on style, so we've found that a classy tea service is the perfect segue into the reception.""We're also seeing the trend of wedding tea in Bermuda," said Kimberley Terceira, Conference Services & Catering Manager from Fairmont Southampton. "Sometimes it's hosted en lieu of a cocktail hour, but it can also be great for pre-wedding formalities, often with brides hosting afternoon tea at Jasmine Lounge with the ladies before the event.""We love tea for bridal showers," said Dana Schroader, Weddings Specialist at The Fairmont Olympic in Seattle. "We have done several ornate showers in our Kensington Room, and with the Roaring 20s history of our hotel, the tie-ins with the hugely popular 'Great Gatsby' theme are a natural fit."
Buying Out the Banquet Space – Some couples are taking advantage of luxury resorts by booking several banqueting rooms – taking up entire wings of conference centers and event space for their Big Day. Not only does this ensure exclusivity and complete privacy, it allows guests to go back and forth between a quieter, lounge-like atmosphere and a lively dance floor."Couples looking for an immersive experience can make an entire area seem like their own private and exclusive enchanted palace," said Katie Rae Kugler, Wedding Coordinator at Scotland's Fairmont St Andrews. "We've seen couples offer one suite for the dinner, one for dancing, one as a relaxing room to get away from the music, and an open patio area to drink and be out under the stars. It feels like your party is the only thing happening in the whole world!""Lounges are very popular as a way to get some respite from lively dance floors," said Meaghan Tiberio, Catering Sales Manager from Fairmont Pittsburgh. "You can create these comfy spaces right in your reception area for a more casual atmosphere, or host it in a space nearby. Couches, ottomans and pillows that match your decor create a great vibe."
Small Bites, Big Impact– Sliders, small bites and comfort food are old news, but savvy foodies know that guests still love the ease and convenience of bite-size nibbles. The sophisticated solution? Mini buffets and delectable passed canapés that wouldn't be out of place in any fine dining establishment."The most prominent trend for us is mini food buffets that offer a stunning presentation and a variety of haute cuisine options," said Kathy Robineau, Senior Catering Manager at The Fairmont Banff Springs. "Guests still prefer the variety available with smaller portions, so we're presenting stylish options on glass pyramids and even floating in the air, suspended from the ceiling.""In Cairo, candy stations are still popular, but à-la-minute crêpe stations with chocolate, maple and honey flavours are a classier addition," said Rehab Youssef, Conference, Events & Social Sales Director at Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers. "Elaborate juice fountains where guests can fill their very own glasses from freshly squeezed fruit are another great way to keep guests fueled and ready to party all night long.
Picture Perfect - Many brides and grooms have done away with the traditional guest book and are coming up with imaginative keepsakes that they can treasure year-round. Signed photos, scrap books and more have become creative ways to bring the event home."We've seen many recent couples bring a picture frame with a white matte for guests to write congratulatory notes and well wishes," said Polly Xiong, Weddings Manager at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui. "Alternatively, couples will bring a picture book that includes photos with family and friends for guests to sign. One recent couple brought a scrapbook and Polaroid camera for guests to take photos and then tape their photo in the scrapbook with a note!"
Time to Talk – Weddings are a time for old friends and new to get together and celebrate. So, encouraging conversation is an important responsibility for any couple. Whether you've sat two guests together who may not be acquainted, or the couple themselves are trying to make it easier to mingle, there are multiple strategies for getting people talking."To ensure couples can enjoy all of their guests during the wedding banquet, we suggest keeping two free seats at each table," said Hélène Cabarrus – Conference Service Manager at Quebec's Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. "Not only can the wedding couple switch tables throughout the evening instead of being isolated at the head of the room, guests can wander to other tables to chat with friends and family who may not be seated with them.""We are also seeing more Family Style Dinners," said Kourtney Mckercher, Director of Conference Services at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler. "When guests share platters of main dishes instead of individual dinner selections it creates a warm, conversational dining experience."
Friday Festivities – Increasing numbers of couples are selecting Friday as the special day for the wedding celebration. They are able to book a venue of their dreams at a value driven pricing structure and still enjoy all of the "ruffles and flourishes" of a Saturday evening celebration."The added benefit of a Friday event is that it adds an extra day of celebration for out of town family and friends," said Robert J. Mikolitch, Director of Catering at Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown. "Couples can plan to host a BBQ or Post-Celebration Party on the following Saturday evening for friends and family who want to celebrate all weekend long."
Future brides and grooms interested in more information on weddings at Fairmont can visit Fairmont Weddings online.
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a celebrated collection of more than 65 luxury properties around the globe, including Shanghai's Fairmont Peace Hotel, The Plaza in New York, and Makkah Clock Royal Tower in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The luxury brand's distinctive hotels offer a sense of heritage and sophistication, warm, engaging service and culturally rich experiences. Fairmont balances the company's economic, environmental and social priorities and provides the framework for responsible hotel operations through the Sustainability Partnership program. Fairmont is owned by FRHI Holdings Limited, a leading global hotel company with over 100 hotels under the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel branded luxury private residences club, whole-ownership residences and serviced residences properties. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit fairmont.com.
Become a fan of Fairmont. Join our online communities at everyonesanoriginal.com, facebook.com/fairmonthotels, twitter.com/fairmonthotels, and pinterest.com/fairmonthotels/. For career opportunities, visit facebook.com/fairmontcareers.
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Long before CSR became a business buzzword, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts was operating in a socially and environmentally sustainable fashion
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Brendan Campbell | January 3, 2012 | | No Comments
About The Author
Brendan Campbell
Brendan Campbell was here when Inside Pulse Movies began, and he'll be here when it finishes - in 2012, when a cataclysmic event wipes out the servers, as well as everyone else on the planet other than John Cusack and those close to him. Brendan's the #1 supporter of Keanu Reeves, a huge fan of popcorn flicks and a firm believer that sheer entertainment can take a film a long way. He currently resides in Canada, where, for reasons stated above, he's attempting to get closer to John Cusack.

subset: commoncrawl


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FAYETTEVILLE � New Arkansas linebackers coach Randy Shannon most likely could�ve landed other positions this offseason.
But, two years removed from his stint as Miami�s head coach, Shannon said there�s a reason he is joining Bret Bielema�s staff with the Razorbacks.
�It's a chance to win championships and a chance to be with a great head football coach and have the opportunity to do great things,� Shannon said.
Shannon, who left his position as Texas Christian�s linebackers coach after one season, spoke about his new role with the Razorbacks during a teleconference on Monday morning. He became the seventh assistant officially hired by Bielema, who continues to make good on his promise of putting together a top-notch staff.
Shannon is the biggest surprise of all. The 46-year-old went 28-22 in four seasons as Miami�s coach from 2007-10. He was the program�s defensive coordinator for six years (2001-06) before earning the promotion to head coach.
But Shannon � who was rumored to be in consideration for defensive coordinator jobs � called his new position with the Hogs a �unique and special situation.�
�The staff that he has assembled is going to be unbelievable,� Shannon said. �There are a couple of guys on his staff that I have had the opportunity to know throughout these years of recruiting and coaching. I think we have got a unique situation and a great staff that has a lot of great things to accomplish.�
Shannon will certainly add to the group because of his experience. He was part of three national championship teams at Miami (1987, 1991 and 2001) as a player and coach. He won the Broyles Award in 2001 because of his work with the Hurricanes and was named defensive coordinator of the year by Rivals.com in 2005.
But Shannon made it clear Monday he is not stepping in to run the Arkansas defense in his new role. That job belongs to defensive coordinator Chris Ash, who followed Bielema from Wisconsin and was the first assistant hired last month.
�My deal is to make sure everybody understands I am just here to assist and be one of the greatest linebackers coaches that Arkansas ever had and also have one of the greatest defenses that Coach Ash is going to run,� Shannon said. �He is running the defense and whatever he says, that's what we are going to do.�
Shannon has coached 14 defensive players who were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. The list includes Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who played for the Hurricanes when Shannon was the program�s linebackers coach.
His work with TCU last season was impressive. Shannon said TCU coach Gary Patterson told him the Horned Frogs didn�t have much talent at the position when he joined the staff in August. But linebacker Kenny Cain was a second-team All-Big 12 pick this season after being a second-team All Mountain West Conference player in 2011. Redshirt sophomore Joel Hasley earned Big 12 honorable mention honors.
Shannon will get a chance to work with sophomores Otha Peters and AJ Turner at Arkansas in 2013. Both players were pressed into action as true freshmen because of Arkansas� depth issues at linebacker last season and showed promise.
�You just want guys that really want to work, and the guys that we have on the football team, it�s my job to get them to play hard and be the best that they can be,� Shannon said. �That�s what Coach Bielema hired me to do.�
Shannon also was hired to bring even more clout to Arkansas� recruiting efforts after spending nearly every year of his coaching career in South Florida.
Shannon has obvious ties to recruiting in the state along with Bielema, defensive line coach Charlie Partridge and receivers coach George McDonald. But Shannon said he�s comfortable recruiting other regions as well.
He mentioned recruiting experience in places like Memphis, California, New Jersey, Chicago, St. Louis and Texas in addition to Florida during his career.
�I�ve been kind of a universal national recruiter for most of my time being at Miami,� Shannon said. �I�ve kind of got a background in recruiting everywhere.�
Shannon said he and Bielema met at a high school several years ago when both were assistant coaches. They�ve kept in contact since, speaking a couple times of year.
Bielema asked Shannon if he would join him at Arkansas after the coach was hired in early December. Shannon accepted the offer and said he�s looking forward to his new job working with Arkansas� linebackers.
�Being with him and working at Arkansas was something unique, and working in the Southeastern Conference,� Shannon said of his move to Arkansas. �Any chance you have of working in the Southeastern Conference and working at Arkansas with a great head football coach, that�s something you have in mind that you want to do.�


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Silent Voices Paranormal is currently accepting applications for several positions. Please realize that although we are accepting applications this may not mean there are positions currently available. When we feel we will be expanding our team in the near future we start collecting applications so that when the time comes we will have a good selection to choose from. Your application will be kept on file for one calendar year so if you aren't called for a spot right away you may be called in the future.
At this time we are looking to fill the following positions:
~ Investigators
~ Case Manager / Public Relations
~ Researcher / Historian
~ Website designer and management
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
* Must be at least 18 years old.
* Must have a clean criminal record and allow Silent Voices Paranormal to perform a BCI check.
* Have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
* Be willing to travel. We cover all of New England and drive quite a bit.
* Must be able to speak to the public comfortably.
* Must conduct themselves in a serious & professional manner at all times.
* Must be able to attend most SVP functions such as investigations, presentations and public events.
* Must agree to and abide by all of the Rules & Guidelines of Investigator in Training and Membership.
If interested please contact Jay and send a brief paragraph telling us about yourself, your interests and any experience you may have.
*Silent Voices Paranormal DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE against age, race, color, religion, or personal beliefs & practices.*
Rhode Island based team looking for new members
Started by Silent Voices Paranormal , Jun 18 2013 03:09 PM
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1 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users


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Fremantle coach Ross Lyon admits young gun Nat Fyfe needs to play smarter in order to avoid getting into trouble on the football field.
Fyfe will miss games against Brisbane and Port Adelaide after failing in his bid to overturn a two-match AFL ban for striking Hawthorn's Jordan Lewis.
The 22-year-old has now been suspended for six games within the past two years, and Lyon said Fyfe needed to come up with better ways to deal with opposition niggling.
"Lewis himself in his early days frequented the tribunal. It's just that competitive spirit," Lyon said on Wednesday
"It's about harnessing it in the right way.
"In the heat of the moment, it doesn't take much to go wrong to find yourself in trouble.
"I've got no real concerns there. Nathan's an incredibly intelligent guy, focused firmly on team success and I'm sure he'll get the balance right.
"I think what gets lost with Nathan is he's 22. But he's a real emerging leader of this football club.
"He's a really big influencer on and off the field, and he's a pleasure to coach."
The Dockers will also be without Michael Barlow for Sunday's clash with Brisbane at the Gabba after the star midfielder broke his left thumb last week.
Goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne is set to return after missing a week with a hamstring injury, while Anthony Morabito, Nick Suban, Matt de Boer and Garrick Ibboton are others in line for a recall.
Defender Luke McPharlin (calf) is still at least three weeks away from resuming, meaning he'll miss the first week of the finals.
The Dockers sit fourth on the table, but could slip to fifth if they lose to Brisbane.


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The leader of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration calls this "a very exciting time for NASA" with planned missions to an asteroid and to Mars in the next couple of decades.
NASA administrator Charles Bolden Jr. told an audience Tuesday at Gettysburg College that he's optimistic about America's future in space despite what he called "temporary setbacks facing everyone in government," The Gettysburg Times reported.
The agency plans to have humans capture an asteroid by 2025 and redirect the 500-metric-ton body to a stable lunar orbit where astronauts can visit and explore it.
"It will take a year, year-and-a-half to reach it," Bolden said. "We won't stop it or move it, because it is moving too fast. The goal is to make ourselves one with the asteroid and push it in the right direction. If it goes just outside a fingers reach, that is a miss."
Bolden said a human mission to Mars in the 2030s is a priority for NASA. The Curiosity rover landed last summer and is assessing whether Mars was or is an environment able to support life.
"It's a big challenge, but we're working on it," Bolden said. "The main thing is how do we protect humans from the radiation. We think the radiation environment may not be as bad as we originally thought, but we need speed and game-changing propulsion."
Bolden called the ending of the space shuttle program two years ago as "a bittersweet moment" but said private space exploration firm SpaceX has begun resupplying the International Space Station with cargo launched from the United States.


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The Ridgewood Country Club, East
Paramus, NJ 07652-1802
Course Details/History
- Architect Name – A.W. Tillinghast
- Greens Grass Type – Blue Grass
- Regulation Length Holes – 27
- Twitter – https://www.pga.com/
Golf.com Editorial
The Ridgewood Country Club has been ranked as one of the top courses in the U.S. by Golf Magazine's panel of experts.
This club offers three nine hole courses that are played in three eighteen hole combinations.
The West/East Course is the most challenging combination. The West/East Course has narrow, tree-lined fairways bordered by a deep cut of rough.
The East/Center Course is the least difficult because it is shorter and has fewer water hazards.
The Center/West Course can be difficult, and its signature hole is #6, on the Center Course, a par 4, measuring 289 yards. This hole plays to an extremely small green. They have named this hole "The Five And Dime" because you can make a score anywhere between a five and a ten.
All three courses have undulating greens that are fast and medium-sized. There are many elevation changes, and ponds come into play throughout all three courses.
This club was originally founded in 1890 and has been listed by the USGA as one of the first 100 clubs established in the U.S. These courses were opened in 1929, designed by Tillinghast, then worked on in the 19060s by Rees Jones, and finally fully restored by Gil Hanse in 2003.
Ridgewood Country Club hosted the Senior PGA Championship in 2001.
In addition to the PGA Senior Championship, Ridgewood has also hosted the 1935 Ryder Cup, 1974 US Amateur, and 1990 US Senior Open. It currently hosts the Barclays, the first Fed Ex event. Composite courses were used for the Senior PGA and Barclays.
This Club has multiple courses:
- East/Center
- Center/West
- West/East
- Year Built: 1927
- Designer: A. W. Tillinghast
- Greens Grass Type: Bent Grass
- Fairways Grass Type: Poa Annua Grass
- Water Hazards: Yes
- Sand Bunkers: 41-50
- Yardage Markers: 200, 150, 100 Yrd Markers and Sprinkler Heads Marked
Other Courses at this Facility
Paramus, NJ
Paramus, NJ


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U.S. Investment Firms Challenge Puerto Rico Restructuring Law
Wall Street Firms Say Law Violates U.S. Constitution
A pair of Wall Street investment firms is challenging Puerto Rico's new law allowing some public agencies to restructure their debt, saying it violates the U.S. Constitution.
Funds managed by Franklin Templeton Investments and OppenheimerFunds Inc. asked the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico to block the law, arguing that only Congress is allowed to create bankruptcy rules. The funds hold about $1.7 billion combined in debt from the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, which they say they believe will seek...


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On Thursday, a jury of 53-year-old Richard Hugh Grissett's Brunswick County peers convicted him of first-degree murder and other charges related to the Nov. 12, 2012, slaying of 86-year-old Linnie Mae Ward.
Under state law, Judge Wayland Sermons had no choice but to order Grissett to spend the rest of his life in prison with no possibility of being released.
Just when you think controversies in the southwest end of Brunswick County have come to an end, or at least quieted down, another one is raised — this time, on a flagpole.
Less than a handful of Beacon readers have called and commented — under condition of anonymity, naturally — about the Chinese flag now flying at Sea Trail in Sunset Beach. All of the calls and comments have been negative.
While spring has been slow to start here in Brunswick County, as it has been elsewhere in the state and country, the telltale sign of its arrival has been proclaimed not just by the yellowish-green haze on vehicles, but also by the sniffles of allergy sufferers.
Allergy experts told Time magazine the record-setting snowfall in some regions and the lingering below-freezing temperatures could mean a late flowering for trees. A quick look anywhere in our community shows this to be the case.
By the time many readers see this editorial, Sunset Beach officials, dignitaries and residents will have gathered to seal a time capsule commemorating the town's 50th anniversary.
Most public information is filed away, but all of it should be easy to find and see. Ultimately, the information you want and require should be close at hand — especially because it belongs to you.
Students at Brunswick Community College often worry whether their credits will transfer to a four-year university within the University of North Carolina system.
They will not have to worry about that this fall, as the State Board of Community Colleges and the UNC Board of Governors revised an agreement between the two systems, making college transfer options more defined and easier to follow for prospective transfer students.
Come September, Calabash will be the site of the Lions Club's Oktoberfest. The event, planned for Sept. 20, will feature music, a beer tent, people and food. During their Feb. 13 meeting, the town board of commissioners agreed the town could assist with the club's needs like tables, a stage and donated maintenance time.
The event promises to be a good time in the town, but it belongs to the club, not the town.
We think it is time Calabash had a festival to call its own, and a proposed seafood festival is a splendid idea.
Law enforcement and public safety personnel, such as firefighters and emergency medical technicians, often serve as our first line of defense in any crisis.
During the past two months, residents in Carolina Shores have rallied to defend town recycling center employee Jerry Franklin,who they feel is being treated like trash.
The residents say it all started when Franklin received a reprimand from town maintenance supervisor Tom Donlon based on a single complaint: Someone told Donlon that Franklin failed to provide proper assistance at the recycling center.Now, they say, Franklin is no longer allowed to assist residents with their garbage and anyone who needs assistance must alert him by pointing at their bag of garbage.
Some Brunswick County animal advocates did not play fair by recording a Jan. 16 meeting with state Sen. Bill Rabon and then releasing it to the public, so the Senate is taking its ball — legislation passed by the House to regulate puppy mills in the state — and going home. It is an immature reaction to the childish behavior of one of its own who also happens to be one of our own.
The National Weather Service forecast early last week for Brunswick County was dire. Meteorologists guaranteed a dusting of snow to cover about an inch or more of ice that would not only blanket the area, but also not thaw completely in 48 hours of mostly below-freezing temperatures, beginning Jan. 28.
The greater a school district's enrollment, the more money it will receive from taxpayers for operations. This principle is apparently at the heart of a battle between Brunswick County Schools and Roger Bacon Academy, which is preparing to open its second charter school in the county this summer.
The opening of charter schools means fewer students will be served by the public school system, but local school districts are still responsible for funding the charter schools.
The insurance hits just seem to keep coming for homeowners in Brunswick County.
Thanks to the federal Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act passed in July 2012, flood insurance premiums rose by an average of 10 percent with policy renewals after Oct. 1 last year. That was coupled with a Federal Emergency Management Agency surcharge on policies amounting to 5 percent of those premiums. North Carolina's legislators at both the state and federal level are still trying to resolve the unintended, unreasonably expensive consequences of the Biggert-Waters Act.
One of the side effects few considered in the wake of last week's polar vortex was the impact on the availability of blood.
According to the American Red Cross, 280 blood drives across 25 states were canceled because of the snow and extreme cold. The blood drive cancellations resulted in a shortfall of nearly 8, 400 blood and platelet donations since Jan. 2.
At the start of the 2013-14 year for Brunswick County Schools, the students in 11th and 12th grade Advanced Placement courses and their parents were required to sign a syllabus that agreed to the terms of the course. "The Color Purple" was among books on the reading list, which was part of the syllabus.
Those opposed to it seem to have forgotten or ignored this fact, and that is far more offensive than any of the questionable subject matter in the award-winning novel.
The end of 2013 signaled the deadline for people to make charitable contributions of cash or property in time to claim it on their next tax filings.
The recently released 2012-2013 North Carolina Secretary of State Charitable Solicitation Licensing Division Annual Report shows charities collected $32,160,894.49 from North Carolinians as reported by professional solicitors during the 12-month period.
The annual report does not look at all charitable and nonprofits operating in North
The Coastal Resources Commission in February is expected to re-examine a proposal to lift a hazard designation for Mad Inlet near Sunset Beach.
Mad Inlet closed naturally in 1997, ending a watery separation between the Sunset Beach island and Bird Island, and is not expected to re-open, according to a news release issued Oct. 31 by the North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources.
The Coastal Resources Commission in February is expected to re-examine a proposal to lift a hazard designation for Mad Inlet near Sunset Beach.
Mad Inlet closed naturally in 1997, ending a watery separation between the Sunset Beach island and Bird Island, and is not expected to re-open, according to a news release issued Oct. 31 by the North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources.
Eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York's Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history's most reprinted newspaper editorial.
Copyright © 2019
The Brunswick Beacon is your source for local news, sports, events and information in Brunswick County, North Carolina and surrounding areas.


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1+1+1=1 is a homeschooling blog filled with many free resources, printables and posts featuring a behind the scenes look at life in our home.
1699 Votes
When choices for your children's school come down to a badly run public school or an over-priced private school, sometimes your best option is to educate them at home. We're looking to find the Top 25 Homeschooling Blogs out there.
Voting ended on May 11, 2011 at 4pm PT. Top 25 Homeschooling Blogs is now closed.
If you have any questions about our Top 25 Blogger program, please read our Blogger FAQ's.
1+1+1=1 is a homeschooling blog filled with many free resources, printables and posts featuring a behind the scenes look at life in our home.
1699 Votes
Confessions of a homeschooler is a homeschooling blog full of ideas, resources, curriculum, recipes, projects, and digital scrapbooking supplies! Stop by for a visit anytime!
Interview with Confessions of a Homeschooler
1527 Votes
At Itsy Bitsy Learners you will mostly find little learners (0 - 6) having fun, a mother trying to do her best and an abundance of adorable learning resources. We are always thankful for those that stop by!
Interview with Itsy Bitsy Learners
1057 Votes
A homeschool blog providing free printables, helpful tips, and curriculum resources for families along with encouragement for their journey.
Interview with Homeschool Creations
1032 Votes
Preschool/Kinder Blog full of learning activities and craft ideas, I'm a Mom on a homeschooling journey with my little Butterfly.
Interview with Rockabye Butterfly
911 Votes
Hi, I'm Ginny, Catholic homeschooling mom to six.
With the help of my camera, I use this space to document my family's adventures as we strive to live a full and deliberate life.
911 Votes
A place where you'll find lots of Montessori inspired learning activities and ideas for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. There's also a good dose of mama made creations and crafty goodness here, too!
Interview with Counting Coconuts
740 Votes
A blog focused on homeschool advocacy, education, encouragement, and support. Buehler Education tears down false stereotypes while also guiding parents toward the most effective homeschool strategies for their children's unique learning styles.
Interview with Buehler Education
659 Votes
A very heartfelt, true-to-life account of my triumphs and struggles as a homeschooler and Montessori adventurist. I share what activities worked and what didn't work with my Kindergartener and Pre-Schooler...and how I maintain my sanity. :)
Interview with Montessori MOMents
655 Votes
Cultivated Live's goal is to encourage and equip parents towards intentional parenting, pursuing God and delighting in the adventure of learning.
Interview with Cultivated Lives
629 Votes
Blog, She Wrote is a homeschooling blog that seeks to encourage other homeschoolers by sharing what we do best. We are unit study family with an emphasis on living math and we skirt the edge of unschooling daily. We love the extraordinary experiences!
Interview with Blog, She Wrote
575 Votes
I'm a Montessori educator who homeschooled my kids through high school. Homeschooling works! My kids got straight A's in college and are now happily married, successful adults. I love to share activities and give encouragement!
Interview with Living Montessori Now
529 Votes
This focus of this blog is on providing fun, innovative, informative, and educational ideas on teaching preschoolers. Ideas and observations of teaching preschoolers are shared from my home and from my classroom.
Interview with Teach Preschool
482 Votes
Unique Family Vision was created to assist you on your homeschooling journey from start to finish. It also includes great tools to build your family into the team it was created to be.
Interview with Unique Family Vision
455 Votes
Mama Jenn is a homeschool blog about our family adventures with 5 kids, including one princess and TWO sets of TWIN boys! My blog features crafts, FREE printables, resources, product reviews, and much more!
454 Votes
Never boring, always funny. Homeschooling her kids down under, and a mix of everything else too.
Interview with Aussie Pumpkin Patch
408 Votes
We explore why homeschooling can be a better option for children and families than a traditional classroom setting. We'll also explore homeschooling issues in general, educational thoughts, family issues, and some other random stuff.
396 Votes
i'm mama to eight little people ages 16 & down, lover of truth and wife to a traveling man. i like posting little snippets of thoughts as i have them. These days seem so precious & fleeting
379 Votes
Activities, crafts, and ideas about learning from an educational consultant and writer, for parents, teachers, and homes schooling families Naturally Educational is dedicated to the idea that children learn naturally through play and exploration.
Interview with Naturally Educational
364 Votes
For moms invested in kids' education – news; education politics; homeschooling lifestyle; simple and frugal living; GIVEAWAYS; and more.
Empowering parents with news and information for informed decisions about your child's educational and life success!
Interview with Parent at the Helm
364 Votes
Starting our 11th year of Homeschooling! From High School to Preschool, what else do you call homeschooling household of 6? Come follow our journey as we follow Christ plus read up on the latest curriculum and book reviews!
Interview with Homeschool Circus
361 Votes
Live, laugh and love and learn about Christ. Refreshing water to wash over your tired day! . . . Hands-On Schooling . Pajama Schooling . The Core and More!!! - Real Life Learning - The journey of parenting kids and homeschooling.
Interview with Teachable Scotts Tots Homeschool
357 Votes
Homeschool mama here, to 6 crazy, lovable BOYS. Yup. 6. Boys. They have taught me a ton about human nature, love, life & dirt. Lots of dirt. At times my life is a little like Lord of the Flies. Mostly, it's full of hugs, adventure, laughs.....and ER trips.
356 Votes
The Joys of Home Educating is a homeschooling blog about a family that has a passion for learning! Fun, adventure and creativity is where it's at! Every day is a celebration of life and we sure do celebrate!
Interview with The Joys of Home Educating
351 Votes
Heart of the Matter is more than just a homeschooling site. It is a site dedicated to bridging the gap between the child and the parent, a relationship designed by God. We hope to accomplish this by presenting you with motivational posts, encouraging articles from "real" parents, and...
Interview with Heart of the Matter
336 Votes
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Everything You Need to Know About Your Financial Aid Award
The number of students who choose to apply for financial aid is rising with each and every passing year. In California, for example, applications for aid have increased by 74 percent in six years, according to an analysis performed by The Associated Press. As the cost of a higher education continues to increase, and as many families continue to deal with fallout from the housing market crash, help is just required. Without it, many students wouldn't be able to go to school at all.
Thankfully, statistics also suggest that those students who do apply are being rewarded for their time and effort. The National Center for Education Statistics suggests that the number of full-time, first-time students at the undergraduate level who got financial aid packages for 4-year institutions increased from 75 percent in 2006-2007 to 83 percent in 2010-2011. Students need help, and thankfully, there are funds available to meet that need.
At the end of the application process, students are provided with a significant amount of information that details what sort of assistance they qualify for and what they'll need to do in order to take advantage of that help. Often, this information is detailed in a Financial Aid Award Letter from the school, and all of the data is laid out in an easy-to-read format. But comparing one letter to another can be a little tricky, and some students don't understand all of the terms they see on their letters. This article will help, as it will outline what's typically included in a letter and what sorts of questions are appropriate for any student to ask when that letter comes.
Understanding the Process
Receiving Notification
Once all of the forms are complete, and the schools have accepted all of the applications that they can before the filing deadline hits, the administrators at these schools send out a formal letter that details a student's financial aid package.
Using the University of Minnesota as an example, this letter details:
- The average cost of attendance of the school
- The amount the family is expected to contribute (calculated via the FAFSA)
- Forms of aid coming from the local level
- Forms of aid coming from the governmental level
The University of Minnesota and many other large institutions use the Internet to deliver this information. Students receive an email with login instructions, and they follow those directions to tap into a secure website that contains all of the information they need about the aid they qualify for.
Aid Types Shown
While these offer letters might suggest that a student qualifies for a significant amount of assistance in order to pay for school, not all of the sums shown here are free for students, and some come with some very severe restrictions that could eliminate a student from compensation altogether. It's difficult to list all of the funding sources that might be included on a letter, as they can vary dramatically from institution to institution, but these are a few different categories students can watch for.
Grants, whether they come from the federal government or local sources, are typically considered free forms of aid. They're distributed based on need, so students who qualify for this kind of assistance typically have a very low ability to pay back any kind of loan. A grant is designed to help fill that gap, so these needy students can get the education they'll need to improve their financial standing.
Scholarships work in much the same way, but rather than focusing exclusively on need, many of these programs look for a specific achievement or attribute before distributing funds. Academic prowess, athleticism or creativity might all factor into the award of a scholarship, and often, students must continue to excel in their specific attribute in order to keep these funds flowing.
Subsidized loans are based on need, not academic prowess, but students are expected to pay back this form of aid. They may not be required to start making payments until they graduate, and the interest they accrue while in school is covered, but the funds can rack up with time.
Non-subsidized loans and private loans might also appear on a financial aid award package, and their inclusion can be a little confusing, as these aren't really forms of aid at all. Instead, these are basic loans that come with competitive terms and an expectation of repayment. Students who take on these loans should understand that they're on the hook for the balance.
Making Sense of the Letters
Colleges and universities are allowed to customize their awards letters, meaning that each and every letter that comes from an institution of higher learning might look just a little different. The U.S. Department of Education suggests that students should look for offer letters that include a significant amount of free money. While work-study programs and federal subsidized loans can help to pay for school, free money should be accepted first.
But students might also be wise to consider how much attendance at that school will cost, when all of their expenses are included in the equation. For example, the offer letter from the school might include the price for tuition, but the student might also incur costs due to:
- Transportation from home to school
- Room and board
- Food
- School fees
Some schools might be more expensive due to their location, while others might be much less expensive, as they might allow a student to live at home. Placing these comparison costs into the equation could throw a completely different light on an award letter, and that might help a family to make the right decision.
Tips on evaluating your financial aid award
In order to know how good (or bad) your financial aid award is, you need to consider a few things:
- The cost of the college (called the cost of attendance or student budget). This encompasses all costs for one year of college and includes tuition and fees, room and board, books, transportation, and other expenses.
- Your EFC (Expected Family Contribution). This is the minimal amount you will be expected to pay out-of-pocket for a year of college as calculated by the FAFSA and/or the CSS Profile.
- Demonstrated need. This is the amount of aid for which you are eligible. It is based on the cost of college and your EFC. The formula goes like this: [Cost of college] — [EFC] = [Demonstrated need].
- The amount of aid offered by the college. Add up all the aid in your financial aid award from the college. Do not include any parent PLUS loans which are not need-based aid (in other words, almost anyone can get a PLUS loan). See if the aid given by the college adds up to the total demonstrated need. If not, you have unmet need. That is, the college did not award you enough aid to satisfy your entire demonstrated need. In short, you would need to contribute more than just your EFC in order to pay for this particular college. Parent PLUS loans and private student loans are good options in this scenario.
- The kinds of aid in your award. There are two categories of financial aid:
- Free money, which are grants and scholarships that don't have to be paid back
- Self-help aid, which are loans and/or federal work-study where the student either has to pay back the money or has to work for it.
You want to try for a financial aid award that has some balance between self-help aid and free money. As a general rule, a small demonstrated need is usually met with mostly if not all self-help aid. Larger demonstrated need tends to have a better balance simply because there is not enough self-help aid (federal loans and work-study) available in the financial aid system. If the award, particularly a large one, seems too skewed on the side of self-help aid, then you may want to discuss this with the financial aid administrator at the college.
If any of the above pieces of information listed above are missing or unclear from your award letter, you should contact the college immediately and request that it be supplied. For incoming college freshmen, you should understand that assuming your family's financial situation doesn't change dramatically in the next few years, the offer for your freshman year is likely to establish a template for all four years. That is why this initial award merits your special attention.
Responding to the Numbers
But at some point, students will be required to sign off on the loan package they'd like, and if there are loans involved, there may be formal promissory notes to sign that specify how much the student will borrow and when the payments will begin. These are legal documents, enforceable in court, so it's vital that students understand all of these terms before they sign. In addition, some students go through financial changes in the weeks that follow the loan application process. They might be given local scholarships, for example, or they might come into money through an inheritance. Any major change like this should be reported to the school administrator before the package is distributed, so the process can be fair and equitable for everyone involved.
Reassuring Thoughts
It can be a little intimidating for students to look through the numbers, parse the terms and come up with the right mix of finances that could help them to pay for school. Thankfully, colleges and universities have helpful financial aid officers who are qualified to explain what's on the letter and what the student's responsibilities are, in terms of repayment. These professionals are often happy to make appointments for students who have questions, and they're quite capable of explaining terms in language any student can understand.
If you've walked through the numbers on your offer letter and you're still not sure how you'll be able to pay for college with the packages you've been provided, we'd like to help. Our search tools can allow you to find scholarships that could help you to cover the cost of school, and our loan partners can supply you with the funds you'll need to cover your tuition costs. All of our tools are free, too, so you can do some experimenting and tinkering as you determine where you'll go to school and how you'll pay for the fees involved. Just click to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you need a substantial amount of aid, the wait list is not where you want to be. By the time you are accepted, the college may claim that this year's financial aid money is already committed to others. So you may find that you are admitted eventually, but the pool of financial aid has dried up. If you require only a small amount of aid, there is probably enough public money to cover your need. You may be able to get the college to commit to meeting your future need for aid, even though this year they have a shortfall; ask the college to provide a preview of what you can expect a year from now. You'll have to take their answer on faith
As a family of immigrants, what if I do not have the proper documentation for eligibility for federal financial aid?
This is a tough question. Many immigrants are caught in a twilight zone as they grow old waiting for action by the INS. Meanwhile, here are some strategies you can take as you apply for financial aid:
- If you can provide documentation of an application for a green card, many colleges will grant federal and state aid.
- Some colleges who really want a student will use their campus resources to fund the student while awaiting the papers to make the student eligible for public assistance.
- Sometimes an eligible relative can assume custody of the student. However, the student's need may be calculated on the custodian's income and assets.
- Occasionally, a letter from a member of Congress in support of the student's case can help.
Do I have to accept student loans and work-study in my financial aid award?
You don't have to, but we recommend it. Loans and work-study are considered to be self-help aid. Students unwilling to help themselves may discover that colleges are less willing to help too – it is a character issue. Help yourself, and you might receive more help from the school in return.
Don Betterton, financial aid expert, gives college students advice about evaluating their financial aid award. He outlines the approaches you should take when dealing with merit-based aid versus need-based aid, and emphasizes the student's responsibilities in the financial aid process.
Financial Aid Awards Topics


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ViragoTechForum Donation Drive 2018 June 15 - July 15 Sun Jun 17, 2018 10:37 am
ViragoTechForum Donation Drive 2018 June 15 - July 15
Its that time again to get 6 months of bills paid in advance to keep the lights on.
6 month hosting invoice [ 1 biz lvl shared, VPS lvl 4 ]
Total - $559.94
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If you need help use the contact form and a mod will get back to you or
just click the donate box on the left side of the forum.
make sure and go into groups and join the donation club
ViragoTechForum Donation Drive 2018 Sat Dec 30, 2017 7:14 pm
ViragoTechForum Donation Drive 2018
Jan 1 - Jan 30
Its that time again to get 6 months of bills paid in advance to keep the lights on. This may be the last donation drive.
Last time we missed the mark by 2 month and I can't afford a $89 a mo bill for VPS hosting. I get nothing from the site personally.
Haven't had a working motorcycle in many years. Had to sell mine off in parts when I got hurt to pay medical bills.
If the site cannot generate enough revenue to support its self things will have to change.
6 month hosting invoice [ 1 biz lvl shared, VPS lvl 4 ]
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just click the donate box on the left side of the forum.
make sure and go into groups and join the donation club
Requesting to be removed from our mailing list Sun Jul 12, 2015 10:47 am
If you are reading this you must have been searching for information about how to have yourself removed from our mailing list.
First, let me say that we do NOT have a mailing list
Please click on this link "We DO NOT close accounts, we DO NOT have a mailing list" for more information on this subject...
The best suggestion I can come up with is to advise all members to write their Username and Password down and keep it in a Safe & Secure place where it can easily be located by the owner because we cannot retrieve this information for you.
If you forget your password, we can't retrieve your current one for you so you will have to get a new one and this can be done by browsing to our Logon web page and enter your Username as if you were going to logon.
Then instead of filling in the Password field, click on the link below it where it says "I forgot my password" and follow the prompts as they appear on your screen.
Provided that you have the option to receive emails from Admins turned on, you will receive an email with a new temporary password in it. Use this password to logon to VTF and then (if you wish) go to your User Control Panel (UCP) and change your password to something that means something to you.
Remember to write you new Password down and keep it Safe & Secure otherwise you will have to go through all of this again the next time you lose or forget your Password.
*NOTE: If you can't see the "I forgot my password" link just click on the Submit button and this will refresh the web page. This time when the page has finished loading, the link will be there and then you just follow the steps as they are laid out above.
This Topic has been locked on purpose, so if you have any questions about this post you can send me or any of the Mods a PM and we will endeavour to answer your questions to the best of our ability.
Thank you for reading this Topic.
We DO NOT close accounts, we DO NOT have a mailing li Mon Jun 29, 2015 4:59 pm
Mod edit:
Anyone using the Contact Forum to make a request MUST include your username, otherwise we cannot help you.
We DO NOT close accounts, we DO NOT have a mailing list.
[We will ban you, so the account doesn't work anymore if you ask, but then you can't change your settings later ]
When you sign up, its right there in your profile settings.
check or un-check box to receive emails from the Admins.
You can change that setting any time you wish, WE WILL NOT DO IT FOR YOU.
Just note, if you do a lost password request at some time, you would not get that email either if you turned it off.
If you were able to sign up for the forum, your smart enough to know how to get in and change your profile settings.
VTF Rules Fri Dec 23, 2011 3:45 am
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If you are a member, you should have already read these (and agreed to them), but I wanted to make sure everyone was crystal clear regarding some issues that have come up.
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A judge delayed sentencing March 8 to May 31 for three young men convicted of murdering Mission Beach resident Garrett Berki, 18, a 2010 graduate of La Jolla High School, after he answered a Craigslist ad for a computer for sale in 2011.
The victim's parents and others were present for what was supposed to be sentencing, but defense attorneys persuaded San Diego Superior Court Judge Kerry Wells to delay it, based on recent changes in state law over the sentences of minors who are tried as adults.
The gunman, Rashon Abernathy, 19, is expected to get 50 years in prison and his attorney, Kathleen Coyne, said she is challenging that sentence.
"I want to give my client every opportunity … to get a parole decision in his natural life," she said.
Attorneys for Shaquille Jordan, 19, and Seandell Lee Jones, 19, said their clients face terms of 25 years to life and they, too, consider that too long.
A jury convicted the trio of first-degree murder and robbery of Berki and his girlfriend on May 11, 2011.
— Neal Putnam
PB man given work furlough for assaults
Tommy Madriaga, 34, of Pacific Beach, was sentenced March 5 to one year in a work-furlough facility for injuring his girlfriend and assaulting a police officer when he rammed his car into a patrol vehicle.
Madriaga will be allowed to go to work, but will be locked up at nights and on weekends in a facility for one year on terms of three years' probation which was granted by San Diego Superior Court Judge Laura Halgren.
Madriaga was accused of choking his girlfriend. Her head hit the dashboard of his car in the Oct. 27 incident near Loring and Lamont streets in Pacific Beach after they left a party at 12:15 a.m. at a hotel.
The judge ordered Madriaga to complete a domestic-violence program. He will report to the work-furlough facility this week.
Madriaga apologized to his girlfriend, who was in the courtroom, and added, "I know I messed up."
Madriaga pleaded guilty to inflicting corporal injuries to his girlfriend and to felony assault upon the officer involving the rammed patrol car. Halgren dismissed other charges that included dissuading a witness, hit and run, vandalism and evading officers.
— Neal Putnam
Ex-prosecutor to get community service
A former prosecutor who was convicted of three misdemeanors in a Pacific Beach ticket-fixing case was ordered March 8 to perform 200 hours of volunteer work under terms of three years probation.
Allison Worden, 37, may face suspension of her license to practice law, said San Diego Superior Court Judge Louis Hanoian. He said the court is required to report the case to the state bar. She was fined $1,500.
Hanoian noted he was not suspending her license, but he believed there would be an interim suspension of her license because the offense was one of moral turpitude. Worden resigned from the District Attorney's Office on
Feb. 19, six days after a jury convicted her.
Her legal troubles began on May 28, 2011 in the 4600 block of Cass Street when a police officer pulled over a car driven by another prosecutor, Amy Maund. The officer noticed Worden, a passenger, wasn't wearing a seat belt, and issued tickets to Worden and Maund.
Worden called police Sgt. Kevin Friedman, a supervisor in the traffic department, who then destroyed the tickets and later pleaded no contest to destruction of a traffic citation.
Friedman, 49, was ordered to perform 40 hours of volunteer work and placed on two years' probation and fined $500. He resigned, moved to Arizona and refused to testify in Worden's trial.
Deputy Attorney General Michael Murphy asked for 30 days in jail, saying "she did violate the public trust." Her attorney was Paul Pfingst, who hired her when he was District Attorney. He told the judge "she has paid a substantial penalty."
— Neal Putnam
Farmers market celebrates 25th year
The Pacific Beach Certified Market at the Promenade Mall at 4150 Mission Blvd. has reached its 25th year on March 9. Dozens of farm families have made the weekly trek to Pacific Beach, bringing their fresh products to local consumers.
The market is the longest-running certified farmers market in the city, starting a trend that continues today. It has remained a "pure" farmers market, relying on consumers recognizing that the participants are truly farmers who have the best they can produce to offer.
The vendors represent the crops that local farmers grow first and foremost, and give folks a feel for how things are in the local agricultural community. The event takes place on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.
For more information, visit www.sdfarmbureau.org.


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Editor weighs in on Governor Douglas' decision not to run for reelection
Gov. Douglas' announcement that he will not run again for governor catches the state's political gurus off-guard. Nearly everyone thought he would run for a fifth term and, most likely, win.At his press conference, he reviewed his administration's accomplishments in the past seven years, spoke of the great privileges of being governor and suggested that it was time for him to enter a new era in his life sans politics. As always, it was a gracious speech spiced with a bit of humor when he said he wanted to eliminate at least some speculation about his future plans, noting to laughter that he was not running for president, then adding that his wife Dorothy had a divorce lawyer on the ready if he made any moves in that direction. He also noted he was not running for statewide office of any kind, congressional or otherwise, in 2010.Why might Douglas make this decision now? Two reasons come to mind:First, he sincerely wants to get out of politics and this allows him to get out on a high note without having to go into a campaign in which further cuts and possible tax hikes are the only viable options.Second, he is still considering a run for the U.S. Senate or House at a later date (after 2010) and wants to avoid the tough political choices that will have to be faced in the next three years — including more budget cuts and possible tax hikes. Ducking out now may preserve his reputation as a "no-new-taxes" kind of conservative without angering voters with the inevitable cuts in services that Vermonters would face in the absence of tax increases. While there are no immediate political openings in any of the state's congressional seats, staying out of the fray today could benefit him in any statewide race a few years from now.That's just conjecture, however.Mr. Douglas may simply be tired of the political scene and just want to transition to private industry for the next phase of his working life.What is certain is that Douglas' decision opens the playing field for even more Democrats who now might want to toss their hat into the ring. On the Republican side, Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie will be the shoe-in as that party's candidate if he wants it.


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Stay-at-home Tinseltown husbands juggle households and egos while their wives bring home the bacon
LOS ANGELES, CA � Fox Reality Channel has greenlit production on its newest original series "Househusbands of Hollywood." The nine episode, one-hour series, slated to premiere in August 2009, is produced by Marilyn Wilson Productions Inc., with Marilyn Wilson, Lisa Bernstein and Scooter Pietsch serving as executive producers and co-creators. The show concept was borne out of the experiences of actor/screenwriter Charlie Mattera, married to a prominent psychologist. He also serves as an executive producer and co-creator of the show.
The new original series turns the tables on the saying, "Behind every great man there's a great woman." This time around the women are bringing home the bacon and the men are at home frying it up. "Househusbands of Hollywood" showcases the lives of five men and their high-powered, bread-winning wives. This twist on traditional roles is quickly becoming a modern dilemma, and Fox Reality Channel has tapped into this evolving role-reversal phenomenon across the United States. In Hollywood, a place that defines you based on what you do, who you are seen with and what you earn, these men must juggle their egos, their wives' success and their unique marriages. Audiences will witness the couples' lives intertwine and prove that perhaps the grass "at home" is not always greener.
"'Househusbands of Hollywood' introduces audiences to a shifting dynamic happening within households," said Bob Boden, SVP of Programming, Production & Development at Fox Reality Channel. "The husbands each have varied perspectives on their current lifestyle. The one common element they share is they're not the ones bringing home the big paycheck."
Rounding out the Hollywood househusbands along with Charlie Mattera are: former Los Angeles Dodger Billy Ashley, married to successful celebrity makeup artist Lisa Ashley; aspiring actor Danny Barclay and his wife Katherine Barclay, a high-powered Hollywood attorney; Darryl M. Bell, best known for his role on "A Different World," plays house with actress Tempestt Bledsoe formerly of "The Cosby Show"; and former Marine Corps sniper Grant Reynolds, husband of Jillian Reynolds, of "FOX NFL Sunday" and "Good Day LA."
"We're thrilled to be working with Fox Reality Channel to bring viewers this fascinating look into the lives of stay-at-home-men, said executive producer, Marilyn Wilson. "With our current economic situation, we think people all across America will be able relate to these non-traditional family arrangements. Plus, our househusbands and their wives all have incredible stories to tell about their relationships, families, careers and life as they know it in Hollywood."
Fox Reality Channel launched in May 2005, to become the premier destination for lovers of unscripted programming. Fox Reality Channel is the only all-reality, all-the-time cable and satellite network featuring compelling original programming, never-before-seen U.S. premieres of international reality hits, and network favorites. Fox Reality Channel is available in nearly 50 million homes and can be accessed via broadband, mobile devices and other digital platforms such as iTunes� (excluding American Idol Extra). For more information on Fox Reality Channel programs and schedules, please visit foxreality.com.
Marilyn Wilson Productions is comprised of the co-creators and co-executive producers of a myriad of successful television programs, including the innovative multi-camera musical performance show VH1 Guerilla Concerts. Marilyn Wilson, President of Marilyn Wilson Productions garnered three Emmy nominations for Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher. Wilson was Senior VP of Reality Programming for the ABC Network, where she supervised the production of The Academy Awards, The American Music Awards and Whose Line Is It Anyway? Wilson is joined by five-time Emmy Award-winner Lisa Bernstein, supervising producer of Fox's Good Day LA. The executive triumvirate is completed by Scooter Pietsch, who in addition to creating and producing numerous shows for Dick Clark Productions, USA Networks and ABC, is an Emmy-nominated composer whose music has been featured in hundreds of television shows including - Sex and the City, American Idol, The Janice Dickenson Modeling Agency and Extreme Makeover. Marilyn Wilson Productions is represented by Brillstein Entertainment Partners.


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PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Philadelphia police have searched a home in west Philadelphia as they continue to investigate the abduction of a 5-year-old girl taken from her elementary school last month.
Investigators say the girl was taken from her classroom at Bryant Elementary School on Jan. 14 by a woman who said she was her mother. The girl was found by a passer-by early the next day, partially clothed and shivering but unharmed at a playground just outside the city.
Police have been looking for her abductors since. Now, authorities say they searched a home overnight that is several blocks from the school. No arrests were immediately announced.
Police have said they believe the girl was targeted and that they were looking for three 'persons of interest' in the case.


text:
Top Items:
Daniel Halper / Weekly Standard:
Panetta: Obama Absent Night of Benghazi — Defense Secretary Leon Panetta testified this morning on Capitol Hill that President Barack Obama was absent the night four Americans were murdered in Benghazi on September 11, 2012: — Panetta said, though he did meet with Obama …
Rusty Weiss / The Mental Recession: On the Night Four Americans Were Murdered in Benghazi, President Obama Voted 'Present'
Jennifer Rubin / Right Turn: The second-term curse — We know many recent presidents fell prey to a second-term curse.
Jim Hoft / The Gateway Pundit: NOW THEY TELL US... Obama Was ABSENT Night of Benghazi Massacre ...(Obama Went to Bed)
Deringer / nation.foxnews.com: OBAMA ABSENT NIGHT OF BENGHAZI
William Kristol / Weekly Standard:
On Their Own — The White House left Ambassador Chris Stevens, Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, and Sean Smith on their own on September 11 in Benghazi. That is the upshot of today's Capitol Hill hearing featuring Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Martin Dempsey.
Discussion: Power Line
Scott Johnson / Power Line: On their own — Joint Chiefs Chairman Dempsey and Secretary …
Associated Press:
Panetta defends military response in Libya attack
Panetta defends military response in Libya attack
Discussion: Weekly Standard, Hit & Run, Hot Air, Pat Dollard and Flopping Aces
Daniel Halper / Weekly Standard: General on Benghazi: 'We Never Received a Request for Support from the State Department'
Ed Krayewski / Hit & Run: President Obama Had One Conversation With Leon Panetta on the Day of the Benghazi Attack
Tim Mak / Politico:
Leon Panetta defends Pentagon response after Benghazi attack
Leon Panetta defends Pentagon response after Benghazi attack
Discussion: ABCNEWS
News Media Scrub Cop Murderer's Manifesto of Pro-Obama, Hillary, MSNBC, CNN, Gay, and Anti-Gun Comments — I've been following closely the news story about Chris Dorner, who is now suspected of murdering three people, including one police officer, and shooting another two police officers.
Discussion: BREITBART.COM, Weasel Zippers, Hot Air, Twitchy, Council of Conservative … and The Jawa Report
John Nolte / BREITBART.COM: SUSPECTED MASS-MURDERER'S MANIFESTO ENDORSES HILLARY, OBAMA, GUN CONTROL, ELITE MEDIA
Allahpundit / Hot Air: Accused cop-killer left manifesto praising Obama, Hillary, Piers Morgan, gun control
Thisistwitchy / Twitchy: MSM covers up Christopher Dorner's hard-Left political views
Andrew Kaczynski / BuzzFeed:
LAPD Spree Killer's Supposed Full Manifesto Shows Support For Gun Control And President Obama — Police asked a Los Angeles Fox affiliate to remove the manifesto, originally reported to be that of alleged gunman Christopher Dorner, shortly after publishing.
Discussion: nation.foxnews.com and SOOPERMEXICAN
Crimefile / CRIME, GUNS, AND VIDEOTAPE:
Fired LAPD Officer, Obama Lover and Committed Gun Control Advocate is Being Sought In Revenge Killings!
Fired LAPD Officer, Obama Lover and Committed Gun Control Advocate is Being Sought In Revenge Killings!
Discussion: Associated Press, Bob Owens, The Daily Caller and The PJ Tatler
Patrick Howley / The Daily Caller: Suspected cop killer an Obama, Piers Morgan fan
Stephen Green / The PJ Tatler: The Obama-Loving Cop Killer
L.A. police look for ex-cop suspected in shootings
L.A. police look for ex-cop suspected in shootings
Discussion: Little Green Footballs, CBS Los Angeles, L.A. NOW and Represent!
Vabergland / CBS Los Angeles: Massive Manhunt Underway For Ex-Cop After Riverside Police Officer Fatally Shot
Bryan Preston / The PJ Tatler:
Suspected L.A. Cop Killer Posted Pro-Obama, Pro-Gun Control, Leftist Rant on the Web (Update: KTLA Whitewash)
Suspected L.A. Cop Killer Posted Pro-Obama, Pro-Gun Control, Leftist Rant on the Web (Update: KTLA Whitewash)
Discussion: protein wisdom, Fire Andrea Mitchell! and Five Feet of Fury
Jeff G. / protein wisdom: "Suspected LA Cop Killer Posted Pro-Obama, Pro-Gun Control, Leftist Rant on the Web" [UPDATE]
Kathy Shaidle / Five Feet of Fury: Warren Kinsella: Wrong again — three times in one week
The GOP, Fox political purge — Republicans and Fox News are moving to purge the controversial political creatures they created. — Both were damaged badly in 2012 by loud, partisan voices that stoked the base — but that scared the hell out of many voters.
Charles P. Pierce / Esquire: THINGS IN POLITICO THAT MAKE ME WANT TO GUZZLE ANTIFREEZE, PART THE INFINITY
Stephanie Ebbert / The Boston Globe: Joins board of Mass. paper processing firm
Thereisnospoon / Hullabaloo: Can't take the grift out of the GOP, by @DavidOAtkins
David Ferguson / The Raw Story: GOP infighting turns ugly over 'hater' comment
Paul Bibeau / Goblinbooks: Karl Rove to the GOP: "Please. Please Stop Talking"
Steve Benen / The Maddow Blog: What the 'cranks, haters and bigots' believe
Steve M. / No More Mister Nice Blog: DOES GOP WEAKNESS MATTER WHEN THE MAINSTREAM PRESS IS ROOTING FOR REPUBLICANS TO WIN?
Tengrain / Mock, Paper, Scissors: "Some Say," Some Said — Tiger Beat on the Potomac (Thanks Charlie! …
Joan McCarter / Daily Kos: Politico: Fox 'purge' shows GOP is trying to moderate
Paul Waldman / American Prospect: Why Fox Dumped Dick Morris
Jennifer Jacobs / Des Moines Register:
Congressman Steve King: Help fight Karl Rove's crusade against me
Congressman Steve King: Help fight Karl Rove's crusade against me
Discussion: Ballot Box, The Fix and Post Politics
Cameron Joseph / Ballot Box: Steve King fundraises off Karl Rove's 'crusade' against him
Sean Sullivan / Post Politics: Steve King: 'Nobody can bully me out of running for Senate'
James Hohmann / Politico:
Steve King: Donate to me to stop Karl Rove
Steve King: Donate to me to stop Karl Rove
Discussion: The Huffington Post, CNN and The Caucus
Karl Rove / CNN: Steve King: Karl Rove 'launched a crusade against me'
Jeff Zeleny / The Caucus: Iowa Congressman Pushes Back Against Rove Group
Karl Rove vs. tea party for GOP's future
Karl Rove vs. tea party for GOP's future
Discussion: New York Times, ABCNEWS, The Maddow Blog and Daily Kos
Jeff Zeleny / New York Times: New Rove Effort Has G.O.P. Aflame
Chris Good / ABCNEWS: The New GOP Civil War
Quinnipiac News + Events:
Release Detail — February 7, 2013 - Americans Back Women In Combat 3-1, But Less For Draft, Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds; Support For Universal Gun Background Checks Is 92% — American voters support allowing women in combat by an overwhelming 75 - 22 percent, including 77 …
Discussion: Talking Points Memo, Politico, ABCNEWS, The Plum Line, Gawker, Daily Kos, Hot Air, Firedoglake, Outside the Beltway, NPR and msnbc.com
Katie Glueck / Politico: Poll: 75 percent for women in combat
Emily Deruy / ABCNEWS: Latinos Favor Allowing Women in Combat
Allahpundit / Hot Air: Raul Labrador to Democrats: House GOP won't vote for a path to citizenship for illegals
Doug Mataconis / Outside the Beltway: Poll: 75% Of Americans Support Women In Combat
Eyder Peralta / NPR: Poll: 9 In 10 Americans Support Background Check For All Gun Sales
Greg Sargent / The Plum Line:
Dems will offer GOP spending cuts to avert doom
Dems will offer GOP spending cuts to avert doom
Discussion: Hullabaloo
Greg Sargent / The Plum Line:
The Morning Plum: GOP resolve on sequester begins to crack
The Morning Plum: GOP resolve on sequester begins to crack
Discussion: Mother Jones, Businessweek, Angry Bear, Hot Air, Booman Tribune and msnbc.com
Kevin Drum / Mother Jones: No Need to Panic About the Sequester Yet
Joshua Green / Businessweek: The Looming Republican Crackup Over the Sequester
Beverly Mann / Angry Bear: Does Obama Have Stockholm Syndrome, Or Is Greg Sargent Misreading Obama's Press Conference Comments?
Daily Rundown / msnbc.com: Republican rift over sequester
New York Times:
Democrats Seek to Stave Off $1 Trillion in Cuts
Democrats Seek to Stave Off $1 Trillion in Cuts
Discussion: Politico, Wall Street Journal, Daily Kos, The Maddow Blog and Hullabaloo
Jake Sherman / Politico: Some in GOP want sequester deal
Laura Clawson / Daily Kos: Republicans start to squirm over sequester
Conor Friedersdorf / The Atlantic Online:
As Neocons Defend Obama, Allies Doubt Him on Drones as Never Before — The John Brennan confirmation hearings are the biggest showdown yet on extrajudicial killing and executive branch secrecy. — For once, the Obama Administration's drone policy is much in the news.
Discussion: Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Flopping Aces, Taking Note, Lawfare, Washington Monthly, The Week, CANNONFIRE and Taylor Marsh, more at Mediagazer »
Lincoln Caplan / Taking Note: The Targeted Killing Memo and the Problem of Secret Law
Ritika Singh / Lawfare: Today's Headlines and Commentary
Felicia Sonmez / Post Politics:
Code Pink protests bring Brennan hearing to halt — Senate Intelligence Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) called Thursday's hearing to recess barely a few minutes after it had started, as protesters one-by-one interrupted CIA Director-nominee John Brennan during his opening statement.
Discussion: Crooks and Liars, The Lonely Conservative and Suburban Guerrilla
Ashley Killough / CNN:
Poll: Americans back drone attacks, but not on U.S. citizens abroad
Poll: Americans back drone attacks, but not on U.S. citizens abroad
Discussion: AEIdeas and Weasel Zippers
Amie Parnes / The Hill:
Obama 'prepared, eager and anxious' for GOP sequester fight — President Obama told House Democrats on Thursday that he is "prepared, eager and anxious" to produce a "big package" on the so-called sequester that would end "this governance in crisis." — Speaking to lawmakers …
Jennifer Epstein / Politico: Obama urges House Dems to stay with him on agenda
Kevin Liptak / CNN:
Obama tells House Dems he wants 'big deal' on debt
Obama tells House Dems he wants 'big deal' on debt
Discussion: Politico
Kate Nocera / Politico: DCCC chair: Jan. record in member donations
Darlene Superville / Associated Press:
Michelle Obama to Attend Chicago Girl's Funeral
Michelle Obama to Attend Chicago Girl's Funeral
Jennifer Epstein / Politico: First lady to attend girl's funeral
Eyder Peralta / NPR: First Lady Michelle Obama Will Attend Slain Chicago Teen's Funeral
Washington Post:
Sen. Menendez contacted top officials in friend's Medicare dispute — Sen. Robert Menendez raised concerns with top federal health-care officials twice in recent years about their finding that a Florida eye doctor — a close friend and major campaign donor — had overbilled the government …
Jordan Fabian / ABCNEWS: Sen. Menendez: No Undue Influence on Behalf of Political Donor
Jeffrey Meyer / NewsBusters blogs: WashPost Runs 43 Paragraph Front-Page Article On Sen. Menendez; Buries Prostitution Scandal In Style Section
Robert Stacy McCain / The Other McCain: Washington Post Reports Menendez Corruption, Downplays Jailbait Hookers
Justin Sink / The Hill: Menendez: Nothing improper in Medicare calls for donor
OpenSecrets.org: Capital Eye Opener, Feb. 7: Menendez Ties to Donor Deepen, Hutchison Joins Giuliani's Firm, and More
Jennifer Rubin / Right Turn: Comeuppance for Menendez, Obama and Hagel
Charlie Spiering / Washington Examiner: 'Menendez is a good friend of mine, and he knows I never did anything wrong'
Dana Halferty / Medium:
Damsel, Arise: A Westboro Scion Leaves Her Church — Just after 11 last Sunday morning at Old First Reformed Church in Brooklyn, the Rev. Dr. Daniel Meeter is starting the Sunday service as he always does. He runs through the opening salutation and the collect for the day …
Discussion: AMERICAblog, Religion Dispatches, Good As You, Advocate, Mediaite and The Stranger …
John Aravosis / AMERICAblog: Two of Fred Phelps' granddaughters defect from GodHatesF*gs Westboro Baptist
Peter Montgomery / Religion Dispatches: Two of Fred Phelps's Granddaughters Leave Westboro Church of Hate - Post by PETER MONTGOMERY
Lucas Grindley / Advocate: How Two Phelps Family Members Become 'Betrayers'
Noah Rothman / Mediaite: The Amazing Transformation Of A Westboro Baptist Church Leader Who Left The Church And Moved To Brooklyn
Megan Seling / The Stranger, Seattle's Only Newspaper: Megan Phelps-Roper, and Her Sister Grace, Have Left the Westboro Church
Megan Phelps-Roper / Medium:
Head Full of Doubt / Road Full of Promise
Head Full of Doubt / Road Full of Promise
Discussion: Joe. My. God., Mashable!, Guardian, Wonkette, Towleroad News #gay and Gawker
The Daily Dot / Mashable!: Westboro Baptist Heiress Pens Online Goodbye to Church
Rebecca Schoenkopf / Wonkette: Wait A Minute, Did You Know The Westboro Baptist Church Girls Are Super Pretty?
Miriam Valverde / Sun-Sentinel:
"Breastaurants" Tilted Kilt, Twin Peaks coming to area — Hooters Girls are getting more competition. At least two new "breastaurant" chains are working on plans to open in South Florida this year, also featuring scantily clad women. — Next month, the Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery will open …
Discussion: Vodkapundit
Stephen Green / Vodkapundit: "In-N-Out Burger" Was Already Taken
Michael Sneed / Chicago Sun Times:
SNEED EXCLUSIVE: Pending Jesse Jackson Jr. plea deal includes 'significant jail time,' source says — Sneed has learned a plea deal is now on the table between former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and federal authorities probing allegations of campaign fund misuse.
Hans von Spakovsky / The Heritage Foundation: Jesse Jackson Jr. Facing "Significant Jail Time"
Vince Coglianese / The Daily Caller: REPORT: Jesse Jackson, Jr. plea deal includes 'significant jail time'
ZIP / Weasel Zippers: Report: Dem Ex-Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. To Do "Significant Jail Time" In Plea Deal With Feds...
Anne Sorock / Le·gal In·sur·rec· tion: The Machine revealed: Jesse Jackson Jr "facing significant jailtime" in plea deal
Ed Morrissey / Hot Air: Jackson Jr plea deal will include "significant jail time"
Rick Moran / americanthinker.com: Plea deal in Jesse Jackson, Jr. case includes 'significant' jail time
Doug Mataconis / Outside the Beltway: Jesse Jackson Jr. Headed To Jail?
National and Local Weather Forecast …:
Winter Storm Nemo: Potential Historic Blizzard Looms — Potentially Historic Storm: Snow Impact — Winter Storm Nemo is now poised to become the latest example of a powerful, potentially historic, February storm. — We lay out the forecast of heavy snow on this page …
Discussion: The Week and Suburban Guerrilla
Michael Grunwald / TIME:
Immigrant Son — Oriales García Rubio knows how it feels to want more. When she was a girl in central Cuba in the 1930s, her family of nine lived in a one-room house with a dirt floor. Her dolls were Coke bottles dressed in rags. She dreamed of becoming an actress.
Discussion: The Stranger …, FishbowlDC, Red Alert Politics, Washington Wire, ABCNEWS, TheBlaze.com, CNN and Wall Street Journal
Paul Constant / The Stranger, Seattle's Only Newspaper: Marco Rubio's Ascent Continues
Betsy Rothstein / FishbowlDC: TIME Cover: Marco Rubio - The Republican Savior
Kelsey Osterman / Red Alert Politics: Marco Rubio: Hombre en Fuego!
Tim Hanrahan / Washington Wire: Rubio: Only One Savior, and It's Not Me
Arlette Saenz / ABCNEWS: How Marco Rubio's Mom Influenced Him on Immigration Reform
Meredith Jessup / TheBlaze.com: For Rubio & TIME, what a difference 2 years makes
Siobhan Hughes / Wall Street Journal: Rubio to Deliver GOP Response at State of the Union
Ian Millhiser / ThinkProgress:
Reagan-Appointed Judge On Race: 'Eleanor Roosevelt Said Staffs Of One Color Always Work Better' — A Texas civil rights group filed a complaint against Judge Lynn N. Hughes, a Ronald Reagan-appointee to a federal district court in Texas, criticizing his "outlandish racial comments" …
Discussion: alan.com
Gatemouth / Room Eight:
Exclusive: Lena Dunham—Born Again Political Virgin — LENA DUNHAM (in a video supporting President Obama's re-election): Your first time shouldn't be with just anybody. … The actual story of the cherries jubilee celebrating the loss of Lena Dunham's virginity is somewhat less romantic.
Discussion: Politico, Mediaite, Washington Examiner, BREITBART.COM, Red Alert Politics, The Daily Caller, PopWatch, Gawker and BuzzFeed
Caitlin McDevitt / Politico: Lena Dunham: Chill out, I voted
Matt Wilstein / Mediaite: Lena Dunham Did Vote In 2012 Election, Despite All Evidence To The Contrary
Ezra Dulis / BREITBART.COM: PUBLICIST: YES, LENA DUNHAM VOTED IN 2012
Kelsey Osterman / Red Alert Politics: Lena Dunham of Obama 'first time' ad didn't vote in 2012 ... or did she?
Jim Treacher / The Daily Caller: Lena Dunham is a young woman who we're all supposed to take seriously …
Jeff Labrecque / PopWatch: Lena Dunham did go all the way with Obama on the ballot after all...
Taylor Berman / Gawker: Breaking: Lena Dunham Reportedly Did Not Vote in Last Election (But Says She Did)
Mike Malloy / Ames Tribune:
Bill would define abortion as murder — State Rep. Rob Bacon believes abortion is murder and he wants the Iowa Code to reflect that. — Bacon, R-Slater, and eight other Republicans introduced such a bill in the Iowa House Wednesday. It would alter the definition of a person in murder cases to …
Discussion: Little Green Footballs, The Raw Story and alan.com


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Protect Your Vision with Help from the Experts.
Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye, caused by aging. They are a very common problem—in fact, about half of all Americans over the age of 70 will develop cataracts.
The good news is that cataracts are one of the most treatable eye conditions. Cataract surgery is a routine procedure where the cloudy lens of the eye is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. It is one of the safest types of surgery in the U.S.
Have you noticed changes in your vision that may be caused by cataracts? With a thorough eye exam, our experienced, caring staff will diagnose the issue and guide you toward the best decision for your health and vision. We can also answer any questions you have about cataracts or what to expect with cataract surgery. Complete this form today to request an appointment!
Did you know that cataracts usually form over a long period of time? Many people don't even realize they have cataracts, because the symptoms develop slowly.
If you're not sure whether you have cataracts, take our free Cataract Symptoms Assessment. By answering a few simple questions, we can provide insight into the health of your eyes and help you decide if you should consider an appointment with one of our eye specialists.


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New Models
Toro 42" TimeCutter® SS4200 (CARB) (74705)
42" TimeCutter® SS4200 (CARB) (74705)
Featuring Smart Speed® Control System
This TimeCutter® SS4200 zero turn riding mower is powered by a 452cc Toro engine (CARB compliant). It features a 42", 4" deep, high capacity steel mowing deck with washout port to clean under the deck, 18" Extra-tall seat, along with Smart Speed® control system -- giving you greater control of speed and maneuverability.
- Powerful 452cc Toro Engine (CARB compliant)
- 42 in (107 cm) Mowing Deck is perfect for mowing in tight areas with many trees and landscaping
- Smart Speed® control system lets you choose from 3 ground speeds for optimal performance - trim, tow or mow.
- 3-Year Limited Warranty - No Hour Limitations
- Toro 452cc Engine: The Toro 452cc engine provides dependable performance and reliable starting with full pressure lubrication and spin-on oil filter.
- Improved Cutting Quality: Redesigned deck and cutting system for the ultimate quality of cut in diverse conditions. Spreads grass up to 80% farther* for a better quality cut at a faster speed.*Results may vary based on grass conditions.
- Easy Switch To Mulching: Switch from side-discharge to mulching in minutes. The redesigned cutting deck and Recycler mulch kit make mowing in diverse conditions easier and faster.
- Better Productivity: The new bagging attachment has 29% better bag fill*, which means less stops to empty the bags.*Bag fill based on weight measured during a comparison test. Actual results likely to vary with conditions.
- Heavy Duty 10 Gauge Unibody Steel Frame: The lower the gauge, the thicker the metal. That is why we use heavy duty 10 gauge steel. The unibody steel frame provides the optimal balance in rigidity and flexibility for quick, highly maneuverable mowing conditions.
- 3-Gallon (11.4 Liter) Fuel Capacity: All TimeCutter riding mowers feature a large 3-gallon (11.4 Liter) fuel tank for more mowing with fewer fill-ups. Knowing when to fill up is simple thanks to the translucent tank, which also helps to prevent overfilling.
- Automatic Parking Brake: Automatically engaged when the control arms are moved outward. Simplifies operation by eliminating a separate parking brake.
- Hitch Kit Standard: Hitch kit comes standard on all TimeCutter models. It's easy to increase the versatility of your zero turn mower by attaching a dump cart, de-thatcher, fertilizer spreader or other Brinly-Hardy attachments. (Attachments sold separately.)
- Heavy-Duty Rear Engine Guard: This heavy-duty steel guard protects the engine from branches and debris as you maneuver around your lawn.
- Washout Ports: Deck washout ports create a pressure washer under your deck providing quick cleaning, maintaining optimum airflow for optimum cutting performance. 50" (127 cm) deck is pictured.
- Save on Average 45% of your MowingTime: The Toro TimeCutter cuts your mowing time almost in half*, which means less work for you and your mower. You'll not only have more time to enjoy, you'll extend the working life of your mower. *Time savings by yard size are from 2008 - 2012 survey results for Toro residential zero-turn mowers, as reported by owners.
- Dual Hydrostatic Drive System: Independent hydrostatic drive systems provide responsive maneuverability and zero turning capabilities. These independent drives are anchored to Toro's unibody frame and reinforced with a cross member for lasting durability and performance.
- Smart Speed® Control - Trim, Tow, Mow: Toro's Smart Speed® control system lets you choose from three ground speed ranges for optimal performance. Use low TRIM range to trim closer for maximum time savings, choose medium TOW range for towing attachments, or select high MOW range to mow large open areas and finish quickly.
- Non-Slip, Easy-to-Clean Floor Pan: The pierced floor pan is perfect for homeowners who like their mower to look as nice as their lawn. Simply hose down the floor pan after each use and keep your TimeCutter looking as good as new. The non-slip pierced extrusions also provide an additional measure of safety.
- 18" Extra Tall Seat: When you're mowing for an extended period, there's no substitute for a good seat. The 18" extra tall seat offers permium support during longer mowing sessions.
- 3-Year Limited Warranty - No Hour Limitations: Product is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for three years without an hour limitation. See owner's manual for complete warranty details.
- Engine: 452cc Toro Engine (CARB compliant)
- Fuel Capacity: 3 gal / 11.4 L
- Cutting Width: 42" / 107 cm - 13 ga. 2 blades
- Blade Tip Speed: 17,810 ft/min
- Cup Holder: Standard
- Engine Displacement: 452cc
- Ground Speed: Mow(F/R)11.3 km/h / 4.8 km/h, Tow(F/R) 8.8 km/h / 3.8 km/h, Trim (F/R) 6.4 km/h / 2.7 km/h
- Height: 37.3" / 94.7 cm
- Height of Cut: 1.5" - 4.5" (3.8 - 11.4 cm)
- Hour Meter: Optional
- Length: 71.8" / 182.4 cm
- Seat: 18" (46 cm) Extra-Tall
- Steering Controls: Dual Wrap Around Levers
- Tires: 11" x 4" (27.9 cm x 10.2 cm) Front, 18" x 7.5" (45.7 cm x 19.1 cm) Rear
- Tool Box: Standard
- Transmission: Dual Hydrostatic HG-ZT2100
- Washout Port: Standard
- Warranty: 3-Year Unlimited Hours
- Width: 45.3" / 115 cm Deflector Up - 53.8" / 137 cm Deflector Down - Storage Dimensions (W x L x H) 45.3" x 71.8" x 37.3" (115 cm x 182 cm x 95 cm)
- Brinly-Hardy Direct Mount Attachments: Mount these premium Brinly-Hardy spreader and sprayer attachments directly to your TimeCutter for easy use. See your local Toro dealer for details. (Mount Kit part #131-3966 required.)
- Brinly-Hardy Attachments: Standard hitch pulls a variety of premium Brinly-Hardy attachments, such as a cart, lawn sweeper, dethatcher, aerator and sprayer. See your local Toro dealer for details.
- Deck Lift Pedal: Allows you to lift the mowing deck when changing the height of cut position and easily raise the mowing deck while mowing to avoid scalping.
- Anti-Vibration Floor Mat: This rubber floor mat is a great addition to your TimeCutter mower. Reduces vibration and dampens deck noise during mowing.
- Hourmeter: Keep your mower in peak condition with an hourmeter for determining when to service.
- Sunshade: Keep cool and dry while you mow. The Toro sunshade increases operator comfort by shielding you from the elements. (Model Number - 79011)
NOTES:*See retailer for warranty details.
- Engine Manufacturer
- Toro®
- Engine Type
- CARB compliant
- Displacement
- 452cc
- Transmission
- Dual Hydrostatic HG-ZT2100
- Wheel Size
- Front: 11 in. x 4 in. (27.9 cm x 10.2 cm); Rear: 18 in. x 7.5 in. (45.7 cm x 19.1 cm)
- Fuel Capacity
- 3 gal. (11.4 L)
- Deck Size
- 42 in. (107 cm)


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TMI Valentines
MOM ALERT: today's Wrecks may start some awkward conversations with the kids.
When choosing sweets for your Sweet this week, think twice before going with one of these.
I've heard of taking a flying leap before, but this is ridiculous.
Or maybe just eat this one."
- Related Wreckage: Heart Expressions