text:
Ross looking at timeshare with Sox's catchers
By Evan Drellich / MLB.com | 11/15/12 11:10 AM ET
BOSTON -- The Red Sox told David Ross, their newly signed catcher, that the club's plan for the position is something tantamount to a split, Ross said Thursday morning on MLB Network Radio.
As of now, he'll be making that timeshare with one of the incumbents, Ryan Lavarnway or Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Ross is just not sure which.
"I think maybe playing a little more than a backup and splitting time with one of the guys they have there," Ross said. "I don't know whether it's going to be Salty or Lavarnway. I think they're sorting that out now, I don't know who it's going to be."
Presumably, either Saltalamacchia or Lavarnway will be traded.
Ross' two-year deal with the Sox became official on Thursday after he spent four years with the Braves. He said the Red Sox were aggressive going after him and it became easy to envision himself in a Boston uniform.
"The way they pursued me and the things they told me, 'We want you to play more than you have been playing, but we don't want you to be the starter,'" Ross said. "'Just be a good part of this team.' That's kind of all they said. There wasn't a whole lot of high expectations or anything like that, they just said they wanted me for me."
Ross said he doesn't plan to come in and try to dictate his own game plan to pitchers. He has high regard for Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, the staff leaders, and Ross sounded convinced that Lester would have a bounce-back season.
"I know that it's a good pitching staff, Jon Lester's one of the most feared lefties in the game," Ross said. "I think down years make you better. I was telling [former Braves teammate] Brian McCann that the other day. I think Jon Lester, if I'm a fantasy player ... I want to get Jon Lester."
"I got to get there, get to know them," Ross continued. "I put a lot of stock in letting a pitcher dictate what he wants to do. When I feel like I know what he wants to do, then I feel like I can talk to him about how to use that stuff."
Through no effort of his own, Ross gained a high level of familiarity with one American League East team this week. The Blue Jays look a lot like the Marlins he faced plenty with the Braves following the Toronto-Miami blockbuster.
"Jose Reyes needs to leave me alone, I'm tired of seeing that guy when I'm catching on the basepaths," Ross said. "That guy's a nuisance."
Briefly, Ross was with the Red Sox in 2008, and he took away a positive vibe. Current manager John Farrell and general manager Ben Cherington gave off that vibe again this time around.
"I got the feeling talking to Ben and John, the same feeling when I got when I was there in '08 for a short period of time," Ross said. "Of just the desire to put good guys in the clubhouse and talent on the field as well. And I think that breeds winning teams. Being in Atlanta, we weren't the most talented team all the time, but guys cared about each other. ... Boston definitely had a down year, but I think a lot of that is going to be in the rearview mirror. It is in my mind."


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|View Poll Results: Little Busters - Total Series Rating
|Perfect 10
|9 out of 10 : Excellent
|8 out of 10 : Very Good
|7 out of 10 : Good
|6 out of 10 : Average
|5 out of 10 : Below Average
|4 out of 10 : Poor
|3 out of 10 : Bad
|2 out of 10 : Very Bad
|1 out of 10 : Painful
|Voters: 24. You may not vote on this poll
|Thread Tools
|2013-04-14, 00:57
|Link #1
AnimeSuki's Mascot
Join Date: Apr 2006
Little Busters - Overall Impressions & Total Season Rating
This thread is to be used for discussing the entire episodes of Little Busters ... your thoughts about the show, overall impressions, expectations and hopes about Blu-Ray/DVD-exclusive footage etc.
A few subjects you might want to ramble on about:
And so on.
The poll represents your total series rating. In other words, how you would rate all the episodes combined (1-10)? If you'd rather rate the whole series by technical/artistic merits, you can do so. An example:
Animation Quality: 1-10
Voice Actors: 1-10
Script: 1-10
Soundtrack: 1-10
Editing: 1-10
Enjoyment: 1-10
Emotional Involvement: 1-10
Average = Total Series Rating
Or a combination of the two. Or your general gut feeling.
Feel free to discuss and more importantly, have fun
|2013-04-14, 01:07
|Link #2
Join Date: Dec 2003
Age: 35
By the way, I know that some people would say that you shouldn't really judge the show at this point because it's only half-done, and it's a story that you need to watch in whole to appreciate. But nevertheless, it's our habit to have these sorts of threads after every season, so perhaps people can just post their opinions so far keeping in mind that it isn't over.
|2013-04-14, 05:21
|Link #3
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Visual Dream Panire
I think it was a perfect setup for ~Refrain~.
It had some dramatic moments that all came to a good end, making the watcher soft.
Meanwhile, I'm expecting that ~Refrain~ will have them even stronger and won't clear them that fast, making the effect on the watcher even bigger.
Anyhow, keeping things short, I'll give it a 10/10 with high expectations for the Second Season.
|2013-04-14, 09:49
|Link #4
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
The thing that annoyed me the most is the music placement,it just....sucks.By doing that wrong,they not only insulted the already wonderful BGMs from the VN but also ruined some scenes along the way. >.>
They should totally fire the music director and not allowing him anywhere near Refrain.
As for the animation,I just want to ask where the hell did all the budget going to.
Mio's new VA did a wonderful job - check
Komari's voice still sound like porn - check
Riki sound less girly than in VN - check
Everyone else's voice beside Kanata is good - check
Now Kanata's voice has the most notable change.Her voice sound really deep,scary like an old woman which I don't like at all,but they forced her VA into doing that so that's not VA's fault,I guess.
And ofc,as I complained somewhere here,they spent too many episodes on common route and repetitive comedies that isn't funny anymore while cutting and rushing the heroine's arcs.I think people begin to drop the show after all those common eps after Komari arc.The peak of dropping is at test of courage episode,I think.
All that said,I still enjoy the show and appreciated some nice insights it gave for some arcs.
Well,I feel like J.C did try and I'm being totally biased for anything LB! related so
It could have been better though.
|2013-04-14, 10:09
|Link #5
Graphic Designer
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: UK
Unlike what other people says, I think J.C Staff handled this season pretty well, let's not forget the Anime-Only watchers don't know what the Visual Novel Players do, and I think J.C Staff are pretty well aware of that fact.
Now, of course this season had some minor, to major problems, which I won't mention for spoiler-free sake.
Let's not forget we're dealing with J.C Staff here..
Animation 7/10:
I think the animation quality was, well.. Kinda weird in the first half, and it got better in the second, increase of budget half-way?
Script 7.9/10:
I think it was good for what it really is, a prologue to Refrain, with the character routes 'jammed' in.
Thus I will go more in depth on the Refrain overall impressions.
Voice Acting 8/10:
I think that it was really good, and was fitting each character, glad they toned down Rin and Komari in the anime.. They blew my ears up in the novel..
Character design 7.5/10:
Well, aside from the fact that they rendered it in 'Moe Form', I think it was fairly good, I actually prefer some designs from the anime better than the novel
Soundtrack 8/10:
I believe they kept the same tracks from the novel, so if you liked the novel's tracks, then you already love these.
Well, as mentioned, too bad it had some really weird/bad placement..
I don't know much about that, so I'll pass.
Enjoyment 7.5/10:
It was fairly fine to me, aside from the 'funny scenes' that were repeated so many times they made me go "...Meh.." [Which is too bad cause I'd usually laugh my head off at those scenes in the novel.] it's quite enjoyable if you don't have anything in your to-watch list.
Gotta love those trolling scenes.
Emotional Involvement 6.5/10:
If you finished the VN before watching the anime like I did, you can be pretty involved in some scenes... Unfortunately, not enough for me.
Total Series Rating 7.9/10:
Now, you can freely call me a 'simplist that doesn't see the true values behind the moe' but I believe that for a prologue, it was really good, thus I shall put all my hope on Refrain.
We have high expectations J.C Staff, don't betray us.
Sorry for the wall of text, I can't express what I truly think without those..
|2013-04-14, 10:39
|Link #6
Dedicated Lurker
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: You Guess
Age: 24
Animation Quality: 8
Animation was solid for the most part. A few frames were deformed, and certain angles stretched and compressed characters, but otherwise, I can say I liked the animation.
Voice Actors: 8
Kyousuke voicing was my favorite of the lot. His character's writing might play a large part in that, but the VA did a good job portraying him imo. Everyone played their part, but nobody really struck me as outstanding.
Script: 7.5
For the type of story they had to adapt, I liked the way the script was written. There's only so much they could write without dead giving away the "secret" of the world. Visual novel readers were given some cues here and there.
Soundtrack: 8.5
The Little Busters song grew on me after playing the game. That's just the one that gains the most meaning as the story progresses though. LB's soundtrack has emotion going for it. A good number of the songs really tug at the heart strings (Song for Friends, Just One Magic Word, Faraway, etc.).
Can't say I really know what this means either.
Enjoyment: 8.5
Having finished reading the visual novel around half way through, I took the liberty of reviewing the episodes before I finished the game. They played with the story order to smoothly transition between arcs, but that was a good move imo. Little Busters the animation had some gains for the original material it lost.
Emotional Involvement: 7.5
With how the character relationships were taken one notch down, there's just not as much character exploration. I liked the characters, but that was mostly from the original format's development.
Overall: 8
Masterpiece would be an overstatement, and good doesn't quite cut it. I give it a better than good.
|2013-04-14, 14:10
|Link #7
Join Date: Dec 2003
Age: 35
What I still think is remarkable about this production is that the lead writer penned the script herself for 23 out of the 26 episodes (with only one other writer for the three remaining). That's a lot of effort to ensure the script has continuity, but of course it also means that the writer's own personal sensitivities colour the work a bit more. In either case, this is definitely a more costly/time-consuming way of doing things, so it's clear that a lot of effort was placed here (and also that the Production Committee really put a lot of faith in the writer they chose for such a daunting -- some called near-impossible -- task).
|2013-04-14, 21:58
|Link #8
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: California
I just saw episode 12 and I'm struggling to keep interest in this show.
In the beginning it felt similar to Angel Beats, which I loved, but the plot of LB is just moving so slow.
The Komari arc just bored me to tears and now it's a Nishizono arc who I care about just as much as Komari. This girl comes out of nowhere and the viewer is suddenly supposed to care about her? It doesn't work that way. Nothing about her has make her likeable to me. Which is probably the point of her character.
Right now I like the goofy moments and the foreshadowing about the secret of the world and how the mysterious note writer knew that the cafeteria ladies would all be gone. But those moments are few and far between. I'm also probably setting myself up for a disappointment by expecting a reveal close in scale to Angel Beats.
|2013-04-14, 22:08
|Link #9
Rewrite of the Life
Alright here are my thoughts
Animation Quality: 7.5/10
Obviously th animation faltered in many places. The animation wasn't the high point of this series. The character models were often sloppy at times and weren't quite as well done as they should have been. A choice not related to animation was an art choice, character designs. Many character designs were changed to match one style (Na-Ga), which i didn't agree with for the most part such as Haruka, Kurugaya, Riki and Komari. I understand they wanted to make it more cohesive, but I found the worst change in Riki and Kurugaya it effected their personalities to me. Overall decent animation but not fantastic or great.
Voice Actors: 9/10 Really well done in this area. Everyone did an excellent job I found. I was a bit disappointed that Mio's voice actress (Shiho Kawaragi) was not able to join the cast. I also found Kanata too be a little too harsh at times and Haruka not to be quite up to par at the beginning. I was very shocked by the choice for Riki's voice since he was voiced by Horie Yui, whom does female roles. I found her to be a better match than the visual novel (Tomoe Tamiyasu) myself, making Riki sounded more masculine which was good. Sasami (Sora Tokui) I thought was a fine choice and did an equal good job as Tamiyasu.
Script: 7.5/10
I found they did a decent job with the script but i found many points were left out. I know it was hard for them to put in everything into a certain amount of time. But, other parts seemed like they could have fleshed out if some parts were removed.
Soundtrack: 8.5/10 Great use of used tracks and un used tracks from the game. It was a bit awkward when used a characters theme when they were not on-screen. I found the placement of a certain track not used in the original, enhanced a lot of the moments that took place. I was disappointed that they used some instrumental tracks when I thought they should be used much later for better emotional impact. I do wish they used some original tracks or remixed some to make them more unique.
Enjoyment: 8.5/10 I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would have, after finding out Kyoani did not animate this. I was very glad at some additions made to the story that I did not expect. I grew interested each week to see what changes would be made and how the animated version would compare/improve on the visual novel counterpart. To look forward to how they will improve of many issues I had with Refrain and look forward to more in general
Emotional Involvement: 7.5/10 I found some parts did not strike me at all in the same way as the novel. Lots of moments lost some impact due to the strict time constraints.Truth be told, I did not have too much emotional involvement with the some of the game either, until certain parts and the later half. But I did find many parts done very well such as Miyuki's scene and lots of the comedy. It was really great to see how certain scenes would look whenthey moved so that helped to enhance the mood in many ways.
|2013-04-14, 22:13
|Link #10
Rewrite of the Life
The secret world bits are in between the show and will be revealed next season. There is a second part after these 26 episodes, called Refrain so the story isn't quite over yet. There is also lots more comedy and mysterious notes to come
|2013-04-15, 12:31
|Link #11
Senior Member
My final rating for this first season of Little Busters! is 8/10. That's apparently a generous rating based on what we have so far, so let me explain it a bit.
Rather than break this anime down into its component parts, I'm going to sum up what I liked and what I didn't like about this anime with pros and cons.
1. Protagonist Camaraderie. As odd as most of the LB's are individually, I find them very easy to buy into collectively. In other words, they feel like a very believable group of friends to me. And I think that a big part of the reason for this is the relative lack of gender bias here. The Little Busters eventually compromises 4 guys and 6 girls. An almost 1:1 ratio. I find that easier to buy into than 1 guy and a bunch of girls, or 1 guy (and his wingman) and a bunch of girls. But in any event, these 10 major protagonists really do come across as a great bunch of friends, and that's one of the most charming, endearing, and immersive aspects of the show.
2. Bright, Bold Colors. I love the look of Little Busters. It really suits the "idyllic youthful zeal" that the show implicitly (and sometimes explicitly) promotes. I love all the bright, blue skies and vibrant colors. Say what you will about the animation quality of the show, but its character designs, settings, and backgrounds are always pleasant to look at, imo.
3. Character Development By the time the final episode of this season rolled around, my impression is that most of the core cast (and some of the supporting cast characters like Kanata) had been nicely developed. While there wasn't necessarily a lot of character changes here, just about all of the key characters were impressively fleshed out. Everybody had their moments to shine. Anego is still somewhat mysterious, but then her route is yet to come from what I was told.
4. Cute Girls. Say what you want about them, they are cute! Both in appearance, and in personality.
5. Cool Guys. Kyousuke and Kengo are genuinely very cool dudes, with several "moments of awesome". Riki is getting there. Masato... has his moments at least. I can't think of any other recent anime show that mixes Cool Guys with Cute Girls as well as this show does!
6. Plot Twists. Some of the girl's routes had pretty startling plot twists. I love how "hardcore" the Haruka and Kud routes were, in particular.
7. Comedy. It wasn't always great, but it often was.
8. Seiyu work. All the voices really suited the characters, imo. No seiyu struck me as "mailing it in".
9. Kanata and Sasami. Good, theatrical antagonists. Very entertaining. Almost enough to make me regret Kanata's face turn.
1. Pacing. This show was a bit on the slow side. There were times when LB seemed to be spinning its wheels to me. It could come off as somewhat meandering at times. In something like K-On!, this is no big deal, but since Key is known for its dramatic impact, it was a bit disappointing for me. And that segues into the next con...
2. Lack of Dramatic Impact. I'm not sure if this show made me cry even once. I remember being moved from time-to-time, but I don't remember ever being moved to tears by it. While I like Komari and Mio, their arcs had little emotional impact on me. Haruka and Kud's arcs were entertainingly "hardcore", but they also didn't make me tear up much. I'm not sure if this is just me getting desensitized to Key narratives, or if LB! just lacked some of the tearjerking magic that Clannad and Kanon had for me. Or maybe it was due to...
3. Lack of Romance. This anime has made me reconsider my stance on unified format vs. omnibus format when it comes to VN adaptations. With Komari, Mio, and Haruka, I can definitely see where clear-cut romance would have jazzed up their routes and added some greater emotional poignancy to them. But I guess the lack of romance might have been inevitable here. Hopefully it's something that Refrain will address.
On the whole, I liked Little Busters a fair bit. It had a good blend of a generally upbeat mood, occasional plot surprises, a likeable male lead, and a cast of characters colorful enough to match its boldly bright visuals. It had a nice sense of style and authenticity to it. But it lacked a certain emotional depth to it that stopped it from being on par with Clannad for me.
Still, a very solid job overall, and I'm now comfortable with JC Staff being Key's anime partner of choice.
|2013-04-16, 14:50
|Link #12
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: California
Then the secret isn't revealed this season.
|2013-04-18, 05:47
|Link #13
Voyager Witch
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Otowa, Australia
Age: 26
Positivity? In MY Little Busters board?!?!
How refreshing...
Like many others before me, giving this an 8/10. JC really delivered on the common route aspect of the show - the group scenes were the most impacting, some even done better than the original work! My biggest gripe with the common route scenes was the battles. Arrgh, they did them all wrong. You see Masato lose in a battle once, and you know what'll happen for every other battle. Where's my Kyousuke vs Riki, or Komari vs Kengo? So much potential wasted right there.
One thing to note is this anime operated on a strict schedule. I'd probably rather they did the common route first and then moved onto the heroine arcs so we could go grow more attached to their characters before the drama set in, but this is how it went. The heroine arcs were alright. The could've definitely been done better if they had more time allocated them, but the anime is running on a strict schedule, so they could only afford 3 episodes per heroine. Given this limitation, I think they did pretty good overall. There are some moments where the lack of romance works, and others where things start making less sense. Why did Riki care about Mio so much? Sometimes the banner of 'friendship' doesn't feel as satisfying as actual love.
But, I believe that for all the areas they were forced to cut corners on during season 1, they did so to focus on building to season 2. I have high hopes for Refrain. They should have a lot more time to do what they need to do, and give the story the proper attention it deserves. It should also start getting a lot more linear from here on out - something many anime viewers had complained about during this season. Remember, this was just the prologue. The heart of the story is yet to come.
|2013-06-06, 12:34
|Link #14
Zolushka Lyubov' Live!
Little Busters! is what I expected it to be. Nothing quite like KyoAni might have done, not as bad as being made by J.C. Staff would make it seem. It's frustrating the show is neither good or bad. More thoughts below...
Spoiler for Length:
|2013-06-17, 02:15
|Link #15
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: In the middle of nowhere
Okay, finally got around to finishing this... It took me like three months after a Key-series ended to actually finish it. This is a sad day indeed.
This series was a huge let-down. I mean, disregarding the animation-quality (though I do think the artstyle was mostly okay... though it could have been so much better if they just turned down the brightness a few notches), and the previously mentioned point about lackluster music-placement, (biggest issue: FOR GOD'S SAKE STOP SPAMMING UNUSED TRACK 3. CONSTANTLY HEARING MISUZU'S THEME GOT RATHER DISTRACTING RATHER QUCKLY) this just wasn't particularly well written. Or well paced. I mean, seriously, four arcs? All of which only got three episodes each? In a 26 episode series? Doesn't that equate to over half the series being common route episodes?
Oh, and out of those arcs... Mio's was the only one I found even decent. And I do seem to be in the minority here as at least Haruka's arc seems to have been generally well received, but... okay, first off, Komari's arc was just boring. The fact that I find her voice extremely obnoxious did not help either. As for Haruka's arc, it seems like the overarching theme of that arc was meant to be like, mending the bond between estranged family members... Kud's arc having a similar theme... but the problem I had with both of these arcs is, they both also saw fit to throw in some ridiculously dark elements to generate drama... Dark elements that they then completely and utterly failed to address in a satisfactory manner. Haruka's family are so implausibly one-dimensionally evil that I can only imagine them all sitting around a table in a some elaborate ominous underground lair while twirling their mustaches, hatching evil schemes to bring misery to everyone while also having a few puppies running around to kick for good measure... and there is absolutely nothing in the story to indicate that anyone even thought to report these people to the cops? The way they abused those kids should warrant a freaking life-time in jail, for crying out loud, and yet all we get is just a casual remark that "We cut our ties with them"? And from what I understand, the VN didn't even have that.
But even that pales in comparison to that final episode of Kud's arc. So, our heroine goes back to her country to find her mother who may or may not have died... and the country is in a period of civil war. So she has to go into hiding, still unaware if her mother is alive or dead. Then they finally find that she is alive and she's about to be reunited with her... then she gets kidnapped, tortured and almost killed by terrorists. Uh, am I still watching the same show? And then this gets resolved in possibly the most blatant deus ex machina ever... and is then never spoken of again. In fact, all evidence points to Kud after this point being completely and utterly fine. Oh, and we don't even see her reunion with her mother either. Just... no. That is not effective storytelling. That is not even something vaguely resembling effective storytelling. You can't have a main character going through all that, and then just have her go "OOOH PRETTY STARS" and act as if this horrible near-death experience will have absolutely no long-lasting consequences on her... and then furthermore skip the reunion with her mother which was the entire point of her being there to begin with.
Yeah. I kind of hated that episode. In fact, I think I can safely say that that very episode was the main reason why it took me this long to finish the series.
So any good aspects of this series? Well, like I said, if one can look past the excessive brightness, the art-style and character-designs were pretty good, even if the animation was lacking in places. And Mio's arc, while a bit confusing, was still... okay-ish (Incidentally this is also the only route I've played through in the visual novel. I think they adapted it quite well), oh, and I mustn't forget... JC Staff did not slavishly stick to the standard opening and ending credits for every single episode regardless of whether that made sense or not. In this one respect, they managed to be better than KyoAni's Key VN adaptations. Granted, even then there were still a few episodes that used the standard ending where it really did not fit (not to mention the opening also feeling kind of jarring during some of the more dramatic episodes) but at least they showed some willingness to change it up every now and then. Oh, and at least some of the common route episodes were quite enjoyable. I found the sleepover episode aka "Riki is so girly that just slapping a girls' uniform on him fools everyone" to be particularly hilarious, and I suppose the ending was nice. But yeah, on the whole... Refrain is going to have to be absolutely out of this world in terms of quality for me to forgive this first season.
|2013-06-24, 22:20
|Link #16
Rewrite of the Life
Yeah I wasn't too impressed with the routes in the game to be honest myself for the main girls. I really wanted to like Komari's but it wasn't done well at all. Haruka's was pulled off much better in the novel as the problem is fleshed out more and doesn't seem to left field. I did like Haruka and Mio's the best Kud's wasn't one I liked either.
It is fair to say Refrain does redeem a lot of what happened. I enjoyed it quite alot and I liked Rin's route as well. I just hope J.C staff does appropriate changes/added pieces to make some parts work better
|2013-08-30, 01:21
|Link #17
a random Indonesian otaku
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Xanadu
Age: 26
Animation Quality: 9
Good one... I'm not visual novel player, but I think the art is still beautiful although J.C. Staff can do a better job. I like how they animate the jokes, battles' scene, and sad scene. Beautiful though it's still lack of emotion
Voice Actors: 9
I'm quite annoyed with Komari's voice (and sometimes Haruka's too). Others still very good for me
Script: 8.5
I should admit that the script is actually pretty good since it's another Key's masterpiece. But the adaptation just lack of some ability to picture them out completely. They did their best at Haruka's and Mio's arc but little fail at Kud's arc and Komari's arc. Mio's arc should be a boring one but the staff can bring it out and become enjoyable. In contrary, Kud's arc should be a very touching one but I feel little boring because they didn't foretell the ending well. It's like the ending is very rushed.
One thing I enjoy should be in "mysterious quest" scene and filler scene. I don't know but this is the first time I find the filler scene is more funny and enjoyable than the real plot.
Soundtrack: 10
Enjoyment: 9
I enjoy this anime from the beginning... almost bored and dropped during Komari's arc and the beginning of Mio's arc... but enjoy it very well till the end (I'm glad I pick up this show again)
Emotional Involvement: 10
I almost cry in Haruka's arc.....
Somehow I can feel how if I become Riki... and that's the proof about how Little Busters can influence my emotion.
9/10.... good show!!! Should do better in Refrain since they have set everything up in last three episodes
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Numerous social psychological studies have confirmed Aristotle's observation that "We become just by the practice of just actions, self-controlled by exercising self-control, and courageous by performing acts of courage." If we are dissatisfied with some aspect of our lives, one of the best approaches is to act more like the person we want to be, rather than sitting around analyzing ourselves.History prof Darrin M. McMahon has a similiar message:
"Ask yourself whether you are happy, and you cease to be so," [John Stuart] Mill concluded after recovering from a serious bout of depression. Rather than resign himself to gloom, however, Mill vowed instead to look for happiness in another way.It's true we say "Happy New Year" and therefore seem to focus on happiness, but we also have the practice of making resolutions, so perhaps we have already incorporated the message that the route to happiness is simply to do the kinds of things that will make us better human beings. Maybe we just need to change the saying. Instead of "Happy New Year": "Virtuous New Year!"
"Those only are happy," he came to believe, "who have their minds fixed on some object other than their own happiness; on the happiness of others, on the improvement of mankind, even on some art or pursuit, followed not as a means, but as itself an ideal end. Aiming thus at something else, they find happiness by the way." For our own culture, steeped as it is in the relentless pursuit of personal pleasure and endless cheer, that message is worth heeding.


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Understanding Cruise Costsby Tim Rubacky
Let's take a look at the basic components that make up the cost of a cruise, and what you should expect to pay.
BASIC CRUISE COSTS The "base" cost of your cruise will include your accommodations as chosen for the length of the cruise, onboard entertainment and activities, meals and use of the facilities aboard the ship.
Port Taxes and Fees These are the taxes and fees charged by the various government and port authorities at the ports where your ship calls, the cruise line passes these fees along to the passengers. These typically cover the cost of docking and use of the port facilities; "parking fees" for your ship if you will. And certain government authorities impose a "head tax" on cruise passengers, which is used to maintain and improve the ports infrastructure.
These days, these costs are simply referred to a NCFs, which is travel-agent speak for "non-commissionable fees". They will will listed in the cost of the cruise on almost all cases, so unless you see them listed separately, you don't need to worry about paying them.
Taxes, however, usually are added at the end of the cruise contract. These are US governement and state taxes, and generally run under 10% of the entire cruise cost.
Fuel Surcharges Almost all cruise lines are now charging a fuel surcharge on every cruise. The cost is about $5 per person per day. At somepoint it is believed this will simply be added into the advertised cruise price, but that hasn't happened yet. If you see a price and it does NOT say that it "INCLUDES a fuel surcharge of $__" below the advertised price, then expect it to be an additional fee.
Adding in the Air Cost Air "add-ons" are an option that you may or may not choose to utilize. This is the cost of your airfare from your home city to the port where you will join the ship and your return airfare home. In most cases, when using the cruise lines' Air/Sea program, this will also include baggage handling and transportation from the airport to the ship on the day you embark and transportation back to the airport on the day you disembark your cruise.
Transfers If it does not include air to ship transfers, those are available from the cruise line usually at a cost of $25 per person each way. The cost will vary depending on the distance. It is always a factor to determine whether a taxi is cheaper, and it often is since they do not charge by the person.
Your Stateroom Naturally, the size and location of your stateroom affects the cost of your cruise. You can get inside cabins (no windows or view at all), oceanview cabins (a window but it does not open for fresh air), veranda or balcony cabins (they have an open air porch you can sit on) or go even higher with a suite.
Mini-Suites and Suites will provide you with extra space, but that space comes at a price. You'll most likely get a separate sitting area, a sleeping area or separate bedroom and many come with a much larger bathroom, whirlpool tub and walk in closets. While suites tend to be closer in size to a hotel room, check out the mini-suites with caution. Many lines mini-suites are simply standard cabins with a balcony.
Cruise Insurance Yet another optional cost of your cruise. For example, your medical insurance probably will not cover you on the cruise ship because the ship is registered in the Bahamas or some other port of convenience. But cancellation insurance will cover most penalties incurred for canceling due to illness or death before the cruise. But, please note that all cruise insurance policies are different, and you must read them to assure you are covered for every contingency.
HOW TO READ A CRUISE AD You're perusing the Sunday Travel Section or surfing the Internet and see a fantastic price for a cruise. Is it too good to be true? What's not included in that price? What's hidden in the fine print?
"Lead-in" Pricing Chances are, you're dreaming of a stateroom with a verandah but the price in the ad is for the lowest category of inside cabin. This is what we call "lead-in" pricing. It's intended to catch your eye and it has.
Typically, but not always, the prices you see in the ads are for "minimum inside" or the lowest grade of accommodation unless it specifically states otherwise. The number of cabins available at these prices are usually extremely limited. The price may also only be available to residents of certain states or may be a senior citizen fare.
Reading the Fine Print Get out that magnifying glass and read the fine print. Check to see if the price includes port charges and taxes as this can easily add over $100.00 per person to the cost of the cruise if they are not included. Thankfully, recently enacted government regulations require the cruise lines to include the taxes in the advertised prices, or else make it clear that they are not included and display the additional costs plainly. However, regulations for travel agencies are different, and many do not include additional costs in the pricing and bury them in the fine print. In all cases, unless specifically stated otherwise, the price will not include airfare but will be "cruise only".
Cabin Selection This term usually does not apply to cruises. As the lead in price is usually for an inside cabin (no window or ocean view) you may wish to consider spending a little more to make your cruise that much more enjoyable. Whereas a 7 night cruise in an inside cabin may cost you $699.00 per person, upgrading to an outside or "ocean view" cabin can be as little as $150-200.00 additional cost per person. Or you may wish to upgrade to a stateroom with a verandah. This will usually cost you about $750.00 per person more for the week.
Personally, I never sail in an inside cabin unless I am forced to. The daylight makes the cabin seem larger, and I love to wake up and see where we are and what the weather is like. Let's be realistic, cabins aboard ship are not large to begin with so a little daylight can make them seem much more palatable. I always urge first-timers to take an outside cabin unless their budget absolutely prohibits. A stateroom with verandah will afford you your own semi-private place to watch the ship come in and out of port or just relax. These are especially desirable in Alaska, Panama canal and on longer voyages.
Onboard Costs Yes Virginia, you will incur extra costs once you board the ship. Cruise lines charge for drinks (soft and alcoholic), and then there are tips (about $75.00 per person for a one week cruise), shopping, gambling, shore excursions (touring in port), and meals while off the ship. And then even some other extras aboard ship which are not as readily apparent.
Many cruise lines will charge you extra for that ice cream cone in the afternoon, to eat in the alternative restaurant ($5 - $30.00 per person), for laundry or dry cleaning, use of the internet/e-mail/business services, the golf simulator and spa treatments.
Prepare to budget yourself for an average of $200-300 per person in spending money for a one week cruise, more so if you like to indulge in tours, spa treatments and gambling.
Here is a quick look at what all the little "extras" can cost:
Also bear in mind that most cruise lines automatically add a 18% gratuity to any drink purchase.
Tips You will usually be asked to tip the crew. This is something you should expect to do, just as you would in any restaurant. These days, most cruise lines make it easy to simply put the tips onto your onboard account which you pay at the end of the cruise. The usual total cost is about $11 per person per day. The cruise line will apportion the money between your waiters, room steward, Maitre D' and other service people on board.
All Inclusive Cruise Lines Do any lines include all or most of the "little" extras? Yes indeed, there are cruise lines that include a lot of extras and don't "nickel and dime" you to death. Silversea Cruises is truly "all inclusive" as they include all soft drinks, cocktails, and even some complimentary shore excursions. Regent Seven Seas, and Seabourn also include most of the extras.


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Continuing my quest to reach that lofty 52 Donuts goal, this past weekend I tried a recipe that was sent to me by my blog friend, Fiona. These donuts were YUMmy!!!
The first couple of batches I baked in my donut maker were just the batter as the recipe was written and even without the frosting on top, the cake was really tastey. I decided to stretch the batter and go for donut #8 by stirring in some mini chocolate chips and BINGO. We have a winner:
The recipe is simple and I'll share it here. I did the unthinkable and measured my vanilla extract over the mixing bowl - slipped and got a little more than the one teaspoon called for in the recipe, but that was just fine.
I baked these in the donut maker for 3 minutes, cooled then dipped in frosting...sprinkles on top. For my frosting I just take a heaping spoonful of canned cake frosting, microwave it for a few seconds until it's melty and then dip away.
* Fiona's recipe actually called for shortening, but I used vegetable oil instead.
* This recipe must be a standard in the UK because it was also sent to me by my blog friend Jemma with the only difference being instead of shortening, hers calls for olive oil. I plan to try her recipe in the future as well.


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Banff & Lake Louise Tourism Bureau is a not-for-profit, non-commercial organization and has put in place the following Online Privacy Policy in an effort to safeguard visitor information and communications from unauthorized access. "You", means you, and "We" and "Us" means both You and Banff Lake Louise Tourism. The Banff Lake Louise Tourism website includes www.banfflakelouise.com and any and all Banff Lake Louise Tourism branded URLs.
Collection and Use:
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism does not collect information through its website that personally identifies individuals except when individuals provide such specific information on a voluntary basis. Banff & Lake Louise Tourism will collect, store, use and disclose personal information for a variety of purposes, including the following:
- Registration for contests, giveaways, and other promotions
- Establishing visitor eligibility for special offers or discounts
- Registration for electronic newsletter
- Identifying visitor preferences
- To respond to information requests
- Visitor submitted comments and/or suggestions
- Send free visitor guides, meeting planners and other paper-based or electronic travel information
- Compile mailing and/or survey lists
- To determine user habits and interests for the purpose of providing enhanced service in the future
- Respond to online requests for proposals; and
- Collection and use of client testimonials
- You hereby consent to such collection, storage, use and disclosure.
Usage Data:
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism servers receive usage data when visitors visit Banff & Lake Louise Tourism websites, and when Banff & Lake Louise Tourism users visit other sites as well. This anonymous data may include a record of which pages a web browser has visited. Banff & Lake Louise Tourism may use usage data to provide advertising about goods and services that may be of interest to visitors, or to provide customized features and services. Banff & Lake Louise Tourism will not otherwise use information about your activities on the Internet together with any information that identifies you without your consent.
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism and its advertisers may use various kinds of software devices to collect information about Internet use, including files called "cookies". These files identify your browser and saves information such as passwords so that websites can recognize you. Cookies are also used to serve ads based on a user's prior visits to our website. You can set your browser to disable cookies, but some Banff & Lake Louise Tourism websites (and other websites) may not work properly if you do this. Banff & Lake Louise Tourism will not associate the information these software devices collect with your name or e-mail address. Alternatively you may opt out of Google's use of cookies by visiting the Google advertising opt-out page or you can opt out of a third party vendor's use of cookies by visiting the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.
Advertising companies on some Banff & Lake Louise Tourism web pages may receive some anonymous information about advertisement viewing by Internet users on Banff & Lake Louise Tourism web pages and other Internet sites. This information may be associated with a visitor's web browser, but cannot be associated with a name or e-mail address without the visitor's permission. Banff & Lake Louise Tourism does not supply visitor personal information to advertising companies or to individual advertisers or other third parties. If you go to another website, including an advertiser's website, and request information or enter a contest, be aware that you may be authorizing another company, including an advertising company, to use information you supply.
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism will not sell, trade, or disclose to third parties any visitor personal information derived from the registration for or use of a Banff & Lake Louise Tourism online service — including visitor names and addresses — without the consent of the visitor (except as required by legal process or in the case of imminent physical harm to the visitor or others). When Banff & Lake Louise Tourism uses other agents, contractors or companies to perform services on its behalf, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism will ensure that such agent, contractor or company protects your visitor personal information consistent with this Privacy Policy.
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism has implemented technology and security features and strict policy guidelines to safeguard the privacy of your personal information from unauthorized access or improper use, and we will continue to enhance our security procedures as new technology becomes available.
E-mail Contents:
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism will not read or disclose to third parties private e-mail communications that are transmitted using Banff & Lake Louise Tourism services except as required to operate the service or as otherwise authorized by law or by the visitor.
Retention and Destruction:
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism will destroy, erase or render anonymous information that is no longer required for our identified purposes or legal requirements.
Improper Conduct:
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism may also use visitor personal information to investigate and help prevent potentially unlawful activity or activity that threatens the network or otherwise violates the customer agreement for that service.
You may access, correct and delete your own personal information stored by Banff & Lake Louise Tourism in reasonably retrievable form by contacting our privacy officer at email@example.com
Visitor Concerns:
If you are a visitor with concerns about the Banff & Lake Louise Tourism Online Privacy Policy or its implementation, you may contact us at email@example.com
Changes to Policy:
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism will keep this Online Privacy Policy current. Banff & Lake Louise Tourism will inform you of any changes that we make by posting the changes on www.banfflakelouise.com
Liability Disclaimer:
The information, software, products, and services published on this website may include inaccuracies or errors, including pricing errors. In particular, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism does not guarantee the accuracy of, and disclaims all liability for any errors or other inaccuracies relating to the information and description of events and any other products displayed on this website (including, without limitation, the pricing, photographs, list of hotel amenities, general product descriptions, etc.), much of which information is provided by the respective members.


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Olga Elizabeth (Merkle) Nave, 91
Olga Elizabeth (Merkle) Nave, 91, of Rockford, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, at Swan Creek Nursing Home in Toledo.
She was born on March 13, 1920, in Van Wert, to Lewis and Bertha (Parker) Merkle, and they preceded her in death.
In December 1942, she married Ralph H. Nave, and he preceded her in death in 1993.
Olga is survived by her three children, Kathy Nave of Maumee, Pamela (Richard) Walen of Toledo and Scott (Jody) Nave of Sandusky; two siblings, Margaret (Lloyd) Baker of St. Marys and David (Barb) Merkle of Ohio City; a sister-in-law, Jennie Merkle of Montezuma; many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Olga was preceded in death by three siblings, Marie (Merkle) Lessner, Lewis (Jennie) Merkle, Martha (Merkle) Pudsey; two brothers-in-law, Lloyd Baker and Ralph Pudsey.
She graduated from Rockford High School of which she was also a secretary. Olga was a nursing home aid at Smith Nursing Home, Brownie and Girl Scout leader, village of Rockford clerk, First Presbyterian Church Sunday school teacher and an officer of the church. She was an avid gardener and member of the Rockford Garden Club. She volunteered for many years at Shane Hill Nursing home. She enjoyed visiting with friends and family and was well known for her pies, especially rhubarb custard.
Olga met her loving husband, Ralph, while waitressing at the Celina Coffee Shop. Ralph was employed at the Brookside Dairy in New Knoxville.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Miller - Long & Folk Funeral Home in St. Marys, with the Rev. Richard Hays officiating.
Burial will follow in Elm Grove Cemetery in St. Marys.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Online condolences may be expressed via Millerfuneralhomes.net.


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Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Run, A&M (no, really, we mean run. This is awful)
Oh...my...God! Aggie, fans, we feel for you. You're going to catch hell for this.
And rightfully so.
19 comments:
Save your soul. Don't watch it. The burning...
- July 05, 2006 1:08 AM
Executive Producer: "The Notorius S.O.B." Coach Fran
- July 05, 2006 9:26 AM
- BaggyPantsDevil said...
I need counseling now.
Word to your mother.
- July 05, 2006 9:46 AM
- Doug said...
Actually, this is pretty much exactly what I expect from the likes of TAMU. Still, that doesn't make it any less horrible.
- July 05, 2006 10:16 AM
The worst part is that this isn't satire. These two brain surgeons are representative of their student body at large.
Hook 'em
- July 05, 2006 12:49 PM
Played A&M in 2004 and 2005; had a lot of respect for them. The fans are the most hospitable you'll ever meet. If ever you're playing at college station, wear your colors and an Aggie will buy you a beer and invite you to sit next to him/her at yell practice. They'll even genuinely wish your team good luck.
I don't know where these "rappers" came from, but I have a feeling that they're wearing Texas Tech shirts underneath.
By the way, as much respect as I have for A&M, I still don't quite get the point of yell practice
- July 05, 2006 3:02 PM
- Yost said...
Yell practice, huh? Now that's something we definitely need in A2 so the Big House isn't so quiet.
Actually, I think they have "Down in front!" practice at Michigan.
- July 05, 2006 4:30 PM
Good one, Yost. I think they might also have key-jingling practice.
- July 05, 2006 7:51 PM
Key jingling practice?
- July 05, 2006 9:18 PM
- Yost said...
Unlike most college stadiums that make noise, if you've never been to the Big House, instead of making noise, a lot of fans jingle their keys during important or "key" plays.
It's sad. Really.
- July 05, 2006 11:11 PM
- Tom said...
Well, I'm so glad that I got to A&M just in time to not be able to disown that. (Michigan '05, been a grad school Aggie for a month).
I think that I can confirm that those were real Aggies as at the beginning, when he puts the CD in the player, an Aggie ring is clearly visible.
Oh well, i would rather have a couple of enthusiastically crappy fans than some hippies from Austin or a buckeye or something.
- July 05, 2006 11:48 PM
Really, at Nebraska we just scream until our lungs explode. Is the key thing a Michigan tradition? I can't imagine that being very intimidating. (no offence)
- July 06, 2006 12:51 AM
- Yost said...
Oh, it's not intimidating, it's pathetic.
I think it started as a way to be "clever" many years ago but unfortunately stayed around.
- July 06, 2006 1:01 AM
As an Aggie, I am sad to have viewed this video, but hey I bet it is funny as hell to you guys. :)
- July 06, 2006 1:45 AM
- Becky said...
So. Very. Painful.
I pray there is no Michigan equivalent out there. Although, prayers may be wasted as I realize, after watching this, that there is obviously no God.
- July 06, 2006 10:07 AM
- harry hasselhoff said...
Oh my god, what appears to be an attractive, real life woman reads this blog!?!?
(be cool, harry, be cool....)
Yeah dudes, sweet post. Like, I gotta hit the gym now.
(man she's gonna think I'm trying too hard.. is my fly open? shit..)
- July 06, 2006 6:52 PM
- paulwesterdawg said...
as funny as the video is....harry hasslehoff's post takes it to a whole other world of comedy.
- July 07, 2006 12:06 AM
- Becky said...
Thanks, Harry! I'll accept the compliment only because it is shrouded in humor. Plus, I LOVE Hasselhoff.
- July 07, 2006 9:19 AM
key jingling?
tulane swim team was evacuated to a&m after katrina--my daughter thinks the whole place is a cult.
- July 07, 2006 10:38 AM


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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Four former Vanderbilt football players charged with raping an unconscious female student are due in court for a discussion date.
The Wednesday hearing likely will focus on housekeeping matters like the dates of future hearings.
The four players charged in the June 23 rape are safety Cory Batey, of Nashville; defensive back Brandon Banks, of Brandywine, Md.; receiver Tip McKenzie, of Woodville, Miss; and tight end Brandon Vandenburg, of Indio, Calif. All are 19 except for Vandenburg, who is 20.
They have been dismissed from the team and suspended from school. They are out of jail on bond, awaiting trial.
Wide receiver Chris Boyd last month entered a conditional guilty plea to attempting to help cover up the crime. He was dismissed from the team but allowed to stay in school.


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When I tire of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch comfort foods like sllippery-noodle chicken pot pie or chicken corn soup, I order a delightful ethnic alternative: Bamboo Asian Cuisine's Boiled Pork Dumplings.
Owner Andy Lin always does his best to redirect my attention to his popular sushi or sashimi offerings or his top-selling Thai Basil Chicken when I arrive at his Dorneyville restaurant (345 S. Cedar Crest Boulevard). But on cold, rainy nights after working long hours, those dumplings are what I want. They're warm and filling enough for an entree, rather than an appetizer. And they're a bargain at $6.50 for eight!


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Here's Vikings defensive lineman Jared Allen discussing the virtues of his mullet in one of those NFL Players videos, and I honestly can't tell if dude is working a tongue-in-cheek angle or he's dead serious.
We have have chest hair, even if it is shaped like a heart, which is pretty tight. But that's the lifestyle of the mullet. I approach you from the front, you're like, "Wow, this dude's pretty serious." Then I walk away; you're like, "Damn, he likes to party…with two Rs!"
It's mighty, and the fact that they made the video in a barber shop, where he had lines shaved into only one side of his head is pretty amazing. He's like the white Chad Johnson, except actually good. Video's after the jump.
via @TheCooleyZone


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2012 Honda Civic Cpe Values
Select a 2012 Honda Civic Cpe trim level
2012 model year changes
The Civic has been extensively redesigned this year; appearance-wise, it gets a new, more finely detailed evolution of last year's Civic design as well as a reconfigured interior. While the Civic is about the same size, overall, as the previous model, Honda has tapped into more interior space with new seats and door panels along with new instrument panel. Honda has worked on the Civic's drivetrain to improve it in a number of ways. The new Civic HF aims to provide improved efficiency at an affordable price. Hybrid models get a slightly larger engine this year--1.5 liters--as well as an upgraded electric motor. The Civic's powerplant lineup has been completely redesigned, with a reengineered version of the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine powering most of the lineup and a new 2.4L engine powering the Si. The new Civic also gets extensively updated infotainment systems--including a revised navigation system with voice recognition and live traffic updates, as well as available Bluetooth hands-free interface and a new Multi-Information Display system.
Competitive comparison
Eager, responsive driving feel; roomy interior in the sedan; good ride quality
Special features for 2012
For decades the Civic has offered one of the best compact-car picks for those who want to keep their ownership costs low and plan to keep their cars a long time. The Civic is also one of the roomiest small sedans, with even better ride comfort and interior refinement this year. The top EX-L can still be appointed with the works--including a navigation system and full leather upholstery--making it feel more like a compact luxury sedan than an affordable commuter.
Featuring a sharper look in 2012, the Honda Civic Coupe is given what is called a "streamlined" outer appearance. Trim level choices continue to be robust on the 2012 Honda Civic Coupe with DX, LX, EX, EX-L and Si models available. On the 2012 Civic Coupe DX, standard features of the entry-level trim includes tilt/telescoping steering column, power windows, Maintenance Minder system and Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control. LX models of the 2012 Honda Civic Coupe add a 6-speaker MP3-playback compatible stereo system as well as air conditioning. Bluetooth connectivity and a premium audio system is included on the 2012 Honda EX with leather, and heated seats found on the EX-L model. Powered by a 1.8 liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 140 horsepower matched with either a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission, fuel economy has risen on the 2012 Civic Coupe. Top gasoline mileage with a 5-speed automatic gearbox averages at 32 miles per gallon. With a 201 horsepower, 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine, the 2012 Honda Civic Coupe Si delivers a more performance-oriented feel through a close ratio 6-speed manual and a limited-slip differential.


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The next Compass Roundtable will take place on Wednesday, November 7, at 6 p.m. in the Orientation Room of the Central Library in Copley Square. Join in a discussion about the Special Collections principle with Director of Library Services Michael Colford and Keeper of Special Collections Susan Glover.
The Special Collections principle states: The BPL is committed to the ongoing development and preservation of its distinctive special collections, which provide citizens from all walks of life with access to their common cultural heritage.
The stated outcomes under the Special Collections principle are:
- Strengthen and grow collections that focus on existing strengths and geographic specialties.
- Special collections will be discoverable by users in buildings and online.
- Develop a digitization plan.
If you are not able to joins us in person in November, you are always welcome to leave a comment on this blog or send an email to firstname.lastname@example.com with your ideas. There are two more roundtables to come:
- January 2013: Community Gathering. The BPL exists to serve and sustain communities that foster discovery, reading, thinking, conversing, teaching, and learning, in accessible, sustainable, and welcoming facilities throughout the City, as well as with an engaging online presence.
- March 2013: User-Centered Institution. The BPL is a user-centered institution with services that anticipate and respond to neighborhood interests and the changing demographics of the City and Commonwealth.
Specific dates, times, and locations will be published for the remaining pair of roundtables as soon as they are available.
Tags: Special Collections


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Belden Snap-N-Seal Cable Stripper
The CST596596 is our coax cable stripper from Belden. Constructed with an ergonomic design, this tool is intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort. This coax cable stripper is guaranteed to make your job faster and easier. With this tool, you'll be able to strip a wire in less than five seconds!
Blade Cassettes
This cable stripping tool comes with two sets of RG6 and RG59 blades. The blades are easy to remove and quick to replace.
Trusty, Not Rusty
Made with a hardened plastic, this cable stripper won't ever rust. In addition, it has incredible durability.
Speed Ring
Located on the handle, the speed ring makes it quick and easy to strip the jacket off of the wire. Simply place your finger in and spin it around the wire. This allows you to get the job done faster; ensuring that you can use your time and effort elsewhere.
One Step Strip
This tool makes it simple and easy to strip coax to a perfect, ¼" - ¼" prep. Simply place the cable on the blades then spin it around the wire to give you a perfect cut every time.
© 2017 a1Components. All Rights Reserved.


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Soccer Stealers Reloaded Hits The iPad Pitch
Posted by Blake Grundman on April 14th, 2011
Despite being raised in the United States, I am an individual that has a healthy appreciation for the sport that the rest of the world calls "football." As much as I much as I enjoy watching a bunch of grown men grope themselves on the gridiron every Saturday and Sunday, nothing can match the thrill of watching a well played match on the pitch. For this very reason virtually every type of of soccer game that has been released on the iOS has found permanent residence on my iOS devices, and it looks like I will need to make room for one more.
Just yesterday Gamegou, the developer of last year's Soccer Stealers, announced that they would be bringing their extensive footie experience to the iPad with Soccer Stealers Reloaded. This is very promising news, especially given that the last entry in this franchise landed a solid review score over at our sister site, The Portable Gamer.
Easily the biggest improvement to the games doesn't actually appear on screen, because it is the price tag, because now it is completely free. Even more remarkable is that despite the price drop, there are still more features included in the game. Here are some of the new things that are in store:
- Customize your character and Dress to Impress: What's your style: Afro? Buzz? Shaved? Pony-tailed?
- Redeem medals for goodies: Collect medals and trade them in at our very own Gamegou shop
- Real-time match selections allowing you to enter matches currently being played in 3 major leagues: England, Germany, Italy
When you heap this on top of an already solid game, the question really becomes, why haven't you downloaded it yet? Anyone who enjoys the fun of a day on the pitch will certainly find plenty to enjoy. Be sure to let us know what you think about it in the comments after you have taken it for a kick or two.


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Has anyone figured out the timer control? I wrote a simple page with a label,
button and a timer control. I set the timer interval to 5000 (5 seconds),
the intitial setting for the timer is disabled. I use the button to enable
the timer with "timer1.enabled=true timer1.autoreseset=false". In the Timer1_Elapsed
method I use the code 'me.label1.text="Success"' When I run in debug mode
with a break set on the Timer1.Elapsed method it seems that everything has
worked, the method fires after 5 seconds but the label never changes. Any


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As the Civil Wars, Joy Williams and John Paul White share an easy charm that has won over audiences in a big way. Often spare and rooted in folk and country, their music is the kind of Americana elixir that goes down awfully smooth. So smooth that Adele took them on the road a few years ago, and Taylor Swift recorded a duet with them. They were a hit with both artists' fans, too. Grammy Awards and an appearance at the Newport Folk Festival ensued.
On the Civil Wars' new self-titled album, their sophomore release, they take a new direction borne out of growing pains. The record follows a statement from the duo late last year in which they canceled a tour, citing "internal discord and irreconcilable differences of ambition." It's still not clear what their status is; Williams recently told USA Today that they're essentially on hiatus.
Maybe that explains the tension that fills "The Civil Wars," giving the songs a sense of weight and purpose that wasn't apparent on their 2011 debut, "Barton Hollow." There are dirge-like murder ballads ("Devil's Backbone"), ruminations on how to make relationships last ("Same Old Same Old"), and even a sensual, slow take on Etta James's fiery "Tell Mama."
They enlisted Charlie Peacock to produce again, but the difference is that their performances, particularly given the uncertainty of their future together, have a compelling desperation about them. It would be a shame if "The Civil Wars" were their final album, but it would also be a graceful swan song for a duo so beloved for such a quality. (Out Tuesday)
ESSENTIAL "Same Old Same Old"


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Here are the 15 Most Popular Social Networking Sites ranked by a combination of constantly updated traffic statistics.
[Here are the 15 Most Popular Social Networking Sites as derived from our eBizMBA Rank which is a constantly updated average of each website's Alexa Global Traffic Rank, and U.S. Traffic Rank from both Compete andQuantcast. "*#*" Denotes an estimate for sites with limited Compete or Quantcast data. If you know a website that should be included on this list based on its traffic rankings Please Let Us Know.]


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The cryptic sign had been up only a few hours when reader Laurie Shapiro spotted it on Route 128 during her commute from Arlington to Wellesley. "Stop forest pests," it said, flashing on a programmable message board. "Don't move firewood."
Could it be a hack? Was a line missing? What did it mean?
"Kind of strange," Shapiro said.
That night, I saw it myself on Interstate 93. But knowing it wasn't a one-off hardly resolved the mystery. Don't move firewood where? The yard to the house?
Googling, I discovered dontmovefirewood.org, which warns about the microscopic pests that can hide in firewood and damage ecosystems when that wood is carted to new places. Don't move firewood more than 10 miles, it says.
The state Department of Transportation, which regularly uses 30 to 50 of its nearly 400 programmable message boards for public service announcements, posted the warning at the request of the Department of Agriculture, said Sara Lavoie, MassDOT spokeswoman.
"We thought it was an important message, but it turns out it was quite little known, so there was definitely some curiosity," she said.
Hoping to clear up the message for the campground-bound, the state tweaked the display to read, "Stop harmful insects/Keep firewood local."
That clarification still left some wondering why highway signs were talking about kindling. Reader Susan Palefsky of Ashland thought they were supposed to be used for critical traffic information and missing-child Amber Alerts.
"They are now used 24/7 for pointless and distracting messages, the most recent of which is about moving firewood!" wrote Palefsky, who was bombarded with the messages while commuting daily to Westford. "I have searched and searched the DOT website for the regulations governing the use of these signs to no avail. Can you help?"
Those regulations exist in a two-page memo Lavoie provided, drafted by the old MassHighway in 2005 and inherited by MassDOT after its 2009 creation.
The memo draws on guidelines from the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices to establish three allowable uses: real-time traffic information, such as lane closures, hazardous conditions, and emergency-related route changes; advance notice of traffic changes for construction or special events; and safety messages, limited to Amber Alerts and "driver safety campaigns."
That last one seems to have loosened. Lavoie provided a list of 19 messages that have cycled through the signs.
Many are about highway safety (speeding, texting, drunk driving, work zones — even free coffee to stay awake at rest stops), but some are not. That includes a plug for the online branch of the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and a reminder about Dig Safe, the clearinghouse to prevent damage to underground utilities, requested by the Federal Highway Administration.
"Firewood" is the second environmental message but the first to run statewide, following a regional campaign at the start of boating season ("Stop aquatic invasives/Wash your boat after each use"). In each case, the department considered the transportation component.
"We don't want the wood to move," said Lavoie, noting that non-transportation messages about, say, flu shots would not be approved.
To keep them fresh, the state cycles them in and out. The firewood warning ceased Friday; in many places, people now see a designated-driver message, while those approaching Boston see "Welcome class of 2016/Don't text & drive."
Flesh-and-blood mascot
In writing about the T's new mascot, a three-dimensional version of the cartoon Charlie on the CharlieCard, I told the story of Old Billy, the first mascot for mass transit in Boston. Bred in Vermont, Billy pulled an omnibus — a passenger wagon, without tracks — in Boston before being acquired by the Metropolitan Railroad when it launched in 1856.
Old Billy logged 25 years and 125,000 miles without a sick day for the Metropolitan and the larger company that absorbed it, the West End Street Railway, before enjoying a decade of semiretired celebrity.
Credit for tipping me off about Old Billy goes to transit historian Bradley H. Clarke, president of the Boston Street Railway Association; I soon found paeans to Old Billy's form, longevity, and durability on Google Books in dated publications as varied as The American Trotter, The Street Railway Journal, and Britain's Veterinary Journal.
If not as celebrated as the horse, there have been a few other mascots of sorts over the years, according to Clarke. Sandhogs digging Boston's first subway tunnel became enamored with a black kitten born on the job site Dec. 13, 1896, naming him Prince Subway and giving him a prominent perch on the first trip completed through the tunnel July 3, 1897 — two months before it opened to passenger service.
In the early 20th century era of the Boston Elevated Railway, the company president and general counsel were known to travel through the system joined by their dogs. And three years ago, in the spirit of Prince Subway, an MBTA trolley operator adopted a stray named Kenmore who had been spotted intermittently in Green Line tunnels for five months before being caught.
The 1891 Globe obituary for Old Billy — yes, there was one — said the "veterinary surgeons of the [street railway] company will prepare his skin for mounting by skilled taxidermists in order that an imitation of this truly remarkable animal may be preserved." But a 1921 report in something called the Stone & Webster Journal noted that only his skeleton was preserved, bequeathed to the Boston Museum of Natural History.
That was a precursor to the Museum of Science, whose spokeswoman Lauren Crowne confirmed this listing in their old accession records: "Acc. 4113. Skeleton of horse. Received July 16, 1892. Given by H.M. Whitney for the West End Railway."
But the skeleton's whereabouts are now unknown. Much of the natural history collection was given to Harvard in the 1940s, and some to Yale. Anyone seen Old Billy?
An unpleasant crossing
Earlier this summer, just before the MBTA's fare increases, I received a note from a reader frustrated about being double-charged to use the elevator at Downtown Crossing to change between the Red Line and Orange Line. The elevator is outside the fare gates.
"At Downtown Crossing, we need to exit, walk the long corridor to the turnstiles near the elevators at the Red Line, and pay again. We have been doing this for quite some time now, but as the rates are almost doubling [July 1] we are not willing to continue with this practice," she wrote. "We usually do this on a Sunday, and there are no MBTA attendants in sight."
At the time, I checked with MBTA spokesman Josh Robin, who acknowledged this had been a known issue since the T replaced and modernized the fare gates for the 2006 rollout of the CharlieCard.
Robinsaid a solution was in the works, but at the time the best he could offer was to contact customer service and request a refund whenever an MBTA employee was not around to allow people back through the gates at no charge.
Good news: The T solved the problem a few weeks ago, installing call boxes and signs on the Red Line and Orange Line levels, informing people who use the elevator that they can press a button to connect with MBTA personnel and be let back in after using the elevator without being double-charged.Eric Moskowitz can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com


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Math Quotes, Sayings about Mathematics
Dear maths…!! Please grow up and solve your problems yourself!!!
That awkward moment when you finish a math problem and your answer isn't even one of the choices.
Math is like a puzzle, at first you will not understand and appreciate. But as you indulge yourself into it, you will be able to see its beauty and wonders… And you will realize that everything about it is true and exact – for as long as you have a logical and critical mind!
Math is like a problem in our life
think it!before you solve it!
Math teacher: I have 5 bottles in one hand, and 6 in the other. What do I have? Student: A drinking problem.
Mathematics may not teach us how to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide or how to love a friend and forgive an enemy. But it gives us every reason to hope that every problem has a solution.
I was good at math before they decided to mix the alphabet in it.
Teacher: If you had five apples on your desk & the Boy next to you took three, what would you have?
Student: A Fight.
The things around us is math..
we are using numbers.
luv it!!!!
Math problems: Jane bought 72 sofas…WHO THE HELL WOULD BUY 72 SOFAS?!
I'm still waiting for that day…
Math does not add love or subtract hate, but it gives us a hope that all situations have a solution.
3 out of 2 people have trouble with fractions.
MAth Is Like A lOve THat So COMpLICAted.
MAth iS lIKE A REalITY tHAT sO MANy PrOBlEmS tO sOLve.
Do not worry about your difficulties in Mathematics. I can assure you mine are still greater.
– Albert Einstein


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CABRAMATTA Rotary Club is calling for nominations for the 18th Police Officer of the Year awards.
The awards recognise officers from Cabramatta and Fairfield local area commands.
Two awards will be presented — public officer and peer officer — and nominations close on April 28.
Last year's winners were Fairfield Senior Sergeant Robert Malovic (public winner) and Cabramatta Senior Constable Jodie Bilsborough (peer winner).
Sponsors of the awards include: Fairfield Champion, Bondi Junction Timber & Hardware, Bonnyrigg Plaza, Club Marconi, Fairfield Council, Fairfield Forum Shopping Centre, In Fine Print, LJ Hooker Fairfield, Newleaf Communities, Stockland Wetherill Park and Pryda.
The winners will be announced at a presentation dinner at Club Marconi on June 23.
Tickets cost $50.
Nomination forms can be picked up from Fairfield and Cabramatta police stations and other locations around the Fairfield CBD. Details/tickets: 9605 2171


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BEIJING — Several hundred people protesting the planned expansion of a petrochemical plant in the Chinese port city of Ningbo swarmed the city center for a third day Sunday, refusing to back down even after the government promised to cancel the project.
As demonstrators outside the government offices refused to disperse, riot police with helmets and shields came out of the compound and pushed the crowd back. Police dragged six men and one woman into the compound, beating and kicking at least three of them, the Associated Press reported. Police also smashed placards and took away flags.
The throng chanted slogans and demanded that the mayor step down, according to witnesses. Several protesters threw rocks and bottles at the officers.
The clashes are occurring at a delicate time for the governing Communist Party as it prepares for a once-a-decade change in leadership that is scheduled to begin Nov. 8 during a weeklong series of meetings in Beijing. Public concerns about industrial pollution have become a problem for the government, which often backs economic growth over public concerns about the environment.
Although the crowds in Ningbo were smaller than on Friday and Saturday, when thousands clashed with the police, resulting in scores of arrests and at least a dozen injuries, protesters managed Sunday to evade roadblocks and police cordons aimed at keeping people from gathering in the center.
The protesters, wearing masks and carrying banners that said ''We want to survive,'' were seeking to stop the expansion of a state-run Sinopec plant, which is already one of China's largest refineries. The official Xinhua News Agency said the planned expansion was designed to produce 15 million tons of refined oil and 1.2 million tons of ethylene per year.
On Sunday, the government said the expansion would be canceled, but it offered few details. Protesters met the announcement with skepticism, vowing to continue the demonstrations.
Residents, citing environmental concerns, have been demanding that the government move the plant from Ningbo, a prosperous city of 3.4 million people in Zhejiang Province, near Shanghai.
In recent years, residents of China's cities have harnessed social media to promote street protests against the construction or expansion of factories, mines, and refineries. Although such demonstrations are illegal, and the organizers face arrest, the protests sometimes have the desired effect.
In July, officials in Shifang, in the southwestern province of Sichuan, canceled plans for a copper smelter after tens of thousands of residents joined protests that turned violent.
In September 2011, a solar energy company in Jiaxing, near Shanghai, was closed after demonstrators cited noxious chemicals used in the manufacturing process. And in August of that year, officials in Dalian, in northeastern China, said a petrochemical plant would be closed and relocated after at least 12,000 people took to the streets, although the plant remains in operation.
In a statement, the Zhenhai District government condemned those it blamed for organizing sit-ins and blocking roads in Ningbo but insisted that public sentiment would be taken into consideration before any construction.
"Detailed information will be published when environmental reviews are implemented, and public opinions on the project will be heeded,'' the statement said.
Residents have expressed concern about the refinery's production of ethylene and paraxylene, known as PX, a toxic petrochemical used in plastics, paints, and cleaning solvents.
The demonstrations, which began last Monday when 200 farmers blocked a road near the district government's office, according to the state news media, grew larger Friday, after student organizers were said to have issued calls through social media outlets.
Photographs of the weekend demonstrations, many taken by cellphone, appeared to show officers swinging clubs as they chased protesters or beat those who had fallen. Censors worked quickly to delete images and witnesses' accounts that were posted on Sina Weibo, China's popular microblogging service.
The Information Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Hong Kong said 10 people had been injured after the police fired tear gas and moved to break up the protests.
By Sunday, several Ningbo residents reported that they were unable to send photographs from cellphones or tablets. The state-run news media ignored the protests — except for a brief item in The Ningbo Daily, which declared the authorities' commitment to seeking public opinion on the project.
In a series of online posts Saturday, Chen Yaojun, a local lawyer, described how the police had quickly tackled and dragged away protesters who dared to chant slogans. He said he had been arrested after he tried to protect a student who was being beaten by the police.
After he was dragged into a police van, Chen said, he talked to an officer who expressed regret for the rough handling of the protesters.
Yu Xiaoming, a local resident who said he had been among 12 people selected to talk to the government Sunday, said the meeting had not gone well. He said officials had frequently cut off the participants — among them several chemical engineering experts — as they tried to make their case, and warned them to be careful about what they said in public.


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(BOSTON) — Security in Boston Wednesday night for Game 1 of the 2013 MLB World Series will be tight, according to officials, as the city gets ready to host its first major event since the Boston Marathon bombings last April.
City officials urged all Bostonians to act like responsible and respectable fans.
"Let's show the nation why we're a first-class city on the field and off the field," Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said at a city hall news conference Tuesday.
Behind the scenes, Boston police and Menino have been prepping for Game 1 since the Red Sox clinched the American League pennant over the Detroit Tigers last Saturday at the legendary Fenway Park.
Boston Police Superintendent-in-Chief Daniel Linskey asked all fans to leave backpacks at home even though they are not prohibited inside Fenway Park.
"If you want to make the chief of police happy, please leave your backpack at home," Linskey said.
Linskey said there would be an "enhanced" police presence patrolling the streets around the ballpark for the first two games of the series. More officers will be brought in to work if a series-clinching game is necessary next Wednesday or Thursday.
"Please help us to keep you safe, and don't allow anyone to tarnish the image of Boston Strong," Linskey said, using the phrase that resonated after the April 15 bombings at the finish line of the Boston Marathon that killed three people and injured 264.
Game 1 starting pitcher Jon Lester said the World Series gives the city a sense of hope.
"It makes people forget. At the same time, we'll be respectful about it. But if we can take those people's minds off their injuries, their suffering, then that's our job. It's what we've got to do," the two-time All-Star said.
The Red Sox have become a source of inspiration since the bombings, much like the New York Yankees in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks as they marched toward the World Series.
"They've come from behind, and gone up against some challenges, and they've brought the team forward to the World Series, and I think that kind of parallels what the city has gone through these last couple of months," Linskey said of the 2013 Red Sox.
The team has been linked to the Boston Marathon bombing ever since Red Sox slugger David Ortiz coined the "Boston Strong" phrase at Fenway Park days after the bombing. It's become a rallying cry for all Bostonians.
"It doesn't say Red Sox on my jersey. It says Boston," Ortiz said on April 20, six days after the bombings, before a packed stadium.
Boston, which finished last in the American League East division last season, won its division this year and will face off with the National League Champions St. Louis Cardinals. Both teams finished the season 97–65, tying for the best record in baseball.
It's the second World Series meeting between Boston and St. Louis. The Red Sox swept the Cardinals in the 2004 World Series for their first championship since 1918.
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If you have ever seen the movie "Taken" starring Liam Neeson, you have a small insight to how global human trafficking works. The problem is this isn't just happening in the movies or in far off countries like Nigeria. Human trafficking is a growing $39 billion global business and in the real world Neeson's special set of skills won't save victims of this crime.
It is happening in Iowa, centered between several major trafficking hubs such as Minneapolis, Omaha, Kansas City and Chicago. Iowa also features two major interstates, I-80 and I-35, that extend to reach every border in the United States.
Trafficking has been witnessed in Iowa communities such as Lamoni, Lennox, Dennison, Mason City and Fredericksburg, according to Senior Criminal Investigator Mike Ferjak, for the Iowa Department of Justice. There are no boundaries according Ferjak. These crimes are occurring anywhere from the World's Largest Truck Stop in Walcott to high-end hotels in West Des Moines. This is not a new problem but the recognition of the problem has recently gained some increased attention.
Article Photos
Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo., left, with, from back left, Reps. Ed Royce, R-Calif., Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., Ted Poe, R-Texas, Kristi Noem, R-S.D., Erik Paulsen, R-Mn., House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., and Renee Ellmers, R-N.C., speaks about combating human trafficking during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, ahead of a House vote on anti-trafficking bills. Law enforcement says Iowa is quickly becoming a part of this global problem.
On May 7 Ferjak led an informational meeting at the Marshalltown Public Library detailing what human trafficking is, how it works, what Iowa is doing, and what the public can do in regard to this crime.
What is Human Trafficking?
Human Trafficking is participating in a venture to recruit, harbor, transport, supply provisions or obtain a person for forced labor, peonage, debt bondage or slavery. It can also include commercial sexual activity through the use of force fraud or coercion.
The average age of a victim of human trafficking is 11-14 years old and the majorities are female. Human trafficking is all about money. In the U.S. alone, human trafficking is a $12 billion business.
Becoming a Victim
Victims are "initiated" into human trafficking through a process called seasoning. Most victims are girls who are on the run from an abusive home life, Ferjak said. A recruiter, referred to as a "bottom girl" seeks out victims. The bottom girl is usually between the ages of 19-26 and they are the money holder working for a "pimp."
There is a 24-48 hour honeymoon period where the victim gets whatever they want (jewelry, clothes, etc). Then a shift occurs, Ferjak said, the pimp will tell the victim that he has bills and it costs money to keep buying these items and the victim should help pay. What happens next is the victim usually says no and as a lesson to the new victim the bottom girl that befriended the victim is beaten. If the victim says no again then she will be beaten. The pimp fills the victim's head with lies and manipulation, he said.
On average girls are moved every seven to nine days so they may start off in Des Moines, be moved to Texas, then Florida, and farther on through the country. Victims are worked until they are completely worked over or they die, Ferjak said.
The girls are forced to sell drugs, he said, as a way to bring in more money. The girls are then fearful to go to police because they are not just a victim but a forced criminal. Girls are also sold to perform sexual acts upwards of 15-20 times a day, he said.
Iowa a 'Safe Haven'
The Internet plays a huge role in the supply and demand of the human trafficking world. Websites similar to Craigslist, are sites that traffickers use to "advertise" girls. On an average day in Iowa there are 200 ads on these websites. This is a very hard crime to catch for several reasons, Ferjak said. One being the use of the Internet as the "marketplace" for these sorts of transactions. It is nearly impossible for police these sites as when one ad or site is taken down another pops up. Rural areas such as several small town Iowa communities are considered "safe havens" for traffickers to operate undetected.
In order to conduct a "sting" to take down one of these human trafficking rings it would require at least 40 officers to complete the operation. In small town Iowa, police departments don't have these resources and according to Ferjak there is not one single department in Iowa that could undertake a task like this on its own. Ferjak is currently working on ways for local departments to pool their resources.
Another problem is that victims are not turning to the police, they are actually doing the opposite due to the manipulation and fear that has been placed in their minds, he said.
Between January of 2011 and December of 2013 there were 300 reports of human trafficking per month in the state of Iowa, he said.
Operation Iowa
Operation Iowa was coined as the program to make Iowa the most hostile place for human trafficking. Education is key to this issue, Ferjak said, and local police departments will be getting trained on how to better identify human trafficking with a curriculum set to roll out in June.
Also in this legislative session a law changed that allows county attorneys to label victims of human trafficking crimes as Children In Need Of Assistance. This opens a whole new problem, as according to Ferjak there aren't many places for these victims to go. If a victim is labeled CINA they more than likely will not be living in their own home with their family.
Ferjak recommends, if you see something, say something and look for the absence of normal. Call the police and/or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. If you see something suspicious, like a young girls at a truck stop in the dead of winter dressed in a mini skirt and high heels, do not approach the situation yourself, call the police. He said the crime is all about money and you do not want to step between a trafficker and a half of a million dollars. Human traffickers are very dangerous people and you should not put yourself at risk, he said.
Allison Graham is a reporter for the Toledo Chronicle. Contact her at email@example.com


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To regift or not to regift? It's possibly the most polarizing question in all of etiquette.
To some, it's as tacky as tacky gets. To others, it's driven by a desire to be practical, and give away things they know they will never use.
My take? I'm all about "reduce/reuse/recycle." But I believe you should avoid regifting whenever possible—it misses the spirit of thoughtfully choosing a gift with the receiver in mind.
Worse, when regifting goes wrong, the hurt feelings just aren't worth the few bucks you saved by not buying a present.
That said, I understand that sometimes it's just too convenient. Gifts can be recycled—but only rarely and only when all of the following criteria are met:
|You're certain the gift is something the recipient would really like.
|The gift is brand new and comes with its packaging.
|The gift isn't unique, personalized, or homemade. (No passing along the neighbor's fresh pesto, when your loved ones know you can't cook, OK?)
|There's nothing to identify the gift as being regifted—i.e. a sales receipt or gift card tucked inside.
|The original giver will never find out that you passed along their present: i.e. if your co-worker knitted booties for your baby, don't give them to the next new mom at the office.
Simply put, regifting is fraught with risks. If you choose this route, make sure you don't hurt anyone's feelings. Best case, be transparent: "I happened to get two copies of this book, and I thought you'd love one." That's both an honest gesture and a gift that's genuine.
Give it up. Share your worst regifting fiasco or best advice for getting it right.
Anna Post is the great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post, the co-author of Great Get-Togethers, and the author of Do I Have To Wear White? Emily Post Answers America's Top Wedding Questions.


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Teamlist Tuesday is here with #NRL Teamlists and officials for Round 12 confirmed.
Head to bit.ly/L...
9 hours ago
The Knights team outclassed the Melbourne Storm side tonight in Newcastle, defeating them by 44-28, but did not have it all their way.
Wet and windy conditions did not seem to dampen the Knights' spirit, and right from the onset threw the ball around, and kept the scoreline ticking over almost as fast as the minutes on the clock.
Melbourne Storm tonight, just had no answers for the Knights' attack, more so in the first half, and time and time again found themselves waiting behind the goaline for Andrew Johns to kick yet another conversion.
That is until the last 20 minutes of the game where the Newcastle side were totally guilty of falling asleep, and the Storm scored 5 unanswered tries. Although the result was never in doubt, there was a glimmer of hope in the Storm players' eyes that maybe a miracle was happening.
Try as they did, the Storm side ran out of time, but gathered back a little respect from what could've been a very embarrassing final score. The second half belonged to them.
The Knights did look good, and after the poor form shown in the last two weeks, they may have silenced a few critics tonight.
League Unlimited Player of the Match:
3. Johns (Knights) 2. Buderus (Knights) 1. Kearney (Storm) vs Sat Apr 5, EnergyAustralia Stadium, 5:30pm
Scorers: Knights 44 Tries: M Gidley, O'Davis, Buderus x2, Hall x3, Tahu Goals: Johns (6/8) Storm 28 Tries: Bai, Orford, Ross, Moule x2 Goals: Orford (4/5)
By the clock:
Newcastle with the strong wind behind them in the wet ground conditions in Newcastle
5th min: NEWS - Storm inches from scoring, however desperation defence by the Knights stops any points
6th min: TRY - M Gidley for Knights. 2 penalties get the Storm on the back foot, quick plays and the Knights score out wide. Tough conversion missed by Johns. Knights 4-0
10th min: TRY - O'Davis for Knights. Quick running and great support play by the Newcastle backs and O'Davis is down under the sticks. Johns gets the easy conversion. Knights 10-0
20th min: NEWS - Storm on the end of some bad calls by ref Hayne, Newcastle yet to capitalise on the calls going their way
23rd min: TRY - Buderus for Knights. Sustained attack by the Knights, after another penalty (6-2 count to the Knights), and Buderus works his way through the tiring defenders to score. Johns gets the conversion. Knights 16-0
25th min: TRY - Hall for Knights. A mistake from Bai under the high kick on the 5th tackle, and the Newcastle attack sets up Hall out wide, his first try for 2003. Johns from close to the sideline, slots it over. Knights 22-0
35th min: TRY - Buderus for Knights. Great chip over the defence by Johns, who gets the bounce and kicks ahead for Buderus to chase. Geyer (Storm) bombs the catch, and Buderus touches down centimetres from the back line. Jons gets the conversion. Knights 28-0
38th min: TRY - Hall for Knights. A high spiralling kick by Johns, with the wind assisting, and Hall is there to get the ball after Bai misses another catch. Johns gets a tough conversion. Knights 34-0
HALF TIME: Even though ref Hayne has made some bad calls, the Newcastle side has outplayed the Storm right across the park
45th min: TRY - Hall for Knights. Hall gets a hat trick with some poor defence by the Storm, and Johns chipping through for the support players, with Hall get the points. Johns gets the conversion. Knights 40-0
49th min: TRY - Tahu for Knights. Tahu held up from a Johns chip to the corner, manages to offload, Gidley offloads again to Tahu who scores right in the corner. Johns, from the sideline, hits the post and misses. Knights 44-0
55th min: NEWS - The Melbourne side are having no luck breaking through the solid Newcastle defence. A few tired looking players out on the field
58th min: TRY - Bai for Storm. The drought finally broken for the Storm, with scrum close to the line. Great pass from Slater for Bai to dot down out wide. Orford gets a difficult kick. Knights 44-6
60th min: TRY - Orford for Storm. Johns missing a tackle on Orford, lets the Storm halfback bust through and side step O'Davis to score under the posts. He then converts his own try. Knights 44-12
63rd min: TRY - Ross for Storm. Offloading at will, the Storm are fighting back. With a chip into the ingoal, Ross in his comeback game, is there unopposed to score. Orford gets the conversion. Knights 44-18
66th min: TRY - Moule for Storm. Knights guilty of falling asleep, have let the Melbourne players get a glimmer of hope. Moule gets a beauty pass to cross the line. Orford slots another conversion. Knights 44-24
78th min: TRY - Moule for Storm. Tired Knights defence could not keep up with the Storm attack spreading the ball out wide for Moule to get his second try tonight. Orford misses his first kick. Knights 44-28
FULL TIME: Unbelieveable second half, which belonged to the Storm. The old clich?, a game of 2 halves rang true tonight.