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Mike Cammalleri and Mark Cundari posted a goal and assist each, as Calgary downed playoff-hopeful Minnesota, 4-1, at Xcel Energy Center.
Mikael Backlund and Jiri Hudler also lit the lamp for the Flames, who have taken three in a row and five of six despite being eliminated from the playoff chase.
"Whoever we put in the lineup, they play with pride," Flames head coach Bob Hartley said.
Joey MacDonald stopped 34-of-35 shots for the win.
Zach Parise provided the sole offense for the Wild, who are tied for seventh in the Western Conference with Columbus, which won at San Jose later on Sunday. Both teams have 51 points but Minnesota has one game in hand.
"We certainly don't seem to like doing things the easy way," Minnesota coach Mike Yeo said.
Niklas Backstrom made just 20 saves in the setback.
Backlund's poke at a loose puck in the crease eluded Backstrom at 8:50 of the second period to put the Flames ahead for good, and MacDonald came up with 11 saves in the middle 20 minutes to preserve the slim margin.
A Cammalleri laser sailed under the crossbar for a 3-1 Calgary advantage with 7:20 remaining, and Hudler hit the empty net on a power play with 32 seconds to go.
Cundari's tally on a power play -- his first career score -- with 6:23 remaining in the first period gave the visitors a 1-0 lead, but Parise slid a puck inside the left post and beyond MacDonald's outstretched pad for a 1-1 tie just over five minutes later.
Game Notes
Despite the setback, Minnesota took three of five from Calgary in the season series ... Prior to the game, the Flames recalled Akim Aliu, Carter Bancks, Paul Byron, Cundari, Leland Irving, Blair Jones and Ben Street from Abbotsford (AHL) ... On Saturday, MacDonald was signed to a one-year deal worth $925,000 for next season.


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Giving the Gift of Life | News
LANCASTER, NY- 'Tis the season for giving, and this is a story that will warm your heart. One woman is giving a piece of herself so her friend has a second chance at life.
Donna Park of Lancaster didn't know how many more holidays she would be able to spend with her husband and three young children. She learned in October that her Lupus had progressed and she would need a kidney transplant. Life came to a screeching halt.
"Unfortunately all my family members were not candidates for the kidney transplant," said Park.
The average wait for a kidney in Western New York is four and a half years. Park was on dialysis twice a week as she waited, and prayed.
"You're tired after the treatments. I'd come home, I'd be exhausted. My legs would cramp. It was definitely altering the family lifestyle we had had that was just so carefree that you never realized how good you had it until it was taken away," she said.
Park's best friend, Tracie Bieler, knew she had to do something. She didn't hesitate to get tested to find out if she could be a donor.
"She called me on the phone and she was the first one to tell me she was a match," said Park. "I think I was in shock and I fell to the floor and tears started flowing from that moment on."
"I'm a faith-filled person and I believe there are certain things that are meant to be for reasons and I've just been completely at peace with this entire process," said Bieler.
Bieler, a wife and mother of four, said she's neither anxious nor scared. But Donna admitted she had some reservations.
"I honestly felt like you have a family of your own, I didn't want to take anything away from you," Park said.
"Knowing what it's going to do for Donna, the inconvenience that I'll have for a few weeks, it's a no brainer," said Bieler.
Park said Bieler has always been like a sister, but now she's much more.
"I have to say Tracie is my hero and she always will be," said Park.
For in this season of giving, Bieler is giving Park a gift like none other: the gift of life.
"It took this, this medical nightmare that I had, to actually make me realize and really focus on what Thanksgiving is all about," said Park. "It's not about the turkey and where you're going and who you're going with. It's a matter of being alive, and being with my kids, and being with my family, and goodwill that's being spread amongst all these people that are involved."
Their surgeries are set for Monday at ECMC. Park is an ER nurse at Children's Hospital and she's been out of work since May because of her illness. Friends are holding a benefit for her to help with medical costs. It's Saturday, January 26, 2013 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Lancaster Elk's Lodge #1478 at 33 Legion Pkwy. Tickets are $25. Click here for more information.
To learn more about becoming a kidney donor, go to the WNY Kidney Connection website.

subset: commoncrawl


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RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University introduced Dean Hood, former Wake Forest and Eastern Kentucky defensive coordinator, as the 13th head coach of the Colonel football program Tuesday afternoon in O'Donnell Hall, Student Services Building Auditorium.
Hood, 44, joins EKU after working at Wake Forest University for the past seven seasons. Under Hood's direction, the Wake Forest defense was known for creating turnovers and scoring touchdowns. The Demon Deacons forced 186 turnovers from 2001-07, more than two per game. Last fall, Wake Forest led the Atlantic Coast Conference with 35 turnovers forced on its way to going 9-4 and capturing the Meineke Car Care Bowl.
"When we began this search, we identified several characteristics that we sought in our next head coach," EKU Director of Athletics Mark Sandy said. "Dean Hood is a wonderful blend of those ideals; great teacher, excellent recruiter, a person of high character, and someone who has been part of the EKU football heritage."
"We are very excited to be back," Hood said. "My wife is from here and we are happy to have our kids near her family. I am looking forward to the challenge of being a head coach. As you progress in this profession, you always think about doing things your own way. This is a chance to implement those thoughts."
From 1994-98, Hood spent five seasons as an assistant coach at Eastern Kentucky under College Football Hall of Fame coach Roy Kidd. He served all five years as the secondary coach and the last two seasons as the defensive coordinator. In Hood's first stint at EKU, the Colonels captured two Ohio Valley Conference titles and advanced to the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs three times.
"We were fortunate to have a field of candidates, identified by Mark Sandy, who were men of character and proven coaching ability," Eastern Kentucky University President Dr. Doug Whitlock said. "I concurred in Mark's recommendation that Dean Hood was the best positioned to lead our football program.
"This was a big deal for me," Whitlock continued. "I have been an Eastern football fan for almost 50 years; so I wanted us to find someone who would fit in with the community, had the kind of values that our football program has traditionally been built upon, and hopefully had been a part of the EKU football tradition. And, yes, we wanted someone who has been and will be a winner. Dean Hood fills all those particulars."
At Wake Forest, Hood and the rest of the Demon Deacons broke every program record imaginable in 2006 and set many other milestones. WFU won the ACC title for the first time since 1970 by shattering the program record with 11 victories. The Demon Deacons earned a berth in a BCS bowl game, taking on Louisville in the FedEx Orange Bowl.
Much of the credit for Wake Forest's 2006 league championship fell to the defense. The Demon Deacons allowed just 15.4 ppg to rank second in the ACC and 21st nationally. Against the run, Wake yielded just 105.8 yards per game to rank 21st nationally, the third lowest total in Wake Forest history. Against the pass, the Demon Deacons recorded 22 interceptions, second most in the nation.
Hood's defenders earned All-ACC mention 14 times. That list includes four NFL draft picks – Calvin Pace, Montique Sharpe, Eric King and Josh Gattis.
Hood entered the collegiate coaching ranks as an assistant at Fairmont (W.Va.) State College, where he worked with the defensive backs during the 1987 and 1988 seasons. The 1988 team won the WVIAC championship and led the nation with 31 interceptions. Hood then spent the 1989 campaign at Colgate University.
From 1990-93, Hood coached at Glenville (W.Va.) State College, the last three of which he served as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach. In 1993, Glenville finished 10-3 and advanced to the NAIA Division I championship game. Also that year, Hood's defense led the nation in scoring defense (9.2 ppg), passing defense (118.0 ypg), and total defense (223.0 ypg).
Hood moved to Ohio University for two years (1999-2000) where he met current Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe. At Ohio, Hood was in charge of the defensive backs. That unit recorded 17 interceptions in 1999, the most in more than a decade. The following year, Ohio ranked 20th nationally in scoring defense (18.9 points per game) as the Bobcat defense was one of only five units in Division I-A that did not allow more than 30 points in a game throughout the entire season.
This will be Hood's first head coaching position and just the third EKU head football coach in the last 44 years.
"Knowing first-hand what Coach Kidd built here, this is one of the best jobs in the country," Hood said. "I remember when I was here the first time thinking how many guys in the history of athletics are still coaching in a facility named after them. That is rare. It is exciting to be at the helm of this program."
"Dean will be a tremendous role model for our student-athletes," Sandy said. "He has worked with two of the best people who have ever served as mentors for young men – Roy Kidd and Jim Grobe. I am sure our current players, recruits, and fans will be impressed."
Hood was a three-time All-North Coast Athletic Conference selection during his playing days at Ohio Wesleyan University. He was also named a first team All-American defensive back during his senior year and served as team captain his final two seasons. The native of Ashtabula, Ohio, was inducted into the OWU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.
Hood graduated from Ohio Wesleyan in 1986 with a degree in biology. He went on to earn a master's in physical education from West Virginia University in 1989.
Hood is married to the former Crystal Ramsey of Richmond, Ky. The couple has four children – two sons, Ralph Trey and Daven, and two daughters, Jada and Cordia.


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(MCT) — LINCOLN — A Logan County group is hoping to raise $48,000 to place a bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln on the Logan County Courthouse lawn in Lincoln to commemorate an 1858 speech that was re-enacted five years ago.
Bill Donath, president of the Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society, said the Abraham Lincoln Statue Committee was formed following the dedication of a Logan County Civil War statue in 2011. At that time, a volunteer committee of local historians raised $50,000 to create a new statue after an original was toppled in a December 2008 storm.
"We're really just getting started with the fundraising and getting the message out about what we are trying to accomplish with this (Lincoln) statue," Donath said.
Donath said the statue would honor a speech given by Lincoln on the courthouse lawn on Oct. 16, 1858, one day after the last of the famous Lincoln-Douglas senatorial debates in Alton. That speech was re-enacted in Lincoln on Oct. 16, 2008, drawing more than 1,500 people.
"It was at that time we decided that we needed a statue to emphasize the historical significance of that speech," said committee co-Chairman Roger Matson. "It was before he was president and the city of Lincoln had only been a city for a few years. It was really a monumental event in our history and needs to be recognized as such."
"We believe that we should be saving those pieces of history that are exceptional and valuable to our town's history," Donath said. "It just makes sense to us."
The committee plans to commission David Seagraves of Elizabeth, the same artist who did the Civil War soldier statue, to create the Lincoln statue.
"We agreed 100 percent that we wanted him because he does such a great job," Matson said.
The committee anticipates the statue would cost $45,000. Another $3,000 would go toward a dedication ceremony and a sign that would tell the story of the speech, Donath said.
Several fundraising projects are expected to be announced in the near future. One, which is already under way through Main Street Lincoln, gives a print of a painting of the speech to anyone who donates at least $100.
To aid in the fundraising efforts, an 18-inch model of the statue is expected to be unveiled by committee members next week.
"That will be an exciting tool we can use so potential donors have a real idea of what we are trying to accomplish," Donath said.
Donations may be dropped off or mailed to the Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society, 114 N. Chicago St., Lincoln, IL 62656.


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Conquering hero far from home
LAST night Hollywood action hero and former Home and Away star Chris Hemsworth was named GQ Australia's man of the year, the grand prix of an annual gong show for the nation's prime cuts of manhood. But what made Hemsworth an intriguing recipient was that he took the gong, as voted by the magazine's readers, after beating Keith Urban, Hugh Jackman, Matthew Cowdrey, Michael Clarke, Guy Sebastian, and most interestingly, his kid brother Liam Hemsworth.
Not that Liam has much time to worry, he is reportedly busy planning three weddings with his US pop star fiancee Miley Cyrus. Neither of the Hemsworths made it back for last night's event at the Ivy, with Chris filming Thor 2 in Iceland and Liam up to his eyeballs in baby's breath at the Cyrus ranch, leaving it to proud parents Craig and Leonie to accept their son's trophy.
Chris has truly hit the big time since quitting Summer Bay for Hollywood and landing the blockbuster Thor films, which saw him grow his hair out, bleach it blond and develop the sort of pectorals that would do Dolly Parton proud (and Melissa George thinks she has problems).
In Thor his nemesis is his brother, Loki, a fraught fraternal relationship of which Chris recently told the British press: ''But it was different than your normal good guy, bad guy scenario. They're brothers, you know? Anyone with siblings understands that. 'That's it, I'm never talking to you again … want to play football?' ''
Meanwhile, it wasn't all about the Hemsworths last night. GQ anointed a few other deserving chaps, including Cowdrey, who was named sportsman of the year. Emerging actor Callan McAuliffe was ''breakthrough'' of the year, Hamish MacDonald was named media personality of the year, Richard Roxburgh was given actor of the year and Matthew Mitcham was bestowed with the curious honour of being named something called ''the social force of the year''.
Senior journalist Andrew Hornery is the man behind The Sydney Morning Herald's Private Sydney column. If they are worth knowing about, they are on the PS radar.
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UPDATE: LOVES PARK (WIFR) -- Traffic is moving again after five cars were involved in a serious accident in Loves Park this morning at the intersection of Alpine and Harlem.
Police tell us a white van was heading south on Alpine and ran a red light, then collided with westbound traffic on Harlem. One of the five drivers involved was taken to the hospital for potential head injuries.
Only the driver of the van was ticketed.
LOVES PARK (WIFR) -- Multiple cars collided at the intersection of Alpine Road and Harlem Road around 9:15 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Emergency crews are currently on scene extricating one of the drivers.
Reported one person with a head injury, other injuries are yet to be known.
23 News will keep you updated as new information becomes available.
Avoid that area until further notice.


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R-Fed and his flock of seagulls had plenty of face time on the practice courts at Indian Wells this past week. With each session came a new shirt, of course. Dmitry: if you're still having problems with losing your clothes in Miami, give this guy a call, eh?
Count 'em: See the five shirts (and counting) after the cut…
Nike From Concentrate Tee, $32.
Co-[Lab] Tee by Misha, yellow and brown, £32. This shirt is part of the Spring 2008 "Running Man" pack for this innovative line which invites designers to interpret the Nike brand. Misha Hollenbach is the Perks of Perks & Mini.
Co-[Lab] Tee by Todd James, red and navy, £32. Todd James is the man in charge at REAS.
Browse: See the rest of the lookbook here.
These two spider shirts are from the Tech Pack. You can grab the tee here (£42). An equally wonderful beetle tee for £35. Browse: See the full Tech Pack collection here.
Not pictured: I believe he was also wearing his "I am tomorrow's future" shirt at some point. That's nuimber six.
Oh, Mirka!
(photos by Getty Images, MTF)


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Chelsea midfielder Oscar happy with his progress since move from Internacional
Oscar feels he is coping well with life on and off the pitch at Chelsea four months after swapping Brazil for England.
By Tim Oscroft
Last Updated: 12/12/12 11:45am
The 21-year-old midfielder moved to Stamford Bridge from Internacional in his native country in late July and has gradually featured more on both the domestic and European stages.
The midfielder's performances in the Champions League stood out in an otherwise unhappy defence of the title won last May, with five goals including a pair in his first start for the Blues, against Juventus.
"I started off being eased into the team, and then I started my first match in the Champions League against Juventus and scored two goals," said Oscar.
"Since then, I have been a regular in the first team, which has been great and something I really appreciate.
"I'm very pleased with how I've adapted to the move and everything, so far, is going very well. The only problem I have is the language. However, I'm picking it up quite quickly, I'm learning and I can communicate quite well with most of my team-mates.
"I think in England the league is more competitive and slightly more intense.
"The biggest difference between the two leagues is that over here it's more dynamic, whereas in Brazil it's probably a bit more technical. The pace of the game in England is frenetic, but I love playing here."
Oscar is in Japan as Chelsea prepare for their Club World Cup semi-final against Monterrey of Mexico on Thursday, and the Brazil international is adamant that the Blues are keen to claim the trophy won by his former club in 2006.
"I think we are all taking this competition very seriously. It's a very important trophy for every club and for the career of every individual," he added.
"We are going to prepare for the competition extremely well, and the fact that it's the first time the club have taken part makes it even more important."


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The Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness at Palm Beach Atlantic University has announced the recipients of the University's 2014-2015 Quality Initiative (QI) Faculty and Student Research Grants. The grant cycle runs from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015.
Dr. Sherri Arndt, assistant professor of pharmacy practice, Gregory School of Pharmacy. "Making the Case for Pharmacy as Health Care Providers in the Age of Health Reform."
Cameron Bullock, junior, psychology major, School of Education and Behavioral Studies. "Effectiveness of Dolphin-Assisted Therapy among Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder."
|Dr. Vanessa Rowan, assistant professor of biology, speaks about her 2013-2014 Quality Initiative Grant project during a poster session at the Interdisciplinary Research Conference in the Warren Library at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Dr. Elias Chahine, associate professor of pharmacy practice, and Nick Palm, pharmacy major, Gregory School of Pharmacy. "Four-Year Assessment of an Integrated Infectious Diseases Pharmacotherapy Course."
Dr. Mike Chen, professor of business statistics and Kelsey Browne, junior, international business major, Rinker School of Business. "The Impact of Christian Values, Money Attitudes and Risk Tolerance on Spending Patterns."
Dr. David Compton, professor of psychology, and Rike Dachsel, junior, psychology major, School of Education and Behavioral Studies. "Tripping the Light Fantastic: Modelling the Consequences of Recreational Use of MDMA or 5-MeO-DIPT in Humans Using Weekend 'Rave' Exposures."
Dr. Angie McDonald, associate professor of psychology and Brianna Marecki, senior, psychology major, School of Education and Behavioral Studies. "Teacher-Child Attachment, Peer Relationships, Parenting Style and Religiosity Among Elementary School Children."
Dr. Carmela Nanton, professor of education, MacArthur School of Leadership. "Leadership for the Common Good: Portraits of Women Grassroots Leaders."
Dr. Vanessa Rowan, assistant professor of biology; Christina Baxter, senior, biology major; and Kelsey Taber, junior, biology major, School of Arts and Sciences. "Understanding the Effects of Art on the Brainwaves of Autistic Children."
Emily Ruple, sophomore, biology major, School of Arts and Sciences. "Isolation and Characterization of an Anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa Compound from a Tunicate."
Dr. Olga Rybalkina, associate professor of psychology, and Jessica Zavala, graduate counseling major, School of Education and Behavioral Studies. "The Mother's Heart: Faith, Fellowship and Friendships Among Women Raising Children with Special Needs."
Dr. Linda Sedlacek, assistant professor of earth science and oceanography; Jennifer Cutter, senior, biology major; Doug Kreh, junior, biology major; and Amanda Long, senior, biology major, School of Arts and Sciences. "Seasonal Changes in Zooplankton Mercury Concentration."
Dr. Sandra Szegedi, assistant professor of chemistry, School of Arts and Sciences. "Characterization of the DNA-binding Properties of the AT-Hooks Region of the Myeloid-Lymphoid Leukemia (MLL) Protein."
Dr. Steven Zombory, associate professor of psychology, and Nathaniel Flores, senior , psychology major, School of Education and Behavioral Studies. "Basic Needs and Existential Self-Actualization."


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Note: Recommended reading. Some, especially former military/agency
people will find it much more interesting than others. The "gap" not
just Honduras. Tech aid has been crucial in the actions against the
zetas. With obvious applications to AZMEX and TEXMEX AOR's.
Going Dark: SOUTHCOM, Where Modern ISR Was Born, Is Hoping for Assets
May. 14, 2013 - 02:02PM | By ARAM ROSTON | Comments
C4ISR Journal
In 1989, two small U.S. planes took off in Colombia's expansive
Aburra Valley, the first flights of a surveillance operation that
would ultimately reshape the American way of war.
Taking up orbit over Medellin, the Beechcraft planes, part of a
secret operation called Centra Spike, began sucking in phone calls
and radio signals. Technicians aboard processed the data with state-
of-the-art analysis techniques, seeking clues to the whereabouts of
Medellin cartel boss Pablo Escobar. The Centra Spike operation, it is
believed, played a key role in the events that led to Escobar being
killed in 1992.
More than a dozen years later, the ISR techniques born in Latin
America came of age in Afghanistan, where U.S. special forces tracked
down countless Taliban leaders by their electromagnetic emissions.
It is ironic, then, that the U.S. command responsible for missions in
Latin America is so short of ISR assets. At U.S. SOUTHCOM,
intelligence officials are patching together what they can to monitor
the drug routes that supply almost all of America's cocaine.
"A lot of it was just what fell off the table," SOUTHCOM's new
commander, Marine Gen. John Kelly, told Congress in March.
There were a lot of targets for aerial surveillance during the
Colombian drug missions of the 1990s: drug cartels, cocaine labs, the
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the National
Liberation Army (ELN), the paramilitaries. But it was Escobar's
killing that seemed to crystallize the technology's potential,
according to interviews with contract ISR operators.
"No one before that had seen it like that. No one thought you could
go after one guy," recalled a veteran of Colombian operations. "That
sure pushed ISR to the forefront, to where even corporate people
started taking a look at it. It was a huge time of innovation, in
what you could put in an airplane."
Among the innovations: hiring private companies to carry out ISR
missions. That started around three years after Escobar's death, and
it first took the form of a kind of joint venture between the U.S.
government and the oil industry. In 1996, Occidental Petroleum hired
a company to fly planes along the 500-mile Cano Limon pipeline, which
was under constant attack by guerrillas. A Florida-based contractor,
Airscan, was in communication with Colombian Armed Forces and had a
Colombian Air Force sergeant aboard the plane as a host nation rider.
They flew the route back and forth, looking for guerrillas. Even the
gear was innovative, for the time: an infrared camera on a civilian
Cessna Skymaster.
The mission mixed oil field security and counterinsurgency
operations, and ultimately, the Colombian military hired Airscan
directly, court records show.
But the complexities of using private surveillance planes in the
middle of an insurgency became clear when 17 Colombian villagers died
in an explosion on New Year's Eve on 1998. The American Cessna
Skymaster crew had called in the location of a FARC element, and the
Colombian Air Force launched an airstrike. There are conflicting
accounts over what killed the villagers: a prosecutor said it was the
Colombian Air Force; and Colombian military officials blamed FARC.
Still, contract ISR in Colombia blossomed, driven by the oft-
overlapping efforts to track insurgents and catch drug traffickers.
Back then, "we made it up as we went along," said one old hand.
It also helped to minimize the U.S. government's official footprint —
and perhaps its risks and costs.
One operation was called the SOUTHCOM Reconnaissance System, a
Defense Department contract launched in 1999 initially held by a
Northrop Grumman division. Two Cessna Caravans were equipped with
infrared cameras, based at Colombian bases such as Larandia, and
flown over FARC territory and paramilitary zones looking for drug labs.
They were single-engine planes, and a poor choice for the terrain. In
February 2003, one of the Cessnas crashed on a mission. FARC rebels
executed one pilot and a Colombian air force sergeant and took three
American contractors hostage. A month later, the other Caravan went
searching for the hostages and crashed into a mountain. All of its
crew was killed. (The three American ISR contractors held by the
rebels remained in captivity for five years, finally rescued from the
Colombian jungle in 2008.)
But by the spring of 2003, the Iraq operation was well underway.
"We were doing this mission in Colombia," one experienced contractor
said, "where it's an asymmetric environment chasing fleeting targets
that are transnational. After Sept. 11, that's what we would do in
the global war on terrorism."
As the wars in CENTCOM heated up, the money and the action moved to
the Middle East and Southwest Asia. Assets for Latin American
operations vanished.
"SOUTHCOM is like the bastard stepchild now," said one ISR pilot with
experience there.
Retired Air Force Gen. Doug Fraser, who commanded SOUTHCOM until
November, said search assets are at the heart of the effort. During
his command, Fraser said, "ISR never came close to the requirement…A
lot of ISR was catch as catch can."
Much of SOUTHCOM's aerial ISR missions are flown by aircraft begged
off other commands. A bomber crew, for example, might be asked to do
some drug monitoring while they're freshening up their qualifications.
"They get their training, they get their flight time, and they help
us out," Kelly told Congress.
SOUTHCOM's detection and monitoring is handled by the Joint
Interagency Task Force South, which takes a particular interest in
the maritime drug routes through the Caribbean and Pacific. The task
force heads Operation Martillo, an international effort to detect and
intercept traffic along the Central American coast.
"Generally speaking, we are talking about finding ships on the
ocean," said Tom Munroe, SOUTHCOM's deputy for collection management.
Four U.S. squadrons have rotated in and out to help. The operation
has intercepted staggering amounts of cocaine: 171 metric tons since
January 2012.
Quantifying intelligence is never easy. SOUTHCOM's written testimony
to Congress said its Air Force component gathered "over 28,000
images, and 1,893.8 hours of signals intelligence that led to the
seizure of 332,616 lbs (worth $3.02 billion) of drugs and weapons."
The command said ISR resulted in "32 high-value narco-terrorists"
being "killed in action." (It doesn't specify who or where.)
Still, there are vast parts of SOUTHCOM's area of operations that are
apparently largely dark. U.S. officials know that much of the cocaine
that eventually reaches the U.S. moves through Honduras. The U.S.
military and the Drug Enforcement Administration have stepped up
operations out of Soto Cano Air Base. But there is no indication of
substantive ISR to cover the country's vast ungoverned region.
"I would say Honduras is a huge gap, and I wouldn't even know how to
characterize it," said one official at the Joint Interagency Task
Force-South, the group charged with detecting and monitoring illicit
Overall, SOUTHCOM's mix of ISR resources comes from various agencies.
Some Customs and Border Protection P-3s run patrols and some Coast
Guard planes do as well. Other U.S. planes, such as E-3 AWACS and
JSTARS, periodically fly from two "forward operating locations" (not
"bases," to assuage political sensitivity) in Curacao and at San
Salvador's airport. A base in Manta, Equador, closed in 2009.
The U.S. still supplements government ISR with private companies.
Figures are hard to come by, but from 2005 through 2009, the U.S.
spent $313 million on contract ISR in the region, according to a 2011
report by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
U.S. officials have tweaked such operations since the 2003 crashes of
the Cessna Caravans. There is no more SOUTHCOM Reconnaissance System,
but there is a Counternarcotics Surveillance System. More
significantly, the single-engine Cessnas were replaced by twin-engine
SOUTHCOM hopes that the end of the war in Afghanistan will free up
airplanes and experienced ISR crews.
"We do expect something of a peace dividend from the assets coming
out of CENTCOM in Afghanistan," Munroe said. "That peace dividend
probably isn't going to be as much as we had hoped for."
It's a different environment than crews have become accustomed to in
Afghanistan. Drug labs and drug crews are set up in triple canopy
jungle, with foliage so thick that the sunlight barely penetrates.
That means an entirely different set of gear, such as "foliage-
penetrating radar or a lidar-type system that can see under the
canopy," Munroe said.
The sensors find drug traffickers and insurgents and also help
friendly forces get around.
"You know, 5 kilometers in the jungle can take five days to get
through, because they are trying to be stealthy," Munroe said. "They
need to know where the rivers are, where the trails are under the
Lockheed Martin's latest foliage-penetrating radar, TRACER, is a
synthetic aperture system that's far smaller than older technology.
The company says it has manufactured four TRACER systems so far, and
that leaves a lot of jungle.
Sequestration has hit SOUTHCOM hard. Two Navy deployments that had
been scheduled to patrol Central America and the Caribbean have been
"The day could soon come," Kelly wrote to Congress, "when U.S.
Southern Command has no assigned [Defense Department] surface assets
to conduct detection and monitoring operations."


text:
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505 Games reveals plans for Sniper Elite 3, reports IGN, where they say the sharpshooting sequel will come to current and next generation (drink up!) consoles next year, with the PC going unmentioned for now. They don't have any details on the game, saying these should follow "in the weeks to come." They also note that Sniper Elite 2 ended up selling well upwards of one million units.
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Evan DiSora never expected to be wrestling at 160 pounds as a senior, particularly since he qualified for states as a lightweight. But a year after knee surgery ended his junior season, the Easton High senior has returned bigger and stronger than even he expected.
DiSora improved to 16-2 at Saturday's Easton Invitational, pinning three opponents in the two-day event at Easton Area Middle School. Both of DiSora's losses this season were to the same wrestler at the Reno Tournament of Champions, where he finished fourth, and he enters the heart of District 11 competition full of confidence.


text: The City Council will hold its annual tax classification hearing at a special meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m. At the session, councilors will decide whether to continue the city's current policy of having a split tax rate, and if so, how much of the residential tax burden to shift on to businesses. At its regular meeting Thursday, the council will consider adoption of two ordinances proposed by Mayor Ted Bettencourt. One would ban convicted Level 2 and 3 sex offenders from child safety zones,' including parks, schools, libraries, and recreational centers; the other would create a new city position of business liaison. Also at Thursday's meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m., the council will hold a public hearing on an application by Peabody Monofill Associates for a special permit to remove 500,000 cubic yards of dirt and bedrock materials on Farm Avenue. Monofill had previously received a special permit but it has expired, according to city clerk Timothy Spanos. He said the firm is removing the material to create a private landfill at the site, near the former Peabody landfill. The council will hold a hearing into an application by 116 Main Street, LLC to increase the number of units allowed at a rental housing development there from nine to 11. Also on tap is a hearing into a special permit application by Total Outdoor Corp. to erect a 14-by-48-foot billboard at 108 Newbury St.. (Route 1).


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ECM project ushers in BPM at Rehmann Financial
An enterprise content management project to eliminate paper and shore up compliance morphed into a business process management initiative.
Will upcoming Google Web Designer fix Java pros' Android problem?
Mobile developers are hoping for something a little different in the upcoming Google Web Designer kit: a better way to program apps for Google's popular OS.
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There have never been more ways to connect with customers. That's why forward-thinking companies are integrating data across channels.
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Social media can be a boon for businesses, but they're challenging classic approaches to enterprise architecture -- and changing it.
Customer experience metrics: How do you measure happy?
Customer experience metrics are growing in popularity. But, at a time when organizations want to measure everything, what are the important data points to measure?
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Mobile computing is on the rise, and application capabilities are having a hard time keeping up with the latest devices.
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Replacing computer system a major task for new IRD chief
The new Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Naomi Ferguson, has her work cut out. Taking over from Bob Russell, Ferguson is now at the helm of an organisation which, like many others, is contending with the digital revolution, changing the ways people interact and transact.
So in a lilting accent - Belfast by way of Glasgow - Ferguson talks, like any chief executive, about "business transformation" so that it "delivers services to customers" in "ways that suit them".
Inland Revenue, after all, is not just a tax collector.
Over the years, Parliament has added to its functions with the student loans scheme, child support, Working for Families and, most recently, KiwiSaver.
"In the six years I've been away [she was deputy commissioner, service delivery, from 2003 to 2006], KiwiSaver has been introduced," Ferguson said. "Completely different from anything we've done before. The only commonality is that it involves money."
A major task will be replacing a computer system built for Inland Revenue 20 years ago. A ballpark cost estimate is $1 billion to $1.5 billion over the next 10 years.
"When it was built, Microsoft was a start-up firm and there was no internet," the department said in last year's briefing to the incoming minister. "It does not, therefore, cope well with demands for online access."
Nevertheless, every day the system, which quite simply must not fail, is delivering, Ferguson says.
Difficult as it may be, it's been possible to add new technology, like a mobile phone app launched in April, and new services such as payments by credit and debit cards.
"The work we have under way is about saying, okay, given what modern technology allows you to do, given what customers expect and want to do, how do we put all that together to create a very different type of tax department."
Ferguson is impressed by the cutting-edge voice biometrics Inland Revenue is using. "You register your voice, which is as unique as your fingerprint.
"We have 400,000 people using it. It means that when they phone up to do something they can go straight through to a system without having to go through the 'what's your mother's maiden name?' business."
The number of people who have registered to deal with Inland Revenue on line has grown exponentially, Ferguson says, to more than a million. But is the flipside of last year's 15 million "self-serve digital contacts" longer delays to get through to a person on the phone and fewer branch offices?
The department has reduced staff number by 800 since 2008.
Asked if she expects to be presiding over fewer people in five years, Ferguson is noncommittal. "I don't know. I can't tell the future on that one."
In its core role, gathering tax revenue, Inland Revenue depends on voluntary compliance. It needs to strike a balance, she says, between making it as easy as possible for those who are willing to do the right thing by their fellow citizens and coming down hard on those who choose not to.
"If people want to get it right, but there's something going on with their life that means it's going to be hard ... we'll try to find ways to make is easier."
But beneath the velvet glove is an iron fist. "We've had over 50 successful prosecutions in the past year; last week we saw the longest sentences (about eight years) ever handed down for tax fraud."
Fair warning from the IRD
Inland Revenue has issued its annual Compliance Focus, outlining areas it intends to concentrate on.
They include:
* The misuse of charitable status, which confers various tax advantages. "We are working with the Charities Commission to identify charities and individuals whose activities warrant investigation."
* The diversion of personal income into trusts or companies to avoid paying full tax. The Supreme Court's Penny and Hooper ruling last year clarified the law.
* Property transactions. "Our focus remains on property speculators and dealers who have not declared income from property transactions or treated it as capital gain."
* Non-resident contractors, who have come to the fore with the Christchurch rebuild. New Zealand outfits which engage them have tax obligations.


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The Friends of Uphams Corner Branch Library do! This year's annual Pool Party was held Friday, February 10th at the Uphams Corner branch. Notable guests and honorees included Dennis Lehane, Maureen Feeney, and Mayor Menino.
The Pool Party is named for the library's distinctive Children's Room, which is housed – you guessed it – in a former swimming pool. The library was decked out in summer decor, from cut-outs of fish that the children of Uphams Corner had colored themselves, to swimsuits that the staff had brought in and hung, to the colorful leis that were provided to all the guests. There was live music by the band Conscious Reggae, and a silent auction that included such items as gift certificates to Tavolo Restaurant (the most bid-on item), and a painting by Liz Carney (the highest dollar item).
This year, Councilwoman Maureen Feeney was honored for her public service, in particular her work around the library. "She worked so hard for this library," said branch librarian Georgia Titonis, "and it wasn't even in her district. You kind have to say thank you." Dennis Lehane also spoke about the importance of the public library in his own life. Lehane grew up several blocks away from the Uphams Corner branch, and gave credit to the library for his ultimate success as a writer. "You heroes who teach," he addressed the audience, which included many library staff, "without you, I'm not saying I would necessarily be in jail or any of those other clichés, but I certainly wouldn't be where I am now." Dennis Lehane recently donated copies of his works in Portuguese to the Uphams Corner library.
This is the first Pool Party in seven years, and it was a rousing success, raising upwards of $5,000 for the branch. The money will go chiefly towards the funding of materials and programs for the Cape Verdean community, which makes up about 40% of the Uphams Corner community. The library has encountered barriers in serving this population because of the lack of funding for Creole or Portuguese resources. Ms. Titonis said that they hope to institute a monthly story time in Creole or Portuguese, and to obtain more materials in these languages. In addition, the library is hoping to fund more ESL classes in the future.
Hopefully this is the first of many such events. Clearly the community is invested in the success of its library, and determined to help it continue to grow. When asked what her favorite part of being a librarian was, Ms. Titonis said, "I don't get bored. The people in Uphams Corner are lovely, and they care about this library and they love it." As do we.
Tags: Dennis Lehane, Maureen Feeney, Mayor Menino, Pool Party, Uphams Corner


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Researchers Create Chemically Powered Robotic Jellyfish 36
Now, if we could just attach frickin' lasers to them
Really? This is still +5-in-the-first-few-minutes funny?
Evidently no, now it's just +2 funny, or at least in this case it is, probably because there's no shark involved, so the reference doesn't really work. But I wouldn't really anticipate the reference going away any time soon, considering it is older than Slashdot itself. Same goes for Monty Python, The Simpsons, Star Wars and a shitload of others. Some references are topical, others are timeless. If a reference is still being used after 10 years, it's probably the latter.
So it has come to this.
Xkcd strikes again. Indeed, it has come to this.
This will allow many Slashdotters to effectively replace their in-laws.
This will allow many in-laws to effectively replace their Slashdotters.
And you base that statement on.. what? Its going to use electricity to create force, but it's getting it from hydrogen. What it isn't doing is collecting the H by itself, it's being pumped in.
It uses heat and shape memory alloy to create force. The way shape memory alloy works is that it has one shape when hot and another when cold. The robot has two ways to create this heat; electricity or catalytic action of a platinum catalyst.
It is not even clear if the electricity is from a tether or batteries.
The issues with this technology are as follows;
1. Currently the only moving version runs on electricity to create the heat.
"A hydrogen-powered version works underwater, but has to be held with a clamp as it isn't producing enough power to keep itself from sinking."
2. The fuel powered version uses hydrogen and oxygen externally supplied and can not even support it's own weight.
"Disappointingly, the authors mention that the Robojelly in the above video is still electrically powered, as the chemical system needs refinement for full power."
3. The hydrogen version has no steering capability.
""We are now researching new ways to deliver the fuel into each segment so that each one can be controlled individually. This should allow the robot to be controlled and moved in different directions."
4. The capability to "gather oxygen and hydrogen its surroundings" has not even been looked into.
5. The speed is extremely slow compared with ocean currents. It is little more than a drifter with some depth control.
6. It is extremely weak. It's payload capacity is almost zero. It is not all that useful when it can not carry sensors and communication gear.
Specifically, here are the hurdles this technology has to overcome to be viable:
1. Shape memory alloy; there is a physical limit to how fast shape memory alloy changes shape. It is not instantaneous. There is a limit to the size of the wire as the heat has to penetrate through the shape alloy wire for full change to occur and then that heat has to be dissipated to change shape back.
2. Catalytic heat delivery; How much heat can be delivered in such a cold environment. The system works against itself. It needs cold water to change the shape of the memory alloy wire but not so cold so that the heat generation is overcome. How big a wire can this catalyst power?
3. The system to "gather hydrogen and oxygen from its surroundings" has not even been looked into. It may never work as no research has been done on it. At this point is is just an idea. It's like designing a tethered robot and saying "with a fusion motor this robot could run indefinitely".
I love the final sentence from the abstract; "Fuel-powered bell deformation of 13.5% was found to be comparable to that of electrically powered (29%) and natural jellyfish (42%)." The fact that something is comparable does not mean that it compares well. The bell deformation of the fuel-powered version is 32% of that of jellyfish. Is the sufficient to do anything useful?
Yet another premature article about the beginnings of an interesting technology that has yet to overcome a number of huge hurdles. These articles downplay the hurdles to make themselves look more interesting. The researchers have done the easy part but the hard parts may be insurmountable. Considering that the hurdles are so large this technology may never be viable.
I for one welcome our new, chemically powered robotic jellyfish overlords!
am getting tired of the "cyborg apocalypse" meme accompanying every story about a robot or quadcopter. They don't reproduce, so the comment about them taking over the ocean is just stupid.
OTOH a robotic apocalypse is far more likely then a zombie one.
Actually, we will have a robotic apocalypse, but it will be a financial one.
And yes, automation software in included as robot.
Damn, you beat me to it!
So they have no idea when it will stop working. Doesn't sound very good to me.
Underwater vehicles that are powered by the ocean have been around for a bit, and have even crossed the atlantic.
http://www.whoi.edu/oceanus/viewArticle.do?id=47166 [whoi.edu]
You've created a metroid! You've doomed us all!
The power-itself-indefinitely discovery is way more important than the 'swimming jellyfish' invention. The former would be an astounding change in our understanding of physics...while the latter is mere technology (important but not going to reorder the universe or anything). What the article is claiming is invented here is a method to separate hydrogen gas from the ocean using less energy to accomplish the capture than what they obtain in th
"I prefer the blunted cudgels of the followers of the Serpent God." -- Sean Doran the Younger


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Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested his boss, Jose Mourinho, is the world's best coach, even ahead of the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini - so, who is the current best manager in the world?
The question is riddled with problems. How do you define the best coach? Most titles, most influential philosophy, most tactically astute, most domestic leagues, most Champions Leagues, perhaps even the most attacking.
Ultimately, it's likely to be a combination. Sir Alex Ferguson may claim the most titles, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's the best manager in the world right now.
He could have already reached his peak in his managerial career, there may be better, younger coaches more deserving of the mantle at this exact moment in time.
And that's the key point - this exact moment in time. To be considered the world's best you must have demonstrated your worth in the near past.
So Arsene Wenger's unique achievements with Arsenal in the late 90s and early 2000s no longer hold much weight.
He very reasonably could have been the world's best in 2004 - after his side went unbeaten for an entire season - but after seven years without trophy his claim is weak.
So who's is strong? Well, top of the pile must be Pep Guardiola. It's a curious phenomenon that dictates a person out of action seems to become more valuable - Jack Wilshere for Arsenal and England a recent example.
And Guardiola's stock has never been higher - even though his final season at Barcelona ended in failure - in the sense they didn't win either league or cup despite possessing the best team.
In four years at the Nou Camp, Pep won three La Ligas, two Copa Del Reys, two Champions Leagues, and two Club World Cups. In total, including a few minor pieces of silverware, Guardiola took home 14 trophies in four seasons. Every year he was named La Liga Coach of the Year.
In Lionel Messi's own words, Guardiola "is the best coach in the world and wherever he now chooses to go he will be a success, I have no doubt about that."
An endorsement from a three-time Ballon d'Or winner is influential, as much as the clamour now for his signature is flattering. No other manager has had such success in recent history. But who else deserves to be considered?
Head of the queue is Jose Mourinho - the man who pipped Guardiola to the La Liga title last year. According to Cristiano Ronaldo, he's the best coach in the world, and according to the stats, the Portugal international's got a point.
Two Champions League titles with two different clubs, domestic league titles in four different countries, and bettering Guardiola and the mighty Barcelona machine in La Liga.
The Special One has established himself as the premier coach in every country he's managed in - and he's managed in the three biggest, England, Spain and Italy.
He gets the best players to play for him, the likes of Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and John Terry at Chelsea, Diego Milito, Wesley Sneijder and Lucio at Inter Milan, and Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas at Real Madrid.
He promises to return to England after he's finished at Real Madrid, but in truth, he has the pick of every club in the world - just like Guardiola. Because it's not just his record that speaks volumes, it's his character, his cult of personality that attracts the best players and moulds them into coherent, title-winning teams.
Sir Alex Ferguson has done this to a similar extent at one team, building in cycles, but Mourinho has successfully exported the trick to every side he's managed.
In England the candidates are few and far between. The Chelsea hot-seat has proven too fierce for even skilled tacticians like Carlo Ancelotti, while Arsene Wenger has struggled wilfully to keep pace with the big-spending top teams.
Of course, there's Sir Alex Ferguson. The Manchester United manager bestrides the Premier League like a colossus. His record across the last 25 years is without parallel, and for that reason he deserves a place at the top table - perhaps even at its head.
These three managers are the game's best, but each for different reasons.
Guardiola for intense, unprecedented success at one club in a concentrated period of time. Mourinho for sustained success across many clubs in many countries - displaying an adaptability few else exhibit.
And Ferguson for longevity, for his success at one of the world's biggest clubs, and his capacity to rebuild, rejuvenate and reinvigorate when others would walk away.
How about some other contenders? The likes of Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund - back-to-back Bundesliga champions and flying top of a Champions League group including Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Or perhaps Mauro Biesla at Athletic Bilbao, if not for his success, then at least in recognition of his commitment to exciting, vibrant attacking football.
Fabio Capello has the pedigree, but no longer the stage, to cement his place as one of the best manager's in the world, and his legacy, in England at least, is unfairly tainted by his spell in charge of the national team.
Carlo Ancelotti is another with a hugely impressive track record, and, whisper this quiety around Stamford Bridge, Rafael Benitez actually has a pretty impressive CV. Two Champions League finals with Liverpool and a couple of La Ligas with Valencia.
So do you agree with Ronaldo, or perhaps you side with Messi? Or maybe Sir Alex Ferguson, or maybe even another? Who do you think is the best manager in the world at the moment? Leave your choice below...
Do YOU want to write for GiveMeSport? Get started today by signing-up and submitting an article HERE: https://www.givemesport.com/writeforgms


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This week Dennis Wholey speaks with the Ambassador of Switzerland, Manuel Sager. Ambassador Sager and Dennis discuss the many ways in which Switzerland has solidified its status as a highly competitive, successful and neutral country in the very heart of Europe.
Visit the Website: http://www.thisisamerica.net/
Episode #1641 / Length: 26 minutes


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Former North Henderson High basketball standout Chris Vanlandingham is about to take the next step in his professional basketball career.
Former North Henderson High basketball standout Chris Vanlandingham is about to take the next step in his professional basketball career, and it's a step that will likely be in another country.
The 23-year-old is currently wrapping up his minor-league season for the Universal Basketball Association's Southern Generals, and just like he did in high school and in college, he's leading his team in scoring.
"It's been a long journey to this point, and I am very blessed to still be playing the game I love so much," the 2008 North graduate said. "I can only hope that this is still the beginning of something I hope to make a living for over the next few years. As of right now I am planning to head overseas. I'm not sure on a location yet... I'm in talks with teams from South America to Germany. I hope to make a decision in the fall to continue my quest up the levels of professional basketball."
Vanlandingham, who led the state in scoring his senior year at North with a 32.5-point average, is the starting guard for the Generals, a minor-league team based in the Atlanta area. He leads the team in scoring with a 29.7 average. He was also recently selected to play in the UBA All-Star Game, where he scored 16 points and had five assists.
"The league is an exposure league for pros that want to take the game overseas. With that said a lot of trades happen so guys can show off their abilities in different roles for a team," Vanlandingham said.
He began the season with the Atlanta Titans and then was traded to the GIE Matrix for five players. He was with the Matrix five games before being traded to the Generals.
On March 23, he had his pro-league career high of 44 points in a 120-91 over the Atlanta Titans. His performance earned him the UBA's Player of the Week awardm and it was also the second time this season where he surpassed 40 points in a game. He's currently on a 10-game streak of scoring at least 20 points in a game. He's shooting 46.4 percent from the field, 84 percent from the free-throw line and 54.5 percent from 3-point range.
Scoring comes natural to the former North High multi-sport star. He ended his prep career with a school-record 1,903 points and ended up getting a scholarship to Armstrong Atlantic State in Savannah, Ga. He didn't slow down at the college level, as he led the Pirates in scoring his senior year, averaging 17.2 points per game. He also surpassed 1,000 points at Armstrong Atlantic in 2012.
Up next for Vanlandingham and the Generals will be back-to-back game nights on May 11 (against the Georgia Prime) and May 12 (against the Georgia Spartans). The UBA season ends on May 26.


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In one of the most anticipated games of the college football season, Alabama plays Texas A&M. The Alabama vs Texas A&M 2013 game will be broadcast on CBS at 2:30 p.m.
Check for other updates, game times and news on the 2013 Alabama Football Schedule. Here is the official release.
Alabama vs Texas A&M 2013 Football Game to Be Nationally Televised by CBS Sports
The Southeastern Conference and CBS Sports announced on Wednesday that the University of Alabama's football game against Texas A&M, slated for Saturday, September 14, at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, will be nationally televised by CBS with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Central Time.
This year's contest will mark the sixth football game between the two schools, a series in which the Crimson Tide holds a 3-2-0 advantage. The game will mark only the second time in the series that Alabama has played in College Station with the Crimson Tide holding a 1-0 edge at Kyle Field by virtue of a 30-10 victory in 1988.
CBS also nationally televised last year's Alabama-Texas A&M game in Tuscaloosa on November 10, 2012, in which the Aggies handed Alabama a 29-24 loss, the Tide's only setback en route to the 2012 BCS national championship. The series dates back to January 1, 1942, when Alabama defeated Texas A&M, 29-21, in the Cotton Bowl at Dallas, Texas, to close out the 1941 season. The teams also clashed in the 1968 Cotton Bowl to close out the 1967 season with the Aggies taking a 20-16 win over the Tide on January 1, 1968. Alabama took a 23-10 victory over the Aggies at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala., on September 14, 1985, and the Tide added the aforementioned 30-10 verdict at College Station on December 1, 1988.


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Movie Review: Much Ado About Nothing
June 7, 2013
There's much ado to be made about the latest film foray into the world of William Shakespeare as The Bard becomes a part of Whedon's World; as in Whedon, Joss Whedon. Leader of the "Buffyverse", commander-in-chief of "The Avengers", Joss Whedon has proven his innate ability time and time again to capture, nay, celebrate, the rhythmic dance of characters and relationships, giving each room to breathe and constructing visuals around the heartbeats of those interactions. It's this gift that he now brings to the granddaddy of them all with his interpretation of Shakespeare's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Never have I enjoyed Shakespeare so much!! Parting was such sweet sorrow when the film ended, leaving me chomping at the bit for the morrow when the film hits theatres and I can see it again and again (not to mention a mandatory ownership of the Blu-Ray). Talk about exquisite! This is a master class in performance AND filmmaking.
Prosaic in its styling, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING is one of Shakespeare's best comedies, focusing on socio-political commentary - and affairs of the heart - as relevant in 1575 as it is today as told through the story of two couples - Benedick and Beatrice, and Claudio and Hero. Although deign to admit their obvious attraction to one and another, Benedick and Beatrice spend their days and nights locking horns in witty antagonistic debates continually proclaiming their disdain for love - and for each other. On the other hand, Claudio and Hero are so in love with one another, it's as if one would die without the other.
Thanks to the quick observations of Hero's father and Beatrice's uncle, Leonato, and his friends visiting Leonato's home for the weekend which has turned into a celebration of the pending nuptials of Claudio and Hero, a plan is devised to trick Benedick and Beatrice into admitting their true feelings of love for one another. Unfortunately, while Leonato, Don Pedro, Hero, Claudio and several of the house maids are reveling in their good-hearted trickery of Benedick and Beatrice, Don Pedro's brother, Don John, has devised trickery of his own - to destroy Claudio and Hero by making Claudio believe that Hero has been unfaithful. And what better time to execute the plan than when the betrothed are at the wedding altar. .
Will Don John succeed with his evil plotting? Will Benedick and Beatrice finally admit their true feelings for one another? Will the local gumshoes, Dogberry and his faithful partner, Verges, uncover the truth about a less than upstanding Don John?
The actors and their performances are consistently why the World of Whedon works, no matter what he does. He has a cadre of actors who have depth, range and work well together; they know and understand Whedon's World and none more than Alexis Denisof, Amy Acker, Nathan Fillion and Tom Lenk. Collectively, what sets this cast apart from so many others is the ease with which they deliver Shakespeare's words, allowing each to roll off the tongue as if speaking this way is an everyday occurrence.
Cutting to the comedic chase, Nathan Fillion and Tom Lenk are buffoonish Laurel & Hardy brilliant! To paraphrase Fillion's Dogberry, they are such delicious asses! This is a tour de force by Fillion who gives Dogberry an impervious sincerity that is an exhilarating variance from other interpretations of the over-emoting, over-the-top Dogberry. Fillion brings a quieter subtlety to the clown, making his the true stand-out of the production. Tom Lenk is at his Buffyesque Andrew best, playing foil to Fillion. Delectable pairing and scenic structure.
But talk about perfect pairing and believability - Alexis Denisof and Amy Acker. We saw them and fell in love with them on "Angel" with Acker's Fred being the object of Denisof's Wesley's desire (although as with Benedick and Beatrice here, as Wesley and Fred neither could come to terms to admit their feelings to the other for several seasons). Much like watching Hepburn and Tracy, their well known prior works together just added another layer to the experience of watching them as Benedick and Beatrice here. I knew of Denisof's Shakespearean background but knew nothing of Acker's Shakespearean ability. She sizzles with heartfelt enthusiasm while light plays from her eyes with both a devilish glee and heartbroken weepiness. Together, Denisof and Acker are rapier. A match of wits made in heaven. Timing is flawless. Tit for tat and never is a beat missed or syllable dropped. You just beg to see more.
But, talk about more - Clark Gregg. Masterful as Leonato. Lyrical, funny, playing the gravitas of a tainted daughter to the hammish hilt. Joyous hilarity comes from Gregg, Reed Diamond and Fran Kranz who as Leonato, Don Pedro and Claudio, respectively, harken to the Three Stooges with their devilish plotting and planning to betroth Beatrice to Benedick. Adding to the humor is one scene in particular, that of Denisof's Benedick spying on the trio outside the house where he lets go with physical comedy that just goes through the roof. I was laughing my ass off. You will be, too.
A true heroine is Jillian Morgese's Hero. Elegant yet filled with girlish naivete. Fun to see is Ashley Johnson. All grown up since being little Chrissy Seaver on "Growing Pains" as handmaid Margaret, she proves her acting mettle, showing she has come into her own.
Don John's right and left hand henchmen, Borachio and Conrade as played by Spencer Treat Clark and Riki Lindhome, are a contrast in black and white but play extremely well off each other creating a wonderful devious dynamic, while as Don John, Sean Maher just oozes evil at every turn.
With the screenplay written by Whedon, while perfectly capturing the grand foolishness of and celebrating the rom-com aspect of MUCH ADO, he is also deft in delivering the darker undercurrents that permeate the story, playing tragedy against the comedy. Loyalty and allegiances are tested, the rich make light of emotion and the delicate nature of the heart, while the poor are often seduced by what they see with their noses pressed up against the window panes, and yes, true love never does run smooth. Silken smooth, MUCH ADO flows. Captured with a feeling of the camera gliding amongst the players, surreptitiously moving from room to room, the scene locations are not as important as the words, the heartbeats and cadence of the dialogue as that dictates the camera movements and editing. This is also why Whedon's MUCH ADO feels as much at home in 21st Century California as it did to the Brits in the 16th century.
Technically, I bow to Whedon and his crew, particularly his Director of Photography, Jay Hunter. Talk about the beauty of black & white! Adding another metaphoric texture to MUCH ADO, lensing in black and white captures the stark clarity of a black and white world, but then romanticizing the "greys" of life with shadow and nuance. Camera movements within the house are free-flowing, with a poetic lyricism that matches Shakespeare's words, the cadence of which the actors are so attuned with that the entire sound design of dialogue and music plays lyrically to the auditory senses. A perfect complement to the visual and emotional lyricism.
Production design of Cindy Chao and Michele Yu excels, starting with the house and grounds - Whedon's own house. Multi-tiered with staggered landings and balconies, the home is designed as if taken from a Shakespearean play, allowing for scene changes with intimacy and ease while completely contained and connected.
In complete symbiosis is Hunter's cinematography, the production design and the costuming, and never more obvious than during the masque party in the backyard. Exquisitely breathtaking. The use of individual sequins on the acrobats' costumes, the textured fabrics, gossamer organzas, silks and brocades, and all lit and lensed to as to capture each detail, all of which is telling as to each of the players and their societal place and personalities. And then the wedding bouquet with the glittered organza bow. I literally gasped when Hunter did a zoom into the abandoned bouquet. Such beauty set against such a tragic moment.
Completing the experience is the music. Composed by Whedon, we are greeted with lilting, light, gay, tinkling piano keys, then lusher and more full bodied texture in more serous moments. Everything is integrated, complimentary, going hand in hand with each other element of the film.
All's well that ends well with MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. One of my Top Ten picks of the year. Welcome to the World of Whedon where Shakespeare not only lives, but thrives.
Written and Directed by Joss Whedon based on the play by William Shakespeare
Cast: Nathan Fillion, Alexis Denisof, Amy Acker, Clark Gregg, Tom Lenk, Reed Diamond, Jillian Morgese


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Archives for: May 2000, 02
Potpourri 4 O ~ Continued!May 2nd, 2000 , by admin
I was recomended your book as I have M.S. I am type O. I have not eaten meat for 20 yrs and feel physically sick just reading the meat list. I do eat fish and Quorn a Myco-protein meat substitute we have in England. Ingredients listed-Myco-protein,rehydrated egg white, flavourings, No artificial colours or preservatives. Can I continue to eat this? I was amazed how everything droped into place as I was reading your book. Today is the first day of hopefully a healthier life. Thank you. jacqui
Jacqui, I have reservations about recommending quorn. I don't know what kinds of mushrooms are used (some types are avoids) or whether they are organically raised. If your product does not say "organic" or "biologique," and the manufacturer cannot tell you what species of mushrooms are in it, I think you'd do better without it. Further, harmful additives can hide behind the term "flavourings." I, too, was pretty gobsmacked when I first saw the meat list. If it's possible for you, try to add some turkey and a little ground lamb or beef occasionally ~ your tastes may change as your intellect guides your diet. Good luck, and let me know how you're doing!
I have been trying for a while to improve my diet and your database has been a savoir to me as trial and error is quite difficult on my own. In the food list for Type O you have listed litchi as a nut or seed. It is really a fruit. The spelling is correct but are we talking about the same fruit? The litchi I know is white and fleshy,with a thin red-yellow shell and a large pit. Thanks in advance for your time in this matter. Sincerely Esar
Yep, that's the one we're both talking about. :-)
I am type O but don't know if I'm a secretor or non-secretor. I have only been on the diet for 6 days, but I feel horrible. I have no energy, I'm depressed because I can't quickly get something to eat. I don't feel like I want to this anymore, but I'm tired of being overweight. I'm not seeing or feeling any good results. Maybe it's too soon but feeling so tired and having no energy to even go to the store to get food is really frustrating. I don't know if I'm doing the right thing. Help!! Chesha
Dear Chesha ~ It can be very hard at first! Your body's in the thick of its adjustment toward protein-digestion and away from grain-addiction. This is a good thing that feels pretty crappy! Here are a few tips: Choose three avoids (wheat, potatoes and milk, perhaps -- or two of them, or one!) and eliminate them, only. After a couple of weeks, choose another avoid to eliminate (or more, if you feel up to it), and so on. Taking it slowly rather than all at once will minimize the detox symptoms. Second, do whatever exercise you can as soon as you get up in the morning (right after a big glass of water). It will brighten your entire day. Third, it's normal to sleep more and need more water in this transition phase. If you're feeling really down, drink a big glass of water or take a nap. Time will do the rest!
I'm Type O, obviously breads and such are avoids. I found a web site that sells bread mix that is wheat free and gluten free. The problem is that it contains "potato starch". I know potatoes are on the avoid, (I even feel silly asking this question) does this include potato starch? I finally got my husband to start the diet with me and it's very hard to please him, and I don't want him to quit. But finding stuff that he can eat, especially on the run, or quickly, (his job doesn't give him much time,if any)is very difficult. I hope you can answer my question soon. Thank you. Rachel
Oh dear... yes, the potato avoid includes potato starch. Cornstarch, same thing. Diamond Organics has a nice selection of organic sprouted breads, and Food for Life's page has a product list on the left ("Natural Food Mill") and a link to retailers on the right. I suggest these two because they offer excellent products, but if you can find 100% rye bread or a local baker who makes spelt or sprouted breads, you're set. Good hunting!
Thank you for all the wonderful information...it has been very useful for me. I have a difficult time with breakfast...I have about 20 lbs. to lose and it has been a killer to drop...I try to eat a low carb, low grain diet...and if I do eat grains...I choose wisely... but at times I get cravings. Just wanted to know, how beneficial in a rice protein powder for Type O+ ?(I don't know my sector yet). Please advise. Thanks once again! Rose
Organic rice protein powder is Neutral, like whole rice. Cravings mean you're extremely sensitive to the food you crave, and may be best off without it until you reach your weight goals and can slowly add back those neutral "craved" foods. Have you tried using nutbutter or hard-boiled egg for your smoothies' protein element? Easier on your system, and will certainly help ease the cravings! Nutritional yeast, too, contains proteins and B vitamins to keep the cravings beast at bay. Best of health to you, Rose!
...and thank you, everyone, for your wonderful questions!


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New library director
BLACKFOOT—To say that Lisa Harral "knows the library" is an understatement. Harral started working at the Blackfoot Public Library in 1980 while she was just in high school; now, over 30 years later, Harral has been named Library Director - an opportunity that she welcomes wholeheartedly.
"When I first started, it was mostly helping high school debaters find reference materials; that was a big thing back then," Harral said of the entry level position offered to her so many years ago. "Sometimes I worked in what we called the 'children's dungeon' - a small cement 'cubby hole' in the old library, where the library parking lot is now."
"I fell in love with the library and the people and it's here that I stayed. Just as you can't take the 'country out of the cowgirl,' you can't take the 'library out of ME,' " she joked.
In the 33 years that have gone by, Harral has worked in every position possible at the library including - page, aide, children's librarian, evening supervisor, inter-library loan clerk, senior staff member and even janitor. She has been through four library directors and has held the position of 'interim director' more than once over the years.
Harral said that she expressed interest in being the library director even though she lacked the education [Master's Degree in Library Science] normally required for job. However, when the position came open this spring, the Blackfoot Library 'Board of Directors' took into consideration her many years of library experience, naming her as the 'library' director in May.
Librarian Brenda Wilcox, said, "Lisa [Harral] is the 'go-to' person at the library. She has always had an eye to the future and how the library can best serve the present and future needs of the community. She has ideas and excellent organizational skills to make things happen. She has already implemented numerous progressive projects to make libraries a better place in many areas."
Harral said the core of her job is to "keep the library growing and functioning."
"My motto for the library is 'change,' " she said. "Libraries are finding their place in the 'ever-changing' world. People used to have to come to the library to find answers, but now, thanks to a great tool called 'the Internet' the answers come straight into our own home. However, not everyone has their own computer or can subscribe to an internet provider."
She went on, "The library serves as an equalizer to fill that gap. We offer computers for patrons to use as well as many other things...summer reading programs, DVDs books on CDs, discussion groups, adult classes, there is always something happening at the library. Do I think that public libraries will ever become extinct? Absolutely not!"
Harral said she also has a plan to take the library to patrons who can't get out with "mobile library services."
"It has been fun seeing generations of library patrons coming through the hoops. I see kids coming in that are the 'spitting images' of their mothers who I have helped for many years," she said.
Harral embraces every aspect of the library and says that it is her "sincere desire to make the 'tax-supported' public library a meaningful, helpful and pleasant experience...a library that Blackfoot patrons can call their own."
"I love books and I love people. I truly have a dream job," she concluded.
Harral invites patrons to share any ideas or suggestions for the library by stopping in at the Blackfoot Public Library (129 N. Broadway) or by emailing her at firstname.lastname@example.com.
For information on the library go to: www.blackfootlibrary.org or call 785-8628.


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- About me:
- I am a new full-time working mother.I went back to work after my daughter turned 3 months old and I am struggling a bit with the guilt associated with being a working mom. I'm looking for a working mom support network.
- My interests:
- Cooking! Reading, traveling, decorating, blogging, and more cooking!
- My website/blog:
- http://www.ivillage.com
- How I de-stress:
- a glass of wine and a movie
- Best advice I've gotten:
- Be a role model to all those women in the work place that don't have kids yet.
- Adjective to describe me:
- Outgoing!
- My favorite book:
- The World According to Garp
- My favorite movie:
- Sleepless in Seattle
From Chicago, Illinois, United States
Joined 5th February 2008
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Hi Gina, Welcome! We are so glad you've joined us here at Work it, Mom! I'm a moderator for the site, so please send any comments/questions my way.
I see you're in Chicago. A great, great city! I lived there from 98 to 00, and loved it. Miss that amazing skyline. :)
Flag as inappropriate Posted by Diane on 6th February 2008


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Childhood education conference scheduled
Child Care of Southwest Florida invites early childhood educators and caregivers to Circles of Care, a conference designed to inform and inspire those who work with children from infancy to elementary.
The 19th annual conference will be held April 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Edison State College in Fort Myers.
Presentations, age-specific workshops, hands-on experiences and exhibits will provide information and resources to teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, family-care providers and parents.
Keynote speaker Ron Mohl will share teaching methods with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and math).
Up to .65 continuing education credits will be available.
Advance cost is $40 per person; admission at the door is $55.
For information, call (239) 278-1002 or log onto: www.ccswfl.org.
General Woman's Club to award scholarships
The General Woman's Club of Lehigh Acres will award $500 scholarships to single parents with minor children living at home.
The applicant must be enrolled in continuing education classes at an accredited college, university or technical school, and they must be a resident of Lehigh Acres.
There is no pre-printed application form; mail the following to Mrs. Diane A. Lashua, Scholarship Chairman, 123 Sebring Circle, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936:
- Proof of Lehigh residence, like a utility bill or rent receipt
- Supply street address and contact telephone number (P.O Boxes will be not accepted)
- Name of college, university or technical school enrolled in
- Brief biography that includes area of study
Deadline to apply is April 20.
Awards will be issued May 16.
For information, e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com or call (412) 708-0422.
Domino Club taking applications
The Lehigh Cavaliers Domino Club is offering $500 scholarships to Lehigh Acres students for the 2014 academic year.
Scholarship applicants must submit the following information no later than April 30:
- Proof of Lehigh residency
- High school of graduation and academic standing
- School of continuing education (letter of acceptance)
- Brief biography, including an essay of intended degree of study
Mail applications to Mr. Oliver DeWeever, Scholarship Chairman, Lehigh Cavaliers Domino Club, P.O. Box 1056, Lehigh Acres, FL 33970.
Awards will be decided May 30; the recipients will be notified within seven days thereafter.
For information, call Oliver DeWeever at (239) 368-8278.
Scholarships available
The Lehigh Regional Hospital Auxiliary is giving scholarships to Lehigh residents age 18 or older.
The scholarships go toward medical education.
Applications may be obtained at the front desk at the lobby of the Lehigh Regional Medical Center.
Applications and attachments must be turned in by April 30.


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On a scorching afternoon recently in Philadelphia's Franklin Square, where Occupy's National Gathering participants had set up a daytime base, small circles of people - from gray-haired peace activists and Code Pink members clutching candy-colored parasols, to crust punks rolling cigarettes in the shade and many more - relaxed in advance of a final evening march. It would be the end of a weeklong summit of assemblies and discussions (with a march here and there for good measure), which brought over 500 hundred Occupy participants together from around the country, but passed without media fanfare.
It's a tall order, vying for attention in Philadelphia over the July 4th holiday. Even the impressive Independence Day fireworks show, which drew in around half a million revelers, was outshone that night when an electrical storm lit up the hot sky like a strobe. But the National Gathering (or NatGat, if we're going by Twitter parlance) was not necessarily aiming for spectacle. The idea, according to organizers, was to bring Occupy participants together from around the country to share and focus visions for the movement. Pundits have noted the relatively small attendance as an index for Occupy's death. But for many anarchists and radicals heavily involved in Occupy's first swell, NatGat was a nail in a different coffin altogether: the death of "Occupy" as the banner du jour under which experimental, insurrectionary action could be fostered.
Dustin Slaughter, 30, a Philadelphia-based activist and journalist who helped organize NatGat, told me he thought the week had gone "spectacularly well." He explained some of the key intentions behind NatGat and its numerous "visioning" sessions:
"'Visioning' really means crafting something of a blueprint," said Slaughter, a longtime Occupy Philly participant. "The idea is to focus the movement a little, to recognize that there are some core issues driving it - like opposition to corporate personhood and money's influence over politics," he said, explaining that the idea was to condense thoughts from NatGat into a final document, which Occupy groups around the country could use. The document, released recently, describes itself as a "first step toward the development of a collective vision." But Slaughter stressed that it "in no way would be a binding thing, or definitive of Occupy," - in deference to Occupy's decentralized structure.
And indeed, it would be impossible to treat the final text, titled "A Vision For a Democratic Future," as any sort of binding agreement. The finished product is simply a twenty-page list of stuff people would want to see in the world (it describes itself as a "survey"). "The most popular visions are at the top of the list (along with the number of people who also viewed that vision positively)," noted the accompanying press release. Top-ranking "visions" include "clean water, air and food," and "free education for all." The list of hundreds of "visions," each noted in a few words only, also includes, "No gender roles; smash the gender binary" and "peace, nonviolence, no war/death machines; no military; no need for violent conflict or guns."
Many of the hundreds of "visions" listed will indeed be agreeable to activists, anarchists and their allies around the country. However, the idea of focusing the movement, defining core issues and offering up a blueprint document has repelled former supporters of Occupy, who liked the resonance of the Occupy idea, but never sought a cohesive, national movement. Those for whom Occupy seemed an opportunity to spark something insurrectionary (indeed, many attendees of the earliest New York general assemblies before September 17) saw little appeal in the idea of building coalitions to enact social reforms.
"The scene at Franklin Square looked like protest-as-usual, insofar as it was gutted of any insurrectionary potential," said one Brooklyn-based anarchist and longtime OWS participant, who asked to remain anonymous and who now sees the Occupy name as, in most cases, "counterproductive at best."
Amelia H.M., another longtime OWS participant who joined the latter part of NatGat, noted, "it's clear that it was a predominantly liberal space, with a lot of 99% iconography and American flags not upside-down," agreeing that the gathering seemed well-intentioned, but lacking in insurrectionary spirit.
Some might wonder what has changed. After all, there were self-identifying occupiers crafting documents, arguing for a focused movement and even pushing for demands since last fall. Why now is the presence of more liberal, movement-building efforts turning radicals away from the Occupy banner? Italian insurrectionary anarchist theorist, Alfredo Bonanno, proposed an answer years before the problem was even posed through Occupy.
In his 1998 essay, "Insurrectionalist Anarchism," Bonanno traces a pattern - recognizable in Occupy's recent months - in which radicals (specifically insurrectionary anarchists, who reject the development of political programs and parties) can be swept up in the initial exciting "swell" of "resounding demonstrations of the popular movement." Bonanno says of these anarchists (including himself) that the reason to get involved in certain movements or struggles is not so much to find a shared vision for a better world, but to insert what he calls insurrectionary anarchist "methods" of acting:
"We have asked ourselves more than once, in fact, what we are doing in the midst of such struggles [e.g. of workers or students] for claims, we anarchists and revolutionaries who are against work, against school, against any concession to the State, against property and also against any kind of negotiation that graciously concedes a better life in the prisons. The answer is simple. We are there because we can introduce different methods."
What exactly constitutes insurrectionary methods is not entirely stable - no action is inherently insurrectionary, but the methodology, as Bonanno sees it, involves "self-organised struggles, attack and permanent conflictuality." To borrow from the Sex Pistols and put it all too simply, "don't know what I want, but I know how to get it." But, as the theorist also stresses, anarchist involvement in a given "struggle" should be predicated on the ability to insert this sort of methodology. Without this, given that the specific issues, aims or demands were never shared in the first place, such a struggle runs antithetical to insurrectionary anarchism.
Bonanno's theories are by no means uncontested, but his thoughts offer a crucial framing for what Rolling Stone's Mark Binelli described as "The battle for the soul of Occupy." For many anarchists who participated in and organized Occupy actions, the idea of protesting money in politics or free education was always comparatively unimportant. However, the Occupy struggles provided a space to insert insurrectionary "methods" - genuine ruptures with the status quo through confrontational acts and projects - which at first avoided crystallizing into a formal political project and inspired a rethinking of what constitutes "politics." It wasn't, of course, just about taking the streets and squares and fighting police, but the fact that such acts of defiance can (but don't necessarily) produce a rethinking of authority, power and our very subject positions and ways of relating. Occupy, in its earlier days, appeared to provide a space for this sort of insurrectionary thinking to emerge.
It's true that Occupy's modus operandi is underpinned by anarchistic ideas of horizontal organization and anti-hierarchy. The NatGat document notes, "our process is our message," and although much of the Occupy process is recognized as an anarchistic one, leaderlessness and a refusal to make demands is not enough. As the document produced from NatGat emphasizes, methods are all important. It reads: "Our movement's direct democratic model is more than just a decision-making process: it is a model. 'Our process is our message,' became one of our primary guiding philosophies and it deeply influenced the development of both the National Gathering and its visioning process." However, for many more radical groups and individuals involved in Occupy last year, the Occupy model - although based on horizontalism and decentralization - has made the insertion of more insurrectionary methods impossible.
This was exemplified at NatGat, where it became abundantly clear to many that insurrectionary anarchists had no place. Brandi Williams, 39, who traveled from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Philadelphia, having organized inter-Occupy discussions for many months, told me, "Certain communities - those with more aggression, with a 'fuck the police' attitude - they were kind of consensed out this week," noting that confrontation with the police had been heavily dissuaded throughout the week. Indeed, Williams said that NatGat highlights for her included two incidents of "de-escalation tactics" working (the use of an "Ohm" circle and stepping back from police lines to alleviate tension and avoid conflict). Compare this to the fact that in Occupy's first flush, radical networks in New York playfully referred to weekend actions and marches as "escalation Saturdays."
It comes as no surprise then, that when "escalation" is not an option, insurrectionary anarchists would see Occupy (at least in any NatGat-style iteration) as a wasteland and instead seek new experiments. It made sense to me, at least, on the night of July 4th, when I walked away from the building fireworks display and sought a view for the brewing electrical storm instead.