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More than a decade ago, Jennifer Wood was a stay-at-home mother who volunteered so often at her sons' school, Rand Road Elementary, the boss figured she may as well start paying her.
"Finally the principal came to me and said 'We need a teacher assistant. You're here all day; why don't you apply for this job?'" Wood said.
She did, becoming a teacher assistant and eventually a teacher. She seems to be good at it; in her fourth full year of teaching, Wake County named the Smith Elementary School kindergarten teacher one of 13 finalists for Wake County Teacher of the Year.
Like other nominees from the area, (including Laurie Bubenik of Vandora Springs Elementary, who was also named a finalist) Wood expressed surprise at her selection.
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"I'm not really a person to beat my own drum, or expect a lot of praise, Anyone who knows me will tell you that," Wood said. "I feel like I'm undeserving because so many people worked so hard, and I'm such a new teacher."
But the new teacher has created a classroom atmosphere and a dedication to her students both inside and outside the classroom that has gained the attention of administrators and peers. It was her fellow teachers who elected her as the school's nominee for the award.
"She's a natural," Smith principal Chris Lassiter said. "It's much more than a career to her, it's a passion."
She said the most frequent comments she gets back center on the atmosphere of her classroom. It's hands-on and student-centered by design, she said, and though "it's busy, it's noisy," it's also all about learning.
" I want to treat every child like I'd want my child to be treated. I don't want them to dread going to school. I want them to love going to school," Wood said.
And her relationship with students goes beyond the classroom. She tries to attend students' sporting events and birthday parties and to visit them in the hospital if the opportunity arises.
Along with the importance she attaches to building relationships with students are building relationships with their parents. Studies show that parent involvement, Wood noted, tends to facilitate achievement. Though she said she's heard complaints from other teachers of parents that don't get involved, she said that's not been her experience.
"I myself found that if you build that relationship up front, then parents of all backgrounds and economic levels are willing to help," Wood said.
But in the end, the area she directly controls is the classroom. And with today's Common Core standards, her studentss have to leave with more ability than they ever have. And that's fine with her; she thinks the new standards will only help.
"I tell parents not to just get them to read but get them to talk about it," Wood said. "If the kids are interested they enjoy talking about it. It is challenging, but at the same time it's good for them. It's definitely a positive change."
Life changes
The professional honor's timing compliments good news in other aspects of her life as well. Last summer Wood decided to make lifestyle changes. She started eating better, exercising more – really, she said, changing everything including how she thought.
As with her foray into teaching, success took hold quickly after the life change. Since the summer, she said she's lost 120 pounds.
"It's a very exciting time for me," she said of the last year. "I feel great."
She said her students were at least part of the inspiration, and
"They're very funny, and very honest," Wood noted of five- and six-year-olds. "I want to be a good example to my students."
That kind of life change requires a work ethic, and according to her boss, work ethic sets Wood apart.
"Nobody spends more hours in the building in preperation, in planning and just getting everything done that's asked of a teacher," Lassiter said. "She's a child advocate, she tailors her instriuction to every child in the room and that child's needs."
Career change
Life-shifting change is nothing new for Wood. The N.C. State graduate earned a degree in speech communications and found herself on a career path toward public relations or marketing. For a few years she applied her training in smoothing tough communications for Rex Hospital working as a collections manager.
But she eventually returned home to raise her two children. After Wiladean Thomas, who was principal at Rand Road Elementary at the time, convinced her to become a teacher assistant, she spent eight years at the school just a mile from her home just south of Garner town limits. Then she took two years of an accelerated federally-funded teaching program. Naturally for her, when she finished at North Carolina Wesleyan College, she stayed close to home and got a job at Smith.
"It was important to me to teach in the area I lived in, to give back to the community that molded me," said Wood, who attended Aversboro Elementary as a child as well as both East Garner and North Garner middle schools and Garner High.
Though she found her calling later in life than some, she said she always loved children. She said she might have been discouraged in school by the age-old warnings of low pay. She said that needs to stop and that "we need to encourage people to be teachers."
She said she picked up the value of helping young people from her mother, who still lives in the Garner area as well.
"I grew up in a family where my mom had been in Girl Scouts for 50 years. Girl Scouts, Sunday school teacher, role model," Wood said. "I think it was just ingrained into me naturally the importance of teaching and helping young people."
Meanwhile, Woods looks toward the future. She said parents volunteer on a regular basis as well as high school students through a number of programs.
"Any amount of time people can work with a child, that's more help," Wood said. "I myself have felt the satisfaction of knowing that I helped a student."


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Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Christmas Decor
24 comments:
- Jody and Stan said...
Thanks for all the inspirational ideas!
- December 5, 2012 at 9:18 AM
- Sonia said...
Gorgeous photos! I really LOVE the last table...such soft colors with creamy whites! I am sure whatever you do it will be beautiful. I think a white tree is so pretty...I have two green ones so don't think I'll be getting another tree any time soon. I only decorated one this year. Enjoy decorating!
Miss Bloomers
- December 5, 2012 at 9:33 AM
- Dewena Callis said...
At least your house would look lovely with all the new white, mint, and brown you've showed us. When all you lack is money to transform it into your version of this, I'm betting on your imagination and creativity to pull it off. My house, on the other hand, shouts Christmas red and green all year. It would be a major makeover to make those pretty new colors work here. All I can do is drool and sigh and pout. I bet what you do, Nita, will start a new blog trend. You are Ms. Mod Vintage!
- December 5, 2012 at 9:55 AM
- TiKiMOOSE said...
I'm with you Nita, Sam tells me all the time to "STOP BUYING". But I find all these new ideas and inspirations on the web. I need your will power. I blame these computers and their all access peeks at everyone's stuff. Still, they are great ideas and very neat things and remember this, what's old to you may be brand new to us!
- December 5, 2012 at 10:04 AM
- Miss Fairchild said...
I am in the same boat. We afford to change our theme each year but pintrest and other bloggers make it hard to stick to that. A few years ago we did a totally different colour theme than our usual red/white. We did really bright colours (purples, hot pinks & lime greens). We did it pretty cheaply as at the time those colours weren't popular and everything we got was on sale and it looked amazing...but we could only afford to decorate the tree - not other decorations.
- December 5, 2012 at 10:19 AM
- An Urban Cottage said...
Very sophisticated!
- December 5, 2012 at 10:43 AM
- Bente said...
Love your colors. So nice to see something new.
- December 5, 2012 at 11:19 AM
Oooooo I really like this color combo too, maybe next year for me =) Have a great week Nita, Xo, Ashley
- December 5, 2012 at 12:31 PM
- Pamela said...
Oh, yes! This is beautiful. Not many of us can change completely each year. But isn't it fun to just add a few touches of "different?" That's what I try to do each year. I use the green and pink in my bathroom. They dress the silver tree with softness and glee. At least they look gleeful!
- December 5, 2012 at 2:10 PM
- Ivy Lane said...
so pretty! I love the second pic!
- December 5, 2012 at 5:42 PM
- Custom Comforts said...
I know how you feel and you're absolutely right - it is blogland's fault. I am changing up several of my rooms this year, but only because it is costing very little indeed. Otherwise, I could never justify it. Love the pictures you posted, but really interested in seeing your decor - your colors sound lovely.
- December 5, 2012 at 5:57 PM
- Olive said...
I love the mint color too. I have a psycho look right now. Kind of neutral in the living room and color in the dining room. I need to have a better flow as you say.
- December 5, 2012 at 6:18 PM
- Andrea at Opulent Cottage said...
I KNOW!! I used to love all of my Christmas stuff and was perfectly content, even happier if I had just a couple of new thrifted finds. Evil blogland keeps giving me all of these new, expensive ideas, lol! I love your brown and mint concept. I almost used some brown transferware with my Icy Dining Room, I love the red and silver with brown too. I'm chomping at the bit to see your stuff, girl!
xo, Andrea
- December 5, 2012 at 6:28 PM
- Cynthia Myers said...
I do love that color scheme.
It's lovely.
For some reason, no matter what's my "new" plan for Xmas decor, I always decorate inside my home with
White and Red and touches of Brown (as in wood pieces.) And then on the outside of the house, it's NEON tinsel green and silver and turquoise and hot pink...I just can't help myself. :)
- December 5, 2012 at 6:54 PM
- Kit said...
Loving that vintagey wreath! Great ideas! Kit
- December 5, 2012 at 7:55 PM
- Debby said...
Oh I love this house. I am not a big green person but that shade is beautiful. Love the "Let it snow" wreath.
- December 5, 2012 at 8:05 PM
- Denise said...
Beautiful! Like you, blogland has been the best, and the worst thing ever when it comes to decorating. I love it ALL!
- December 5, 2012 at 8:22 PM
- very merry vintage style said...
I like the mint & brown... never would have thought of it before seeing your post but it is great.
- December 5, 2012 at 8:35 PM
- michele said...
love your choice of palette--so fresh and different.
smiles to you.
- December 6, 2012 at 12:09 AM
- Amy @MaisonDecor said...
That does look so fresh and pretty~I love the kitchen table shot too, simple and easy to do. That is going to have to be my decorating style this year....!
- December 6, 2012 at 5:31 AM
- Elisabeth Jones said...
I just adore the first picture!
- December 6, 2012 at 7:36 AM
- Ronnie said...
Enjoying all your Christmas posts. I decorated my house for the Christmas Tour of Homes with the help of two dear neighbors. We used your pics as inspiration!
- December 6, 2012 at 8:18 AM
- CeCe said...
Everything you post is delightful. I would love to use any of the ideas in the pictures. I have No DoUbT though your decorations will be loverly. Smile... I found the most wonderful things at Ikea this year. I had never been at Christmas time. It will now be a definite stop each year. Your house will be beautiful with all of your things and inspiration!
- December 6, 2012 at 10:54 PM
- Cindy said...
I like for things to flow together, too. The mint green is very pretty and so is the nature inspired. I just know your own Christmas decor is going to be beautiful and I can't wait to see it. Every time I'm here I keep hoping to see your own creations!
Next time, maybe?!?
Hugs, Cindy
- December 7, 2012 at 7:37 AM

subset: commoncrawl


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retroballa needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 33 designs submitted by 22 freelance designers.
This is the most vital aspect of the companies brand. It'll represent what the company signifies and it'll be the centerpiece of our brand. A design that reflects the company must be something that is simple yet eye catching.
A World Beyond Films
We need a logo that is not only original but also represents the company's mission: To revitalize film using sources that was essential in the past and still capturing modernization for the future. Film originally was black and white and some even with no dialougue and yet it still captured the attention of millions, today the technology with effects and different aspects of film and resources are outstanding and this company will use all to capture the essence of film making once again though the hard work and dedication taken to make motion films; hence A World Beyond Films. We originally wanted the concept to be deep such as the ocean, it is large and still today has not all yet been discovered by man. We also saw how this could be an issue with other film logos which have similar logos. We also thought of the galaxy or planets that have not yet been discovered but the logo shouldn't be too complex. We need to find something that can represent the depth of the company but still be some what simple. What comes to mind when you here A World Beyond Films?
- Don't limit yourself.
- Must be original!
- Remember the origin of film.
- No neon colors.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


text:
Elaine G needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 63 designs submitted by 14 freelance designers.
Geller Consulting, LLC
Quickbooks and accounting specialist with considerable experience in financial services. Adept at working with and training bookeepers to improve efficiency through use of Quickbooks. Start-up home-based business.
Small businesses, including non-profits, who need assistance implementing, enhancing, or troubleshooting accounting software, specifically Quickbooks. Generally looking to assist a non-technical audience or a small shop in which the owner does not have expertise or time to automate.
Want a logo to express both professionalism and friendliness. Contemporary but neither too cutesy or staid. The first use will be for business cards and later for website, forms, marketing materials and other documents. Do not have a "tag" line and would consider recommendationsl. This is a new endeavor for me and am open-minded to the creativity of others.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


text:
NWSB Insider and Seattle Mariners blogger Insider Steve weighs in with his Oakland Athletics 2012 MLB Predictions. This is part 1 of the 2012 Know Your Enemy series focusing on the AL West in his weekly blogs. For Oakland A's fans' sake, let's hope Billy Beane's formula strikes pay dirt, because if this doesn't work the A's season will get out of hand really quick.
Know Your Enemy: 2012 A.L. West Projections – Oakland A's
February 20, 2012 By


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Future Linux Game Evaluation -- 2000
Not Available at a Store Near YouWell, it's that time of year again! Game manufacturers have showered me with a ton of new Linux games for evaluation. These babies are hot, just out of alpha test, and soon to be ready for the shelf. I spent several days evaluating some of the best ones, and I think you'll find the results surprising. Even so, I'm surprised at the lack of originality that a lot of these products exhibit.
You'd think that there would be some creativity in the gaming scene or at least a new plot every now and then. Read on, and you'll see what I mean.
Wagon-Wheel EggStorm II
Description: Robot War Game
The time-frame is the future, where high tech robots rule the land. You are part of the Grede-eye, a band of cyber-robot troopers that rule the high tech landscape, decimating any rival life-forms that dare cross into your turf. Outfitted with what seems like an enormous war-chest of ammo, an array of weapons that would make a Quake player envious, and hoards of minions, you must protect the turf of your overload and chief supplier of energy, the My-Crow-Softies.
The enemy, a nebulous band of rouge system crackers and mutant children who can't spell, is constantly assailing your ground with puny looking little robots. The objective is to win (of course) the landscape by firing your weapons at the little critters (literally, millions of them) while watching your supply of energy and protecting the enormous My-Crow-Soft fortress.
Evaluation: .5 on a scale of 5
The printed material that comes with this game is top-notch. The CD cover is done in a brilliant, professional-looking glossy. The manual is a work of art, with screenshots and game-play descriptions everywhere you look. Yet somehow, the game doesn't live up to the quality that the packing material conveys.
The play of this game is poor and yet so familiar as to be almost boring. The robots in the game are clunky, and unable to respond correctly to most simple situations they face. No matter how hard you try, the little critters always seem to come out ahead of things. I was quite dismayed at the amount of energy expenditure needed to defend the turf you're supposed to protect.
The turf boundaries themselves were hard to determine. The amount of ground is huge, and everywhere you look, the enemy seemed to be eating away at it. Fortunately, I always seemed to have an unlimited supply of ammo, but near the end of the game, I always ran out of energy. Oddly enough, the weapons didn't seem that effective against even the smallest of the enemy robots.
No matter how much effort I put forth, I couldn't keep from losing the entire field, and I played the simulation many times. It was amazing. The hard part always comes near the end of the game, as the enemy robots amass into huge, cyborg-transformer like creatures that dwarf any robot in your control. To make matters even more embarrassing, these babies don't fire a single shot, they just seem to run like a steam roller into whatever territory you're trying to defend, taking it for good.
While this part is not all that boring, it is a bit depressing. I kept wishing I could be on the other side of the equation, as it was clearly a losing battle no matter how I sliced it. I can't recommend this game at all, as the poor game-play and no-win situation make for a pathetic gaming experience. Even still, I'll bet that with all the glossy promotion going on for the product, this will be a popular seller this season. However, I'd also be willing to bet that next year after the word gets out as to how bad this game is, it'll be sitting on the discount racks like old copies of Windows 3.1.
Description: Arcade Game Simulator
The game play is simple. You have a virtual wooden mallet, and on the screen there are about a half-dozen holes. You hit the start button, and mindless corporate executives pop out of the openings. Before they can begin babbling, you swing your virtual mallet (controlled by your mouse) and smack the executives on the head. Smitten, they drop back into the holes, to emerge later at a random time.
Evaluation: 4 on a scale of 5
This game is an oldie, but a goodie. I remember playing a similar game a lot in an arcade in my youth, and the virtual recreation of this game was very good. There's something satisfying about popping these critters on the head, and watching them retreat back into their hiding places. My only worry here is that some executive-rights-activists will sometime protest or ban the sale of this game, as it seems to promote cruelty to dumb animals.
Quick-Hack Arena
Description: Shoot-em-up
This is a special multiplayer version of Quick-Hack, a game I evaluated last year at this time. In this version, the levels are more diverse, and the weapons are improved quite a bit from the single-player game.
Evaluation: 5 on a scale of 5
It seems like the more people that can get involved in a game of Quick-Hack, the better. The fun part about this game is that you don't have to play, you can just set up a drone and watch as huge numbers of players get involved and decimate the competition. In Quick-Hack III, you have just a few weapons, beginning with an GCC pistol, progressing through the I386 rotary cannon, and finally the LNX9000 -- which was the ultimate weapon for that game.
With Quick-Hack III Arena, the ultimate weapon has been upgraded to the LNX9002.4 -- and it's improved vastly, capable of decimating the enemy in the most disadvantaged situations imaginable. A couple of shots with this baby and the entire level is cleared of rival troops. This is the only downside of game-play, as the enemies are so under-powered to win in these situations, it's just not a challenge anymore.
But other than that, the satisfying layer of dead bodies on the ground and the fast game-play in a network situation makes this one of the best products I've ever evaluated. I'd have to strongly recommend it to anybody who's bored with things like the Wagon-Wheel EggStorm game above.
BattleScar MelGateca
Description: Starcraft Simulator
Set in the same world as a familiar old TV series, you're the destitute leader of a pack of old-world rebels without a home. Your fleet of ships is quickly running low on supplies, and you've got to find more territory soon or the natives will get restless and begin to defect, further weakening the fleet.
To make matters worse, a recent battle threatens to break the fleet into two parts. Your mission is to move the BattleScar MelGateca into new territories, while preserving the unity of the fleet and fending off the vast numbers of enemies you encounter during game-play.
Evaluation: 1 on a scale of 5
This game was fraught with emotional twists. The enemies in the game seem to be all around. As play progresses, you get more and more evidence that the MelGateca deserves the constant attacks its receiving. You see, in order to build the fleet, it turns out that in the past you took resources that other civilizations needed to simply survive. Because of this and other past karma, when the enemy attacks the exchanges are fearsome and emotionally heated. I found the action to be predictable, but the video sequences, although somewhat repetitious, to be very entertaining indeed.
At one point in the game, you're captured by your arch-rival foe, Dr. DeBoise. You learn a lot more about your sordid past as a leader, as over the space of a four day interrogation, many secrets are revealed. Although you get most of your information from the questioning by the evil Dr. DeBoise, the extra information helps explain a lot of the problems you're facing as a leader.
Although game-play is very snappy, in a similar vein to Waggon-Wheel EggStorm it's depressing. The fleet is battle-torn and the weapons become more and more useless against your foes as time progresses. It's as if all the innovation you need to create new weapons is gone (although you spend a lot of time in the game bragging about past innovations, it turns out that prior weapons were stolen or copied from enemy design).
Further complications of game play turn out to be the result of warmed-over technology from the early 1980's. It seems that there're no new 3d effects in this game, and much of the game is based upon clunky code that was a bad idea, even back then. The only new item was the addition of the video sequences, which do little to enhance the overall gaming experience.
I cannot recommend this game, as the plot-line is extremely stupid, and the technology second-rate.
Sim Son 2000
Description: Simulation Game
Your objective in this game is to simulate a modern open source and technology-focused corporation--a company that goes by the name of Son MonoTone Systems. You have many tools at your disposal, and you begin by making hardware and software. All the typical facets of corporate operation are simulated, including number of employees, hardware manufacturing output and also things like PR Spin, and market share.
Evaluation: 2 on a scale of 5
I had a lot of fun with this simulation at first, as I could make hardware and software adhere for the most part to open standards and protocols. Then, every time, without exception, just as I had built what seemed like a really good company, the game-play would become frustrating. You see, as play progresses, the stakes get higher and the market begins to expect you to play by the changing rules of the day. No matter how hard I tried, for example, I could not pick "Release software under GPL"--it would be grayed out for some stupid reason.
The company would come up with some cool new technology, but insist on really lame licensing that would cause the market not to trust it for their long-term business. Rival companies (with weird names like Eye Beam Manufacturing and Hughlit Packers) seemed to be all over the new market place changes and yet the only thing I could get released under the GPL was an office suite--and that after many rounds of attempting to select the right licensing scheme.
Despite complex array of alternate licensing choices, the end result is infuriating. To top it all off, your CEO often makes embarrassing statements in public and you almost get the feeling that the company you're trying to control doesn't even grok the new marketplace. It almost seems like someone outside of your control in the company is wishing for ancient times to return, where monolithic software and hardware overlords ruled the net-scape, er landscape. Unfortunately for this type of wishful thinking, the simulation time period is set solidly in the present, where that type of business interaction from a technology company simply isn't tolerated.
I can't recommend this game, as newer simulations at least let you make the right decisions to keep your company afloat in changing times.
Well, there you have it. It's unfortunate that there are no new ground-breaking game paradigms to choose from. Even this column is a rework of an old one, as past readers can plainly see at this point. The problem is that internet.com has put a mandate out that I'm not to be innovative in my new columns, or Kevin Reichard will come by with a broad axe and cut me in half. Despite the obvious weight-loss advantages this would bring, I want to avoid that situation at all costs.
Hey, wait -- there's an innovative new game plot right there! Quick, somebody get me the phone number for Loki!


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Girl-Centered Program Design
©Population Council
Language: English
Download: English (.pdf)
secondary school or to complete it, and have fewer income-generating opportunities.
Logic might have it, then, that a lot of effort in these arenas is being made to reach these adolescent girls, to help them build social, health and economic assets and to provide them with the support and protection they need so that they do not drop out of school, get pregnant before they want to, or become infected with HIV or an STI. However, unfortunately, that is not the case. Typically, what is available are general youth programs that are meant to include adolescent girls, but in reality do not.
Experience has shown that to reach adolescent girls, especially vulnerable adolescent girls, programs must be designed with them as the target audience. This toolkit will help you do that.


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Suzuki Voltage Regulator Rectifier
Reliable, economical, quality aftermarket Voltage Regulators / Rectifiers. Improved heat-sink design (longer cooling fins) for more efficient heat dissipation. This Regulator Rectifier manufactured to fit the motorcycles listed below with no mount Modification Required. Please check our photos to ensure you have the same plugs on your bike for plug and play.
Dimensions: Multiple, please see photo(s)
Housing: Gun Metal Gray Aluminum
Plug: Black High Impact PVC Plastic with 5 Pins
Wiring: Five Wire, 12 Volt System
Replaces OEM Part #'s: 32800-03E20 & 32800-33E21
May also fit other bikes and/or OEM part #'s, but please do your own research if replacing any OEM Part Number other than listed above.
Fitment Information:
09-07 GSXR 1300 Hayabusa
Consumer Warning: Beware of lower quality regulators plaguing the market, these do not mount using the original mounting points because they are generic regulators that will require you to Drill and Modify the mounting locations on your Motorcycle. Our regulators are designed to fit your motorcycle without modification while at the same time improving cooling performance over OEM.
Install Notes: This Voltage Regulator Rectifier is a direct replacement for your OEM Voltage Regulator Rectifier and has the same Plug pattern connector; therefore no modification is required. Choose this product if a simple Plug-and-Play installation is important to you. To install the Regulator Rectifier simply locate your existing part, unplug your OEM Voltage Regulator Rectifier, and plug in our Voltage Regulator Rectifier. Time to ride!


text:
Start your journey into Big Data with the Oracle Academy today!
Big Data has the power to change the way we work, live, and think. The datafication of everything will create unprecedented demand for data scientists, software developers and engineers who can derive value from unstructured data to transform the world.
The Oracle Academy Big Data Resource Guide is a collection of articles, videos, and other resources organized to help you gain a deeper understanding of the exciting field of Big Data. To start your journey visit the Oracle Academy website here: https://academy.oracle.com/oa-web-big-data.html. This landing pad will guide through the whole area of big data using the following structure:
- What is "Big Data"
- Engineered Systems
- Integration
- Database and Data Analytics
- Advanced Information
- Supplemental Information
This is great resource packed with must-see videos and must-read whitepapers and blog posts by industry leaders.
Technorati Tags: Big Data, Data Warehousing, Oracle, Training


text:
Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
Syracuse announces members of consolidation panel
by Christian W. Peck
Public Information Officer
Niagara County Public Information Office
The government/private sector commission charged with cutting back redundancies in government will begin work soon, now that the panel's membership has been finalized, Niagara County Legislature leaders announced Thursday.
Legislator John Syracuse, R-Newfane, who chairs the newly created ad hoc committee on governmental shared services and consolidation, released a list of committee membership Thursday morning after conferring with Legislature Chairman William L. Ross, C-Wheatfield, and Public Works Committee Chairman Paul B. Wojtaszek, R-North Tonawanda.
Rounding out Syracuse's committee will be legislators Michael A. Hill, R-Middleport, and Jason Zona, D-Niagara Falls, as well as Wojtaszek, who will serve in an ex officio capacity, Supervisors Joseph Jastrzemski, R-Wilson, and W. Ross Annable, R-Hartland, and town of Lockport Highway Superintendent Dave Miller, who is also president of the Niagara County Highway Association. The government leaders will be joined by Tom Weeks, president of Grand Tours/Ridge Road Express, who was nominated to serve on the panel by the Niagara USA Chamber, and William Schickling, vice president of finance and information technology at Niagara County Community College.
"This group of leaders from our county are taking a new approach to how government should function," Syracuse explained after making the committee members' names public. "We will strive to consolidate where consolidation makes sense, and to change the structure of government where government's structure itself is inefficient."
Syracuse said he welcomed the diverse assemblage of viewpoints, which spans the public and private sectors.
"To get results, we need buy-in from our communities, and from our citizens," he said. "In 2013, government can no longer take the view that because something has been done one way for decades, that is the only and best way."
Syracuse noted the committee would begin its work looking at the way roads are plowed in Niagara County, but would examine other services that are in need of overhaul.
"When Paul Wojtaszek became Public Works chairman, he said it was time to start asking a question that we've forgotten to ask in government: 'Why,' " Syracuse said. "We intend to examine the very structure of some government services to determine if there is a more efficient, less costly way to meet our taxpayers' expectations."
Syracuse also tipped his hat to the committee members who hail from outside the government.
"Ronald Reagan once noted, 'Outside of its legitimate function, government does nothing as well or as economically as the private sector,' " he said. "It is my assertion that, even when government is providing a service that only it can provide, it can still learn from the private sector's best practices. This committee will work diligently toward one singular goal: making government work better, more efficiently."
Syracuse said the committee would begin meeting in February.


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In 2013, BYD Auto, backed by Warren Buffett, sold more vehicles than any of the other domestic brands in China, we learned from the China Auto Web.
The company also generated $89 million worth of profit during that same time.
Berkshire Hathaway took out a $230 million stake – which is 10% of the company – back in 2008. Since that time, the company has achieved massive levels of success with the F3 sedan compact car, which they have sold more than 1 million vehicles of already.
When first introduced in 2008, the F3 went for a very budget friendly price of $8800. The vehicle has been very popular with first time car buyers and taxicab companies. It's fairly unremarkable looking as far as a car goes, but it is stylish and it does offer a sense of familiarity.
The designers at BYD have taken the design to a whole new level by doing the extreme and cobbling together a vehicle with the rear end of a Honda City sedan and the front end of a Toyota Corolla. Website Drive Arabia actually said that the vehicle is "insultingly similar" to the City and Corolla. And another website, The Truth about Cars, said "BYD's F3 received worldwide acclaim for being a Corolla ripoff."
No doubt about it, the front end of the vehicle is strikingly similar to the Corolla E120 model, and it even has a matching grill and headlight clusters.
Not only that, but the interior of the F3 designed by BYD is also quite similar to the Corolla. It has a similar center console, matching dashboards, vents and HVAC control units.
Oddly enough, the F3's rear is quite familiar as well. It looks very similar to the 2002 through 2008 model of the Honda City sedan that sold in Asia during that time. The City and the F3 have curved tail lights that match, and each has an inlay with a white dual element. Other similarities are matching trunk latch handles and the same design of deck lids.
As far as propulsion goes, BYD chose the 4G series four-cylinder engine from Mitsubishi for the early models of this vehicle. With the later models, the F3 now uses the company's own designs for engines.
When looked at from the perspective of a consumer product, the F3 is not exactly polished. Even though the automaker imitated the design of a Toyota, they did not match the high-quality execution of the Japanese automaker. JD Powers rated the BYD products as "below industry average" when they ranked it. As a matter of fact, there is consumer backlash in regards to quality control problems at the automaker, and the company's profits fell in 2012 partly because of this although they have rebounded in 2013.
As far as the all-new F3 in 2014, the designers at BYD have finally gotten bold and more original. As the existing F3 production lifecycle winds down, the new F3 is going to take over as the latest sales leader for the automaker.


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Now, I realise most of the Polish or Perish audience aren't Australian, and you therefore thought your wallet would be safe - think again! International stockists now have a metric shitton of Australian indie brands (I know, I've seen photos of some of the makers' shipments). For specifics of where to get what you can look at the Lacquerheads of Oz Indie Directory, but some of the stockists that ship overseas and have a few brands include Femme Fatale Cosmetics, Color4Nails, Harlow & Co, Norway Nails, Llarowe, Mei Mei's Signatures and Ninja Polish.
So here are my top 8 indies of 2013...
Gloss 'n Sparkle The Huntress is a new find of mine - I've always been a sucker for deep, complex jellies, and this is in one of my favourite polish colours, green. It's also included in my 2nd anniversary giveaway.
Alanna Renee Reptar is an incredibly cool, unique shade. I love these out-of-left-field shades - they're so satisfyingly interesting even without nail art.
Celestial Highgarden was my favourite from the Game of Thrones-themed collaboration between Color4Nails and Celestial. I love a special effects shade, and this has both holo and thermal colour change effects! This shade inspired me to write this sciencey article on how thermochromic colour change pigments work.
Brown and green is such a pretty colour combination in my books, but so few polishes contain this colour combination. Sayuri Mori has this rare foresty look, and is lovely over a golden base.
Arcane Lacquer Erudite Dreams is a pretty blurple creme with pinkish gold shimmer. I really love Arcane's elegant but pretty polishes - very work-safe and wearable for all occasions, without being plain.
Powder Perfect Decorate a Palm Tree is a very shimmery dense microglitter in a fetching shade of grass green. I especially love how the green jelly base means that the glitter in the lower layers are a deeper colour.
I posted Loki's Lacquer Omicron Persei 8 here in April, but it deserves revisiting! It's the most amazingly unexpected smorgasbord of sparkles, and jaw-droppingly stunning in the sun.
This one's a bit of a copout - I'm nominating the entire Mckfresh Sunnydale Collection as my #13! The Buffy-inspired vampy collection just looks so good together. But if I had to pick one polish, it would probably be Xander (top right hand corner) - the blue-green duochrome is so pretty, even though Xander is a bloody irritating character.
There you have it - the best indies I tried this year! I'm sure there are some glaring omissions I'll kick myself for a bit later, but I've agonised over this list long enough that I really just needed to hit the "post" button and walk the hell away.
I realise that this list is ridiculously biased towards Australian indies, and that's simply because I had enough to try within Australia that I didn't feel the need to pay premium shipping prices for overseas polishes! I will endeavour to try out more overseas brands in 2014, but to be honest, given how the Australian indie market is growing, I think I already have my nails full.
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Telematic systems to monitor machine performance and streamline logistics are becoming standard equipment. Systems that simplify the transfer of field data such as A/B lines, spraying prescriptions and real-time yields to and from tractors, sprayers and combines are piggybacking on the trend.
The common denominator — besides the cellular field modems required for both — is the desire to improve overall farm efficiency by harvesting and better using data that drive farm decisions and field activities.
Although telematics as standard equipment is just getting under way in the U.S., it will become the status quo if agriculture follows the pattern of oil, mining, construction and trucking industries, says Kirk Appleford of Raven Industries.
"The whole agriculture industry is moving very quickly toward telematics," says Appleford, who worked on the team that developed Raven's Slingshot cellular RTK and data communications system. "Telematics will offer huge savings for manufacturers and customers. From what I have seen, eventually it will be included on every piece of power equipment coming out of the factory and will probably be free during the warranty period."
Here's a look at new telematics and data transfer offerings for 2012 and beyond.
AGCO advances AgCommand
For 2012, communications hardware needed for AGCO's AgCommand telematics system will be available on all AGCO power equipment above 85 to 100 hp, plus all combines. Smaller-horsepower tractors can be outfitted with a communications package needed for AgCommand Basic, says Marlin Melander, AGCO technology marketing specialist.
Since AGCO introduced AgCommand in 2010, it has narrowed the service to two levels: AgCommand Basic Plus and AgCommand Advanced.
The Basic Plus plan, which was introduced in 2010, records vehicle locations, operating status, run times and other information derived from the built-in GPS receiver.
The Advanced system, which became available in August 2011, harvests data from the equipment CANbus, including engine rpm, load, fuel usage, transmission loads, error codes and a range of other data that can provide a picture of a vehicle's use efficiency and overall health. This information can be viewed and analyzed on the AgCommand website, which can be used to set custom alerts for key parameters, such as excessive engine idling, as well as standard alerts for error codes.
On combines, the Advanced system monitors functions affecting harvest efficiency. The system can provide text and email alerts for a range of functions, including excessive grain losses, Melander says.
The list price for factory-installed AgCommand Standard Plus is $2,510 for hardware and three years of service. The list price of AgCommand Advanced is $4,835, including hardware and three years of service. For more information, visit www.agcotechnologies.com.
Claas expands offerings
Last fall, Claas introduced a full suite of telematics tools on 600 and 700 Series Lexion combines. Now it has added its Jaguar 900 Series self-propelled forage harvesters to its telemetry offerings. All 900 Series forage harvesters come from the factory with a modem and integrated GPS receiver necessary to use the company's optional remote diagnostics and telematics packages. For Lexion combines, the hardware is optional.
The Claas telematics system monitors 35 combine measurements, as well as on-board computer messages, alarm and maintenance codes. The system collects critical data, including yields, grain losses, fuel efficiency, unloading waiting times and other efficiency factors, several of which can be displayed graphically as an overlay on Google Earth. A Google Earth interface is also used to monitor machines in real time.
Although Claas's telematics package is relatively new in the U.S., more than 2,500 customers worldwide have used it since it was first offered to customers in 2005, says Reinhold Maehler, a Claas product specialist.
"The system also provides instant access to yield data," Maehler says. As each field is harvested, yield data can be uploaded to the Claas Web server, then downloaded to an office PC for use in Ag Leader SMS and Claas software. Trimble Farm Works software is currently being adapted and will soon be capable of using the file format.
The remote diagnostics tool enables a dealer or other service provider to have remote live access to a machine's CANbus to diagnose problems or errors. The dealer also has limited access to machine data, such as engine/working hours, alarm and maintenance messages, and component speed and status, to enable dealers to provide immediate service maintenance recommendations, he says.
First-year suggested retail price for combine telematics packages is $3,380, and $2,830 for forage harvesters. Second-year license fees are lower. A remote diagnostics-only subscription is $1,200/year for combines and $999/year for forage harvesters. More information is available from Claas dealers, or by visiting www.claasofamerica.com.
Deere factory-installs telematics
For 2012, John Deere will factory-install telematics hardware on most large tractors, sprayers, combines and forage harvesters. The company's high-end JDLink Ultimate telematics service will be included in the base price for the first year and at a significantly discounted price in future years when bundled with an extended warranty, says Aaron Bartholomay, senior product development specialist.
The company is also expanding telematics features in 2012. It expects to have a remote access feature that will allow owners to view a GreenStar 2630 display from any Internet-connected computer in the spring. New harvest modules to monitor and improve efficiency of combines and self-propelled forage harvesters are expected by summer, Bartholomay adds.
The company decided to offer free telematics during the warranty period to improve customer service, with reduced costs for warranty repairs a side benefit. "Along with our dealers, we can provide much better support to our customers with telematics," Bartholomay says. "Dealers can use Service Advisor Remote to remotely diagnose machines without leaving the dealership, which allows them to be more efficient and increase uptime for the customer."
For 2011, telematics hardware was factory-installed on 8R Series tractors. For 2012, the list includes 9R Series tractors, 7R and 6R Series tractors, model 4940 sprayers, S660 to S690 combines and 7050 Series forage harvesters.
In addition to JDLink Ultimate, the company also offers a basic service call JDLink Select, which tracks machine location, operating status, run times and maintenance. A field-install kit for JDLink Select is $1,300, which includes hardware and a one-year subscription. The JDLink Ultimate field-install kit is $3,100, which includes hardware and a one-year subscription. For more information, visit www.johndeere.com.
Raven extends Slingshot's range
Soon after Raven Industries released its Slingshot RTK and cellular communications system in 2010, it introduced an application programing interface (API) to allow software companies, precision ag equipment manufacturers, OEMs and others to use Slingshot to deliver integrated information management solutions to their mutual customers.
In 2012, the API developer floodgates will open as more than 10 Slingshot API partners announce new capabilities harnessing the Slingshot API, says Kelby Kleinsasser, Raven's Applied Technology Division ag information director.
"I think 2012 will be a terrific year of innovation," he says. "We are breaking down the barriers and creating new interoperability that didn't exist before."
SST Software, which is partially owned by Raven, has begun using the API to deliver SST Summit capabilities to Raven controllers via Slingshot. Software Solutions has also used the API in the dispatch module within its Agvance product. Both will improve sprayer efficiency by transferring prescriptions and as-applied maps and monitoring tank levels and, soon, features such as automatic tender dispatching, Kleinsasser says. These capabilities supplement asset tracking and data transfer capabilities built into the Slingshot system.
Raven also is working with several agricultural equipment manufacturers to develop telematic packages delivered via the Slingshot system. "We are well down the path toward offering CANbus telematics solutions to multiple OEM partners," Appleford says. Visit www.ravenslingshot.com.
Trimble adds to Connected Farm
Trimble continues to add features to its Connected Farm suite of software solutions. For the 2011 harvest, it broadened its Sync solution to enable wireless transfer of combine yield monitor files from the Trimble FmX display to Trimble servers, then to an office computer.
Earlier in the year, it released Dispatch, which adds geo-fences and email alerts. The company's new WM-Drain software also can dispatch drainage plan files from the Farm Works Surface in the office to the field via Connected Farm servers. The DCM-300 modem now handles data transfer, asset management tracking and cellular RTK correction signal acquisition chores, replacing separate data/RTK modems needed in the past.
The new data transfer capability "completes the circle" from planting to harvest as Sync enables transfer of guidance lines, variable-rate prescription maps, planned and completed jobs, application maps, soil sampling and scouting maps, yields and more, says Scott Nusbaum, Farm Works product manager.
"Initially, most interest in Sync has been from larger farms," he says. "Now, moderate and smaller-sized farms are seeing the benefits. Guys have been looking at it for a year and are now ready to take it on."
The cost of the Sync package is $600/year, plus data plan charges from cellular providers and $1,895 for the DCM-300 modem. Dispatch alone costs $240/year, plus $995 for the modem. Visit www.connectedfarm.com.


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May 30, 2008
ATHENS, Ga. _ The Lipscomb Bisons wore white shoes for the first time ever in a baseball game, but they never surrendered.
Friday afternoon at sunny and humid Foley Field the No. 4-seeded Bisons stunned a predominately red-and-black draped crowd with a 10-7 win over the host Georgia Bulldogs, the No.8 seed nationally and the No. 1 seed in the Athens Regional. The Bulldogs also were the regular season champion in the Southeastern Conference.
It is not only the first NCAA Tournament win in baseball, but the first in any sport for Lipscomb.
Saturday night at 6 the Bisons will face No. 2-seeded Georgia Tech, an 8-5 winner over No.3-seed Louisville. Georgia and Louisville will play at 2 with the loser eliminated from the regional.
"Wow, I don't know where to start describing how proud I am of these guys," said second-year Lipscomb coach Jeff Forehand. "Coming in here against a team like Georgia all you want is a chance at the end."
For two years the Bisons players had hounded Forehand about adding white shoes to what the team could wear. Forehand had resisted, but promised they could wear them if they qualified for an NCAA Regional. The new wardrobe addition paid off.
The Bisons wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. With two outs in the first inning Caleb Joseph slammed a solo home run approximately 375 feet over the left center field fence.
Georgia came back strong in their part of the first inning. Ryan Peisel opened with a single to right field. Lipscomb starter Rex Brothers sat the next two batters down before the Bulldogs struck for four runs.
The Bisons started chipping away at the Georgia lead with one run in the second. With one out right fielder Shane Simpkins singled up the middle. Third baseman Branden Cadavid singled through the right side of the field. Second baseman Ben Williams hit a high fly to shallow left field that he stretched into a double. Simpkins scored from third on the play.
In the third center fielder Allen Bolden led off with a walk. Joseph flied out to center. Left fielder Blake Bratcher sent a pitch from Georgia starter Stephen Dodson onto the kudzu-covered hillside beyond the right field fence.
"Coach Forehand stressed to us attacking every inning and having good at bats," Bratcher said. "We knew Dodson throws a lot of fastballs and throws strikes. We were real aggressive and got some big hits."
In the fifth the Bisons struck for four more runs. Bolden walked to lead off the inning. Joseph singled to center field. Bratcher followed with a single to center field to score Bolden. Designated hitter Justin Sanders then grounded out to second base to send Joseph across the plate. With two outs first baseman Ryan Wilkins pounded a two-run home run to left field that traveled more than 360 feet over the fence and through a grove of trees in the parking lot that also scored Bratcher.
The Bisons weren't through scoring. In the sixth they added another run. Second baseman Ben Williams led off with a walk. Shortstop JoJo Gutierrez put down a sacrifice fly that was mishandled by the pitcher allowing him to go to first base. Bolden followed with a sacrifice bunt that moved Williams to third and Gutierrez to second. Joseph was intentionally walked to load the bases. Williams then scored on a wild pitch.
Bratcher was hit by a pitch to lead off the ninth. Sanders singled to right field moving Bratcher to third. Wilkins hit a sacrifice fly to left field that allowed Bratcher to score.
The Bisons finished with 10 hits. Joseph, Bratcher and Cadavid each had two hits, Bratcher and Wilkins both finished with three runs batted in.
Dodson pitched 4.2 innings for Georgia giving up nine hits and eight runs, all earned. He walked two and struck out four. Left-hander Alex McRee threw 3.2 innings and allowed one hit and two runs. He struck out three and walked two. Right-hander Justin Grimm closed out the game for Georgia pitching the final two-thirds of an inning.
Dodson fell to 5-4.
After the four-inning first the Bulldogs didn't score again until the sixth inning when Peisel, who led Georgia's 13-hit attack with three hits, knocked a two-run homer to right field.
Georgia added one more in the eighth.
"You have to tip your cap to the Lipscomb team," said Peisel. "They came in here, played well and did their thing. We started coming back, but we just ran out of time."
Brothers raised his record to 4-5, pitching 5.1 innings. He allowed nine hits, six runs (two earned), walked four and struck out three.
"I feel confident playing against anybody," said Brothers. "I know that we can put up runs and that we can pitch really well.
"My job is to keep us in the game. After the first inning I settled down, made some good pitches and kept throwing strikes. The biggest thing was overcoming the mental side."
Right-hander Chris Burnett came on in relief and pitched two innings. He scattered three hits and gave up one run. He struck out one batter.
Right-hander Kyle Tognazzini closed out the game pitching 1.2 innings. He gave up one hit and did not allow a run. Tognazzini was credited with the save, his fourth of the season.
"I felt confident in our team after getting out of the first inning and battling back and scoring some runs," said Forehand. "We really settled in. Our pitching got better. We kept our composure and we were able to battle back and win this huge game."


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Ben 10 Ultimate Alien: Cosmic Destruction. The all-new alien device transforms you into ultimate versions of your favorite aliens from the hit show, including Armodrillo, WaterHazard, AmpFibian, Terraspin and NRG, and gives you the power to jackhammer, beam and blast enemies out of your path. As you swiftly switch between different forms and different powers, you'll battle dangerous bosses and solve mind-tangling puzzles on a wild adventure that takes you from Paris to Tokyo and beyond.
Enhance your powers along the way as you collect sumo slammer cards and crush objects — and get more strength, speed and special attacks than ever. The Cartoon Network hit show is popping out of the TV screen and into your living room — do you have what it takes to wear the Ultimatrix?
A year after Vilgax Attacked; a new menace, a mysterious cosmic storm, threatens to destroy the Earth. Ben Tennyson is back, armed with his new Ultimatrix and 10 all new alien forms. He is on a race against time to scour the Earth to uncover pieces of an ancient alien artifact, which when reassembled will be the only thing powerful enough to stop the impending doom. His search will take him to many famous locations around the world and pit him against some of the galaxys worst villains including a larger than life battle against the coming destroyer of worlds, an evil Way Big!
- Play as Ben and 16 of his alien forms including many of the new aliens from the ULTIMATE ALIEN TV series, the most number of playable characters in a Ben 10 video game.
- All-new Ultimatrix to unlock a more powerful Ultimate version of established aliens from ALIEN FORCE
- Quickly switch from one alien to another without leaving the action and perform devastating combos.
- New storyline set in the ULTIMATE ALIEN universe by the original writers of the show.
- Completely authentic to the TV series using voice actors, sounds, and locations from the new ULTIMATE ALIEN series.
- 8 Levels of memorable real life locales including Paris, Tokyo, China, and Rome.
- Upgrade System that allows players to enhance their favorite aliens attributes
- Stylized Cinematics for going Ultimate, Boss Battles, and heroic rescues.
- Face off against familiar foes from the ALIEN FORCE series including Vreedle Bros, Enoch, Sunder, Seven Seven, Zombozo, and Psyphon.
- Play as Four-Arms (PS3 version) or Rath (X360 version), two exclusive aliens that can only be found on these platforms.


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It is exactly what the title implies: celebrating all brothas who admire and appreciate masculine hairy armpits. This photo gallery is my tribute to the erotic tufts of hair that naturally sprout in the armpits of men, regardless of whether thick and bushy or thin and sparse. A safe space for proud Black, gay men. A place for brothas to share and showcase their pit fur! No shaved armpits allowed here! Feel free to submit armpit photos: firstname.lastname@example.com
Friday, January 10, 2014
Number 796
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Authorities believe Rogers shot Elizabeth Rogers, 40, in the head and placed a pistol in her hand to make it look like a suicide.
A Fargo man accused of killing his wife and staging her death as a suicide told a judge Monday he lost his job and needs a public defender.
Ronald Rogers Jr., 46, made his first appearance Monday in Cass County Court on charges of murder and willful disturbance of a dead body. He was not asked to enter a plea.
Authorities believe Rogers shot Elizabeth Rogers, 40, in the head and placed a pistol in her hand to make it look like a suicide. Police first received a call on the incident Tuesday night, but didn't charge Rogers until Friday.
In arguing for Rogers' bail to remain at $1 million, Assistant State's Attorney Tristan Van de Streek said Monday that Rogers told police he staged the scene.
"I think it's a strong case," Van de Streek said.
Cass County State's Attorney Birch Burdick declined afterward to talk about details of the case, but defended the high bail.
"The defendant doesn't have any ties to our community. He has not lived here very long," Burdick said. "He's got no job here, no particular reason to stay, every reason to flee."
Rogers, appearing via video from the Cass County jail, told Judge Lisa Fair McEvers he recently moved to Fargo after living in northern Idaho for eight years. Rogers said he lost his job and was evicted from his home.
Asked by the judge if she wanted him to appoint a public defender, Rogers said, "Yes, please."
Fair McEvers ordered that bail be kept at $1 million and scheduled a preliminary hearing for March 21.


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Monserrate was charged with second-degree assault after his girlfriend, Karla Giraldo, checked into Long Island Jewish Hospital with a laceration to her face. Monserrate drove Giraldo to the hospital, and was with her when she checked in. It was there that he was arrested and taken to Queens County Criminal Court, where he was arraigned and released on $5,000 bail.
The charges allege that Monserrate and Giraldo were arguing at around 1 a.m. on December 19 at Monserrate's Jackson Heights apartment, at which time he smashed a glass in his hand before using it to hit Giraldo in the face. Giraldo sustained a black eye and cuts above her left eye, which required 20 stitches to close.
Though she reportedly complied with initial questioning by hospital staff and the NYPD, Giraldo has since refused to press charges and denied any wrongdoing on the part of Monserrate. In the Spanish-language press, her family has come out in support of Monserrate, saying that he has only ever treated her with kindness and respect.
Shortly after the incident, Monserrate released a statement in which he refuted the charges of domestic violence.
"As the result of an unfortunate accident involving myself and someone whom I care for deeply and love, I have been charged with offenses that I did not commit and am not capable of committing," read the statement. "As a son, a brother, and a father, these accusations are offensive and they are crushing on a personal level. Nonetheless, I whole-heartedly look forward to all of the facts being brought to light during this legal process."
In interviews following the arrest, he explained that the cuts were the result of taking a fall while bringing a Giraldo a glass of water in an elevated bed at his apartment. Since the incident, the New York Daily News reported that the police have security video taken in Monserrate's apartment building that shows the couple angrily fighting shortly before the incident is believed to have occurred, as well as Giraldo's bloody exit from the building.
Monserrate is due back in court on Friday, January 16, which is a week-and-a-half after he was sworn in as a member of the State Senate. Several domestic violence organizations and community leaders have taken issue with the fact that he was sworn in while the assault charges hang over his head.
Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith issued his support for Monserrate despite the charges, though several legislators, many on the State Senate, felt that the charges should have been addressed in court before he was sworn in. State Senator Martin Golden of Brooklyn proposed a Senate resolution that would have prevented Monserrate from taking office until the charges were cleared.
If convicted, Senator Monserrate would be required to resign from his position and would face up to seven years in prison.


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My Favorite Coupon Sites
This list will probably grow the most rapidly as I discover more and more places to find great coupons online. This list is a good starting point for anyone that is working on getting their coupon collection buffed up. There are tons of coupons available and sure to be savings for everyone.
The site: Coupons.com
Why I like it: This site has tons of coupons available and is a good place to clip a lot of coupons at once. You can sort the coupons by a category to help you narrow down the list if you are looking for something specific.
What could be improved: Although you can sort by category, there is no way to search for a specific coupon. This can make it hard if you are looking for one brand in particular, however if you sort by category you will usually only need to look through two or three of the pages.
Things you should know: For the most part, all regions get the same coupons, but they are based on zip codes. Don't feel like you have to stay within your own zip code! My zip code does not always have the widest variety of coupons so I try several out to make sure I am getting all of the good coupons floating around out there. Some of my favorite zips for Coupons.com are 10001, 12345, 33033, 62496 and 90210. As you find zip codes that you like write them down and keep the list near your computer so you can quickly check them to find the best coupons (and of course leave a comment and let us know about your favorite zip!). Another thing to know about Coupons.com is about printer efficiency. The coupons print three to a page, so if you have a multiple of three coupons when you print you will use your paper the most efficiently. If you don't get to a multiple of three, no worries! The coupons print in the same spot every time, so if you have only one or two to a sheet you can flip it over and print your next coupon on the bottom of the page. (*Caution* be VERY careful when doing this. If you don't put the paper into your printer the correct way, you will print over a coupon that is already printed. This will cost you both coupons, which can be disastrous to your shopping plan as there IS a limit on how many of each coupon you can print per computer.)
The site: RedPlum
Why I like it: Those of you who get the Sunday paper for the coupon inserts (highly recommended!) probably have already heard the name RedPlum. Many of the coupons offered on RedPlum's website are the same as the ones you would find in your Sunday paper. Why is this an upside you ask? It will help you stock up when you find a really killer deal on an item that RedPlum has a coupon for. Depending on how many newspapers you buy in a week, you may end up with not enough coupons for a product that you found for super cheap, free, or even as a moneymaker. If the coupon you are lacking came from a RedPlum insert you may be able to go online and print up a couple more of the coupon so you can take full advantage of the deal.
What could be improved: There is a much more limited selection of coupons on the site compared to some of the other sites out there, but it is still a great site to check weekly for more coupons to supplement what came in your Sunday paper, or what you may have missed on a regional coupon.
Things you should know: RedPlum does have the option of loading coupons to some stores loyalty cards. They do not have my local grocery store on the site so I have not tried it out, but I have loaded coupons directly from the store's site and I absolutely LOVE how convenient it is. Not only are you saving on the ink to print out the coupon, but it is also that many fewer coupons you have to
lug lovingly carry around with you.
The site: SmartSource
Why I like it: This site is very similar to RedPlum in that SmartSource is also a common insert to find in your newspaper (sometimes twice!). SmartSource also gives you the ability to sort by brand, which can be super convenient if you are looking for a specific coupon.
What could be improved: Like coupons.com, these coupons print three to a page, but they are just slightly wider. This is most likely just the OCD in me talking, but the extra width in them makes them just wide enough that they won't fit into my baseball card holders. I usually just fold the bottom up just enough to let it fit and then I fold it in half so that it will fit sideways in the holder. (Once I get a little more organized I will make a post about how I have set up and organized my binder).
Things you should know: This site is pretty straight forward, just keep in mind that you will have to be a little creative in getting them to fit if you use baseball card inserts like I do. Also, I did have some trouble getting them to print in Mozilla Firefox the first couple of times that I tried, but that may just have been me. I reinstalled java and have had no issues since. If you do have trouble, try Internet explorer or Google Chrome, or whatever other browser you may have access to.
The site: CellFire
Why I like it: CellFire is a site devoted to those 'load to your card' coupons. As I said above, love the convenience of these. Any way I can cut down on printing costs is a definite plus in my book.
What could be improved: Unfortunately my closest grocery stores are Stater Brothers, which doesn't have a loyalty card, and Vons (Safeway), which is not currently available on CellFire. There is a pretty long list of stores though, so check it out and if your store is on the list you will definitely want to take advantage of this great website.
Things you should know: These coupons are mostly store coupons, which means that, depending on the store's policy, that you can stack them with a manufacturer's coupon. Timing a coupon stack with a good sale is the best way to find unbeatable, or free prices on your items.
As I said, I am still working on putting together my list of favorite coupon sites, because I do print a lot of coupons. Here are some other coupon sites you may want to check out:
Have you tried any of these sites? Do you have other sites that are a must visit? If so, let us know what you think and why you love them in the comments section.


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It's extremely important to publish your content at the right time of day. A recent study by KISSmetrics helps outline some best practices for posting at times when your audience is most likely to properly consumer your content.
- The best days to Tweet are Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- 6pm is most ecommerce merchant's golden hour.
- Avoid having a block of time where you tackle Twitter in one go. Instead, spread your posts throughout the day. Statistics show that you will get the best CTR (Click Through Rate) if you post 1 to 4 times an hour. Save the most important Tweets for 6pm.
- The best day for Facebook is Saturday when people have time to read your links and respond.
- Facebook posts peak around noon and after 7pm - as people check their profiles during lunch hours and after work.
Email Marketing
- For ecommerce stores, 7pm to 10pm is your 'sweet spot'. People are more likely to respond to marketing campaigns or special offers when they get home from work.
- 6am to 10am is also a good time slot as people get into work, check their emails and allow themselves the distraction of marketing campaigns to delay the inevitable start of their workday. We're all guilty! :-)
- Never send emails between the hours of 10pm and 6am.
- When the end of the work day comes, and introspection sets in and readers are more likely to open mail from financial institutes and property services. The hours of 3pm to 5pm are ideal for this kind of marketing.
- The noon to 2pm lunch hour is when people prefer to be left undisturbed by email marketing in general, but if you are distributing news or magazine-style information, give it a shot.
- Weekends and early mornings see the highest CTR.
- Blogs get the most traffic Monday at 11am.
- Post early in the morning or after the work day is done.
- Men prefer to read blogs after working hours while women are more likely to read them in the morning. What's your gender demographic?
- If you're looking for engagement: Blog comments peak around 9am and on Saturdays.
Final Thought
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5 comments
January 17 2012, 05:31PM
Great tips Mark. The tips on times to post are very helpful for timing product releases/announcements. Great work as usual.
January 20 2012, 08:37AM
This is great! I needed this. I've often wondered when I should send out campaigns, etc.
February 02 2012, 12:45PM
Nice post, Mark. We're experimenting with our emerging social presence and learning a fair bit already. Timing is pretty sensitive, for sure.
March 01 2016, 10:44PM
This is really a worthwhile blog post to understand people behaviours based on time. Now I can set a perfect publishing time for my blog http://dealsbuck.com/blog . Thank you.
May 03 2018, 02:12PM
This is very good content you share on this blog. it's very informative and provide me future related information.
Distance MBA In India


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Create a lifetime of memories for a Broadway fan
Gift Certificates can only be redeemed for Broadway Across America shows in the following cities:
To redeem a Gift Certificate please give us a call at 1-866-698-7469, Monday-Friday 10am-5pm EST and we would be happy to assist you.
Gift Certificates only valid for Broadway Across America shows in cities listed above. Not valid for shows on Broadway in New York City. Not redeemable for cash. Restrictions may apply.


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When Is It OK to Flirt?
Most people have felt that jolt of attraction to an acquaintance or even a stranger. Is it OK to flirt? How far is too far--especially if you're in a committed relationship? Elizabeth Bernstein discusses on Lunch Break. Photo; AP>
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
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I still show that you think I'm I'm I'm I'm flirtatious he fled to get ... things that you want and the Sunnah this is silly just going after saying a woman but if you are and Anekal Michael restaurant you wanna get a better seat ... before with the waitress the farmer summit the airline counter to get yourself a better seat this resumes life but it's cool right ... with this what what that something that's wrong with that assumption ... is on ... it's on it's it's fun ... and it's just it's just fun and you know ... it's time for you it's Italy's Minister nobody around me I don't know by ... now isn't it did talk to some people who flirted ... and they actually had some pretty bad reactions against it was for some of those ... but they really kind of tough one and ... one into ... which it went a lot of hype and hung out there he ... added that having fine and then found out later but they break it down to her ... workplace downtown to be out of the Burgundies opening weekend ... that is taking a weekend you been shorting it really does look good for a change really humiliated ... and the like ... interesting ... I think it's all about consequences indeed Simon isn't really new houses would know what the consequences are going to be with someone ... who you flirt with him I'd try to not do it with somebody I think is going to misinterpret there's any chance again in misinterpreted ... I wanna do it ... absolutely ... and and a new Spanish and some economists and several someones home and having fun then dumps and I'm surprised the result of that ... that goes with was talking about when I misplace them friends went down there and them started to get bigger and even a hard time doing a hard time about that because in up ... to one one and one after the evening had some fun hands that nobody is Lewis offer and so what what's wrong with ... the thing sometimes Elizabeth lemme may bring it back into this and a bit like let's say your woman and a party enuf but with a man and then I he's got a why they're she walks up she doesn't she not happy about it there there are consequences of this even if ... you don't mean ... any harm ... you can still inflict harm ... but I'm ... all we have to think you have to know ... as ... with any knots I want to ... it's ... actually end up another couple jetted ... hundred and ... twenty for my sch and that the Contiki shifting to a whole lot that I am ... and another problem is what about your significant other ... you really should think ... now that's a very good pointed ... to significant other maybe it's for ... NASA to you you know meeting by choosing to think that that can fill that Simon ... some people I just mashed leaflets Isis that touches the way they are and felt that way with everybody asking them from anything and in some ways that way you know it you medicines to meet the memo way with everybody ... and that's no problem is when people are selectively plantations that significant of this can get ... that upset right so this is ... a model so I took some friends come to think that Justice The when the ice early on but I was I the first time a taxi Presley and touching sunny right now I don't meet the bottom of the main thing by people can misinterpret that Elizabeth I before we believe this and get a couple of quick guidelines ... on ... on how to flirt with that of being too dangerous ... well I think you can contact their job and are putting bread and she had some kind of relationship with Africa and understand that it's not I mean ... what what it what you think about it and then chucking it probably not a great idea if they want and not much ... rather than just a sign that I did on there is there to listen so I'm always in trouble ... I get a nice meal was the prancing thanks for being with us I mean I guess offence under Campbell you a kiss out of


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TV Episodes Full List of Daimos Episodes
22.8k views 44 items
Below is a complete Daimos episode list that spans the show's entire TV run. Photos from the individual Daimos episodes are listed along with the Daimos episode names when available, as are the dates of the original airing of the episode. Daimos episodes from every season can be seen below, along with fun facts about who directed the episodes, the stars of the and sometimes even information like shooting locations and original air dates. Vote for your favorite items on this poll, including "Joanna's Secret Weapon," "The Mysterious Girl Erika" and more. Are you remembering a funny scene but can't think of the name that the Daimos episode is from? Scroll below and you'll find what you're looking for.


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In Weissach, Germany at the Porsche Motorsport headquarters, preparations for the new LMP1 sports prototype in the 2013 Le Mans 24 Hours and the sports car World Endurance Championship are being made.
"The first roll-out of our new LMP1 car is planned for mid-2013," announced Wolfgang Hatz, Porsche AG Board of Management Member for Research and Development, on Saturday on the occasion of the end of season Porsche Motorsport 'Night of Champions' celebration. "The car will be run by our own factory 'works' team based here at Weissach."
Fritz Enzinger, running a new department for the program, will head the LMP1 project while Head of Porsche Motorsport Kartmut Kristen will continue to be responsible for all other motorsport programs worldwide.
In other news, though, the new 911 GT3 Cup has been revealed, and as you can see, it's awesome, and how could it be anything else, the GT3 Cup is the most successful racecar in the world.
Since 1998, 2,395 have been sold to customers worldwide, and they go virtually unchanged. This new race car is the motorsport version of the forthcoming 911 GT3 road car, and it's also the first race car built on the 991 chassis. The new 911 GT3 Cup will run exclusively in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in 2013. Powered by a 3.8-liter flat six, the GT3 Cup makes 460hp at 7,500rpm, a 10hp increase over the outgoing model. A six-speed dog box developed by Porsche Motorsport sends power to the rear, and for the first time ever in a Porsche Cup car, gear changes are made via paddles on the steering wheel.
The wheels are also a new development from Porsche Motorsport, with center-locking and some meaty Michelin race slicks. Lurking underneath the spokes is an upgraded brake system, bigger and better than the last GT3 Cup, using aluminum six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers.
For this new model, a big emphasis lied on driver safety. With a new roll cage design and newly-developed seat which is distinctively shaped around the head and shoulders, the GT3 Cup is geared to survive a big it. Further, a rescue hatch in the roof gives easy access to the driver for easy extraction in the event of a crash.
"The new 911 GT3 Cup is much easier to drive at the limit," said Porsche factory race driver Timo Bernhard, who was closely involved in the development of the new racer. "The car is excellently balanced. The new axle geometry is enormously positive for the handling. Apart from that, the new Cup 911 is great fun to drive!" Sold exclusively in white, the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is produced in Stuttgar-Zuffenhausen on the same assembly line as the road cars. It's then set up for general circuit racing and tested by a pro before delivery to customers. You can have one for $181,200 Euro, or $231,481.76.
Nick Tandy wins Porsche Cup - the best private driver in 2012
After his first full season in international GT racing, British racing driver Nick Tandy (28) can celebrate winning the Porsche Cup as the best private Porsche driver in the world. On the occasion of the 'Night of Champions', Nick Tandy received the Porsche Cup from Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Porsche AG. Additionally, Tandy was awarded a new Porsche 911 Carrera S.
During the past season, the British driver scored a total of 7,510 points. Second-placed Raymond Narac was awarded 30,000 Euro, and third-placed Paolo Ruberti 25,000 Euro. The Porsche Cup is endowed with a total value of 253,000 Euro. In the competition initiated by Ferry Porsche, drivers earned points in 18 GT and prototype race series worldwide as well as at selected long distance endurance races.
Professional race driver and part-time farmer, Tandy, from Bedford, headed into 2012 as the reigning Champion of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland. He raced a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR run by the experienced Manthey Racing team in the International GT Open. Sharing the cockpit with Porsche factory 'works' driver Marco Holzer, he won five races. And in the ADAC GT Masters, Tandy competed for the Geyer & Weinig EDV - Schutz Motorsport squad at the wheel of a 911 GT3 R. With team-mate Christian Engelhart, he scored four victories. Tandy earned further points towards the Porsche Cup competing for Flying Lizard Motorsports and TRG in the ALMS. In the British GT Championship, he manned the cockpit of a Team Motorbase 911 GT3 R at selected rounds. After John Fitzpatrick (1972, 1974, 1980) and Tim Sugden (2005), Nick Tandy is the third Briton to be honoured with the Porsche Cup, which has been awarded by Porsche since 1970.


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BrightBox Wordpress Theme - Rating, Reviews, Preview, Demo & Download
Theme Description
BrightBox is a modern business and portfolio Theme, built on one of the most flexible WordPress Themes on Themeforest. With the help of a dynamic Template Builder you can create stunning page layouts without any coding knowledge. Yet if you are a developer eager to create your own PHP files the theme supports you as well with a very structured folder and file system. It has a unqiue built in 3D slideshow manager (no plugins needed), supports both self hosted videos as well as vimeo, youtube, etc and comes with a content importer for faster setup.
Key Features
- 3 different Cu3er 3D Slideshow + 2 jQuery Slideshows (which also serve as fallback if flash is disabled)
- Any Number of Slideshows possible
- Supports Videos form any major video hostung service as well as self hosted HTML5 Videos with flash fallback
- Template Builder for unique page layouts
- No plugins needed whatsoever, everything is included within the theme
- Built on my very own Avia Framework, one of the most advanced Frameworks on Themeforest
- Visual Shortcode editor with preview function
- 3 Base layouts + color picker options for any number of gorgeous color settings. Also calculates secondary colors automatically so you cant do anything wrong with your color scheme
- Unqiue Sidebars for each page/category possible
- Extensive User Manual, short videos and professional theme support by me and my team to fix any kind of problems
- Unlimited Portfolios, Portfolio Custom Post types
- jQuery 100% unobtrusive wich degrades gracefully if javascript is turned off
- PSDs included
This theme is optimized for the Wordpress Multilingual
This theme is Internationalized (translation ready) – the theme has been updated to support translations in more than one language.
Need support?
Feel free to ask me and my dedicated support team at my support forum at http://www.kriesi.at/support.
16.000 posts in the forum do speak a clear language: we do care about your problem
The reasons I have chosen to use my own forum are quite simple:
Themeforest support threads are not searchable. Since most questions are asked over and over again a searchable forum will make it possible that you dont even need to wait for my response, because its already there.
Second Reason: people can't respond to each other at themeforest to help each other out, while I am busy with other tasks.
Third Reason: it is very inconvenient for me to check multiple places if support requests where made (here at themeforest, my themeforest mail account, my websites mail account, facebook group, twitter etc) Therefore I decided to channel those requests at one place and make it available to everyone so all of you guys can benefit.
External scripts and resources used:
- lightbox plugin
- Cufon Font replacement
- cu3er 3d slider: http://getcu3er.com/
- "Iconsweets2"
Please note that you need to run at least php 5.1.6 to use the theme. Earlier versions might still work but the lowest I could test yet was 5.1.6
Update: 2014 August 27
This release ensures WordPress 4.0 compatibility and fixes by making our framework ready for the latest jQuery version
Please update - file: style.css - folder: framework
Reviews & Comments
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Asparagus and Mussel Salad with Remoulade
Spanish Sweet Pepper Soup Spanked with Almond Cream and Toasted Almonds
Spring Vegetables with Leek Restraints
Timbale of Rice, Peas, and Lardon
Red Velvet and Honey-whipped Goat Cheese Tiramisu with Berries and Silver Balls
Here is the beef recipe
4 eight ounce beef tenderloin fillet mignon steaks (center cut)
8 ounce ball of fresh moaazrella, cut into 4 slices
4 thin slices of proscuitto
4 lenths of string to tie the steaks after stuffing
Canola or vegetable oil as needed
for the Sauce:
4 tablespoons of butter
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1 tablespoon minced garlic
4 tablespoons of flour
2 cups of veal stock
1/4 cup sweet marsala wine
1/4 cup tomato sauce
Wrap each slice of mozzarella with a slice of proscuitto. Make a cut in the side of each steak large enough to accomodate the wrapped cheese, and insert the cheese into the steak. Tie with the string which will help the steak hold its shape.
Heat a heavy bottomed skillet with a light film of oil. Sear both sides of the steaks for 3 minutes on each side over high heat. Sear the sides slightly as well. Remove the steaks to a baking sheet and place in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes (for medium rare). The internal temperature should be around 122-125 degrees-let the steaks rest at leat 5 to 8 minutes befor cutting into it.
While the steaks finish cooking and are resting, make the sauce. Add butter to the skillet the steaks were sauteed in. Add the shallot and garlic and stir cook 1 to 2 minutes-do not brown. Add the flour and continue to stir cook until you make a caramelly colored light brown roux.
Add the wine and reduce by half, add the stock and tomato sauce and continue to cook and reduce until you reach sauce consistency. Taste for any kind of seasoning adjustment.
Snip the strings off the beef and serve with the sauce.


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Morena Baccarin Shines in Jacob Arabo Jewelry at SAG Awards
The brand Jacob & Co. is one of the world's leading luxury watches and diamond jewelrs for the past 25 years. Jacob Arabo, the company's founder and owner, has been showing his passion for jewelry design with his unique and precious diamond creations, as well as by pushing the limits of technique, style and innovation with his Swiss-made timepieces. His jewelry collectors appreciate the world-class standards and range from high society, royalty, and aristocracy, to musicians, athletes, and celebrities.
On January 27th, 2013, Morena Baccarin dazzled in Jacob & Co. jewelry on the red carpet of the 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles. The Brazilian American actress from the nominated cast of Homeland sparkled in a glamorous, black and floral strapless Basil Soda couture gown, which she completed with stunning Jade Drop Earrings. Morena Baccarin's jewelry that night featured over 53 carats of jade, as well as black pearls, orange tourmaline, green garnets and pink, brown and white diamonds, all used to create a breathtaking vine motif.
Morena Baccarin was not the only celebrity, choosing Jacob Arabo jewelry for her SAG Awards appearance. Stacey Kiebler, wearing a black Marchesa dress, topped off her glamorous look with diamond drop earrings, featuring over 15 carats of baguette and marquise-shaped diamonds, at last year's awards show.
Maria Menounos, co-host of the TV show Extra, shone in exquisite teardrop shaped diamond earrings in palladium at the 2012 SAG Awards. And Chris Noth, American actor and star in the CBS drama series The Good Wife, accessorized his outfit with a Jacob & Co. timepiece at last year's awards show as well. He wore a signature Five Time Zone watch, featuring a silver accented dial, and a stainless steel bezel on a black leather strap.
Jacob Arabo jewelry has a global distribution from New York, London and Paris, to Moscow, Hong Kong and Dubai. His outstanding designs and craftsmanship continues to amaze and he can proudly include names like David & Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Bono, Elton John, and Valentino to his large roaster of celebrity clients.
Official Jacob & Co. Website and Retail Locations http://www.JacobAndCo.com


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Good news for those on Verizon who have anxiously awaited that 'Portico' OS update as not only do you get those new features, but evidently Big Red has given you some many unique fixes too.
The new features and improvements come with the radio/firmware portion of the update, which is an additional layer that brings some carrier-side requested fixes.
The new firmware has the following changes:
Firmware: 1532.20.20011.605; Radio: 0.17.50.1218
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth profile have been improved for performance.
- Increased flexibility to manage browser history.
- Added capability to select an MP3 file as a ring tone.
- Incremental security feature allowing user to restrict calls to a limited list of numbers.
- Messaging enhancements to allow user to edit an MMS while forwarding.
- User can auto-retry with connectivity, multi-select recipients for a message and ignore
- calls with SMS reply.
That later one, multi-select recipients for a message should go a long way to addressing a complaint that many folks had regarding Windows Phone on Verizon. We haven't seen the change ourselves but presumably under the messaging options, grouping of messages may be fixed with this update (or at least improved).
Other additional features including selecting MP3 as a ringtone, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth profile fixes and restricting phone calls are also welcomed, though it remains to be see how those are instantiated.
That leads us to you sounding off in comments on your thoughts of the new update.
Source: Verizon; Thanks, Robert C., for the heads up!
This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for more details.


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Don't be scared, she's not as tough as she looks!
Meet maternal grandmother Ida Mae (
) Morgan, dressed for the annual Halloween party at the American Legion. I'm not sure if she's meant to be a gangster, or a 1920s Hollywood mogul. Regardless, this 1960 photo gave me an insight into Grandma that I'd not seen previously... Jordan
My grandmother and her husband Earle (my step-grandfather) were members of their local American Legion Post (
; Post 38). And they were active, in a big way. Over the years, both held several offices, including president—he of the Post and she of the Women's Auxiliary. Dundalk, MD
Like so many of their generation, times were tough growing up. And both were single parents, divorced from their first spouses, something not usually done in the 30s. By the time they found one another, life was easing up, and they were free to enjoy their time together. So they did, by joining friends for activities at the Legion and other social organizations where they were members.
As a child, grandparents seem ancient people whose lives revolve only around their family, with no social life to speak of. In looking through family albums, I am finding photos from many dances, dinners, Halloween parties, Christmas parties, and nights on the town. It's giving me a bigger window into their social lives, and I love it!


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Trembley appreciates every stop on road to Majors
BALTIMORE -- Dave Trembley paid too many dues and worked too hard to have any regrets about his days as a part of the select fraternity of Major League managers. And he's not about to hold any grudges against his former team, the Orioles, for the way in which he was dismissed.
Instead, Trembley will be in an Astros uniform this week at Oriole Park at Camden Yards with his omnipresent smile, eager to shake hands and greet old friends. Trembley, the Astros' third-base coach, will return to Baltimore when Houston opens a three-game series on Tuesday for the first time since he was dismissed as the Birds' manager three years ago.
BALTIMORE -- Dave Trembley paid too many dues and worked too hard to have any regrets about his days as a part of the select fraternity of Major League managers. And he's not about to hold any grudges against his former team, the Orioles, for the way in which he was dismissed.
Instead, Trembley will be in an Astros uniform this week at Oriole Park at Camden Yards with his omnipresent smile, eager to shake hands and greet old friends. Trembley, the Astros' third-base coach, will return to Baltimore when Houston opens a three-game series on Tuesday for the first time since he was dismissed as the Birds' manager three years ago.
Trembley has watched the Orioles, led by a corps of young players who made their debuts while he was still at the helm, turn into contenders in the rough-and-tumble American League East, something which gives him a sense of pride. He's also proud of the enduring friendships he built as a member of that organization.
"This will be a special time, because we have some very good relationships with a lot of nice people in Baltimore -- fans, stadium employees," Trembley said. "A lot of people have been very supportive through the years, so I'm going to get an opportunity to see them again."
Trembley, 61, spent three years as the manager of the Orioles, taking over in June 2007 when Sam Perlozzo was dismissed, and then he was let go midway through the 2010 season. He learned of his termination when he saw his name scroll across the bottom of a television screen while watching ESPN.
The Orioles went 187-283 during Trembley's tenure as manager, which came to an end on June 4, 2010, when the club was a Major League-worst 15-39 following a 2-16 start. He admits that he struggled when he lost his job, becoming reclusive and shutting people out.
Still, Trembley cherishes the opportunity he had to lead a team at the highest level.
"I'm never going to say anything bad about my time managing Baltimore," Trembley said. "It was the time of my life. And for all the hurt and everything else I went through at the end, I'd do it again. The guys that matter the most to me are still playing, have gotten better, and I know they appreciate what we did for them. I know that. They've told me."
Trembley leaned on friends -- including Tigers manager Jim Leyland, former Cardinals manager Tony La Russa and Rays manager Joe Maddon -- to help him through his darkest times. Indians skipper Terry Francona called him, too.
"A lot of people you had relationships with, the phone stops ringing because they can't help you anymore," Trembley said.
Trembley's journey to what he called "the pinnacle of my career" was as unconventional as it was challenging. It was filled with obstacles you might expect for a man who had never played professional baseball at any level.
A former coach and teacher at an inner-city high school in Los Angeles in the 1970s, Trembley's path was anything but typical. He coached baseball and taught psychology at Antelope Valley College before Dallas Green offered him a position as a scout for the Cubs in 1984 -- his first big break.
Trembley would go on to manage for 20 years in the Minor Leagues with the Pirates, Padres, Cubs and Orioles, winning two league titles and taking home Manager of the Year honors three times (1987, '95, '99). He never made more than $40,000 a year.
"We understand about being patient, persistent, and the players in this game will either be your best ally or your worst enemy," Trembley said. "I've never been in this thing for myself. I've been in it because I love the game. I care about the players, and we have respect for the people and the game, and we try to teach the guys to get better. We've been fortunate, very fortunate.
"I think what we've done is given an incentive to an awful lot of other people, not only in this game, but in every profession they chose, that you can get there. People aren't going to give it to you. You're going to have to work hard for it, and they're going to find out how bad you want it."
How badly did Trembley want it? He was a baseball vagabond for much of his life, sleeping on friends' couches, eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and taking advantage of the free Thursday night suppers at the local church. He got his mail at a post office box because he didn't have a permanent address.
Trembley managed in the instructional league for 16 years and spent winters managing in places like Venezuela, Mexico, Korea and Taiwan. It wasn't until he married his wife, Patti, in 1999, that he began to finally lay down some roots. She'll join him in Baltimore this week with their son, Kevin.
"People say I've been lucky," Trembley said. "Without being egotistical, I've earned it. They didn't give it to me. I know how to treat people; I know how to treat this game. There's something to be said for that."
One of the many young players on which Trembley made a positive impression was an outfielder named Bo Porter, who played for three different Minor League teams that Trembley managed. When Porter was a third-base coach for the Marlins, he told Trembley he was going to manage in the big leagues some day -- and that he planned to bring his former skipper with him.
"I'm at the end of instructional league last year, and it's midnight. My phone rings, and it's Bo Porter," he said. "He says, 'Dave, on Monday, the Houston Astros are naming me manager. We got the job.' I said, 'What?' He said, 'We got the job.' I said, 'Bo, I'm so proud of you.' He said, 'You don't understand. We got the job. You're coming with me.'"
Now Trembley is back in uniform, back in the Majors and headed back to Baltimore.
Trembley, who first put on a Major League uniform when he was 55 years old, lives by this motto: If you're going to dream, you better dream big, and don't let anybody tell you that you can't do it.
"You have to let these guys know how special an opportunity this is and to never take it for granted," he said. "Appreciate it, but know it's not going to last forever."
Brian McTaggart is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, Tag's Lines. Follow @brianmctaggart on Twitter.