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Evan "Bullet" James is the silver "bullet" of modern theater! His strong stage presence in Midlife Gangster Redemption Song shown at The Flight Theater on theater row in Hollywood on August 10th, 2013 at 4pm takes on an identity of its own rarely seen in Los Angeles style theater that is lacking of energy, training, and character depth as comparison to New York City. Evan has that Broadway strength of character, natural stage ability, and on the edge of your seat improvisation. This was hands-down a one-man Broadway show with live photos of his past and videos during the show that is must see for anyone of a theater passion or casual interest.
His impersonation skills are well-adapted as he creates brief skits of Sylvestor Stallone, Pauly from Rocky, a gay guy, and a few others that takes much skill and precision.
Evan takes us on a one-on-one journey down memory lane of his extremely challenging life of hardship and addiction over many years, passed on from previous generations, a normality of most active addictions.
Evan opens the play with a scene of him pledging for death in utter misery as he is on his last leg homeless in a gas station in Hollywood severely intoxication fighting against the loss battle of overcoming his active drug and alcohol addiction, a fore-shadowing of the end of the play to face his demons head-on.
He narrates his life with great energy how he grew up in New York in a home where his mother was not present and randomly left, and raised mostly by his father that was fond of the so-called entrance-way drug, marijuana influencing Evan's later struggle with drugs.
He came to Hollywood with his dad of humble means of a new beginning in his youth with his sights set high as they headed down the road of glamorous road of Hollywood that later turns into a treacherous road of many hidden demons.
Evan was first bullied and challenged with racial hatred by Mexican gangs at Hollywood High-School that later came to be his close friends that his father did not approve of, so his pulled him out of school to another school in Beverly Hills hoping for a better life for his son, as Evan clearly states his father was sort of his early-on parole officer. His narration of this scene brought much emotion form the audience as a mixture of humor and drama.
In the beginning, Evan was bullied by fellow school kids that did to like him for being new and not part of the crowd and he was expelled from school, not what he expected.
Later on, he narrates with photos live on stage on how he became a championship like no other basketball star in his high-school on the Westside. He had fame and fortune soon to be at his feet. By 1982, he average 43 points a game and received a top college scholarship amongst all his trophies. His energetic enthusiasm about this time in his life was clearly alive during this edge-of-your-seat performance.
Upon entering college, Evan was expelled from college and lost scholarship and basically everything. He then got a job as a pizza delivery boy and a humble studio apartment in Hollywood, and then the trouble of addiction creeps up upon him. His depth of range and dramatic emotion intensified the moment as the audience drew in closer to Evan's cry out for help.
Evan uses much humor as he creates a scene in a chair pretending to smoke marijuana and citing a few humorous one-liners of his he struggles to support himself and his drug addiction as he laughs off how he made an 7 piece pizza look like an 8 piece pizza due to him stealing a piece or two to feed himself.
After all the pressure of losing his family unity, his mother abandoning him at a young age, losing his college dream, humble apartment, and no love in his life pushes him to try cocaine for the first time. As he clearly states during his performance "something made me whole again. I spent the next 4 years recapturing that moment." The audience thrust with emotion as this one line said it all.
His is later charged by the judge for many counts of bad behavior sentencing him to almost 18 years in prison. As his father always at his side, rushes into the courtroom to save his son. He pleads to the judge on his feet with Evan's many high-school trophies how his son is not a criminal, but an addict. The judge, truly convinced sends him to treatment at Impact House instead sparing his well-being for more appropriate solution for Evan's behavior. His movement and range at this moment as he played his father's plea was very touching and made a strong impact.
The 12 steps was a foreign language to Evan as never really having a higher power growing up. Evan falls madly in love with a beautiful fellow female member in recovery of Impact House hoping that was the reason why he was still living, later being charged with stalking her and sent to prison to due time violating a restraining order she files against him.
Evan hits his so-called "bottom" as they say in 12 steps, where an addict is forced to change by a spiritual awakening. He pleads on stage during his performance how is outwardly cries and shouts at God homeless in a gas station higher than he has ever been before on cocaine, to kill him and let him die to save him from his pain. His performance at this moment brought a tear to my eye as well as others in the audience as if we were there at that moment in his life with him. At that same moment in this life-transforming scene, a young gentleman outside of the gas station shakes his hand in the rain and says hello to him and invites him to a Narcotic Anonymous meeting. From then on Evan conquers his inner demons after many times of relapse.
He later discovers in recovery of his filed relationships that he has always been chasing his mother's love through the eyes of his significant others, highlighting on the fact that many addicts have cross-addiction to sooth their inner pain. However, he now is an accomplished drug and alcohol counselor, stage and film actor, and now producing his own reality television show.
His physical demeanor of that seemingly bad-boy image at first glance of well-defined tattoos, muscular arms, and hard core survival is an opposite concept of the genuine soft inner being of tremendous heart enabling him to reach many people on his quest of saving others as himself from death-inflicting drug and alcohol addiction that seems a common epidemic in society, especially in Hollywood. AS a result, he has developed his own reality-driven television show is to be a future success in the making taking many at high-risk off the streets saving them from addiction and a second shot at life with a new beginning of higher power, as brief clips were shown live on-stage during his performance. His heart calls to many as he travels undercover with his team down in the streets of Los Angeles to walk amongst gangsters, murderers, drug dealers, and that dark road to save others at the risk of his own life.
His sobriety date is October 26th, 1987 and from that point he has never picked up drugs and alcohol again and the proof of a higher power was working in his life to lead him to all his success in transforming the lives of others.
The next date of this life-transforming play is August 31st, 2013 at The Flight Theater.


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Cranberry and White Chocolate Chip Cookies
This post may contain affiliate links.
Cranberry and White Chocolate Chip Cookies are bursting with texture and each bite is loaded with either tart and chewy cranberries or sweet and smooth white chocolate.
Edited to Add: I remade this recipe December 2015 with new photos and can be found at Soft and Chewy Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies
It's National Cookie Day and tis the season to bake cookies.
Especially soft and chewy ones that are loaded with cranberries and white chocolate chips.
The cookies were inspired by a two recent recipes. First, from my love of the Sugar-Doodle Vanilla Cookies I made a couple weeks ago. That dough is made using good old-fashioned simple ingredients. There's nothing fancy, or specialty about it but the resulting cookies taste exceedingly special. Never under-estimate the power of butter and sugar.
Compared to the more recent Chocolate Chip and Chunk Cookies, which is my new favorite recipe for chocolate chip cookies, the Sugar-Doodle dough is a bit sweeter and more delicate. I knew it would be the perfect dough base to support copious amounts of tart dried cranberries and sweet white chocolate morsels.
Additionally, I couldn't get the Cranberry Bliss Bars out of my mind. They're loaded with cranberries and oodles of white chocolate, baked in a soft and tender bar that's a dead ringer for the Starbucks version. I have to resist the urge to go back for seconds, or thirds. It's a good thing the batch size is only eight.
This recipe is an ode to Cranberry Bliss Bars, in cookie form.
The dough comes together in minutes. Cream together butter, sugars, an egg, vanilla, a splash of cream or milk, and add the flour. I used a combination of both bread and all-purpose flours because bread flour produces chewier cookies and I love a good chew-fest.
Exclusively using all-purpose is fine but the resulting cookies likely won't be quite as chewy or have as much height. Bread flour also adds increased structure, height, and rise to baked goods, thanks to it's higher gluten content. These sweet and golden cookies baked up tall and proud.
In order to get maximum height and to ensure the cookies spread as little as possible while baking, the dough must be chilled prior to baking. You can make this dough up to five days in advance and allow it to remain in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake the cookies. Bake one or two at a time, or make the whole batch at once.
There is nothing worse than an under-stuffed, under-loaded, under-sauced or just under-whelming dessert. If it's a chocolate chip cookie, I use enough chocolate chips and also add chocolate chunks to ensure I know it's a chocolate. Or I use chocolate five ways.
If it's a piece of cake, I liberally glaze it, ganache it, or stud it with a wall-like layer of streusel topping. Live in abundance. And I abundantly used dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, and dough really couldn't hold much more.
Living in abundance can be a double-edge sword and this is the season for it. Everywhere I turn there's a holiday cookie tray, dessert platter with fudge on it, or another specialty holiday product for sale in the grocery store with a 'limited time only', heightening my urgency to have it now. The nice thing about this recipe is that it's a smaller-batch recipe, yielding about sixteen cookies, not dozens and dozens. Double the recipe if you need more abundance than I do.
The cookies have chewy edges and tender, soft, pillowy centers. They're moist and are bursting with texture. Each bite is full of something chewy. Either a tart and wrinkly cranberry or sweet and smooth white chocolate. As the cookies bake, the white chocolate melts and meshes with the buttery dough in a scrumptious way.
A cross between a chewy sugar cookie, a fluffy snickerdoodle, and a Cranberry Bliss Bar, they're the best of all worlds and a new holiday favorite.
Cranberry and White Chocolate Chip Cookies
The cookies are part chewy sugar cookie with chewy edges and tender, soft, pillowy centers. And part Cranberry Bliss Bars, in cookie form. They're bursting with texture and each bite is loaded with either tart and chewy cranberries or sweet and smooth white chocolate. As the cookies bake, the white chocolate melts and meshes with the buttery dough in a scrumptious way for a soft and moist cookie that's a new holiday favorite.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons cream or milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup bread flour (all-purpose flour may be substituted and used exclusively; bread flour yields chewier cookies and is recommended)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional and to taste
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup (8 ounces) white chocolate chips
- To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on low speed until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the sugars and beat on medium-high speed until creamed and well combined, 2 to 3 minutes. Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the egg, cream, vanilla, and beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the flours, baking soda, salt, and mix until just combined, about 1 minute. Notes regarding the flour - solely using all-purpose flour will work, the cookies will not be as chewy or rise as well because bread flour creates chewier results and gives greater rise. Also, I live in a dry climate and only need 1 3/4 cups flour total but if you are in more humidity or your dough is very moist or loose, adding up to 1/4 cup of additional flour, for 2 cups total, is possible. The more flour, the more the cookies will stay domed and puffed while baking.
- Add the cranberries, white chocolate chips, and beat momentarily with the mixer until combined or fold in by hand. Transfer dough to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, up to 5 days.
- Preheat oven to 350°F, line a baking sheet with a Silpat Non-Stick Baking Mat, parchment, or spray with cooking spray. Using a 2-ounce cookie scoop, form heaping mounds weighing 2 1/4-ounces each (weighed on a scale, which is approximately a scant 1/4-cup measure) and place them on the baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until pale golden and edges have just set, even if slightly undercooked in the center, as cookies will firm up as they cool (The cookies shown in the photos were baked for 9 minutes and have chewy edges with soft pillowy centers. For crunchier cookies, extend baking time by 1 to 2 minutes). Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before removing. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Alternatively, unbaked cookie dough can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, so consider baking only as many cookies as desired and save the remaining dough to be baked in the future when desired.
- Inspired by Sugar-Doodle Vanilla Cookies and Cranberry Bliss Bars
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 212Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 128mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 1gSugar: 21gProtein: 3g
Related Recipes:
Cranberry Bliss Bars {Starbucks Copycat Recipe} – The flavor in the Bliss Bars is very similar to the cookies, but they are more loaded and decadent. They're made with a white chocolate and cranberry blondie bar base, topped white white chocolate-cream cheese frosting, more cranberries, and a white chocolate drizzle. They can be made from start to finish in a half hour and are one of the best things I've made in ages
Sugar-Doodle Vanilla Cookies – These cookies inspired today's recipe because the dough base itself is just so scrumptious. There's nothing fancy in the ingredients, but they combine so wonderfully to produce soft, chewy, and cookies with fragrant vanilla notes. Easily one of my top 5 favorite cookie recipes on my site
White Chocolate Snickerdoodle Cookies – The cookies are rolled in a cinnamon-sugar coating prior to baking, making for a truer snickerdoodle than the Sugar-Doodles (above), and they're loaded with white chocolate chips
Cranberry Pineapple Mango Preserves – Much more flavorful than traditional cranberry sauce from the addition of pineapple, mango, cinnamon, and ginger, which sweetly spice and enhance fresh cranberries. The preserves are full of chunky texture from the variety of fruits used, and can be made in just over a half hour. Makes a nice gift that will keep refrigerated for about one month
Mango and White Chocolate Chip Cookies – These cookies are thinner and very chewy, and combine two of my favorite ingredients, mango and white chocolate chips. They're combined in this ridiculously soft and moist cookie
Peanut Butter Oatmeal White Chocolate Chip Cookies – Perhaps my favorite cookie recipe on my entire blog. From the peanut butter included, to the texture from the oats, and the sweet bits of white chocolate in each bite, they're an all-time favorite. They stay soft and chewy for days. Very easy to make and no-mixer-required
Do you like cranberries? White chocolate? Favorite holiday cookies?
If you have favorite recipes feel free to share the links.
I have all my White Chocolate Recipes here including photos with links
Thanks for the Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Sampler Giveaway entries – winner announced next post
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The father and relatives of Nadim Nowarah. Photo by Lazar Simeonov.
Results from an autopsy of Nadim Nowarah's body have revealed that live ammunition was the cause of his death. Amidst opposing reports of how the 17-year-old was killed outside of Ofer Prison on 15th May, his body was exhumed on Wednesday to confirm the use of live ammunition lead to his death. The Israeli military have continued to deny the use of live ammunition, insisting that only rubber-coated pellets were used that day as a means of crowd control. Instead, the Israeli military argues that other Palestinians were the perpetrators.
The two teenagers, Nadim Nowarah, 17, and Mohammed Salahmeh, 15, were taking part in a Nakba demonstration outside of Israel's Ofer Prison in Beitunia, when they were killed.
"From the results…it is 100 percent clear that it is live ammunition, a live bullet," said Shawan Jabareen from Al Haq, a Palestinian human rights NGO. Entry and exit points were found on Nadim's body, a casualty unlikely to come from a rubber-coated pellet. The Israeli military use rubber coated pellets to cause a "painful blow" to protestors, according to B'Tselem, an Israeli human rights group. Despite the fact that these 'non-lethal weapons' cannon pass through a human torso, since 2000, they lead to the fatalities of 18 Palestinians. An x-ray was taken in addition to the autopsy. Four lead fragments were discovered, all signs that live ammunition was used by the Israeli military on May 15th.
The Palestinian Institute of Forensic Medicine at al Quds University in the Abu Dis area of Jerusalem carried out the autopsy. The lead pathologist, Dr Sabr al-Alul, was observed by two Israeli forensic pathologists and assisted by two other pathologists from Denmark and America. The Nouwarah family requested the presence of international pathologists at the autopsy.
Video footage shows that Nowarah and Salameh did not pose any threat to life when the shots were fired. The footage shows Nadim walking by himself during a lull in the protest, no confrontations or aggressive behavior. Israel claims that the footage was falsified, but there has been no evidence to support such a claim. The seeming idleness of both boys at the time of their deaths has lead many to the conclusion that they were victims of unlawful killings.
In the face of the autopsy evidence, Israel's denial of complicity in the teenager's death appears tenuous at best. Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, Sarah Leah Whitson, said in a statement that the "autopsy of Nadim Nouwarah bolts evidence indicating that Israeli forces unlawfully killed the two boys on May 15th." On 22 May the Israeli military suspended a soldier from the military for firing rubber bullets without authorization during the Nakba demonstrations. The action is far from an admission of guilt; the Israeli military and Border Police insist they are still undertaking an investigation.
A bullet was found in Nadim's backpack four days after his death. The discovery undoubtedly queries Israel's claim that only rubber-coated pellets were used during the protest outside of Ofer prison, and is crucial to discovering further clues as to the exact context of the teenager's death. A source close to the Nowarah family told Palestine Monitor that the bullet was made by the Israeli military. The source declined to elaborate further as an investigation is still underway. The next step is to involve a ballistic expert, who can identify what type of firearm was used, and ultimately "identify who the exact shooter was…..They can't keep denying it and blaming Palestinians," stated the source.
Regrettably, concrete intelligence has not always lead to a successful indictment of Israeli military personnel. A representative from Al Haq told Palestine Monitor that "the problem here is access to effective remedy." According to a report from Yesh Din, an Israeli human rights organization, since 2000, just "16 of the investigations files into incidents in which Palestinians were killed led to indictments." Nadim's family and friends will have to hope that Nadim's case is the exception not the rule and that the killers of their son will be brought to justice.
An official report of the autopsy results is expected in the coming days.
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For so long, NoHo was a no man's land. Sandwiched between its sexy southern neighbor, SoHo, and the frenetic, food-filled East and Greenwich villages, there was never reason to consider NoHo its own neighborhood, much less a dining destination.
How quickly things change.
Two of the city's hottest reservations, Acme and Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria, are within a fork's throw of one another on Great Jones Street, while other eclectic options continue to pepper the compact district. Now you can find Neapolitan pizza, British gastropub fare, and starting tomorrow, Jewish deli sandwiches.
"The neighborhood has changed quite drastically," says Donna Lennard, owner of the new Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria and its older sister restaurant, Il Buco, just a block away. A NoHo resident for 15 years, Lennard was there when all that occupied the dark cobblestone streets were stray furniture shops.
But bit by bit, the area has been spiffed up, and reinvented. Five years after Il Buco's debut in 1994, Five Points opened and became a beacon for brunching. The Bowery Hotel and its trattoria, Gemma, brought the international set when it opened in 2007. And by the time the subterranean hipster hangout, The Smile, debuted in 2009, NoHo was more swell than seedy.
"Twelve years ago, we walked by this neighborhood and said we're going to live here one day," says Daniel Ohrtman, 32, who's in finance and moved to NoHo from Chelsea in late 2011 with his girlfriend Lindsay Pauly, 30, an event producer. "We've been coming here for the restaurants without realizing it, but now it's amazing to be so close to everything," adds Pauly.
Here are the newest additions fueling NoHo's fire.


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With the announced SAT changes, many college bound students, parents, and counselors are understandably more angst-ridden than usual about the test and how to effectively prep for it. This, unfortunately, means that some less-than-scrupulous test prep companies will seek to take advantage of that concern to turn a quick profit. These companies are rushing to market with "the first prep guide for the 2016 SAT" that is "guaranteed to boost your score." Hopefully we'll be able to dispel some of the myth, rumor, and panic surrounding the new tests with a few reminders. So here is your quick guide to preparing for the new SAT:
The New SAT Part II: Reading is Fun and Mental
This is the second part of a series on the new version of the SAT. College Board will roll out more changes over the next 18 months as we await confirmation on the final form of the exam. It's worth noting that these changes will affect test takers in 2016, but anyone planning to take the exam before that will be under the old system (search our blog for informative posts about that exam. We have some good stuff. Did you miss the first installment? Check it out here)
Today's post was brought to you by one of our lead teachers, John Mahone.
With the old SAT, the Reading part of the test consisted of Reading Comprehension, passages on various subjects with questions about theme, vocabulary, and other verbal concepts, and Sentence Completion, which required students to fill in the blank or blanks of sentences with the correct vocabulary words or words. On the current SAT, the Writing section of the test consists of one essay written from a specific prompt, and Improving Sentences, which ask students to read sentences and paragraphs, find the error, or identify the ways in which the sentences can be improved. The new exam will shift things around, as there will be a Reading Section, Writing and Language, Math, and an optional essay.
Let's take a look at what's new on "The Reading Test."
Ten Reasons Why the PSAT Matters
Our friends at International College Counselors recently published this advice on their blog and we thought we'd
share it with our readers.
Many students are about to take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) in mid -October and many of them are probably wondering why it's so important.Almost all high school students take the PSAT during their junior year. Some students take thePSAT as sophomores and even freshmen to get the feel for the test.Here are 10 reasons to take the PSAT and why it matters to do well:
Test Prep: A few tricks to beat the test?
I'm always stunned by the lack of clarity that people have about what test prep is and what test prep isn't. Many people seem to believe that test preparation involves sprinkling pixie dust on a test-taker and waiting for the score to soar to new heights. Think about how often you've heard of "tricks" to "beat the test." Now don't get me wrong, I know it's largely the test preparation industry that sold the nation this bill of goods (thanks Joe Bloggs), but the impact of this thinking is being compounded by the current atmosphere in education of over-testing, misuse of testing, and over-reliance on test results. This post will clarify "once and for all" what test prep is and what it isn't. I hope after this post that I'll never again hear the phrase "just a few tricks" combined with "get me a great score."
"I just need a few tricks to boost my score."
ACT vs SAT: The only difference that matters
In our continuing quest to put to rest the fruitless debate between the two college entry behemoths, we give you the definitive answer to which test you should take.
After all talk is over and after all the pros and cons have been listed, the one and only difference you need to worry about is which test you do better on!
No matter what the group statistics imply, no matter what your friends have done, no matter who was admitted with which scores last year, all that matters is which test provides you the best opportunity to demonstrate to colleges your ability to do well at their school.
Don't Increase the Hype: The SAT is a'changing
Not too long ago the College Board hired David Coleman as the new president and his first few months can be summarized by the Wu Tang Clan – "Kaboom, guess who stepped in the room!" In just a few short months, Coleman has kicked up enough dust to make notoriety seekers like Lady Gaga and Madonna proud by speaking of the failures of the College Board and its programs (notably the SAT and AP).
"I have a problem with the SAT writing" – David Coleman, president of the College Board
ACT vs SAT: Myths and Legends
In recent years, students have increasingly faced the challenge of deciding which college admission tests to take. They are receiving conflicting, vague, or incorrect advice from counselors, parents, blogs, internet experts, admission officers, concerned citizens, and busybodies of all varieties. Instead of solving the problem and making the decision easier, this information overload can often increase the confusion. To help you make a decision (and hopefully not just add to the noise), we've started this "ACT vs. SAT" series, which will provide specific points points of comparison and clear (hopefully) unbiased information that will help you create your ACT vs. SAT scorecard. To kick things off, we'll dispel a few of the most egregious myths we've heard in the ACT/SAT discussion.
5 Common Misconceptions
You've Taken the PSAT, Now What?
Thanksgiving marks not only the start of the Christmas season but also the beginning of the college process in earnest for many Juniors. Before December brings Santa down your chimney, it will bring PSAT results back to your high schools. The College Board will be sending your score reports back to your schools in the first couple weeks of December, which means you should have your scores in your hand just in time to put them under the Christmas tree. In this post, we'll break down what the PSAT tells you about the SAT and if it impacts your future SAT score. (You should also check out "What Is The PSAT?" to learn more about what the test is and how it's used. )
850+ Test Optional Colleges: A Closer Look at the Famous List
As a 20 year veteran of test preparation, I've been enamored with the FairTest list of SAT/ACT optional schools for what seems like a decade now. I am sure many of you as parents, educators and students have also been impressed with such a list; it's seemingly a harbinger of a radical shift in admission policy that will minimize the impact of standardized tests which have historically put low income and minority students at a disadvantage. I've seen the good and bad of testing for years and find it commendable that a school would be brave enough to defy convention when it comes to standardized test scores, forgoing both the benefits and the drawbacks, to weigh students on their broader merits.
The Differences Between Not-for-Profit and For-Profit Colleges
Today's guest post is from Tressie McMillan Cottom, PhD Candidate at Emory University, an expert in for profit education and a former admissions and financial aid counselor in two for-profit schools. Ms McMillian Cottom took some time to share with our readers some insight into her research and insights on the growing for-profit college industry.
There are a lot of factors to consider your sophomore and junior year of high school when you embark upon your college application planning. Do you want to move as far away from home as possible or be close enough for Sunday dinners? Do you want the intimate environment of small, liberal arts colleges or the rush of a large, urban campus? What fields of study should your dream college offer? What kind of social life can you build once you get there? The list goes on and on.
One thing rarely considered but, perhaps, equally important to those other considerations is the institutional type of your dream school. Institutional type refers to the mission of the college. By college mission I don't mean "to live and serve" but "to profit or not to profit." If you don't know the difference between a for-profit college and a not-for-profit college don't feel badly. You're not alone. A new research report found that among adults enrolled in online college degree programs, 17 percent had no idea if their school was for-profit or not-for-profit. More importantly, the question you might be asking is why you should care about the institutional type of your college.
Good question.


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CHICAGO - An Illinois appellate court Friday affirmed a lower court finding that the state cannot force pharmacies and pharmacists to sell emergency contraceptives - also known as "morning after" pills - if they have religious objections.
In 2005, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich mandated that all pharmacists and pharmacies sell "Plan B," the brand name for a drug designed to prevent pregnancy following unprotected sex or a known or suspected contraceptive failure if taken within 72 hours.
Some anti-abortion advocates object to the drugs, which work by preventing the release of an egg, preventing fertilization or stopping a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus.
College vending machine dispenses 'morning after' pill
In 2011, an Illinois judge entered an injunction against the rule, finding no evidence that the drugs had ever been denied on religious grounds, and that the law was not neutral since it was designed to target religious objectors.
The Illinois appellate court agreed that the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act protects pharmacists' decision not to dispense the contraceptives due to their beliefs.
Free birth control under health law begins
"This decision is a great victory for religious freedom," said Mark Rienzi, senior counsel for the Becket Fund, quoted in a statement about the decision.
President Obama's health care reform is drawing fire from Republicans, as provisions enacted today mandate all employers provide free contraception to their employees. NBC's Brian Mooar reports.
Earlier this year, a federal court in Washington struck down a similar state rule, according to the Becket Fund, a non-profit law firm.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, which had filed an amicus brief on behalf of the state, expressed dismay at the court's decision.
Long-term contraceptives, like IUDs, gaining popularity
"We are dismayed that the court expressly refused to consider the interests of women who are seeking lawful prescription medication and essentially held that the religious practice of individuals trumps women's health care," said ACLU spokesman Ed Yohnka. "We think the court could not be more wrong."
A spokesperson for Illinois Governor Pat Quinn was not immediately available for comment.
Read more health news on NBC's Vitals
More content from NBCNews.com:
- For first time, gay marriage may win statewide vote
- Three Aurora shooting victims suing Cinemark' theater to reopen in 2013
- From sports shoes to bomb shields: the odd detour of a key US military material
- Pennsylvania couple charged with selling neighbor's dog on Craigslist
- Video: Cops, 'yarn bombers' team up to protect art
- Empty chair 'lynchings': Anti-Obama protests gone too far?
Follow US News from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook


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Colorado Mountain Trails Wax Melts
Orange, lemon, cherry, sweet clove & cinnamon
Crumble Co. Soy Wax Melts are famous for long lasting strength, natural smelling aromas, fun colors and eco-friendly decorations! You only need one wax cube to fragrance your home in quirky, unique aromas. From relaxing, to getting the energy you need, aroma therapy meets inspiring fun with one handmade wax tart. Wax bars may very in color and decor from batch to batch, because they are actually handmade in small batches! With thousands of 5 Star aromas, you're sure to fall in love with so many new home fragrances! If you ever feel you're not getting 5 Star performance, please email Team Crumble at email@example.com and we will gladly troubleshoot with you, and make it right! Thank you for reading, and supporting our family owned heart-made business. :)


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Just because a job seems glamorous, requires a lot of education, is stressful or dangerous, it doesn't mean that you'll necessarily be earning the big bucks by pursing a career in one of these fields. Some jobs seem like they should pay a lot more than they actually do. If you're the type to be more motivated by the paycheck than by the work itself, these are a few career choices that you might want to steer clear of.
Emergency Medical Technician
You trust these professionals with your life. They're the people who step in to help those who are sick, injured or in danger, at times even placing themselves in precarious situations in the process. However, you might be surprised to learn that emergency medical technicians (or EMTs) aren't earning the big bucks. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average income for this occupation is only about $27,000 per year. Considering that this position requires workers to obtain post-secondary education, be on call, work shift work and deal with a huge amount of stress, this wage seems incredibly low.
Event Coordinator
Planning a big event takes a lot of work. Event coordinators take the stress out of event planning for others, thereby taking on all the stresses of organizing vendors, dealing with the hiccups, and ensuring that guests enjoy the event. Ensuring that every wedding, party or conference runs smoothly takes a lot of skill on the part of event planners or coordinators. They need to be organized, professional and able to juggle multiple tasks all at once. How much does this stressful position pay? Only about $36,000 per year.
Probation Officer
Dealing with those who are on probation or parole may not seem like a particularly glamorous position, but there's no doubt it's a stressful one. This job can be particularly rewarding, especially in the fact that you're helping to keep reformed criminals engaged and on track by helping to support their rehabilitation, assisting them with finding jobs and homes once they're released. On the other side of the coin, people in this field also have to deal with a great deal of disappointment and stress, since many former cons have a tendency to reoffend. CNN Money reports that this challenging job comes with an annual salary of about $38,400.
Family Therapist
Seeing how important family wellness is, it's surprising to find that those who are responsible for ensuring our family relationships function properly are only be paid about $45,000 per year. Therapists typically require quite a bit of education in order to practice, so this position comes with a fairly low rate of pay considering that some therapists might be repaying student loans. Therapists also have a tendency to experience burnout, since they are often responsible for seeing a number of clients each day, while helping these families to sort through some of the most stressful of situations.
Addictions Counselor
Similar to family therapists, addictions counselors help their clients to sort through some very challenging and stressful situations. Addictions counselors assist their clients with creating and adhering to treatment plans, which certainly has its share of challenges. Also, most addictions counselors are required to have post-secondary education in order to practice. Given the stressful nature of this job, it might be surprising to learn that this position typically comes with an annual income of only about $32,000 per year.
News Reporter
Being a reporter may seem exciting, but it doesn't guarantee a high salary by any stretch of the imagination. News reporters typically earn about $33,000 per year. This is quite a small amount of compensation considering that many news reporters are required to work unusual hours and work within strict deadlines.
Film or Television Producer
A job in film and television? That has to be glamorous, right? Well, the sad truth is that the majority of people working in this field are not earning the big bucks, especially when they're just starting out. Many film and television producers work long hours in order to ensure that their productions run according to plan and budget. The median income for individuals in this field is about $48,000 per year, though some producers have had to sacrifice their own salaries in order to inject more funds into the projects they're working on. This is definitely proof that not all jobs in the television industry are a sure-fire ticket to easy street!
Though this position may not come close to the lowest paying on our list in terms of actual earnings, it could be considered a lower-paying job because of the fact that it requires a lot of education and experience before you're able to practice in the field. Most architects require a minimum of a bachelor's degree before being able to work, which is then followed by licensing exams and internships. Architects in their first year of work can expect to earn roughly $35,000 per year, with those who are more senior earning about $69,000 per annum. Considering that most architects leave school with a fair amount of student debt, this certainly isn't going to leave a huge amount of cash for these professionals to spend on themselves after making their debt repayments.
The Bottom Line
It's a sad fact that not all stressful jobs are valued equally. Just because an occupation requires post-secondary education or deals with the unpleasant side of life, it doesn't ensure that you'll be living that comfortable of a life yourself, at least financially speaking. Before investing in post-secondary education, it's a good idea to investigate what kind of annual salary you'll be able to expect before hitting the books. You'll want to know how easily you'll be able to repay your student debt, and if you'll be able to support yourself on your earnings. Keep in mind that loving your job counts for something, but you also need to make sure that you can take care of your own needs with your annual income.


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Family, friends gather at Café Reconcile to comfort mother of slain toddler
Family and friends gathered at Café Reconcile Friday afternoon to comfort a graduate and employee who lost her 1-year-old daughter to violence on Thursday night.
Londyn Samuels, 13 months old, was killed in a shooting in Central City Thursday night about 8:30 p.m. Samuels' 18-year-old babysitter was injured in the shooting.
Officials said in a news release that the mother of the toddler -- Andrea Samuels -- is a graduate and employee at Café Reconcile.
The shooting happened in the 2800 block of South Saratoga Street. The motive of the shooting wasn't known.
"Right now, feels like it's just not true," Andrea said. "I cry every time I see a picture of her, anytime somebody hugs me, I cry, I'm hurt ... that was my baby."
Councilwoman LaToya Cantrell decried the violence, saying the community is tired of it.
Andrea's daughter just turned 1 year old on Aug. 3.
A vigil will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at the corner of Washington Avenue and South Saratoga Street.
A memorial fund has been set up to help the family.
Donations can be made to:
Londyn Samuels Memorial Fund
c/o Capital One Bank
313 Carondelet Street
New Orleans, La. 70130
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.
NOPD, SWAT search for suspects in toddler's fatal shooting
Police: Toddler killed, babysitter shot in Central City
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People have been searching for new medicines for thousands of years, and yet we have barely explored the universe of possibilities. Recently chemists at the University of Bern in Switzerland tried to estimate how many promising molecules have yet to be tested. In June they published their best guess: More than a million billion billion billion billion billion billion. Blindly testing those molecules one at a time is not practical, and most of them will turn out to be useless anyway.
Therefore many scientists are looking for strategies they can use to zero in more quickly on promising candidates.
At the University of Texas at Austin, a team of biologists is speeding the search by exploring our evolutionary history. They are finding surprising links between the biology of humans and that of our most distant relatives — links that point the way to new drugs. Last week in the journal PLoS Biology, the researchers describe the first fruit of this approach: a drug that shows a promising ability to shrink tumors. Its cancer-fighting ability has been hiding in plain sight since the 1960s, when it was approved to treat fungal infections. Until the new research, no one had thought to test the drug against cancer.
One reason that drug hunting is so vexing is that scientists still don't know much about the functions of many genes in humans. It's much easier to study the genes in other species. Scientists have systematically mutated more than 6,000 genes in yeast, for example, observing the changes those mutations activate in the organism.
Humans and yeast share a common ancestor that lived some 1.2 billion years ago. That single-celled creature had already evolved clusters of genes that worked together to do particular jobs, like dividing cells or resisting stress.
The lineage that led to humans and the lineage that led to yeast both inherited the same clusters of genes. Over the next 1.2 billion years, the clusters took on different jobs. But many of the genes in the original cluster remained, working together on the new tasks.
Dr. Edward Marcotte, a molecular biologist at the University of Texas, reasoned that he might be able to uncover human gene clusters by looking at their counterparts in other species. In yeast, for example, he and his colleagues identified 68 genes that work together to build cell walls. Marcotte and his colleagues then looked at the scientific literature about the human versions of those genes. Five of them, they found, are involved in building blood vessels.
It's next to impossible, statistically speaking, that this overlap was the result of chance. It's far more likely that the cell-wall cluster in yeast and the blood-vessel cluster in humans evolved from an ancestral cluster of genes. Aside from the five genes that were known to be involved in blood vessel formation, Marcotte and his colleagues found other human genes matching those in the yeast cluster. But no one knew the function of those genes.
Marcotte hypothesized that they also helped build blood vessels. To find out, he and his colleagues did experiments on frog embryos. The researchers found eight additional genes that also helped build blood vessels, bringing the total to 13 so far.
This strategy has allowed Marcotte and his colleagues to make discoveries about hundreds of other genes. Plants have a network of genes for sensing gravity, for example. Marcotte and his colleagues have discovered a human version of the network, which helps build the nervous system. Mutations to this nerve network can cause deafness.
Marcotte and his colleagues then used this strategy to search for new drugs. The scientific literature is packed with studies on how potential drugs affect other species. Marcotte's research hinted that there were connections to human health hidden in the results.
Genes that guide the formation of blood vessels may offer targets for cancer drugs, for example. Tumors grow so quickly that they need extra blood vessels to supply them with oxygen and nutrients. They release signals that spur nearby blood vessels to sprout new branches.
Marcotte suspected that a drug that attacks the yeast cell-wall cluster would also attack blood vessels in cancer cells.
"We could make a blind prediction," he said.
Hye Ji Cha, a graduate student on Marcotte's team, programmed a computer to search through millions of test results of different drugs on yeast. She found a handful of molecules that targeted the cluster of genes that builds cell walls.
The drug that excited the scientists most was a compound known as thiabendazole. It was thrilling in its familiarity: Thiabendazole was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for fighting fungal infections back in 1967. One of the biggest worries in the search for drugs is that a promising compound will turn out to have toxic side effects. Thiabendazole's long track record made it unlikely that Marcotte and his colleagues would get such an unpleasant surprise.
"We were particularly interested in it because it was human-approved," Marcotte said.
To see if thiabendazole would attack blood vessels as they predicted, the scientists began by rearing frog tadpoles. Ordinarily, the tadpoles start to develop blood vessels three days after hatching. But when Marcotte and his colleagues gave thiabendazole to the tadpoles, their blood vessels disintegrated into free-floating cells.
"The cells actually let go of each other," Marcotte said.
The effects of thiabendazole were precise and limited. As soon as the scientists washed the drug out of the tadpoles, they immediately started rebuilding their blood vessels.
Marcotte and his colleagues then tried out thiabendazole on human blood vessel cells. Normally, the cells organize themselves into tubes. But when exposed to the drug, they fell apart.
These experiments gave Marcotte and his colleagues the confidence to try out thiabendazole on tumors. They transplanted human tumors into mice. Left untreated, the tumors grow rapidly, fueling their growth by coaxing the mice to build blood vessels.
In mice treated with thiabendazole, on the other hand, the tumors grew much more slowly. After 27 days, the drug-treated tumors were only about a quarter of the size of the untreated ones.
"I'm really excited about this coming out," Dr. Morris Groves, the director of the Texas Oncology-
Austin Brain Tumor Center, said of the new research.
Despite his excitement, he warned that thiabendazole might not prove effective on cancers in people.
"Ninety-five percent of drugs are probably going to fail," he said. "You just build your world around it."
Even if thiabendazole doesn't reach the clinic, Groves thinks that Marcotte's strategy for systematically exploring evolution will accelerate the discovery of drugs.
"You can mechanize that and make it a lot faster," Groves said. "That's a great step forward."


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Spain's political scandal pushes euro lower
The euro fell against the dollar Monday as a political scandal in Spain worried investors.
Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy denied allegations over the weekend that he and his party received secret cash payments from businesses. Spain's top prosecutor said it may call in Rajoy for questioning if necessary. Opposition parties are calling for Rajoy to resign.
The allegations come at a time when the country was just beginning to show signs of convincing investors that its finances are improving.
Since Europe's recovery is "still in its infancy, political uncertainty isn't good for the currency," said Kathy Lien, managing director at currency trading firm BK Asset Management, in a note to clients.
The euro fell to $1.3520 in late trading Monday from $1.3662 late Friday.
The British pound rose to $1.5766 from $1.5714.
The dollar fell to 92.38 Japanese yen from 92.74 Japanese yen.
The dollar rose to 0.9084 Swiss franc from 0.9078 Swiss franc and to 99.81 Canadian cents from 99.71 Canadian cents.


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A frantic finish nearly put the perfect touch on a historic night for the Houston Dash against Portland Thorns FC, but in the end the newest National Women's Soccer League team couldn't overtake the defending champions in a 1-0 match at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Any jitters concerning the first match in franchise history were either non-existent or converted into positive energy by the Dash, who came out on the front foot in the first half, despite playing with only 10 players for much of the opening quarter of an hour.
Injuries to both Brittany Bock (right knee sprain) and Kealia Ohai (right ankle injury) left the Dash shorthanded for upwards of nine minutes to start the match, yet Houston largely controlled play with a player off receiving treatment.
Portland, however, jumped into the lead off the restart after Teresa Noyola entered after Bock went down for a second time and was forced off.
Allie Long, a consistent offensive threat for Portland throughout the night, charged in on a long throw into the box by Jessica McDonald and flicked it to the far side, past the lunging Erin McLeod but inside the back post.
Long nearly doubled the lead right before half, but a kick save from McLeod kept the deficit at one going into the break.
Portland entered the second half more confident in possession, and again it was Long who served as the catalyst. The midfielder cracked a shot off the top of the crossbar in the 48th minute, and forced another save from McLeod from a tight angle ten minutes later.
The Dash found their footing in the match again in the final stages searching for the equalizer, including several close calls in the final minutes of regulation.
Stephanie Ochs had a chance in the 76th minute, finding an opening at the top of the penalty area to chest down a long ball from Noyola and getting a shot away that sailed high.
In the 90th minute, Tiffany McCarty was beaten to a cross from Jordan Jackson right at the post by a Thorns defender, and substitute Lindsay Elston forced a diving save from Nadine Angerer a minute later off a curling shot from the edge of the box.
In the final minute of added time, Dash midfielder Becky Edwards redirected a headed ball from Osinachi Ohale past Angerer and into the net. The 8,097 fans in attendance subdued their exultations after they spotted the assistant referee's flag raised for offside, and the center official ended the match just moments later.
The Dash return to action next Sunday as they take their first road trip of the year to face the Boston Breakers. Portland will also travel to the East Coast to take on Sky Blue FC next Saturday.
NWSL Match Report
Match: Houston Dash vs. Portland Thorns FC
Date: April 12, 2013
Venue: BBVA Compass Stadium
Kickoff: 7:20 p.m. CT
Attendance: 8,097
Weather: 75 degrees, cloudy
Scoring Summary
PTFC: Allie Long (Jessica McDonald) 24
Houston Dash: Erin McLeod (capt.); Arianna Romero, Osinachi Ohale, Holly Hein, Nikki Washington; Brittany Bock (Teresa Noyola 23), Jordan Jackson, Becky Edwards; Kealia Ohai (Lindsay Elston 58), Ella Masar, Stepahanie Ochs (Tiffany McCarty 78)
Subs not used: Kika Toulouse, Bianca Henninger, Marissa Diggs
Portland Thorns FC: Nadine Angerer; Courtney Niemiec, Nikki Marshall, Emily Menges, Rebecca Moros (Jackie Acevedo 82); Amber Brooks, Allie Long, Sinead Farrelly, Angie Kerr (Meleana Shim 75); Christine Sinclair, Jessica McDonald (Sarah Huffman 71)
Subs not used: Michelle Betos
Misconduct Summary
PTFC: Allie Long (caution) 15
HOU: Ella Masar (caution) 74
Referee: Christina Unkel
Assistant Referees: Veronica Perez, Marlene Duffy
Fourth Official: Danielle Chesky


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Steven M. Smith, a respiratory therapist and outdoorsman, died Saturday from cancer at the Golden Living Center in Westminster. He was 56.
The son of a United Methodist minister and a social worker, Steven Montgomery Smith was born in Laurel. He was raised in University Park and Edgewater before settling with his family in Mount Airy.
While attending South Carroll High School, where he played football and soccer, he worked on a dairy farm.
After graduating in 1975 from South Carroll High School, he worked at Carroll County General Hospital, now the Carroll Hospital Center, while attending the University of Maryland, College Park.
Mr. Smith left College Park and went to Arizona, where he studied respiratory therapy. By the time he was in his 20s, he was a licensed respiratory therapist and went to Saudi Arabia, where he worked in a hospital.
Returning to Baltimore in 1984, Mr. Smith earned his bachelor's degree in 1987 from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and then studied medicine for two years at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk.
After returning to Baltimore, Mr. Smith worked as a respiratory therapist at Carroll Hospital Center, Northwest Hospital, Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center, Sinai Hospital, Lorien Nursing Home in Mount Airy and the Levindale Geriatric Rehabilitation Center.
Mr. Smith, who suffered from depression, retired on a medical disability in 2008, family members said.
The Westminster resident was a volunteer caregiver and spent time visiting shut-ins.
Mr. Smith enjoyed running, hiking, biking, fishing, golf and photography. He was also an avid Orioles and Ravens fan.
Mr. Smith left his body to the Maryland Anatomy Board.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. June 22 at Crosswind Church, 640 Lucabaugh Mill Road, Westminster.
Surviving are two daughters, Abbey Smith of Ellicott City and Madeline Smith of Brooklyn, N.Y.; his mother, Elizabeth Ferguson Smith of Westminster; and three sisters, Stephanie Price of Ijamsville, Susan Belt of Reisterstown and Sherrie Harrison of Westminster. His marriage to the former Dr. Kathleen York-Jordan ended in divorce.


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Electronic novel sought as evidence in triple murder trial
One of the men accused of a triple murder in Central Islip in 2009 had written a short novel years earlier that had strikingly similar details to the real-life crime, it was revealed in court Tuesday.
"The D.A. wants it in [evidence] because it mimics the supposed crime," attorney William Keahon of Hauppauge, defending accused killer Hasan Vaughan, said with the jurors out of the room. He said the 70-page electronic book was among the items found on a laptop computer obtained by detectives.
Assistant District Attorney Robert Biancavilla placed the computer and some of it contents in evidence, but did not attempt to place the book in evidence, and declined during a break in the court proceedings to explain his intentions. Keahon said the book starts out with a murder scene, but he did not elaborate.
Vaughan and Robert Singletary, both 36 and from Central Islip, are on trial before Suffolk County Court Judge James Hudson in Riverhead in the slayings of Vaughan's girlfriend, Katrice Daniels, 31; her sister, Mykier Daniels, 28, and her friend, Louis Calixto Jr., 19. They are charged with first-degree murder and arson. The victims were strangled, shot and stabbed before the house was set on fire.
Vaughan planned the rampage as revenge against the victims for stealing his money and the laptop three days earlier, Biancavilla told jurors in his opening statement almost two months ago. Daniel Russo, the attorney for Singletary, told the judge after jurors left for the day that he was having trouble getting federal probation officials to respond to subpoenas to compel testimony he said would help his client. He did not elaborate on how the testimony would help.


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In case you have not yet come up with that great idea for Valentine's Day, there are lots of choices in Chicagoland. From Prix Fixe menus to caviar and champagne for two, your options to treat your special Valentine are endless.
Benny's Chop House on Valentine's Day is Just Right:
A Warm, Beautiful Setting, Great Food and Drink plus Top-notch Live Jazz When planning this year's Valentine's Day celebration, you will want everything to be just right. Look no further than to Benny's Chop House (444 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL, 312-626-2444), one of Chicago's most beautiful restaurants – warm and cozy - and yes, romantic, with many specialty cocktails and wine choices to stimulate your senses.
Benny's menu of perfectly prepared dishes set the stage for a passionate celebration. Top that off with Benny's flawless service and a terrific live jazz performance by Cecile Savage and Calvin "Koco" Brunson who perform in both French and English—sexy, indeed; express yourself.
Begin your Valentine's Day with one of the many Champagne selections from Benny's award winning wine list, which has earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Champagne selections by the glass include Château de Lisennes Crèmant Bordeaux and Henriet-Bazin Selection Montagne de Reims.
Benny's also features one of Chicago's finest international wine collections, with 25 selections by the glass and more than 1,500 selections by the bottle.
Oysters have long been thought to have aphrodisiac properties and so, for starters, Benny suggests Oysters on the half shell, featuring eight different varieties from the American East and West Coast, flown in daily (half dozen, $14.99; dozen, $26.99). Other tasty starters include the unique House-Cured Maple Glazed Bacon ($14.99) and Prime Steak Tartare, served with waffle potato chips and violet mustard ($14.99).
You'll also create an impressive start to your Valentine's Day by sharing Benny's magnificent Shellfish Tower for Two ($69.99). It's a generous, delectable appetizer meant for sharing, featuring chilled lobster, shrimp and king crab.
Continue your Valentine's Day celebration with flavorful salads such as the Roasted Beets Salad with goat cheese croquettes, black mission figs in bourbon-maple vinaigrette ($14.99), or Benny's celebrated Grilled Romaine Salad with lemon-garlic vinaigrette ($8.99).
Benny's will more than satisfy your culinary cravings with its selection of superb entrées. Benny recommends specialty seafood choices such as the one pound Whole Maine Lobster Tail, broiled to perfection ($49.99) or the Jumbo Sea Scallops served with crispy pumpkin polenta and a port wine reduction ($35.99). Meat lovers will enjoy the tender, perfectly grilled Colorado Lamb Chops ($42.99) and the comforting Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs ($24.99). For the best of both worlds, enjoy the Surf-N-Turf Style, featuring an 8 oz. Filet Mignon and a 10 oz. Cape Breton lobster tail ($52.99).
If steak is what's on your calling card, Benny's has Chicago's most diverse selections. Choose from its menu of perfectly prepared 100% USDA Prime natural, dry-aged or wet aged steaks, including the USDA Prime Natural 7 oz. Filet Mignon ($36.99), the USDA Prime Natural 16 oz. Rib Eye ($42.99) and USDA Prime New York Strip (available with or without bone in - wet aged, dry aged and natural from $36.99 to $54.99) or Surf-N-Turf Style, 8 oz. Filet and 10 oz. Cape Breton Lobster Tail (52.99). Kick it up a notch by adding an enhancement "Benny's - style" to your steak, such as Bone Marrow, Oscar Style, King Crab, Blue Cheese, Maine Sea Scallop, Béarnaise, and Barbecue Chili Rub, among others.
Your after-dinner foreplay will begin with Benny's amazing desserts. They're generous and shareable, but they're so good you'll each want your own. Try the classic Carrot Cake ($8.99) made with roasted walnuts and sweet cream cheese frosting or the decadent Chocolate Layer Cake ($10.99) frosted with fudge buttercream, and garnished with rich chocolate sauce. Another unique creation is the Chocolate Pudding Cake ($9.99) accompanied by toffee ice cream and finished with a caramel crunch. And don't forget the to-die-for Banana Cream Pie ($8.99) with caramel coated bananas.
Valentine's Day Entertainment Featuring Jazz Artists Cecile Savage and Calvin "Koco" Brunson
This distinguished duo will pair their harmonic melodies with music fueled by African, French, and Brazilian traditions. They will be performing on Valentine's Day from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Join them in the North Lounge and Bar and let their music transport you to another place.
Cécile Savage was born in the Island of Martinique yet raised in Paris, France. She studied piano for many years and brought that knowledge with her when she moved to New York City and joined the Living Theater. Later she studied guitar with Ted Dunbar through the program Jazzmobile. She increased her repertoire to include electric bass with the blues harmonica legend Sugar Blue while she toured with Memphis Slim and Willie Mabon. Subsequently, she moved to Chicago and performed jazz and blues with many notable musicians such as Jimmy Dawkins. Ultimately, this led her to perform at the 2008 Jazz Festival: Tribute to Malachi Favors. All this shaped Cécile's musical identity to comprise of a blend of French Cabaret and American Jazz.
Pianist and vocalist Calvin "Koco" Brunson's accomplishments range from being the musical director for "Ain't Misbehavin" to "The Great Nitty Gritty" and "Journey Through Forever." He also won the prized Jeff award for the musical composition "In De Beginnin". Being the cultural ambassador for the city of Chicago has led him to perform in European festivals like Moers in Germany, and Nichelsdorff in Austria.
Bistro Voltaire
Bistro Voltaire (226 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago IL; 312-265-0911), Chicago's most romantic t French bistro nestled in the heart of River North, is offering a special three course Prix Fixe Menu for Valentine's Day curated by Chef Farid Oualidi. The first course offers a choice between Risotto aux arômes de truffes (truffle scented risotto and porcini mushrooms), Salade de Jambon et melo (fresh melon and cured ham salad, parmesan tuile and port reduction), Potage d'asperges a lachaire de crabe (asparagus veloute topped with crab meat) and Huîtres gratinées (baked fresh oysters with Champagne Sabayon).
The second course is an exquisite selection of Filet Mignon au Roquefort (roasted beef tenderloin, Potato Anna, baby vegetables, blue cheese sauce), Loup de mer Provencal (seared Mediterranean Sea bass, braised cherry tomatoes, baby artichokes, bouillabaisse sauce, olive tapenade) and Magret de Canard aigre doux (pan roasted duck breast, glazed apples, wild rice cake, sweet and sour reduction).
The menu speaks for itself yet the romanticism is magnified by the warm decor and cozy Parisian bistro atmosphere. To finish up this meal, only truly decadent dessert options will do. Take your pick of Charlotte aux fraises, Mousse au Chocolat and Fruit de la Passion parfait.
Maxwell's at the Club's
On Valentine's Day, Maxwell's at the Club (500 N. Kingsbury St. Chicago IL) is offering a Prix Fixe four course meal, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. You and your guest will be treated to an appetizer, salad, entrée and dessert. Appetizers include the choice of Pan Roasted Scallops and Cocoa Crusted Pulled Pork. Types of salads available include Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese and Baby Red Romaine. The entrée course will feature Petite Filet and Lobster Tail, Pan Roasted Snapper, Roasted New York Strip Loin and Rotisserie Amish Chicken.
For dessert, choose from a Pistachio and White Chocolate Torte, Ginger Crème Brûlée and more. Make your reservations for Maxwell's Valentine's Day Dinner, $45 a person, by calling (312) 527-5800 ext. 301.
Prairie Grass Cafe
Prairie Grass Cafe (601 Skokie Blvd. Northbrook, IL; 847-205-4433) is the perfect family friendly place to spend Valentine's Day. This restaurant focuses on locally grown fresh and organic ingredients. Chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bambaris invite families to enjoy Valentine's day by ordering off the regular menu, no special Valentine's pricing. Entrées like the Lake Superior White Fish with Portobello mushrooms, sautéed broccoli, and lemon butter sauce ($21) and Crispy Half Duck from "Maple Leaf Farm" with rainbow Swiss chard, herb stuffing "cake" and sautéed pear ($28) are two of the tasty treats that await you at Prairie Grass Cafe.
Chicago French Market- Bello Tea
Spending Valentine's Day at home or going to a potluck party? Bello Tea at the Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago; 312-380-0707), has offered up delicious recipes for two tasty Valentine's Day drinks. The Bello Mojito is made with delicious hibiscus spearmint tea, freshly squeezed lime juice, sparkling water and finished with a touch of sweetness. For an adult only beverage, try your hand at making Lara's Caipirinha Bubbly ''Champagne.'' This easily prepared drink combines Bello Organic Lara's Caipirinha Herbal Tea with sparkling juice or champagne with a fresh strawberry. Look below for step by step instructions on how to prepare both of these drinks.
Bello Mojito
Serves 2
- 8 oz. of Bello Hibiscus Spearmint Tea
- 1 oz. of Fresh squeezed lime juice
- 2 oz. of Simple Syrup ( ½ water, ½ sugar)
- 1 oz. of Sparkling Water
- Fresh mint
- Slices of lime
Brew Hibiscus Spearmint Tea and chill it until ready to prepare. In a martini shaker, muddle mint and lime slices together. Add simple syrup, lime juice and tea. To that add ice and shake well. Strain it into a martini glass and add sparkling water. Garnish with a mint sprig and a slice of lime. For a fun twist add your favorite rum. Substitute sugar with agave, if preferred.
Brewing Hibiscus Spearmint Tea
Add 2 tsp. of Hibiscus Spearmint tea to a tea pot then add 8 oz. of boiling water. Let it brew for 5 minutes. Strain and chill.
Lara's Caipirinha Bubbly 'Champagne'
- 1-2 oz. of Bello Organic Lara's Caipirinha Herbal Tea
- 6 oz. of Sparkling Juice or Champagne
- A fresh raspberry or strawberry
Pour Sparkling Juice or Champagne into a glass. Add Lara's Caipirinha tea and garnish with fresh raspberry or strawberry.
Brewing Organic Lara's Caipirinha
Add 3 tsp. of Lara's Caipirinha to a tea pot, and then add 8 oz. of boiling water. Let it brew for 5 minutes. Strain and chill. It yields 4-8 servings.
Chicago French Market - Delightful Pastries
Delightful Pastries at the Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago) has arranged an assortment of gift packages filled with delicious pastries and sweets for Valentine's Day. Treat your sweetie to a dozen fresh strawberries dipped in bittersweet dark chocolate and drizzled with white chocolate ($25). Delightful Pastries also has a Chocolate Raspberry Ganache Tart ($30), this luscious treat is a sweet buttery tart layered with chocolate ganache and covered in fresh raspberries.
The Heart Shaped Chocolate Mousse Torte ($6.75) is perfect for two to share. This moist chocolate sponge cake is layered with chocolate mousse and decorated with rosettes of whipped cream. Also Delightful Pastries has a number of Valentine's Day gifts under $20. These mini bundles include an assortment of raspberry and chocolate Parisian macarons, beautifully decorated gingerbread and sugar cookies, sweet gift boxes of handmade truffles and other chocolates. Place your orders at (312) 234-9644.
Delightful Pastries gift options don't end there. Here are two gift box packages with loads of Valentine's Day goodies.
Sweetheart Gift Box- $30
- ginger bread and sugar cookie hearts
- small box of raspberry and chocolate Parisian macarons
- cookie bag of your choice
- ¼ lb. handmade chocolate bark or ¼ lb. handmade truffles
You're Amazing Gift Box- $50
- heart cookie sandwich with chocolate butter cream
- black and white cookie and cupcake
- large box of raspberry, passion fruit and chocolate Parisian macarons
- box of rum balls and chocolate pecan turtles
- maple cranberry almond granola
- two chocolate dipped strawberries
Chicago French Market- Lavazza Espression
Lavazza Espression at the Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago; 312-207-0500) is featuring two special Valentine specials, the Strawberry Èspessone™ and a gift with purchase promotion.
Strawberry Èspessone™ (small $2.95 – large 3.75)
It's love at first taste with a fresh and velvety strawberry foam layered over decadent Italian drinking chocolate or a smooth espresso shot.
Lovely Shopper Promotion
Receive a complimentary "Falling in Love with Coffee" Shopper tote with the purchase of a pound of whole bean coffee ($13.50 - $14.75) through February 14.
Chicago French Market- Vanille Patisserie
Vanille Patisserie, the French bakery at Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago), is offering a variety of Valentine's Day treats for the big day. In lovely heart shaped pre-packaged Chocolate, Vanilla and Raspberry Macarons are available in sizes of 8 ($15) and 18 ($32) pieces. Vanille's French Conversation Sugar Cookies ($3 each), Mascarpone Heart Cheesecake ($5.75 serves 1) and heart boxes of handmade chocolates also are available (3 piece $5.95, ½ lb. box $25, 1 lb. box $47). Place your orders at (312) 575-9963.
Chicago French Market- Wisma
For an affordable, organic and local dining option for Valentine's Day, Wisma at the Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago; 312-382-1805) will be offering holiday savings consisting of 25% off any two dinners when purchased February 13-14. Try Wisma's featured Vegetable Lasagna ($11) or Shells Carbonara ($9).
Give your Sweetie the gift of Visual Freedom with Lasik
This Valentine's Day your loved one might be expecting chocolates or a fancy night on the town. But you can give her a lifetime of perfect vision with Lasik from Doctors for Visual Freedom (875 North Michigan Avenue Suite 1550, Chicago, IL 60611; 312-291-9957). With an office in the John Hancock Center on the Magnificent Mile, Dr. Golden is one of the earliest pioneers in the techniques of Lasik, having performing over 23,000 procedures.
If she already possesses 20/20 vision then you can help her bring back a more youthful glow with Botox® Cosmetic. For the special price of $12 per unit, women everywhere have been improving their appearance by ridding away extra fine lines. This Valentine's Day, stop in to Dr. Golden's office for Botox Cosmetic and learn more about the wonders of Lasik.
Photos: Courtesy of Kurman Communications


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Jacob Onifer came in 16th among Division I men's runners at Friday's Royal Cross Country Challenge.
Redshirt sophomore Jacob Onifer was Liberty's highest finisher at Friday afternoon's Royal Cross Country Challenge at McAlpine Creek Park, placing 16th among Division I runners in the men's 8K. Onifer finished in a time of 26:33.7, running four seconds faster than he did at the same meet in 2012. That enabled the Buckeye State native to cross the finish line second among Big South entrants. Meanwhile, freshman Lindsey Bray was the fastest of the four Lady Flames to race on Friday, placing 21st of 51 in the Division I section. She notched the best 5K time of her young collegiate career by 57 seconds, posting a 19:13.4. Senior Jessica Gass followed in a time of 19:30.8, which was good for 28th place. Freshman Megan Versen (20:35.4, 37th place) and redshirt freshman Kaitlyn Hutchins (21:28.1, 40th place) each recorded cross country 5K personal-best clockings. Liberty will be back in action on Oct. 19, when the top seven Flames and the top seven Lady Flames travel to Terre Haute, Ind., for the ISU Pre-National Invitational. Liberty will go head to head with a number of nationally ranked opponents at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course, site of the 2013 NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships. The first race of the day will begin at 11 a.m.


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Arguably no player has been more influential to the success of Manchester United than Wayne Rooney since the turn of the millennium.
The Liverpudlian teen who garnered a £25.6 million transfer fee in 2004 has since won eight major trophies and is now on the cusp of scoring his 200th goal for the club.
Statistics aside, Rooney has provided countless iconic moments for United fans, and the success of his career has put him in a class with the Bobby Charlton's, Eric Cantona's, and other legends who have donned a United shirt.
This being said, all good things must come to an end one way or another. The controversy that has been generated by Rooney's alleged interest in moving to another team has been and remains unnecessary, especially in the club's time of transition. The recent squabbling coupled with the fact that Rooney isn't imperative to the club's success anymore is why the club must cut ties with Wayne Rooney and maximize on his value.
When looking at who stood out during United's massively successful league campaign this past year, you don't think about the heroics of the man in the number 10 shirt, but rather those of the Dutch import wearing number 20. Robin Van Persie was a revelation for the club who's hearts were broken on the final day of the previous season. The striker blew all expectations out of the water by defending his Golden Boot with a whopping 26 goals and chipping in 15 assists, good enough for 3rd in the league.
Fans got the opportunity to witness a metaphorical changing of the guard at the Etihad in December. When Van Persie's free kick off the far post gave United the 3-2 win over City in stoppage time, it not only assured that Manchester would be red once again, but that there was a new sheriff in town at United. Up to this point, the image of United winning a Manchester Derby had been in Rooney's overhead kick from 2011, but RVP stepping up in a moment all the more precarious gave fans a new star to count on in crunch time. At this point in time, Robin Van Persie took the reins from Wayne Rooney as United's luminary.
Rumors of Rooney's distaste with the club have been in the news since the United's Champions league matchup with Real Madrid in March when the striker started the game on the bench. Although his performance up to that point had been more than satisfactory (he did after all finish the year with 16 goals and 13 assists in all competitions), Sir Alex Ferguson chose Danny Welbeck to partner up top with RVP instead of Wayne. Maybe it was because of the goal Welbeck notched in the first leg in Madrid, or maybe Fergie just didn't fancy playing Wazza. Whatever the reason was, the media immediately began to report of a falling out between the two.
The gossip that was occurring in the tabloids for the rest of the Premier League campaign detracted a bit from the glory of the club's final league title under their legendary manager. The retiring manager only threw gas on the fire after the season when he claimed the disgruntled striker had requested a transfer, one of which Wayne has repeatedly denied. Whoever was telling the truth remains a mystery, however by this point fans of the league had known for months that there was unrest in Rooney's camp. The transfer rumors have only persisted over the summer months, leading many to believe that an exit is imminent.
The argument can be made that Rooney is too valuable to let go, and that it would be foolish to let a player of his immense talent leave. No United fan in their right mind would ever deny the class that Rooney brings to the field whenever he steps foot on it. Wayne Rooney, however, would not be the first World Class player United let walk when the drama off the pitch hurt the way the club operated.
You may not be able to find a better example of this sort of divorce between club and player than the one that happened with David Beckham, ironically just as Wayne Rooney was set to join the Red Devils. Beckham's clashes with Sir Alex and the risk of letting his growing fame compromise his performance on the pitch led to him being sold to Real Madrid in 2004. After 10 successful years at the club, Fergie's Fledgling left Old Trafford for good in the prime of his career.
Many United supporters could also argue that the result of Rooney's last trasfer scare in 2010 made the tension of it worth enduring, as he's since helped the club to a Champions League Final appearance and two Premier League crowns. The circumstances of that time were different though. Wayne didn't have nearly the same amount of competition at the striker position then as he does now. Yes, Dimitar Berbatov took home the Golden Boot that season but 11 of his 20 goals game in 3 games and his lackluster demeanor never sat well with Sir Alex. This coupled with Javier Hernandez's youth made Wayne the undisputed 1st choice striker.
Since this time we've born witness to Robin Van Persie's greatness and seen Chicharito become a lethal substitute off the bench. Not only that but Danny Welbeck's performances for club and country indicate the United Youth product has a bright future at Old Trafford. These players' ability plus the promise of Shinji Kagawa being a trequartista of sorts leaves the club with a myriad of options up top. If Wayne Rooney were satisfied with being moved around the pitch in order to maximize the talents of players such as these then the sky would be the limit for Manchester United. We saw what miraculous things could happen with Wayne playing in the midfield last season. Sadly we've learned over the past 6 months that Wayne does not seem to be satisfied with these plans. If United were to cash out on his transfer value, the hit taken by the club on the field would be far from catastrophic.
Although Wayne Rooney has been the root of a good deal of controversy recently, you can't necessarily blame the player for his frustrations. To be left out of the starting XI for the match against Madrid at Old Trafford probably felt like a low blow to him, especially coming off a weekend where he did this to John Ruddy. Not only that, but having to first deny transfer rumors from your former manager, then hear your new one announce to the world you're essentially a second-option and that he won't let you become bigger than the club would make for quite the aggravating Summer. The prospect of greener pastures lying elsewhere is certainly real for Wayne Rooney, why shouldn't a player in the prime of his career be tempted to go find them?
Wayne Rooney has been invaluable to Manchester United ever since he first donned the uniform. United supporters have had the pleasure of watching the Everton youth grow into one of the club's greatest players in recent years ever. If Wayne Rooney were to stay put, and perform like the world knows he can, then this summer's shenanigans would too become a thing of the past. Yet if United were to sell Rooney on, they would be able to assure that there be no more drama between the player and club, all while fetching a hefty sum in the process. On top of all of this, the remaining attacking talent would be allowed more opportunity to step up and shine for the team. It would hurt United fans around the globe to see him leave, but the unfortunate truth at this point is that it would be best for the club's sake and his own sake if they were to part ways.
Via SyndiGate.info
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|Shell Size
Valo skates are the most sought-after products on the market. Valo Brand has been providing us with new lines of skates for 10 years now, supporting such riders like Alex Broskow, Eric Bailey, Victor Arias or Brandon Smith.
Characteristic feature of Valo skates design are a strong and stylish skin over the boot which distinguishes Valo products from others. The Valo offer includes the skates with common, plastic shell or more advanced carbon-based shells that are basis for all Pro models. Valo skates are a great combination of proven solutions with a fresh touch – durability and appeal that convinced hundreds of people around the world.


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In this recent tutorial from NETTUTS.com they show how to create a "better login system" that supports a bit of access control functionality to even further secure your site.
Net.tuts+ has published several great tutorials on user login systems. Most tutorials only deal with authenticating the user, which allows for two levels of security: logged in and not logged in. For many sites, a finer degree of control is needed to control where users can go and what they can do. Creating an access control list (ACL) system will give you the flexibility for granular permissions.
They walk you through the database creation (user information), coding the ACL and user authentication classes, how to check a user's permissions and how to create a user admin screen to allow for easy maintenance. You can find the complete source of the tutorial here.


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Welcome to Union Chemists
Our main business is retail pharmacy and import of Professional and home care medical equipment. Presently we cater to over 5000 prescription a day from our three outlets in Colombo and supply the major government and private hospitals in the island.
We maintain 10-15% annual growth on the imports and we are seeking to expand this division by introducing more product lines on medical consumables, disposables and equipment.
No Return or Exchange of Pharmaceuticals and Sterile Medical Devices
Dear Customer,
Please note that Pharmaceuticals and Sterile Medical devices will not be accepted as return or exchange.
Hygienic and Sterility Conditions Cannot be guaranteed once healthcare products sold to the customer.
Chief Pharmacists
Union Chemists.