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U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team Weekly Update for Feb. 11
Bill Kauffman
USA Volleyball Communications
Phone: 719-228-6800
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
USAV Facebook - @USA_Volleyball
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 11, 2013) - The current U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team Weekly update released on Feb. 11 includes briefs on U.S. players.
HOOKER, LLOYD IN FINALS OF GLOBE AWARDS: Destinee Hooker (San Antonio) and Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, Calif.) have advanced to the final round of the 2012 Volleyball Globe Awards, a contest organized by Italian website Volleyball.it to promote the sport of volleyball. Hooker overwhelmed Russia's Natalia Goncharova by of vote of 336-111 in the opposite position semifinal. Hooker will now face Brazil's Sheilla Castro in the final round. Lloyd topped Japan's Yoshie Takeshita 484-196 in the setter's semifinal round. Lloyd will now face Thailand's Nootsara Tomkom in the final round. The Volleyball Globe Award is an annual prize awarded to players who have stood out in the last calendar year playing in a club of any national championship in the world and with their national teams. The first phase of the voting process consists of a popular vote of the international volleyball.it readers through polls published in a dedicated section of the website with male and female players divided by positions. An enlarged jury comprised of more than 100 volleyball journalists from around the world takes place in the second phase of the voting.
AKINRADEWO WITH AZERBAIJAN'S RABITA BAKU: Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Fla.), a silver medalist with the U.S. Olympic Women's Volleyball Team at the 2012 Olympic Games, is competing for Rabita Baku in the Azerbaijan Super League. In CEV Champions League action, Rabita Baku topped Russia's Dinamo Kazan 25-19, 23-25, 25-20, 25-21 on Feb. 7 to its Playoff 6 home-and-home series with Russia's Dinamo Kazan. Akinradewo collected 13 points in the victory with 10 kills on 21 attacks and just two errors to go with two blocks and once ace. "We dismantled the great game of Dinamo," Akinradewo is quoted as saying on azerisport.com. "We had a plan for the match, we watched a lot of games played by Kazan. Most importantly, we were aggressive most of the match, playing team volleyball although not always succeeding." The two teams meet again on Feb. 14 with the right to advance to the CEV Champions League Final Four on March 9 at stake. To watch the match live online at 5 a.m. PT on Feb. 14, click here. In the Azerbaijan Super League, Rabita Baku holds sole possession of first place with 28 points and a 9-2 record.
HODGE, WILSON WITH AZERBAIJAN'S AZERRAIL BAKU: Megan Hodge (Durham, N.C.), a silver medalist on the 2012 U.S. Olympic Women's Volleyball Team, is playing for Azerbaijan's Azerrail Baku in 2012-2013 along with fellow Penn State University alum Arielle Wilson (Broadview, Ill.). In CEV Champions League action, Azerrail lost its Playoff 6 home-and-home series opener to Italy's Unendo Yamamay Busto Arsizio 25-17, 16-25, 20-25, 25-23, 15-8 on Feb. 5. Hodge scored a match-high 24 points in the loss with 22 kills on 53 swings and just three errors and two blocks. She added a 60 positive reception percent on 35 chances. The series concludes on Feb. 13 with the right to the CEV Champions League semifinals at stake. To watch the match live online at 6 a.m. on Feb. 13, click here. In the Azerbaijan Super League, Azerrail held off Igtisadchi 25-22, 25-23, 20-25, 23-25, 15-12 on Feb. 1 to remain in third place with 21 points.
TAMAS WITH AZERBAIJAN'S BAKI AZERYOLSERVIS: Jennifer Tamas (Milpitas, Calif.), a 2008 silver medalist with the U.S. Olympic Women's Volleyball Team, is playing for Baki Azeryolservis of the Azerbaijan Super League in 2012-2013. Baki Azeryolservis defeated Lokomotiv Bileceri 25-17, 25-13, 25-17 on Feb. 6 to improve to 5-6 overall and remain in fifth place. Tamas was the subject of a question-and-answer feature on azerisport.com (need to translate from Russian to English such as Google translation) in which she discusses this being her last season of her career and the Azerbaijan Super League.
METCALF WITH AZERBAIJAN'S IGTISADCHI BAKU: Nancy Metcalf (Hull, Iowa), an opposite on the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, is playing for Igtisadchi Baku of the Azerbaijan Super League in 2012-2013. In the Azerbaijan Super League, Igtisadchi (9-2) is in second place with 26 points and a 9-2 record.
MIYASHIRO, SPICER WITH AZERBAIJAN'S LOKOMOTIV BAKU: Tamari Miyashiro (Kaneohe, Hawaii), a silver medalist with the 2012 U.S. Olympic Women's Volleyball Team, signed mid-season with Azerbaijan's Lokomotiv Baku. In the Azerbaijan Super League, Lokomotiv holds a 5-5 record and in fourth place with 16 points.
BERG WITH TURKEY'S FENERBAHCE: Lindsey Berg (Honolulu), a two-time Olympic Games silver medalist with the U.S. and three-time Olympian, signed to play with Fenerbahce in the Turkish League mid-way through the regular season. In CEV Cup action, Fenerbahce defeated Russia's Uralochka-NTMK Ekaterinaburg 25-18, 27-25, 25-23 in a tight three-set match on Feb. 6 in a CEV Cup semifinal round home-and-home series. Berg set her squad to a 47 kill percent and .369 hitting efficiency for the match. She added a block in the victory. The two teams conclude the series on Feb. 12 with the right to move on to the final round against either Bank BPS Fakro Muszyna or Omichka Omsk. To watch the match live online at 4 a.m. PT, click here. In the Turkish League, fourth-place Fenerbahce (10-4, 29 points) is idle until a Feb. 10 match against 12th-place IBA Kimya TED Kolejliler (1-13).
LLOYD, FAUCETTE WITH ITALY'S YAMAMAY BUSTO ARSIZIO: Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, Calif.), a setter with the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, is competing in the Italian Serie A1 league with Unendo Yamamay Busto Arsizio in 2012-2013 along with American Juliann Faucette (San Diego). Both athletes played for Epic Volleyball Club in San Diego as juniors before going separate ways at the collegiate level. In CEV Champions League action, Yamamay Busto Arsizio defeated Azerbaijan's Azerrail Baku 25-17, 16-25, 20-25, 25-23, 15-8 on Feb. 5 to open its Playoff 6 home-and-home series. Faucette started the first three sets and subbed in the final two sets, racking up five points all on kills via 20 attacks. She added an 80 positive reception percent on five attempts. Lloyd did not suit for the match. The two teams close the series on Feb. 13 with a berth into the CEV Champions League Final Four at stake. To watch the match live online at 6 a.m. on Feb. 13, click here. In the Italian Serie A1 regular season, Busto Arsizio (9-2, 28 points) resumed regular season action with a thrilling 22-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-27, 15-13 victory over KGS Robursport Pesaro on Feb. 9. Neither Faucette or Lloyd played in the match. Busto Arsizio (10-2, 30 points), which holds a five-point lead over second-place Foppapedretti Bergamo, takes on Chateau D'Ax Urbino (5-7, 14 points) on Feb. 17.
GIBBEMEYER WITH ITALY'S VOLLEY PESARO: Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minn.), a middle blocker with the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, is competing for KGS Robursport Volley Pesaro in the Italian Serie A1 league in 2012-2013. Pesaro lost a tough-luck 22-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-27, 15-13 match to league-leader Yamamay Busto Arsizio on Feb. 9. Gibbemeyer pocketed 12 points with 10 kills on 27 attacks and two blocks. Pesaro (5-7, 14 points), now in eighth place, takes on fifth-place McCarnaghi Villa Cortese (6-6, 20 points) on Feb. 17 in its next league match.
KLINEMAN WITH ITALY'S ASYSTEL McCARNAGHI VILLA CORTESE: Alix Klineman (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) returns to the Italian Serie A1 for a second season, but will compete for Asystel McCarnaghi Villa Cortese in 2012-2013. In the Italian Serie A1, Villa Cortese was handed a 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 21-25, 15-13 loss by Imoco Volley Conegliano on Feb. 10. Klineman was credited with 19 points with 16 kills on 36 attacks, two blocks and an ace. She contributed a 64 positive reception percent on 22 chances. Villa Cortese (6-6, 20 points), now in fifth place, challenges eighth-place KGS Robursport Pesaro (5-7, 14 points) on Feb. 17 in its next league match.
LARSON-BURBACH, BOWN WITH RUSSIA'S DINAMO KAZAN: Jordan Larson-Burbach (Hooper, Neb.) and Heather Bown (Yorba Linda, Calif.), who have each won an Olympic silver medal with the U.S. Olympic Women's Volleyball Team, are competing for Dinamo Kazan in the Russia Super League. In the CEV Champions League, Kazan lost its Playoff 6 home-and-home series opener to Azerbaijan's Rabita Baku, 25-19, 23-25, 25-20, 25-21, on Feb. 7. Larson-Burbach contributed 19 points with 17 kills on 36 attacks to go with two aces. She added a 53 positive reception percent on 19 chances. Bown came off the bench in the second set and started the final two sets in tallying three kills on seven attacks and three blocks for six points. The two teams conclude the series on Feb. 14 in Baku with the right to advance to the Final Four starting on March 9. To watch the match live online at 5 a.m. PT on Feb. 14, click here. Kazan, undefeated in the Russia Super League, is idle until Feb. 18 against Yenisei.
HOOKER WITH RUSSIA'S DINAMO KRASNODAR: Destinee Hooker (San Antonio, Texas), who earned the Best Spiker Award at the 2012 Olympic Games while helping the U.S. Olympic Women's Volleyball Team to the silver medal, is competing for Dinamo Krasnodar in the Russia Super League this winter. In the CEV Challenge Cup, Krasnodar defeated Ilbank Sports Club Ankara 25-16, 25-13, 25-23 in the 4th Final Round as Hooker powered her squad to the victory in her first CEV contest since returning from an injury. The two teams wrap up the home-and-home series on Feb. 14 with a spot in the Final Phase up for grabs. In the Russia Super League, fifth-place Krasnodar (10-5, 29 points) returns to Russia Super League action on Feb. 18 versus Odintsovo.
TOM WITH BRAZIL'S UNILEVER: Logan Tom (Salt Lake City, Utah), a four-time U.S. Olympic Women's Volleyball selection with two silver medals, is playing this winter with Unilever in Brazil's Superliga. Unilever blanked Sao Bernardo 25-10, 25-13, 25-14 on Feb. 5 as Tom did not suit. Unilever, which remains in first place with a 15-1 record and 42 points, returns to action on Feb. 16 against fifth-place Sesi Sao Paulo (10-6, 31 points).
SCOTT-ARRUDA WITH BRAZIL'S BANANA BOAT: Danielle Scott-Arruda (Baton Rouge, La.), the only five-time U.S. Olympic Women's Volleyball Team selection and a two-time Olympic Games silver medalist, joined Banana Boat/Praia Clube in mid-season of the Brazil Superliga. Banana Boat/Praia Clube lost to Usiminas 25-23, 25-16, 23-25, 23-25, 15-13 on Feb. 4 in a closely contest match. Scott-Arruda started the first two sets, scoring seven points. Banana Boat/Praia Clube, now in fourth place with a 10-6 record and 32 points, looks to rebound versus third-place Volei Amil (12-4, 33 points) on Feb. 15.
FAWCETT WITH KOREA EXPRESSWAY IN KOREA LEAGUE: Nicole Fawcett (Zanesfield, Ohio), an opposite with the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, is competing with Korea Expressway in the Korean professional league. On Feb. 6, Korea Expressway lost to Heungkook 18-25, 25-20, 33-31, 25-23. Fawcett scored a team-high 30 points with 26 kills on 65 attacks, three aces and a block. On the opposite side of the net, American Whitney Dosty scored a match-high 37 points for Heungkook. Korea Expressway bounced back to stop KGC Ginseng 25-19, 19-25, 25-20, 25-12 on Feb. 9. Fawcett scored 21 points with 20 kills on 43 attacks and a block. Korea Expressway returns to action on Feb. 12 versus Industrial Bank of Korea, followed by a Feb. 16 match against GS Caltex.
DAVIS WITH GERMANY'S DRESDNER SC: Nicole Davis (Stockton, Calif.), a two-time Olympic Games silver medalist as a libero with the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, joined Dresdner SC late in the 2012-13 season. Dresdner SC broke a two-match losing streak with a 25-20, 25-23, 25-18 victory over USC Munster on Feb. 10. Davis held a 54 positive reception percent on 13 chances leading to Dresdner securing a 50 kill percent as a team with a .381 hitting efficiency. On the opposite side of the net, American Ashley Benson was named her team's most valuable player with 10 points coming from eight kills on 13 attacks, one block and one ace. Dresdner, now in third place in the 12-team league, returns to action on Feb. 17 versus VT Aurubis Hamburg.
THOMPSON WITH POLAND'S BUDOWLANI LODZ: Courtney Thompson (Kent, Wash.), a setter on the 2012 silver medalist U.S. Olympic Women's Volleyball Team, is playing for Budowlani Lodz of the Orlen Liga in Poland for 2012-2013. Budowlani Lodz nearly upset Orlen Liga leader Bank BPS Muszynianka Fakro before losing 21-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-11, 15-11 on Feb. 10 to close out the regular season. Thompson set the squad to a 34 kill percent for the match and added one individual kill on one attack to go with an ace. Lodz, which had already secured the sixth seed into the playoffs regardless of the match outcome, finished the regular season with an 8-10 record and 24 points.
ALISHA GLASS WITH PUERTO RICO'S CAGUAS: Alisha Glass (Leland, Mich.), a setter for the U.S. Women's National Volleyball team, has transferred to compete in the Puerto Rico Super League with Caguas after playing earlier this year for Modena of Italy's Serie A1 division before it ceased competition this season. She helped Caguas to a 25-23, 22-25, 25-19, 25-16 victory over Guaynabo on Feb. 6 as she provided 15 assists, 16 digs, two blocks. Glass used 14 assists, 10 digs and one kill to help Caguas to a 25-23, 25-20, 27-25 victory over Bayamon on Feb. 9. Caguas returns to the court on Feb. 12 versus Carolina, followed by a Feb. 14 match against Corozal.
JONES WITH PUERTO RICO'S CATANO: Jessica Jones (Naperville, Ill.), a middle blocker with the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, is competing for Catano in the Puerto Rico Super League this season. Jones tallied 19 points in a four-set win over Humacao on Feb. 8, including five blocks. Catano returns to action on Feb. 14 versus Mayaguez.
OTHER AMERICANS IN PUERTO RICO: Gina Mancuso scored 26 points in helping Ponce to a four-set win over Carolina on Feb. 5. Ponce was led by Monique Mead's 21 points, while Becky Perry added 11 points and Lindsay Fletemeier chipped in nine points…Tabi Love collected 25 points and Erin Moore added seven points in Caguas' four-set win over Guaynabo on Feb. 6. Guaynabo was led by Julie Bennett's 19 points, followed by Alaina Bergsma's 10 points as Caitlyn Donahue provided 22 assists and four points…Rachel Kidder tallied 18 points in pacing Juncos to a three-set win over Corozal on Feb. 7. Kim Willoughby notched 14 points in the loss…Hannah Werth pocketed a team-high 20 points for Bayamon as it outlasted Carolina in five sets. Kelly Murphy chipped in 18 points in the victory and Lauren Cook provided 15 assists and 14 digs. Monique Mead led Carolina with 28 points in the loss, as both Lindsay Fletemeier and Becky Perry added 10 points…Gina Mancuso recorded 18 points and Jasmine Norton chipped in 11 points in aiding Ponce to a four-set win over Mayaguez on Feb. 8. Stephanie Neimer led Mayaguez with 18 points in the loss, while Shonda Cole provided 13 points and Kendall Bateman tallied 14 assists and 11 digs…Julie Bennett chalked up 23 points in leading Guaynabo to a four-set win over Corozal on Feb. 8. Alaina Bergsma added nine points and Caitlyn Donahue was credited with 16 assists, 14 digs and four points. Kim Willoughby paced Corozal with 17 points…Shannon Wingate tallied 10 points for Catano in a four-set win over Humacao on Feb. 8. Falyn Fonoaimoana notched 27 points for Humacao in the loss, while Emily Brown reached nine points and Jessica Swarbrick scored eight points…Tabi Love pocketed 16 points and Erin Moore added 10 points in Caguas' three-set win over Bayamon on Feb. 9. Hannah Werth tallied 13 points for Bayamon in the loss, while Kelly Murphy scored five points and Lauren Cook handed out eight assists…Falyn Fonoimoana lit the scoreboard for 33 points in leading Humacao to a five-set win over Mayaguez on Feb. 10. Jessica Swarbrick added 13 points and Emily Brown turned in 12 points. Stephanie Neimer tallied 24 points in the loss, followed by Shonda Cole with 15 points and Kendall Bateman providing eight assists…Julie Bennett collected 20 points and Alaina Bergsma added 16 points in leading Guaynabo to a five-set win over Carolina on Feb. 10. Caitlyn Donahue added 21 assists, 14 digs and four points. Monique Mead led Carolina with 22 points in the loss, while Lindsay Fletemier added 13 points and Becky Perry 11 points…Gina Mancuso tallied 20 points and Jasmine Norton collected eight points in leading Ponce to a four-set win over Juncos. Rachel Kidder produced 16 points for Juncos in the loss.
LICHTMAN WITH SWITZERLAND'S HOTEL CRISTAL VFM I: Cassidy Lichtman (Poway, Calif.), an outside hitter with the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, is competing for Hotel Cristal VFM I in the Swiss Volley League along with Americans Bianca Rowland, Brianna Barry, Michelle Kocher, Lise Muhlemann and Amber Roberson. Hotel Cristal VFM defeated Sagres NUC 25-18, 22-25, 25-17, 18-25, 15-9 for its first victory in the five-team double, round robin playoffs on Feb. 9. However, Hotel Cristal VFM lost to playoff leader Volero Zurich 25-19, 25-11, 25-16 on Feb. 10 to drop to 1-6 in the playoffs. Hotel Cristal VFM closes the playoffs on Feb. 24 against fourth-place Volley Koniz.
RICHARDS HILDEBRAND WITH TURKEY'S BAKIRKOY BELEDIYE YESILYURT: Kristin Richards Hildebrand (Orem, Utah), alternate for both the 2008 and 2012 U.S. Olympic Women's Volleyball Teams, is competing for Bakirkoy Belediye Yesilyurt in the Turkish League. Richards Hildebrand has been out of the lineup for the last handful of matches.
U.S. WOMEN'S NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAM TRYOUT: The U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team will hold its annual open tryout Feb. 22-24, 2013, at the U.S. Olympic Training Center (OTC) in Colorado Springs. This tryout is open to United States citizens who are current college-age athletes and older, and high school athletes born in 1993 or earlier. Throughout the tryout process, USA Volleyball will be identifying prospective athletes for the following two different programs: U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team Program; U.S. Women's National Volleyball Senior A2 Team. The U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team Program is available to athletes who have concluded their collegiate eligibility and who wish to be invited to be a member of the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team on a full-time basis. This program could begin as early as the spring of 2013, or when an athlete's scholastic or professional club season has concluded. Also considered for training with this group will be athletes who have remaining collegiate eligibility and their participation beginning in mid-May or when their scholastic calendar ends for 2013. The U.S. Women's National Volleyball Senior A2 Teams is available to athletes in college and with collegiate eligibility remaining for the 2013 collegiate season. This projected 48-athlete program is scheduled to take place in Dallas from June 25 to July 4 with training and competition at the USA Volleyball Girls' Junior National Championships (GJNC). For additional details including tryout fees, click here.


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More Republicans Say They're Not Bound by Tax Pledge
More Republicans have recently followed in the footsteps of Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) in arguing that they are no longer bound to the Americans for Tax Reform pledge to not raise taxes because they did not renew their pledge during the previous election. Both political parties are struggling to find a way to reduce budget deficits. A compromise bill could mean that some Americans would pay more in taxes.
Americans for Tax Reform, headed by Grover Norquist, have played an important role in the debates over reducing the size of the nation's ballooning budget deficits because of its pledge, which has been signed by almost every House Republican.
No Republican has supported increasing tax rates, but there has been some discussion of increased tax revenue that could come from eliminating some tax deductions and credits. Reforming the tax code by lowering rates and reducing deductions could mean that some, who enjoy many deductions today, could end up paying more in taxes. Norquist has said that any increased revenue would be a violation of the pledge.
Simpson co-authored a letter to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction asking the committee to keep "all options on the table" to reduce the nation's deficits. When asked about his signing of the ATR pledge on "Fox News Sunday" this past Sunday, Simpson laughed and said, "I signed that in 1998 when I first ran. I didn't know I was signing a marriage agreement that would last forever."
Later this week, more Republicans made the same argument, saying they considered the pledge to only be valid for one term. Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio) signed the pledge in 1994, but asked to be removed from the list during the previous election. He is still listed as a signer of the pledge on the ATR website.
"My driver's license expires. The milk in my refrigerator expires. My gym membership expires, and I find the website to be a little deceptive," LaTourette told The Hill on Wednesday.
"Does that even pass the laugh test? A promise not to do something doesn't have a time limit. I haven't even had junior state legislators pull that crap," Norquist told The Hill.
Simpson pointed out that ATR send him requests to renew his pledge every two years. "If it sticks with you forever, why do they ask you to re-sign it every two years?"
Reps. Robert Andrews (D-N.J.), Howard Coble (R-N.C.), Pete King (R-N.Y.) and Lee Terry (R-Neb.) also told The Hill that they no longer consider themselves bound by the pledge because they had not renewed it.
Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) also seemed open to revenue increases to reduce deficits in a Sunday interview on ABC's "This Week."
"I believe that we can create revenue out of fixing our tax code, and bring that revenue to the table, as long as our colleagues on the other side of the aisle are serious about cutting spending," Boehner said.

subset: commoncrawl


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I've got a deep directory tree containing .PNG files. I'd like to find all the .PNG files in the directory, sort them in order of size from smallest to largest, and then display every 50th image.
(I'm analyzing data and trying to find the best size cutoff between "potentially useful" and "random noise" so I want an easy way to skim through these thousands of images....)
Any scripting help is appreciated. I know how to use 'find' to search by size, but not how to sort the results or run a display program to display every 50th without having it pause the process waiting.
I am using MacOS Snow Leopard, btw.


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Reading Endorsement Program Overview
The Reading Endorsement option is available for students who do not wish to obtain a Master's degree, but still wish to meet state requirements and become a highly-qualified teacher of Reading. This program requires that you hold, Florida State Teaching Certification.
The Florida Department of Education requirements for the Reading Endorsement's six competencies are met by five Barry graduate reading courses:
- EDU 567 Foundations of Reading
- EDU 568 Reading in the Content Areas
- EDU 584 Reading Assessment
- EDU 590 Reading Intervention Practicum
- EDU 717 Practicum in Reading
Should you choose to continue your education with a Master's degree, these five courses will apply to Barry's Master of Science in Reading program with advisor's approval.
For more information please contact:
Dr. Lilia DiBello
Department Chair


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Man shot 11 times evicted today
Titusville man says he can't work, pay bills after shooting injuries
A Titusville man who was shot nearly a dozen times in a neighborhood dispute which left two his friends dead was evicted Monday.
Bruce Blake was shot 11 times by neighbor Billy Woodward on Labor Day last year, according to investigators.
Blake handed over the keys to his home on Monday morning. His landlord says he is four months behind on his rent.
Blake says he can no longer pay to live in his home because his injuries prevent him from working.
"They won't let me go back to work, and there isn't anybody going to take me with the colostomy bag like that," Blake said.
Blake worked as a welder and heavy equipment operator.
"This ain't my fault. I didn't ask to get shot. When I got shot, I was a month ahead on all the bills," Blake said.
Blake was hoping for assistance from a state victims compensation fund, but his application has been held up in red tape.
While Blake was recovering, the state paid some of his medical bills from the fund. That money went directly to doctors and hospitals.
Blake also received $183 in cash, and said bureaucrats have promised his landlord money that hasn't come.
A spokesman said Blake's application for additional money is being reviewed, the problem is that the agency is six to eight weeks behind in processing applications.
Another potential problem is that the rules say the victim must not have contributed to the circumstances that caused the crime. The alleged gunman's attorney said Blake and his wife did just that, driving Woodward to defend his family from constant threats and taunts from the Blakes.
Another difficulty is a police report that quotes a neighbor as saying Woodward lent Blake $650 to pay his rent when the two were friends long before the shooting.
Blake said the neighbor quoted in that report is incorrect; that Woodward lent money to another one of the victims.
Those families have also been compensated. The Blakes are staying with family and aren't sure where they'll live permanently.


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congrats to you on your new milestone. Hope to get some caching done your way this summer
congrats to you on your new milestone. Hope to get some caching done your way this summer
Make love not micros
Way to go Brad, your timing was good
I'll be at the mega-event next year, pedalchick gave me the kitchen pass
It was fun to share in the push before you left. Knew this was so close it was almost to close. Congrats! So you are on your way to...........the next 1000!
congratulations! here's to the next 2000!
"life is short...make a mess of it!"
Way to go! Glad to have been part of so many.
The farmer gave permission to place the cache in the field, but the bull charges.
You said you would do it and you did. Congrats! Hope your trip is going well, and we will celebrate when you get home.
Why not live life like it is your last day....instead of pretending to be a member of the Peter Pan Club and believing you will be around forever.
There goes Mr. Numbers caching away again... Congrats! and don't forget, you can only do 300 caches while you're out there.
Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box.
Way to go, Brad! Now you have to get to 3,000 by the MegaEvent in Quebec in August! LOL!
I remember the day when you said that you would never catch up with me,hah hah hah. Now I think the day has come when I'll never catch up with you now.... Congrats and I miss caching with you and all my other Maine friends.
Just smile it won't crack your face
The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is
suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best
friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.


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Esperia Mission - Paolo Nespoli: Getting ready for the ISS
After completing a long and highly demanding period of training along with the rest of the Space Shuttle crew, ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli is finally ready for the Esperia Mission.
In only a few weeks time, Italian ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli will join six NASA astronauts on board Space Shuttle Discovery to fly to the International Space Station (ISS).
Their task is a challenging one. The Esperia Mission is responsible for the safe delivery and attachment of the ESA financed Node 2 connecting module to the ISS, an essential step for the Station to be able to receive the European Columbus laboratory with the next Shuttle flight in December 2007.
In his role as a Mission Specialist, Paolo Nespoli is going to coordinate three spacewalks and carry out a programme of scientific experiments created jointly by the European and the Italian space agencies on top of other communication and educational activities.


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Apple CEO: Our March Quarter Is a Revolutionary and Magical One Literally Five Years Ahead of Any Other Fiscal Quarter
I wonder if Apple's latest earnings report is available exclusively in Rich Text Format …
Apple posted blockbuster earnings for its fiscal second quarter on Wednesday, proving once and for all that its iPod music player isn't so much a cash cow as a vast, horizonless Texas beef ranch. Apple shipped 10.5 million iPods in the quarter, up from 8.5 million a year earlier. And that was just the beginning. Mac sales were up as well. The company shipped 1.52 million of them, helping bolster sales 21% to $5.26 billion. Wall Street was expecting net income of 54 cents to 56 cents a share for the quarter. Instead, Apple gave it 87 cents, up from 47 cents a share in the same period a year earlier.
"The earnings number was unbelievable," Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster told The Wall Street Journal. "It's a hardware company with software company margins."
As CEO Steve Jobs might say: "Boom."
So what's Apple going to do with all that money? Subsidize the iPhone? That'd be nice, but there are certainly other good uses toward which those funds could be put. An Apple venture-capital division, for example. "I can't count how many times a software start-up has come to me, shown me a great idea, and then said 'We'll build a Mac version eventually,' " writes BusinessWeek's Arik Hesseldahl. "The most widely cited reason is that the company can't afford to develop both a Windows and Mac version at the same time, and Windows is where the market volume is. An investment stake from Apple would go a long way toward bridging this gap by helping small companies hire more developers, some of whom could be dedicated to Mac development. This might mean more simultaneous releases of Windows and Mac versions of cool new applications."
Sounds like a great idea to me. Your thoughts?


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Perfect for and elegant look is this olive green coloured Plane shirt. Pair it with blue or black fitted jeans to look your best.Fabric Content:90%...View full product details


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Faberge Rococo 18ct Rose Gold Diamond Pink Enamel Thin Ring 1472
The Faberge Rococo collection takes inspiration from its glittering history and heritage and transforms the renowned 18th century rococo style into a more contemporary look. It continues to take inspiration from the gold scrolls featured on the legendary Rocaille Egg that was originally created in 1902 for Russian heiress Varvara Kelkh. The Rococo pieces are designed to be easy to wear and celebrate the tradition of meticulous craftsmanship for which Faberge is famous.
The Faberge Rococo Rose Gold Diamond Pink Enamel Thin Ring is a stunning ring which features 18ct rose gold embellished with 3 round white diamonds totalling 0.18cts and pink cold enamel.
This ring comes beautifully packaged in a unique Faberge presentation box and with certificate of authenticity.
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Laurel H. Cooper, 66, a former purchases manager for the City of Philadelphia, died of cancer Feb. 16 at her home in Mt. Airy.
Mrs. Cooper retired in 2003 after completing a 36-year career in the City's Procurement Department, rising from management trainee to purchases manager.
Among her projects in the department were the purchases of the first bulletproof vests for the Police Department, the first Fairmount Park trolleys and the original tungsten lights that outlined the rowing clubhouses on Boathouse Row. She also trained several Procurement Department Commissioners.
Mrs. Cooper also was an accomplished classical pianist and had been an organist at several churches in the Philadelphia area. An avid scuba diver, she extended her range from the Jersey shore to the Caribbean and New Guinea – even swimming with schooling sharks in the Coral Sea.
She was a supporter during her life of the Women for Greater Philadelphia's "Concerts by Candlelight" at Laurel Hill Mansion, the Philadelphia Orchestra and, more recently, the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Anthony Cooper. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, 100 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, the Humane Society of the United States, 2100 L St., NW, Washington, DC 20037, or a local animal rescue organization. – WF


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BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Within minutes of euro zone finance ministers reaching a deal to cut Greece's debt late on Monday, commentators on Twitter were dismissing it as another exercise in "kicking the can down the road".
To an extent that is true. Under the agreement, the euro zone and the International Monetary Fund will give Greece two more years to reach its budget goals and will find another 44 billion euros ($57 billion) to keep the country afloat in the meantime.
But while a degree of can-kicking may be going on, there was a critical element in Monday night's deal that goes a lot further than any other step taken so far in the debt crisis to get Greece back on its feet.
Implicit was an understanding that Greece will undergo some form of official-sector debt restructuring - with euro zone countries forgiving a portion of Greece's debt - at some point in the future, the sort of last-ditch measure usually reserved for impoverished states in Africa and Latin America.
At a news conference in the early hours of Tuesday, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble came closer than he has ever done before to publicly acknowledging that creditors face such an eventuality - a move that will be very hard for the likes of Germany, Finland, Austria and the Netherlands to take.
"When Greece has achieved, or is set to achieve, a primary surplus and fulfilled all of its conditions, we will, if need be, consider further measures for the reduction of the total debt," he said, looking weary after 13 hours of negotiations.
The timing and reference to a primary surplus are important.
The Greek economy is forecast to return to growth during 2014 and to achieve a primary budget surplus - the balance before deducting the cost of debt financing - of 4.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2016.
By the end of that year, the EU-IMF assistance program should be over and Greece will in theory be on its own, financing itself in the financial markets in the normal way.
Monday night's deal took care of the extra financing Greece will need between 2014 and 2016 and set out a series of steps the euro zone and Greece will take to get its debt level down from around 190 percent of GDP next year to 124 percent by 2020.
But what it didn't set out in precise detail is how Greek debt will go on falling, from 124 percent of GDP in 2020 to 110 percent in 2022 and 88 percent in 2030, as agreed during the talks.
And it didn't say how Greece is expected to win back market confidence in 2016 even though its debt level that year is still expected to be 175 percent of GDP.
The answer is a combination of lower interest rates and longer maturities being applied to loans to Greece, Athens paying down more of its own debt thanks to growth and the potential for euro zone states to write down their loans.
"Euro area member states will consider further measures and assistance, including lower co-financing in structural funds and/or a further rate reduction in the Greek loan facility if necessary," said Olli Rehn, the commissioner for economic and monetary affairs, again hinting at the possibility of a more fundamental overhaul of debt at some future point.
A European Union official closely involved in the discussions on Greece said there was a general unwillingness among euro zone countries to acknowledge that they may have to forgive some of the 127 billion euros they have so far lent to Greece, even if all of them know the issue can't be avoided forever.
In order to make Greece's debt sustainable in the long term, the IMF has determined that it must be cut to around 120 percent by 2020 and 110 percent by 2022. But there is no guarantee those levels will be sustainable on those dates.
As a result, the prospect of a debt writedown has to remain, especially as the euro zone countries, who will soon be responsible for around three quarters of all Greek debt, have said time and again that they will do what is necessary to keep Greece afloat and in the euro zone.
The EU official said the best option would be for euro zone countries to bite the bullet and write down 40-50 billion euros of loans to Greece in 2016 or shortly afterwards, so that its debt-to-GDP ratio is aggressively reduced and the country can more easily return to financial markets.
But that is unlikely to happen, since no member state wants to write down any Greek debt, the cost of which would be born by taxpayers. Each state will do everything possible to ensure that any writedown, if it must happen, is as small as possible.
"If you were really going to help Greece, you'd write off enough debt to get the ratio down to 60 percent of GDP, which is a decently sustainable level," the official said. "But that's never going to happen. No one's going to buy that."
Instead, the possibility of debt forgiveness will hang over the euro zone for the next four years and will, whether countries like it or not, have to be tackled at some point.
($1 = 0.7733 euros)
Writing by Luke Baker; Editing by Ruth Pitchford


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Sandi Mann
Online Therapy
Onsite 4 years 77% of clients return for a 2nd session
|View profile
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198 Bury New Road, Whitefield, Manchester, M45 6QF MapConsulting Hours ▽
- Mon9:30am-2pm,6pm-9pm
- Tue9am-2pm,6pm-9pm
- Wed9am-2pm,6pm-9pm
- Thu9am-2pm,6pm-9pm
- Fri9am-2pm,4pm-7pm
- Sun5pm-6pm
- Mon
Diane Adderley
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Onsite 10 years 65% of clients return for a 2nd session
|View profile
- Face to Face Therapy
Suite 6, 1 Chapel Street, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 1AE MapConsulting Hours ▽
- Mon9:30am-5:30pm
- Tue9:30am-5:30pm
- Thu9:30am-5pm
- Fri9:30am-5:30pm
- Mon
Latest ReviewFrom the outset, Diane made me feel completely at ease and immediately I felt I could be totally open and honest with her. She is calm and has a warm nature which made it impossible for me to not give my all to every session with her. She used a variety of techniques with me to help me relax and I always left her sessions feeling far better than when I entered them. She genuinely cares about her clients and follows up on discussions from previous sessions. She uses humour at appropriate moments to shift the perspective of her clients. She is engaged with how her clients are feeling in each moment and uses this to adapt the focus of sessions dependant on requirements. She has created a comfortable, inviting space with appropriate lighting that further helps you feel at ease in her sessions. Diane has made a real impact on my life and I cannot recommend her highly enough. Due to certain circumstances my sessions with Diane are currently paused but I am looking forwards to continuing my work with her in the very near future.
- Anonymous
- Anonymous
|Selected Therapy offered near Bradshaw


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University choral groups included on benefit CD
Eleven choirs in Princeton, N.J. -- including three from the University -- have once again contributed music for "A Princeton Christmas: For the Children of Africa Vol. 2."
This CD is a follow-up to last year's critically acclaimed inaugural album by the student choral community. Proceeds will help support the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) school meals initiatives in Africa.
"Last year, the inaugural album raised over $40,000 for WFP and provided more than 160,000 meals to children across Africa," said Tom Meagher, the organizer of "A Princeton Christmas" and coordinator for the volunteer-based WFP Committee of New York. "We hope to surpass these figures and continue feeding schoolchildren long after the holiday season is over."
The 18-track music compilation features holiday selections from the Princeton University Chapel Choir, the Princeton University Tigerlilies and the Princeton University Tigertones.
The other eight Princeton-based choirs on the CD are: the American Boychoir; the Princeton Day School Madrigal Singers; the Princeton Girlchoir; the Princeton High School Choir; the Princeton High School Cloud Nine; the Princeton Theological Seminary Chapel Choir; the Tartantones of Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart; and Westminster Choir of the Westminster Choir College.
The CD may be purchased at the Princeton University Store. More information is available online.


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All members are welcome to attend CLC Board of Trustees meetings.
This is a regular meeting of the CLC Board of Trustees. All staff of CLC member libraries are welcome to attend Board meetings. For more information about the Board of Trustees, including minutes of past meetings, visit our Board of Trustees page.
Board members, please note that the Executive Board typically meets at 1:00 pm preceding the full Board meeting, at the same location.
Remember Me
7/3/2020CLC Office Closed
7/6/2020Children's Librarians Roundtable Fairfield County
Connecticut Library Consortium
234 Court Street
Middletown, CT 06457-3304
Telephone: 860-344-8777
General Email: email@example.com


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MILTON — A Rochester man who was indicted by a grand jury on charges of aggravated driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated subsequent charge, and habitual offender relating to an incident back in March of this year waived his arraignment at the Strafford County Superior Court in Dover on Aug. 1.
Dennis Gower, 41, of 21 Silver Bell Mobile Home Park, was arrested March 28 just after 11 p.m. when he was pulled over by State Trooper Eric Call as he was headed north on Route 125 in Milton.
Gower had been declared a habitual offender by the Department of Motor Vehicles back in November 2003. His aggravated DWI charge was his third.
In 2004, he was convicted of DWI in Ossipee District Court, then again in 2006, he was convicted of aggravated DWI in the Strafford Superior Court. The DWI charge is aggravated because he had a blood alcohol concentration of .16 or higher.
At his April 17 arraignment in Rochester District Court, Gower entered no plea on the felony charge of habitual offender and not guilty on the two class A misdemeanors. He then waived his May 6 probable cause hearing.
He was indicted on all three charges on July 19. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to 1 to 5 years and up to $4,000 in fines for the felony charge, and up to a year and another $4,000 in fines for each misdemeanor.
Gower's lawyer Alexander Roth, from the state Public Defender's officer, requested the preservation of his blood test or urinalysis sample, as well as the presence of the person or persons who took the sample at the trial. The measure is typical in cases where a sample is taken.
Gower is expected to appear in Strafford County Superior Court, though a date has not yet been set for his preliminary pretrial conference.


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This section of the website is designed to help guide you through the world of green buildings
Our Community
These are the people, the Green Building Councils, the Regional Partners and other organisations within the Regional Network who come together, collaborate and complement one another's efforts in addressing region-specific challenges and creating opportunities to realise green building.
Become World Green Building Council's Partner in AfricaFri, 1st Apr 2016
Interested in becoming a Partner of our Africa Regional Network? Potential funders can find out further information in this document...Read more >


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Muddy Waters & The Rolling Stones Live
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On November 22, 1981, the Rolling Stones arrived in Chicago prior to playing three nights at the Rosemont Horizon. Long influenced by the Chicago blues, the band paid a visit to see legendary bluesman Muddy Waters perform. It didn't take long before Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Ian Stewart were joining him on stage. Later, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells and Lefty Dizz also played their part. Luckily, this amazing blues night was captured on camera and has now been restored from the original footage, with sound mixed and mastered by Bob Clearmountain.


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1. Not available on select base trims, with special financing, lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 8/3/20.
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Add vehicles to compare. You can compare up to 3 vehicles at a time.
Tax, title, license and dealer fees (unless itemized above) are extra. Not available with special finance or lease offers. Tax, title, license (unless itemized above) are extra. Not available with special finance, lease and some other offers.
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The Chevrolet Suburban features a unique combination of performance and fuel economy. Its bold and athletic stance takes over the street and creates a striking first impression on onlookers. If you're looking for an adventurous road trip and want a vehicle that can make it possible for you, go for the tough and strong Chevrolet Suburban. It will surely add fun and excitement to your ride without compromising on performance. So what are you waiting for? Take a test drive at Bill Black Chevrolet in Greensboro today!
Find Your New Vehicle at Bill Black Chevrolet in Greensboro, NC
Still searching for a new, used, or certified pre-owned car, truck or SUV in Greensboro? The team at Bill Black Chevrolet can help you search! Use our Finder form to tell us what you're looking for and we'll find it for you! We encourage you to continue searching our inventory for the perfect vehicle for you. Give us a call at (877) 352-6596 if you have questions about inventory or would like to schedule a test drive.


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St. John Bosco offensive lineman Damien Mama pledged his commitment to USC on Wednesday morning, serving as the headlining decision for the Braves' historical signing day.
The lineman received a roaring applause from the dozens that filled the Bosco gym. Mama said one of the major factors in his decision was being able to stay close to home so his family could see him play.
The senior picked the Trojans over Alabama and BYU. Mama is rated as the No. 1 guard in the country according to Rivals and the No. 39 national recruit overall. He is a consensus four-star recruit among major scouting sites.
Mama joins a USC team that finished (10-4)(6-3) and enters next year with new head coach Steve Sarkisian. Prior to Mama's commitment, the Trojans had the No. 34 recruiting class according to Rivals.
To read his bio, go here: http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/20140202/damien-mama-signs-with-usc


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Call (310) 478-2838 for reservations or book your table online using the form below.
Call (310) 478-2838 for reservations or book your table online using the form below.
If you live in the area check this place out !! It's amazing! Receive a free Thai Iced tea when you mention you heard from Facebook.
Anthony C., via Facebook
Best thai food around. You will not be disappointed.
Marie S., via Facebook
I came here with some friends the other day for dinner and I was very pleasantly surprised to see that this restaurant is owned by the same people that brought us Jitlada in Hollywood. For those who don't know – and I didn't until recently – there are two types of Thai food. Northern Thai food is what's readily available pretty much anywhere in LA. Southern Thai food is much harder to find, and as far as I know, Emporium and Jitlada are the ONLY 2 Southern Thai restaurants in LA. If you haven't been to at least one of them, you are missing out BIGTIME.
Niraj D., via Google+
Staggeringly good food, with service to match. Genuine, charming Thai family-run business that revolves around customer satisfaction, smiles, and flavors. The flavors. Oh, the flavors. The spices. The ingredients. The freshness. The presentation. The combinations. Just a really enjoyable dining experience. Mark my words, as their reputation continues to grow and word continues to spread, the line to this place will be out the door and down Westwood Boulevard.
Kenny M., via Google+
Definitely try the southern curry! It's really spicy and a family recipe! So good! I recommend having it with fried tofu — seriously, it'll change your life.
Jacob M., via Foursquare
Amazing food & service. Try the lunch special!
Elisa O., via Foursquare
Went to Emporium Thai on a whim during dineLA's restaurant week. We were looking for a reasonable place for lunch, and this sounded pretty good. However, not only was it good, it truly exceeded my expectations. The place is small, but clean and well kept. Service was outstanding. We were greeted and seated immediately. We had the option of choosing from a prix fixe menu or ordering from the regular menu. … Also, this restaurant is rated as one of the top 100 Thai restaurants in the country. In spite of this, there is no pretentiousness whatsoever. The restaurant is family-owned. The manager stopped at each table to ask how everyone enjoyed their food. We found out that he was the youngest of 12 children and that the restaurant had been started by his family some 14 years ago. His brother and sister were the chefs. He was very humble and genuine and asked if we thought we would return. Of course! Even though I have to drive an hour to get there, I would most definitely go again. A must try.
CNStars, Ontario CA
There are a few Thai restaurants in LA that make the kind of dishes they would make for their family. This is one of them. The owner is a young entrepreneur who owns the Thai massage place next door. It's my new favorite Thai restaurant on the West Side of LA. He's had an extensive background in the restaurant business. The curries and standard dishes are delicious and it's one of the few places where you can get a Morning Glory salad! I'm happy to have found it, even though I live in the South Bay…
Soprrrano, Hermosa Beach CA
Whether you eat in or have it delivered, its an awesome place to eat Thai. Related to another great Thai place in Hollywood, on Sunset. This place is the best on the westside.
Steven D., Los Angeles
I was staying at the Hotel Palomar, and it appeared that nothing was near the hotel. However, if you want 3 blocks, you come to a sort of main street that has some restaurants on it. To tell you the truth, I wanted to try the Turkish place next door (for something different), but I went for this Thai place because it looked more inviting. It was a great decision. Excellent food! I got it to go, and I was leaving with this big bag, bigger than I thought, but whatever…. and I got about 50 feet from the hotel and the guy came running, "Sir, sorry, I gave you the wrong bag." We laughed about it and walked back inside and I got my dinner. The spicy Thai fried rice with shrimp was excellent, and I recommend it highly! Great food! Great prices! Great value! And I really enjoyed talking to the servers, too. Thank you! (Next time I"ll eat in the restaurant; it was very clean and very inviting.)
orlandotennis, Orlando FL


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Customized Reports Delivered to Advisors in June; Consultations to Follow
Public Company Information:
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the markets continue to move sideways, independent registered investment advisors (RIAs) are looking ahead, with the vast majority seeking to grow while maintaining or increasing firm profitability. According to the 2010 RIA Benchmarking Study from Charles Schwab, a cornerstone of Schwab Advisor Services' Business Consulting Services practice management program for RIA clients, 84 percent of participating advisors plan to grow aggressively or moderately over the next five years. In addition, 95 percent of advisors are looking to use technology to increase efficiency, and 88 percent have purchased technology with the objective of enhancing client service.
"The independent advisor model continues to prove its staying power and appeal to customers as the industry emerges from a difficult past few years for the markets and economy," said Bernie Clark, senior vice president and head of Charles Schwab Advisor Services. "Despite lower revenues and compressed profit margins, our independent investment advisor clients have remained profitable and continued to grow by focusing on serving their clients and adapting their businesses to focus more on efficiency and expense management."
Advisory firms that participate in the study receive a complimentary Peer Benchmarking Report that is customized to their firm's size and business model. The reports provide personalized, detailed and actionable insights for firms on topics such as advisor asset and revenue growth, sources of new clients, products and pricing, staffing and productivity, technology and operations, and firm economics. Schwab Advisor Services business consultants and relationship managers will be helping firms interpret the results, diagnose potential problem areas and discuss possible solutions.
Schwab's annual RIA Benchmarking Study, the largest study of its kind focusing exclusively on RIAs, captures trends and best practices in the RIA industry based on the experiences of individual firms. This year's study represents the views of 870 firms managing more than $300 billion in combined assets, with 80 firms managing $1 billion or more. On average, participating firms have 380 clients, $470 million in assets under management and $2.6 million in revenue.
Staying profitable and adding clients
Despite lower revenues, the median operating income for RIA firms participating in the Schwab study remained positive at 10.1 percent in 2009 compared to 15 percent in 2008. Firms report revenues to be down 11 percent in 2009, bringing in $1.2 million in revenue compared to $1.3 million in 2008 at the median. Revenue per client was $6,900 in 2009 compared to $7,800 in 2008. But firms appear to see the light at the end of the tunnel, estimating 2010 revenues to be 10 percent higher.
"Independent advisory firms have done a remarkable job remaining profitable and successful despite the pressures nearly all businesses have felt over the past few years," said Clark. "Looking ahead to the future, Schwab is encouraging firms to stay vigilant in monitoring things like expense discipline, time management and client profitability."
In terms of growth over the past three years, 58 percent of advisors say they are satisfied, down slightly from 65 percent in last year's study. Firms have continued to add clients, although at a slower pace than in past years. Advisors report growing their number of clients by 2.6 percent in 2009 compared to 5.3 percent in 2008. In addition, net new asset flows from new and existing clients also remained positive with the typical firm adding $6 million in assets representing a four percent growth in assets under management.
Looking ahead, advisors are becoming more strategic about their growth strategy and planning. More than four in 10 advisors (44%) say that developing and following a well-thought-out marketing strategy is a challenge on which they are focused, a 52 percent increase from 2007. In addition, 31 percent say they are focusing on developing and implementing a long-term growth plan as a challenge, a 63 percent increase from 2007.
"We are seeing an increasing number of advisory firms recognize the importance of strategic business planning," noted Clark. "Three years ago, it was about 'how do we grow as fast as possible' for many firms. Now, advisors are much more focused on 'how do we really plan for growth and do it in a strategic and deliberate way'."
Higher assets and revenues per client key to greater productivity
Across all advisory firms participating in the Schwab study, some are seeing stronger overall growth and appear to be far more productive than their peers. From 2006 to 2009, the top 20 percent of firms in terms of productivity, operating income, and revenue growth had a compounded annual growth rate of:
- 6.1% in assets under management (compared to 2.4% for all other firms)
- 7.3% in revenue (compared to 0.5% for all other firms)
- 5.7% in number of clients (compared to 4% for all other firms)
In addition, compared to all other firms in 2009, the top 20 percent had 57 percent higher assets under management per professional, 63 percent higher revenue per professional, and 51 percent more clients per professional.
"As firms grow, the key to increased productivity seems to be higher assets and revenues per client, as opposed to spending less to serve the same size client," said Clark. "Revenue per professional also appears to be an indicator of a firm's overall productivity level."
Gearing up for future growth
RIAs report a number of factors contributing to growth. More than three-quarters (77%) say that maintaining quality and consistency in client service while adding new clients is an enabler to growth, and 74 percent believe success in converting prospects into clients is a factor in driving growth. Additional growth enablers include:
- Delivering investment returns that help attract and retain clients (68%)
- Implementing technologies to build scale (65%)
- Adapting operations and day-to-day procedures to accommodate growth and be efficient (62%)
Referrals continue to be an essential driver of growth for advisors, accounting for 83 percent of advisors' new clients. Roughly half of those referrals come from existing clients and a quarter come from professional partners.
But RIA firm growth is not without its roadblocks, according to Schwab's study. Eighty-three percent of firms report at least one barrier to growth, with nearly three-quarters (73%) of advisors say that marketing and business development is a barrier to growing. More specifically, 56 percent say devoting sufficient staff time to business development is a roadblock to growing, making it the biggest growth barrier for advisors in this year's study. Additional barriers to growth include:
- Developing and following a marketing strategy (44%)
- Finding enough budget to invest in marketing (39%)
- Identifying prospects (38%)
- Developing and implementing a growth plan for the firm (31%)
Looking to tap technology
The majority of RIAs participating in the Schwab study consider investment in technology to be a strategic priority with 73 percent calling themselves either aggressive or moderate technology adopters. In addition to using technology to increase efficiency and better serve clients, advisors' motivations for making technology purchases also include scaling their business for the future (85%), reducing risk and potential for error (84%), differentiating from competitors (50%), and adding systems to serve new types of clients (30%).
"We are hearing loud and clear from advisors that technology is key to running their businesses, which is why Schwab is making significant investments to help advisors achieve scale and efficiency through technology, especially with the development of the Schwab Intelligent Integration™ platform," noted Clark.
RIA firms indicate saving up to 18 percent of their time by using various technologies, and most firms participating in the study have already made significant investments in technology. The most commonly adopted are a portfolio management system (95%), client relationship management system (CRM) (84%), and email retention software or service (78%). Portfolio management systems and CRM systems rise to the top in terms of technologies advisors feel are most vital to the success of their business. Ninety-seven percent of advisors rate their portfolio management systems as very important to their business, along with 89 percent saying the same for their CRM.
But while advisors are satisfied with their portfolio management system, satisfaction with CRM systems appears to correlate directly to how well it is integrated with the daily operations of the firm. Overall, 57 percent of advisors say they very satisfied with their current CRM solution. Of the 22 percent of firms that use only the basic features of a CRM, there is a 29 percent satisfaction rate with a CRM. Among 43 percent of firms that use multiple features in their CRM and integrate it with other systems within their firm, there is a 76 percent satisfaction rate. Advisors using multiple CRM features and integrating it with other systems report double the time savings compared to advisors using only basic features.
Schwab's Business Consulting Services for advisors
Schwab's Business Consulting Services provide independent investment advisors with comprehensive practice management solutions including insights, tools and resources to help them drive growth, improve scalability and efficiency, and focus on client service. Specifically, Schwab's Business Consulting Services, provided to advisors that custody with Schwab, comprise six offerings that cover key areas of running an independent advisory firm: business strategy and planning, marketing and business development, human capital, transition planning, technology and operations, and compliance resources.
In addition to the annual RIA Benchmarking Study, Schwab's Business Consulting Services for advisor clients includes:
- Business Strategy & Planning to help advisors develop and follow a business plan, including one-to-one consultations with Schwab Business Consultants, hundreds of practice management workshops and events each year, and Schwab Market Knowledge Tools® white paper reports.
- Human Capital resources to enhance advisors' ability to find and retain employees and align team members with the firm's goals, including the Human Capital website, a Compensation Benchmarking Tool, and an online Career Opportunity Service.
- Marketing & Business Development tools to help advisors address marketing and business development challenges, including the Marketing & BD website, a Marketing Diagnostic Tool, discounts on Advisor Impact's Client Audit program, Ideal Client Profile worksheet, and a number of third party marketing resources.
- Transition Planning services to help advisors with transition and succession decisions, including Schwab's M&A Listing Service and Schwab Advisor Transition Support.
- Technology & Operations insight for advisors to maximize technology, streamline operations and enhance client service, including Schwab's Technology Adoption Scorecard, Schwab Advisor University™, and Schwab's SOLUTIONS® technology workshops.
- Compliance Resources to help advisors stay current with regulatory matters, including the Compliance Review newsletter, online resources, and discounts on third party compliance consulting.
About Charles Schwab
The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) is a leading provider of financial services, with more than 300 offices and 7.9 million client brokerage accounts, 1.5 million corporate retirement plan participants, 794,000 banking accounts, and $1.4 trillion in client assets as of May 31, 2010. Through its operating subsidiaries, the company provides a full range of securities brokerage, banking, money management and financial advisory services to individual investors and independent investment advisors. Named "Highest in Investor Satisfaction with Self-Directed Services" by J.D. Power and Associates in 2009, its broker-dealer subsidiary, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (member SIPC, www.sipc.org), and affiliates offer a complete range of investment services and products including an extensive selection of mutual funds; financial planning and investment advice; retirement plan and equity compensation plan services; referrals to independent fee-based investment advisors; and custodial, operational and trading support for independent, fee-based investment advisors through Schwab Advisor Services. Its banking subsidiary, Charles Schwab Bank (member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender) provides banking and mortgage services and products. More information is available at www.schwab.com and www.aboutschwab.com. (0710-4299)
Responses were collected during February and March of 2010.
All information contained in the 2010 RIA Benchmarking Study report is provided for general informational purposes only. The report is not a recommendation of any business enterprise or investment advisory practice management technique, strategy or practice reported on or described.
All data is self-reported by study participants and is not verified or validated. Each participating advisory firm submitted only one set of responses.
Third party firms mentioned are not affiliated with or employed by Charles Schwab & Co. Inc.
Charles Schwab
Michael Cianfrocca, 415-667-0344
Makovsky + Company
Janet Yoo, 212-508-9606


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First let me give little bit background about myself. I'm a desktop application developer and a systems programmer. I usually write all my applications in Assembly,C,C++. I'm not much of a web developer. I did developed couple of websites in PHP. Nothing great, No design patters, No frameworks, No external libraries, just a simple database querying and generation of HTML.
I'm trying to understand Wordpress. This is my view point about wordpress. Just correct me if I'm wrong.
WordPress is a library (set of functions) which has inbuilt functions for Creating, Updating, Deleting & Retrieving Posts & Comments from the database. Like QT has functions for creating widgets.
Wordpress is not just a library it also has a sample Frontend to demonstrate those functions from its library.Like QT ships with some sample GUIs built using the functions. If you want a different GUI, you can modify the default GUI to your needs. Now, this modifying frontend (GUI) can be done in two ways:
- For simple modifications, Unlike in QT, they've provided with an interface for modifying - a customization panel (Admin panel)
- For large modifications, like QT, you'll have to edit the code and make further changes.
- Suppose, I've made changes to default GUI to meet my needs. And I'm updating a wordpress, only the library will be updated not the (default) GUI because, it would break my frontend.


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WASHINGTON, April 17 (UPI) -- Conservative U.S. senators hope to kill immigration reform with "poison pill" amendments that divide the bipartisan bill's authors, lawmakers and aides said.
They would attempt to introduce the amendments by delaying the legislative process long enough to offer the poison-pill revisions to the "Gang of Eight" proposal, the lawmakers and aides told The Washington Post.
A poison pill amendment -- also called a wrecking amendment or a killer amendment -- seeks to re-form a bill or severely change its intent so it becomes all but useless and dies.
The tactics were used successfully by Senate opponents of 2007's Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act.
That bill was never voted on, but amendment votes were held.
The new effort to kill the immigration bill would seek to exploit a perceived public divide over core components of the comprehensive legislation introduced Tuesday by the eight lawmakers, who spent months negotiating the details.
Conservative opponents have begun arguing a bill provision that lets unauthorized workers stay in the United States amounts to "amnesty." They also argue proposed new border-control steps are not strong enough and the guest-worker program would hurt American jobs at a time of high unemployment.
The Gang of Eight plans to tout the proposal in a news conference with immigration advocates, business leaders and religious groups as early as Wednesday.
But conservative critics told the Post they wanted to make sure the legislative process is not rushed.
An open process "is essential to gaining public confidence in the content of the bill," said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.
Cornyn is the top GOP member on the Senate Judiciary Committee's immigration subcommittee.
"I can't see any reason to undermine confidence by trying to jam it through without adequate time for people to read it and to hear from their constituents," he said.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, told the newspaper he considered the legislative speed a "serious problem."
The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled hearings on the immigration bill Friday and Monday.
Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., a member of the bipartisan Gang of Eight, has said the goal is to have the Judiciary Committee open the bill for amendments in early May and get it to the Senate floor by early June.
He and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., another member of the working group, briefed President Barack Obama on the bill at the White House Tuesday.
"One thing he made clear is he wants to have an open process but he doesn't want to delay and drag this out, because that's the way bills get killed," Schumer told the Post. "That's one of the most important points he made."
In a statement, Obama said, "I urge the Senate to quickly move this bill forward and, as I told Senators Schumer and McCain, I stand willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that comprehensive immigration reform becomes a reality as soon as possible."
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., another member of the bipartisan group, told CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday he expected unspecified lawmakers would introduce poison-pill amendments to doom the measure.
"I'll oppose those if I know that's what they're for," he said.


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In the first show to open the Humana Festival, playwright Lisa Kron, takes the audience into the deep dark of cell phone provider customer service. It begins as Jenni, played by Kron, notices a mistake on her phone bill, and trying to rectify the situation sends her spiraling down into discovering the seamy underbelly of corporate spy intrigue. This self-aware satire stands delightfully well on a great number of jokes, expert comedic acting, and a playful tendency to shift the play's format and style.
Truly an uproarious romp, Kron spoke with rhythm and timing so naturally, it was clear that the words came from her. As joyful as the writing reveled in Kron's humor, it made sure to humbly confess its self-aggrandized account of frustration. Early in the production, Jenni says that once one person tells of a customer service problem, everyone else in the room has to jump in and tell their own. So, Kron superseded everyone and just wrote a play starring herself.
Of course, as convincing and hilarious as Kron proved playing a version of herself, the play wouldn't work on the level it did without a finely tuned comedic cast and very charming production design. Kimberly Hérbert-Gregory as Wanda had a few sermon-like monologues that had me laughing loud enough to annoy the gentleman next to me. The other actors also did a wonderful job of melting into multiple roles, specifically Hannah Bos as Ingrid and Cydney, which played to great effect towards the end.
The plot, characters, and scenarios stretched and bent as the story played out. It was a lively creation that turned a personal consumer outrage into cartoonish fantasy. The adapting set, lighting, and fitting score shifted with the scenes and continually surprised with where they took the characters. It truly was a great deal of fun to watch.
I do have a brief thematic concern. For the vast majority of the show, the play has an understanding of the dichotomy between a consumer's need for their phone and their willing ignorance with how the infrastructure behind it operates. It then takes the next logical step to just assume that evil lies behind it all, with tongue firmly in cheek. Much of this falls to the wayside as the end turned a bit preachy, trying to find real political action from such a willingly silly premise. To the play's credit, I did hear a number of speeches from patrons on the way out regarding the unjust system. So maybe it will do good getting conversations started. Regardless, I had a fantastic time.
The Veri**on Play will run through April 1st. Single tickets, weekend passes, and even local passes are available to celebrate this and every other production in the festival. Ticketing information can be found at http://actorstheatre.org/humana-festival-of-new-american-plays/.
Photos: Courtesy Alan Simons


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Here's the latest article from the Japanese Food site at BellaOnline.com.
Scallion-Stuffed Beef Rolls
Slices of beef are wrapped around scallion pieces, marinated, then baked to create a delectable brown crust.
Please visit japanesefood.bellaonline.com for even more great content about Japanese Food.
To participate in free, fun online discussions, this site has a community forum all about Japanese Food located here -
I hope to hear from you sometime soon, either in the forum or in response to this email message. I thrive on your feedback!
Have fun passing this message along to family and friends, because we all love free knowledge!
Sherry Van Der Elst, Japanese Food Editor
One of hundreds of sites at BellaOnline.com


text:
Customer Services
Don't have an account? Become a member and save 5% off all online stock orders.
Refine your results
QIS Packaging can turnaround printed white gloss laminated carry bag printed 1 colour 2 sides within 20 business days from signed artwork approval excluding delivery time. Printing on both sides provides you with maximum exposure which is what you want for your marketing dollars .Minimum quantity is only 200 bags. This style of bag is extremely strong because it has a 40mm turn over top with re-inforced cardboard to provide strength to the handle.
NOTE: There are restrictions printing in Australia onto existing bags. QIS will advise if the artwork is not suitable for successful printing.
The proof and screen charge below is based on the same image being printed on both sides. If you require a different image for the second side, there will be another charge as two plates will need to be manufactured.
Minimum Quantities Apply
Minimum purchase of 200 bags is required.
Please fill in the short form below and submit your enquiry
Prices include GST
Please wait patiently while the payment is being processed, this may take up to a few minutes.


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A subscription database, but likely to be useful for many genealogists:
This database contains a register of enlistments in the U.S. Regular Army from 1798-1914. The Regular Army is comprised of career soldiers and maintained through peacetime. Therefore, this database will not usually include individuals who enlisted as part of a reserve or during wartime for limited periods of time, or in a military unit raised by a state. Data in these registers was compiled from a variety of other military records, including enlistment papers, muster rolls, and unit records. Information listed on these records includes:
• Name of enlistee
• Age at time of enlistment
• Birthplace
• Date of enlistment
• Enlistment place
• Occupation
• Physical description (eye color, hair color, complexion, and height)
• Rank, company, and regiment
• Date and cause of discharge
• Remarks
Note: some of this information may only be obtained by viewing the register image. Also, the register images are usually two pages long. When viewing an image, be sure to scroll all the way to the right in order to see all pages that are part of that record.
These records are arranged chronologically and alphabetically according to first letter of the surname.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Posted by blogger01 at 9:51:00 AM
Labels: Ancestry.com, Enlistment, Soldiers, U.S. Army
2 comments:
I found two of my relatives from St. Joseph, MO in the U.S. Army, Register of Enlistments, 1798-1914. Under reason for discharge, there is an abbreviation. We can't figure it out. It looks like 'Disclid'. In my case, it says Disclid Dec 18 01 at Angel Isld Cal by expr. serv excellant. thoughts?
- March 17, 2012 at 12:44 PM
It says Discharged Dec. 18, 1901 at Angel Island, California by Expiration of service, Excellent. That meant his 3 year service was excellent.
- October 26, 2012 at 5:54 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Residential Landlords' Association Suppliers Guide
The RLA Suppliers guide contains thousands of UK companies waiting to serve Landlords, Agents and Private Rented Sector professionals. The majority of which are willing to offer great discounts to RLA and RLAAS Members.
Simply choose a category from the choices below and type in your postcode to find the businesses available in your area.
Please note: Advertisements on this section of the website are in no way associated with the Residential Landlords Association.
The RLA isn't responsible for the quality of services and products received as this is simply a supplier advertising service. If you wish to make a request to remove an entry from the suppliers guide please email firstname.lastname@example.com.
We're currently not accepting new submission for our supplier guide. If you would like to talk to us about other advertising opportunities, please contact our marketing team at email@example.com.
I am looking for
Unfortunately we have no suppliers that match your search criteria.


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BOSTON (Reuters) - Fidelity Investments plans to relocate its corporate headquarters to a different building in downtown Boston.
The closely held fund company said on Friday that it will move its headquarters to a building it leases at 245 Summer Street in Boston.
Fidelity currently has 2,900 employees in that building. Its headquarters currently is several blocks away at 82 Devonshire Street. Some 600 employees work there and in several surrounding buildings, said spokesman Vin Loporchio.
Loporchio said Fidelity will study possibilities for the complex of buildings around 82 Devonshire, which has been Fidelity's headquarters since the 1970s. This could include the sale or lease of the properties, he said, and possibly the relocation of some employees.
"Our new headquarters provides optimum facilities for integrating our various businesses located in Boston and is better suited to meet our future needs," Fidelity Chairman Edward C. Johnson 3d said in a statement.
Keeping its headquarters in Boston will likely please local political leaders, who have been concerned about earlier moves by Fidelity to close other offices in Massachusetts as it shifted jobs to elsewhere, including neighboring New England states.
"I am very pleased to see their continued interest and investment in this area of Boston," said Boston Mayor Thomas Menino in Fidelity's statement. Fidelity's decision, he said, "is great news for our city."
Loporchio said Fidelity has roughly 6,000 employees in Massachusetts, 3,400 in Rhode Island and 5,400 in New Hampshire.
(The story corrects second paragraph to show Fidelity does not own building)
Reporting By Ross Kerber; Editing by Steve Orlofsky


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UPDATE: Kim Stafford's Presentation on February 13
Check this out: http://youtu.be/pmOds9pF8cg
Tualatin Valley Community TV taped Kim Stafford's presentation on February 13.
The program will playback on these days thru the end of May.
Saturdays 10:30:00 am Channel 28
Fridays 5:30:00 pm Channel 28
Wednesdays 11:30:00 am Channel 28
Mondays 11:30:00 am Channel 28
A DVD of the presentation will be available to check out from the Lake Oswego Library in March. DVDs of the presentation can be purchased from TVCTV for $15 plus $5 shipping. Call Judy at 503-629-8534 ext. 200 to order.
For a full list of Lake Oswego Reads events please visit the Lake Oswego Reads website.


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Occupy's Pledge to FIGHT BACK
We Didn't Start the Class War
John Chiarolanzio pledged on to fight back against the 1% by doing the following:
- Come out in the streets when Occupy calls for a day of action.
- Never go to work during a general strike.
- Help organize their co-workers to make demands.
3873 others also signed the pledge. Will you pledge to fight back too? Click Here


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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's top judge has dropped her proposal to strip party labels from Ohio's judicial primaries after a year's worth of feedback on the idea was mixed.
Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor had advocated the nonpartisan primaries as part of a package of proposed judicial changes she rolled out last year.
In a white paper that accompanied her address Thursday to the Ohio State Bar Association's annual convention, O'Connor named the proposal as among those left on the cutting-room floor" after study and deliberation of her original eight.
She said the idea has been discarded "reluctantly, but not permanently."
O'Connor said three proposals emerged from her conversations and study over the past year that she believes can significantly strengthen Ohio's judicial elections:
—Moving judicial elections to odd-numbered years and the top of the ballot;
—Enhancing voter education on candidates running for judge by establishing an election information and engagement program; and
—Increasing the basic qualifications to serve as judge.
She asked the lawyers' group to support her as she takes the plan to state legislators and Gov. John Kasich in coming weeks to advocate for relevant legislation.
O'Connor said it became apparent that moving forward with all eight of her 2013 proposals would be too cumbersome, but the idea of nonpartisan primaries was the hardest to give up.
"Of the eight proposals, this one drew the most interest and the most comments on the judicial selection website. Public comment was split right down the middle," she said. "This idea also generated the loudest response from the audience when I answered a rhetorical 'no' to the question of whether party affiliation has any bearing on races for an office that requires absolute impartiality."
O'Connor was greeted with applause at the bar association's 2013 convention in Cleveland when she declared: "Party affiliation has no place in judicial elections, period."
Her initiative came as polls showed the public views judges as susceptible to political influence, yet a strong majority of Ohioans oppose doing away with judicial elections altogether, she said at the time.
Of 22 states that elect judges, 14 have nonpartisan elections and seven have overtly political contests. Ohio is the only state in the nation that identifies the party of prospective judges in its primaries and then sends winners into a general election in which party labels aren't used.


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Limerick Ode To McCain, The Conciliator
Republican pols, most notably John McCain, didn't find Obama's second inaugural address sufficiently conciliatory. Here's McCain:
"There was very little reaching out to the other side," he said. "It was a fine speech, but I didn't hear any conciliatory remarks. I didn't see any specific reference like, 'I reach out my hand to the other side of the aisle.' "
Limerick Ode To McCain, The Conciliator
By Madeleine Begun Kane
As Obama's Inaugural wraps,
John McCain now complains of a lapse:
Just where in the speech
Does the President reach
Cross the aisle to invite some more slaps?
Tags: Barack Obama, Inaugural Address, Inauguration, John McCain, Political Speech


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08/01/12: Updated, see bottom of post.
A lot has been happening in the Open Badges world: we've been attending and speaking at conferences (ePIC, Gamification Summit, OSCON, ISTE); developing new outreach efforts; having fantastic conversations with significant potential partners; facilitating discussions about the future of alternative credentialing at CGI America; thinking through web literacies, skills and competencies; and working on developing Mozilla webmaker badges based on those web literacies. (And we're also working on developing an "OBI compliant" tag for use on partner sites. Fun!)
As I've been traveling around and thinking through these issues, rationalizing different versions of assessment criteria, hacking through what folks mean when they mention 21st Century skills, I've felt the need to put a few things into a more visual representation. The first is how I see the development of Open Badges understanding happening. It's fairly anecdotal and yet useful to begin talking about where the level of public understanding resides and where opportunities still exist. (Speaking of understanding Open Badges, if you're not following us on Twitter at @OpenBadges, now is the time to start. And if you're not joining our weekly Open Badges community calls (you missed a great one last week on validation), now is the time to start.
This graphic presents a pretty DML / Mozilla -centric view but it's one I believe accurately represents how much we've accomplished in bringing the public up to speed in a relatively short time period. That said, I will also note that we have quite a way to go until the term "Open Badges" (and not just digital badges) can be used and understood in common speech.
A prime differentiator, and one that tends to get lost in cursory understandings of digital badges, is the idea that an Open Badge carries with it its own credentials: it's evidence based documentation. Additionally, an Open Badge is a sort of diplomat that can freely cross disciplinary & institutional boundaries. From a systems standpoint, no Open Badge lives alone: each one resides in a larger badge ecosystem. As the ecosystem gains breadth, questions arise about the depth and rigor of each badge—as compared to the current understanding of social, professional, and academic currencies. Many, if not all of the questions of validity will be addressed through not only the methods by which each Open Badge is created but also by the community that develops around it. Endorsers will play a significant role in linking an ecosystem together as will Issuers & Displayers, but then so will "consuming" organizations like employers, academic institutions, community groups, etc.
But, in the interest of making this a briefer post with other pretty graphics about the concept of validation and trust networks I just referenced to come later (I promise—they're already done), here's an initial take on dividing up the academic world into traditional vs. non-traditional, accredited vs. non-accredited as it currently stands.
Obviously, this is an abbreviated, highly selective version of that world but I would love to hear your responses to not only where you see you/your organization appearing on this graph, but also your thoughts on the validity of it. It would also be great if you felt the desire to talk about the future of this system and whether or not this approach will retain its validity or if we'll need an entirely new one after Open Badges enters common parlance. Additionally, if this is an omniscient take or if there are different visions for each of the three primary players: earners, issuers and displayers.
And of course, I would love it still more if you would let me know your thoughts on where we've been, where we're headed and what we have left to do. Thanks!
– – –
More soon.
UPDATE 08/01/12: After discussing this on the Open Badges community call, I'm even more torn by the dichotomy imposed by combining traditional & formal and non-traditional & informal (not to mention the extreme mental shorthand with which I've written this post). It's possible to have traditional pedagogical techniques performed in informal settings. Consequently, I'm reworking this second graphic to include the subtleties that are lost when traditional & formal and non-traditional & informal are so unceremoniously combined.
As I mentioned in a few emails to those of you who wrote responses to this post, there will most definitely need to be a series of these graphics to articulate what we're saying when we talk about Open Badges and its ecosystem. Lenses, layers, and conceptual frameworks are all still very much in process: I'm working on graphically representing all of these and I appreciate all the community participation I can get. Thanks!


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Boba and Jango Fett made today's Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.
[Update 01/02/07: And be sure to check out the video from NBC already on YouTube! -- No longer available.]
One critique hit the blogosphere early this morning, after spectators and television viewers noticed Fett alongside the Naboo float. (Update 01/02/07: Boba walked alongside Endor.)
...I find it something of a snub that the second Oklahoma float had a man with a jetpack, and they had a Jango Fett hiker with the Naboo palace float. Here's what I think should've happened: there should've been a Kamino float, depicting the battle between Jango Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Then, the Jango actor leaps up with the jetpack and goes flying. Sounds simple, wouldn't it?
For more, read the entire post (secretacademy.spaces.live.com).
According to the forum at TheDentedHelmet.com, the two fans -- Daren "TK1068" and Brian "Jango Fett 581," respectively -- were chosen, representing the Central California Garrison of the 501st.
My Fett So Far - 11/17/06 posts about the selection of Daren and Brian by Lucasfilm (TheDentedHelmet.com)


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The Total University Withdrawal policy provides
students who are unable to complete a semester with the option of withdrawing
from all classes, or from the university, for that semester.
During the Fall and Spring semesters, Total
University Withdrawals may be processed between the first day of classes and
the end of the eleventh week of the semester. During summer parts of term, the
deadline is the two-thirds point of each summer course for which the student is
registered. Students taking a total university withdrawal from all of their
courses at IUP may find their financial aid for that particular semester
affected. Questions about the financial impact of withdrawal should be
addressed to the Office of the Bursar and/or the Office of Financial Aid.
Students voluntarily withdrawing from the
university must withdraw from each of their courses via MyIUP. In addition, they
must contact the School of Graduate Studies and Research office. Once the Total
University Withdrawal has been processed, a withdraw designation ("W") will be
assigned to all registered courses in the semester from which the student is
withdrawing and his or her student status will be changed to "inactive."
With the exception of documented "Call to Active
Duty" withdrawals, all withdrawals follow the deadline dates set for the