text:
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Drama ruled the day on Sunday at PGA Golf Club, as the University of Texas-Pan American took home the Men's Division I title and Bethune-Cookman University claimed its Championship-record ninth team title in the Women's Team Division at the 26th PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship presented by Brown Capital Management.
Texas-Pan American, the first-round leader, used a furious comeback to claim its fifth overall title.
The Broncs, who finished with a total team score of 904, trailed Tennessee State University by five strokes entering the final round. But the team used a solid 1-under-par 71 by team captain Kevin Kirakossian, and solid play by the rest of the team to win the division by two strokes over Tennessee State.
Bethune-Cookman University and Savannah State University tied for third at 911. Savannah State senior Cedomir Ilic of Serbia took home medalist honors in the Division with a 220 total in the 54-hole event.
"My team has worked hard all year and it really paid off today," said Ofelia Lopez, the director of golf at the University of Texas-Pan American. "They came out with fire and determination and looking to win a title. And it happened."
Lopez was particularly impressed with Kirakossian, a junior from Oregon.
"He has always been our go-to guy," said Lopez. "He plays to win and plays for his team. That's what a leader is all about. That's what being a team captain is all about."
The Bethune-Cookman women's team, which led South Carolina State University by five strokes entering the final round, used a team effort to take home its second consecutive title, this time by eight strokes. The Wildcats finished with a 916 team total.
Hampton (Va.) University finished third at 956.
"We fought all year and it all led to this," said head coach and PGA Professional Scooter Clark. "We needed to come out and respond to South Carolina State, who played great, and we did. It was no doubt a challenge."
Tiana Jones of Alliance, Ohio, was the medalist in the Women's Team Division. The junior opened with an 82 on Friday, but bounced back with a sparkling 68 on Saturday, and a solid 74 in the final round on the Ryder Course.
Jones also earned an exemption from the LPGA into one Symetra Tour event during the 2012 or 2013 season.
"I wanted to play smart but I also wanted to play aggressive," said Jones. "I was dreaming about winning the individual title last night and my heart was in my throat all day. It feels awesome."
In Division II, Fayetteville (N.C.) State University ran away with the title, winning the division by 36 strokes and finishing with an 896 total.
The Broncos were led all weekend by Junior Jake Barge. The Fayetteville native shot a final-round 70 on the Ryder Course, and also claimed Division medalist honors.
"It was great for our team to get back in the winner's circle this year," said Barge. "We haven't won since 2009 so this is really satisfying. We got the job done."
Lincoln University of Jefferson City, Mo., finished second overall, while Morehouse College of Atlanta, finished alone in third.
In the Men's Independent Division, Justin Watkins from the University of Central Oklahoma took home medalist honors after a final-round 78.
Aaron Burton of Adelphi University in New York finished second, two strokes back of Watkins. Casey Foster of Central Oklahoma was third.
"It wasn't exactly the way I wanted to finish but I was still able to close it out with a win," said Watkins. "I am exhausted mentally, but was still able to hold it together. It feels amazing."
In the Women's Independent Division, Ariel McNair of Xavier University closed with a 76 to win the title by two strokes over Mia Campbell of Alabama State University.
Shanequa Valentine of Prairie View A&M University finished third.
"I made a couple of birdies on the back nine which really propelled me to this win," said Campbell. "It was a grind all day, but was satisfying to finish strong like this."
The 2012 Championship was played on the Wanamaker and Ryder Courses at PGA Golf Club, and featured nearly 180 players representing over 40 colleges and universities.
The PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship presented by Brown Capital Management, which celebrated its 26th edition this year, originated in November 1986 following the Jackson State University Golf Tournament and has elevated golf in minority colleges and universities by providing opportunities to more players to compete in a national championship.
In 2006, The PGA of America was granted complete ownership and management of the championship by the National Minority Collegiate Golf Scholarship Fund. In 2008, the Championship featured a record number of participants, with nearly 200 students from 47 schools, with representatives from 14 countries.
Final-Round Scores
Men's Team Division I
1. Texas-Pan American 294-309-301--904
Kevin Kirakossian 73-78-71--222
Santiago Bueno Bragado 72-73-79--224
Mathew Charles 74-78-73--225
Jonathan Sloss 75-80-78--233
Chris Felix 76-82-79--237
2. Tennessee State 302-296-308--906
Cameron Scitern 74-74-76--224
Ryan Pierson 75-73-76--224
Dallas Hill 79-81-80--240
James Stepp 77-77-80--234
Andrew Warner 76-72-76--224
T3. Bethune-Cookman 306-303-302--911
Matthew Mcknight 77-77-79--233
JaMichael Jones 80-76-73--229
Alex Clapp 74-74-80--228
Emmanuel Petrich 75-80-72--227
Rafael Abad 83-76-78--237
T3. Savannah State 304-308-299--911
Cedomir Ilic 76-72-72--220
Travis Roe 76-79-76--231
Ryan Lassiter 75-82-76--233
Brandon Neals 77-84-75--236
Calib Simons 80-75-81--236
5. Alabama State 301-311-307--919
Scott Benson 77-73-71--221
John Montgomery 74-77-72--223
Jose Rodriguez 85-NC
Robert Grant 73-79-84--236
Joseph Killebrew 77-82-80--239
6. Florida A&M 306-309-308--923
Justin Stills 78-77-70--225
Cody Sapp 80-83-79--242
Randon Holt 87-74-79--240
Anthony Phipps II 76-77-84--237
Shephard Archie III 72-81-80--233
7. Arkansas at Pine Bluff 305-318-326--949
Caleb Ray 75-84-84--243
Nqobani Ndabambi 75-77-77--229
Gregory Robinson 78-76-83--237
Shane Kelly 77-81-82--240
Elliott Rollins, Jr. 86-87-84--257
8. Texas Southern 322-321-322--965
Dominique Worthen 78-80-67--225
Jason Barton 78-73-78--229
Michael Calvillo 87-87-92--266
Quinton Leonard 93-90-91--274
Luis Colon Gonzalez 79-81-86--246
9. Maryland-Eastern Shore 322-329-333--984
Mike Veverka 78-76-79--233
Greg Raad 81-85-83--249
Paul Cecil 82-85-84--251
Christopher Toney 81-83-87--251
Sedrick Bailey 92-98-98--288
10. North Carolina Central 333-343-345--1021
Spencer Jones 78-80-82--240
Ryne Toole 83-85-82--250
Andre Jones 84-86-82--252
Walter Batts 88-92-99--279
Jack Waissen 115-100-108--323
11. Hampton 351-359-346--1056
Geoffrey Napper 100-93-102--295
Curtis Fearrington 79-82-77--238
Mark Irwin 91-88-92--271
Tyler Davis 90-103-94--287
Sean Moore 91-96-83--270
Men's Team Division II
1. Fayetteville State 300-293-303--896
Jake Barge 72-71-70--213
Brandon Jobe 80-74-76--230
Jedidiah Frazier 71-73-76--220
Lincoln Jackson 77-75-81--233
Michael Wallace 81-89-NC
2. Lincoln 313-305-314--932
Steven Mallow 84-74-77--235
Jacob Sandbothe 77-77-76--230
Kyle Brennaman 76-76-83--235
Eric Kosmatka 76-78-78--232
Jordan Morris 93-86-87--266
3. Morehouse College 319-323-313--955
Bryan McElderry 78-75-82--235
Clifton Jordan 81-85-79--245
Justin McElderry 78-84-78--240
Alexander Atkinson 82-84-78--244
Bruce Cousin 85-80-78--243
4. Virginia State 317-338-328--983
Stephen Genchi 70-NC
Rashad Hunt 79-84-83--246
Aaron Bryant 88-88-77--253
Adam Clary 82-80-83--245
Dalton Jolly 86-86-85--257
5. Benedict College 344-328-330--1002
Anthony Wik 83-82-80--245
Eddie Smith III 94-80-79--253
Jordan Buchanan 78-75-84--237
Kelly Willis 89-91-87--267
6. Paine College 341-332-337--1010
Carlos Solis 76-74-75--225
Victor Tapia 82-82-77--241
Patrick Mobley 90-82-85--257
Ralpph Godbee 93-94-100--287
Keith Godbee 123-116-122--361
7. Winston Salem State 341-335-339--1015
Glendon Mabe 75-77-82--234
Zach Sheets 83-78-74--235
Mike Asbury 86-82-80--248
Kyle Collins 97-98-103--298
8. Kentucky State 362-346-360--1068
George Dundon 89-86-96--271
Josh Jackson 83-81-77--241
RhoShawn Johnson 99-82-84--265
Carlton Foreman 104-107-103--314
Women's Team Division
1. Bethune-Cookman 305-311-300--916
Patrizia Trevisan 72-79-74--225
Estefania Acosta 78-75-80--233
Andrea Orozco 74-79-76--229
Marie Bergelin 81-78-75--234
Jennifer Hide 81-81-75--237
2. South Carolina State 324-297-303--924
Tiana Jones 82-68-74--224
Cheryl Chua 79-76-74--229
Carmen Jones 83-87-78--248
Cherie Chua 82-79-78--239
Cabriel Duren 81-74-77--232
3. Hampton 329-314-313--956
Kayla Williams 80-76-81--237
Nicole West 83-76-71--230
Iman Ellis 87-87-86--260
Dionne West 81-85-78--244
Maria Stewart 85-77-83--245
4. Texas-Pan American 329-322-318--969
Sam Garcia 80-82-76--238
Elena Arroyo 84-76-78--238
Blake Peterson 87-82-82--251
Marisa Canales 78-82-82--242
Ashley Garcia 89-83-85--257
5. Lincoln 351-332-312--995
Kaitlyn Schwartze 81-84-74--239
Payton Schooler 84-74-82--240
Shea Colley 87-87-82--256
Sophia Pardalos 100-87-74--261
Kara Harwood 99-98-90--287
6. Texas Southern 337-339-321---997
Kassandra Rivera 78-82-70--230
Adrianna Trevino 89-86-77--252
Bridget Johnston 89-81-89--259
Tyler Lawrence 85-90-85--260
Angela Rafac 85-98-89--272
Men's Independent Division
Justin Watkins, University of Central Oklahoma - 74-74-78--226
Aaron Burton, Adelphi University - 79-75-74--228
Casey Foster, University of Central Oklahoma - 80-76-76--232
Juan Diego Fernandez, Louisburg College - 83-72-78--233
Julio Gonzalez Galvan, Louisburg College - 77-74-83--234
Louis Kelly, Adelphi University - 76-74-84--234
Michael Ferguson, Univ. of Maryland East Shore - 79-81-82--242
Joseph Morrison, Alabama State University - 82-81-80--243
Christopher Davis, Carroll University - 74-87-84--245
Corey Price, Alabama State University - 88-82-75--245
Barry Davis, Alabama State University - 78-89-79--246
Minsoo Soh, Univ. of Maryland Eastern Shore - 87-82-78--247
Jacob Mendez III, Calumet College of Saint Joseph - 86-79-83--248
Lawrence McKenzie, Livingstone College - 89-79-81--249
Erik Potts, Hannibal-LaGrange University - 85-83-82--250
Ben Davis, Calumet College of Saint Joseph - 86-86-83--255
Bryan Martin, Univ. of Maryland Eastern Shore - 85-90-83--258
Joseph Journey, Univ. of Maryland Eastern Shore - 85-89-85--259
Edgar Evans Jr., Southern University Baton Rouge - 87-83-90--260
Norris Brown, Univ. of Maryland Eastern Shore - 84-90-87--261
Sean Wilson, Chowan University - 96-90-88--274
Delton Pounds, Mississippi Gulf Coast CC - 98-88-89--275
Michael Harden, Clemson University - 97-93-94--284
Richard Sheppard, Univ. of Maryland Eastern Shore - 98-91-99--288
Patrick Harris, Methodist University - 98-97-98--293
Dylan Watts, Edward Waters College - 99-95-100--294
William Brown, Prairie View A&M - 100-97-99--296
Richard Fleming, Univ. of Maryland Eastern Shore - 102-100-97--299
Charlois R. Fletcher, Louisburg College - 96-105-106--307
Spencer Smith, Edward Waters College - 112-126-109--347
Anthony Long, Univ. of Maryland Eastern Shore - 89-91-WD--WD
Buddy Senatore, California Polytechnic State Univ. - 80-87-WD--WD
Joseph Sable, Prairie View A&M - 117-88-WD--WD
Women's Independent Division
Ariel McNair, Xavier University - 84-79-76--239
Mia Campbell, Alabama State Univ. - 83-80-78--241
Shanequa Valentine, Prairie View A&M - 88-78-78--244
Whitney Young, Wheeling Jesuit University - 85-89-85--259
Alexandra Uduk, Univ. of Maryland East Shore - 98-87-83--268
Michelle Gifford, Savannah State University - 98-90-93--281
Allison Brown, SCSU - 105-106-96--307
Cheiwah Ferguson, Texas Southern University - 106-103-100--309
Jamie Bruce, Benedict College - 112-119-111--342
Experts on the business and game of golf. The best coaching tips and latest golf news delivered straight to you. Sign Up to get the latest.


text:
Map Data for
the United Kingdom
Europa Technologies supplies a wide variety of map data products for the United Kingdom and nearly every other country of the world. From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, we are your trusted advisor on map data products which form the lifeblood of location intelligence solutions.
United Kingdom – Quick Facts
Regions & Boundaries
Regions & boundaries data is available for the United Kingdom.
Regions and Boundaries map data helps you display and analyse key factors geographically. They can easily be matched and enriched with your own data or supplemented with statistics such as demographics, purchasing power and consumer profiles.
CRESTA Zones
CRESTA Zones are available for the United Kingdom.
CRESTA Zones help to analyse and present natural hazard risk, based on CRESTA zones, using the system established by the world's leading reinsurers. While peril-independent, CRESTA (Catastrophe Risk Evaluating and Standardising Target Accumulations) has established a uniform and global system to transfer, electronically, aggregated exposure data for accumulation risk control and modelling among insurers and reinsurers.
Mobile Network Coverage
Mobile network coverage data is available for the United Kingdom.
Mobile network coverage data can provide practical information about the availability of cellular services as well as valuable competitor intelligence. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of competitors, find profitable roaming partnerships and market your own network coverage.
How can we help you?
If you have any questions about our map data products for the United Kingdom (technical, licensing, pricing, etc.) or would like to arrange a free personalised demo at a time that suits you, please get in touch using the links above. Alternatively, contact one of our product specialists who will be happy to help you.
Our location intelligence products and services provide great opportunities for resellers, system integrators and data brokers. Contact us today about partnering with Europa Technologies and explore how we might benefit from working together.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Selena Fox is a psychotherapist, teacher, writer, photographer, ritual performance artist, and Priestess. She is founder and co-executive director of Circle Sanctuary, an international Nature Spirituality resource center headquartered on a 200-acre Nature preserve in southwestern Wisconsin, USA.
Nature Magic Podcasts
Tuesday nights, 7-8 pm central beginning February 3, 2015
Selena received her M.S. in Counseling from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, and graduated cum laude with a B.S. in psychology from the College of William and Mary in Virginia in 1971. She received additional training in psychology at Rutgers University, Parkway Hospital, and various conferences and training programs. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association, Association for Transpersonal Psychology, and American Academy of Religion. She is a spiritual counselor in private practice.
Selena has been a Wiccan priestess and Pagan artist since 1973. Selena's approach to spirituality emphasizes Nature communion and blends together ancient and contemporary European and American folkways, Wiccan traditions, multicultural shamanism, and transpersonal psychology. She is one of America's best known Pagan elders, networkers, and civil liberties activists. She is founder of Circle Network, Lady Liberty League, and the Pagan Academic Network. Over the years, Selena and her work have been covered by regional, national, and global media, including Time Magazine, Wall Street Journal, CNN's Larry King Live, NBC's Today Show, and various radio networks (NPR, BBC, ABC, CBC). She has spoken at a variety of international and multicultural conferences.
Selena's writings and photographs have been published in a variety of periodicals, anthologies, and other publications. She is author of Goddess Communion Rituals and Meditations and When Goddess is God. She also has created several music and guided meditation tapes. She is founder of the quarterly journal, CIRCLE Magazine, and sourcebook, Circle Guide to Pagan Resources. She was a consultant for Time-Life Books' "Mysteries of the Unknown" series.
Selena has traveled widely in connection with her work. She has presented workshops and facilitated community ritual experiences in many settings, including colleges and universities, festivals, churches, conferences, and healing centers. She lives with her husband, Dr. Dennis Carpenter, at Circle Sanctuary Nature Preserve. Her avocational pursuits include archaeology, genealogy, herbology, and ornithology.


text:
kidzsearch.com > wiki Explore:images videos games
|State of Oklahoma
|Nickname(s): The Sooner State
|Motto(s): Labor omnia vincit (Latin: Hard work conquers all things)
|Official language
|Oklahoma City
|Largest city
|Oklahoma City
|Ranked 20th
|- Total
69,899[1] sq mi
(181,038 km2)
|- Width
|320[2] miles (515 km)
|- Length
|210[2] miles (338 km)
|- % water
|- Latitude
|33°35'N to 37°N
|- Longitude
|94°29'W to 103°W
|Number of people
|Ranked 28th
|- Total
|- Density
54.7[3]/sq mi (20.7/km2)
Ranked 37th
|Height above sea level
|- Highest point
Black Mesa[4]
4,973 ft (1,515 m)
|- Average
|1,296 ft (395 m)
|- Lowest point
Little River[4]
289 ft (88 m)
|Became part of the U.S.
|November 16, 1907 (46th)
|Mary Fallin (R)[5]
|U.S. Senators
James M. Inhofe (R)
Thomas A. Coburn (R)[6]
|Time zones
|- most of state
|Central: UTC-6/-5
|- Kenton
|Mountain: UTC-7/-6[7]
|OK, Okla. US-OK
Oklahoma (pronounced /ˌoʊkləˈhoʊmə/)[8] is a state that is in the southern part of the Central United States. It had a population of about 3,751,351 people in 2010. The state has a land area of about 68,667 sq mi (177,847 km2).[9] Oklahoma is the 28th largest state by population and the 20th largest state by area. The name of the state comes from the Choctaw words okla and humma. It means "Red People".[10] It is also known by its nickname, The Sooner State. The state was formed from Indian Territory on November 16, 1907. It was the 46th state to become part of the United States. The people who live in the state are known as Oklahomans or Okies. The state's capital and largest city is Oklahoma City.
In the past, Oklahoma was used as a path for cattle drives, a place for southern settlers, and a government-made territory for Native Americans. The state is a large producer of natural gas, oil and food. It has large industries in aviation, energy, telecommunications, and biotechnology.[11] The state has one of the fastest growing economies in the nation. Between 2005 and 2006, it had the third highest percentage of income growth and the highest percentage in gross domestic product growth.[12][13] Oklahoma City and Tulsa are the main economic areas of Oklahoma. Almost 60 percent of Oklahomans live in these two metropolitan statistical areas.[14]
Oklahoma has small mountain ranges, prairies, and eastern forests. Most of Oklahoma is in the Great Plains. It is regularly hit by severe weather.[15]
The cultural heritage of Oklahoma is made from by a population descending from many cultures. These include German, Irish, British and Native American people. There are more than 25 Native American languages are spoken in Oklahoma, more than in any other state.[16] Many people in Oklahoma believe in evangelical Christianity.[17] The state is part of the Bible Belt. Oklahoma is one of the most politically conservative states, but voter registration is largest for the Democratic Party.[18]
Oklahoma has only been a state for a little over a century, but its history is much longer. Arrow heads from the Clovis culture, native Americans who traveled through Oklahoma have been found near the city Anadarko. These arrow heads are about 11,000 years old. The Spiro Mound Building Indians were the state's first permanent settlers.[19] In 1541 the Spanish explorer Coranado traveled through Oklahoma while in search of the Lost City of Gold.[20] During the 1830s, the Five Civilized Tribes were forced to move from the southeastern United States to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) on the Trail of Tears.[21]
During the American Civil War (1861–1865), several Indian tribes sided with the Confederacy. The tribes owned slaves. They agreed with the ideas of the states that seceded from the United States. Also, the tribes were not happy that the federal government did not do what it told them it would do. Not all the tribes sided with the Confederacy. Some tribes had taken control of several forts. This caused much of the Indian Territory to be under Confederate control, but Oklahoma did not become a Confederate state. The Battle of Honey Springs near Fort Gibson on July 17, 1863 was won by the Union forces. This ended the Confederate control of Indian Territory.[22]
On April 22, 1890, the western part of the state was opened to almost 50,000 settlers for the Oklahoma Land Run. During this land run Oklahoma got its nickname, "The Sooner State". The nickname came from the settlers who crossed the territory's borders before the land was opened by the government. A year later, the western part of the territory was turned into Oklahoma territory. The northeastern part, which was home to the Five Civilized Tribes, stayed under the control of the tribes.[23][24] On November 16, 1907, the western and eastern territories joined together. They became the 46th state of the United States.[23]
The newly formed state became an important place for the oil industry. The oil pools in the area caused the population of towns to grow very quickly. Tulsa became known as the "Oil Capital of the World" for most of the 20th century. The oil was a large part of the state's early economy.[25]
In 1927, Tulsa businessman Cyrus Avery, known as the "Father of Route 66", began a movement to make U.S. Route 66. Avery used section of highway that was already built between Tulsa and Amarillo, Texas to make the original portion of Highway 66. He was the main person responsible for making the U.S. Highway 66 Association to watch over the building of Route 66.[26]
During the 1930s, northwestern Oklahoma went through a period of time called the Dust Bowl. The area had little rainfall and high temperatures. This caused thousands of farmers to go into poverty and forced them to move to other parts of the United States.[27] From 1930 to 1950, the state saw its only loss in population. It lost 6.9 percent of the people who lived there. Because of the Dust Bowl, the state made hundreds of reservoirs and man-made lakes. By the 1960s, more than 200 man-made lakes had been made. This is the most in the United States.[15][28]
The song Oklahoma! was made the official song of the state in 1953.[29] The song comes from the 1943 Broadway musical play Oklahoma!. The story is set in Oklahoma Territory in 1906 just before Oklahoma became a state.
On April 19, 1995, the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was bombed by Timothy McVeigh. 168 people were killed in the bombing. This was the worst terrorism attack in the United States before the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001.[30] McVeigh and his partner, Terry Nichols, were both convicted of the bombing. Some people think other people were involved.[31][32] McVeigh was later sentenced to death and executed by lethal injection on June 11, 2001.[33] His partner, Nichols, was convicted of 161 counts of first degree murder. Nichols is spending the rest of his life in prison without the chance of being released.[34]
Naming history
The name Oklahoma comes from the Choctaw phrase okla humma. This means red (humma) people (okla).[10] Choctaw Chief Allen Wright gave it that name in 1866 during treaty talks with the federal government about the use of Indian Territory. He dreamed of an all-Indian state with power held by the United States Superintendent of Indian Affairs. Okla humma was a phrase in the Choctaw language that meant the same as the English word Indian. It was used to describe the Native American people all together. Oklahoma later became the de facto name for Oklahoma Territory. It was officially accepted in 1890, two years after the area was opened to white settlers.[10][35][36]
Oklahoma is the 20th-largest state in the United States. It covers an area of 69,899 sq mi (181,038 km2) (68,603 sq mi (177,681 km2) are land and 1,296 sq mi (3,357 km2) are water).[1] The state is shaped like a pan with a long, thin section on the west side. This section, known as the Panhandle, is 165 miles (266 km) from west to east, and 34 miles (55 km) from north to south.[2]
It is one of six states on the Frontier Strip. The state is partly in the Great Plains near the center of the 48 continental states. It shares borders with Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas.
The highest point in the state is the Black Mesa, in the Panhandle at 4,973 ft (1,516 m). The lowest point is Little River east of Idabel in the southeast part of the state at 289 ft (88 m) above sea level.[4] There are four mountain ranges in Oklahoma. They are the Ouachita, Arbuckle, Wichita and Kiamichi ranges. All of the ranges are in the southern part of the state. Forests make up about 24 percent of the state.[37] The state is also known for having more man-made lakes than any other state in the country. These lakes cover more than 1,000,000 acres (404,686 ha) with water.[37]
By the start of the 21st century, conservative Republicans are the growing force in Oklahoma, but Democrats are still a major factor in statewide politics. In 2006, the incumbent Democrat governor won re-election by 66% over a former Republican Congressman. Despite the landslide victory for the Democrats, the Republicans gained two seats in the State Senate, making a 24 Democrat, 24 Republican tie in the senate, and increased their lead in the house of 57-44.
Oklahoma is in a temperate area of the country. The state sometimes sees extreme temperatures and rain that is commonly found in a continental climate.[38] All of the state frequently has temperatures above 100 °F (38 °C) or below 0 °F (−18 °C).[38]
It snows in Oklahoma. In the northwest near the Colorado border, the area can get nearly 30 in (76 cm) in snowfall during the winter. The southeastern part of the state usually gets less than 2 in (5 cm) in snowfall.[39]
Most of the state is in an area known as Tornado Alley. This is because there is a lot of contact between cold and warm air masses which makes severe weather.[39] Oklahoma has an average of 54 tornadoes each year. This is one of the highest rates in the world.[40] The state is home to the National Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service, in Norman.[41]
|Monthly temperatures for Oklahoma's largest cities
|Oklahoma City
|Average high/low temperatures in °F[42][43]
Cities and towns
- See also: List of cities in Oklahoma
Oklahoma had 549 populated places in 2006. It had three cities over 100,000 in population and 40 over 10,000. Two of the fifty largest cities in the United States are in Oklahoma. They are Oklahoma City and Tulsa. More than half of Oklahomans (58%) live in the two cities.[14][44]
Oklahoma City is the state's capital and largest city. It had 1,269,907 people living inside its metropolitan area in 2008. Tulsa, the second largest city, had a metropolitan area population of 905,755.[45]
Between 2005 and 2006, the Tulsa suburbs of Jenks, Bixby, and Owasso had the biggest population growth in the state. The population of Jenks grew by 47.9%, Bixby grew by 44.56%, and Owasso grew by 34.31%.[46]
Oklahoma's largest cities in 2007 were: Oklahoma City (547,274), Tulsa (384,037), Norman (106,707), Lawton (91,568), Broken Arrow (90,714), Edmond (78,226), Midwest City (55,935), and Moore (51,106). Seven of the state's ten largest cities are in the metropolitan areas of Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Only Lawton has a metropolitan area of its own.[46]
Oklahoma law says that populated areas are divided into two groups. Cities are areas with more than 1,000 people. Towns have fewer than 1,000 people. Both have legislative, judicial, and public power inside their populated areas. Cities can choose between a mayor-council, council-manager, or strong mayor form of government. Towns are run through an elected officer system.[47]
Oklahoma has minor league sports teams in basketball, football, arena football, baseball, soccer, and ice hockey. These teams are in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Enid and Lawton. Tulsa is home to the Tulsa 66ers. They are part the NBA Development League. The Tulsa Revolution, playing in the American Indoor Soccer League, is also in Tulsa.[48] The NBA's New Orleans Hornets became the first major league sports team to play in Oklahoma. This happened after the team was forced to move to the Ford Center in Oklahoma City for two seasons after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.[49] In July 2008, the Seattle SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City. They play their home games at the Ford Center under the new team name, Oklahoma City Thunder. They are the state's first permanent major league team.[50]
State symbols
Oklahoma's state symbols are recognized by state law.[51] The Oklahoma Senate or House of Representatives may add others for special events and to help organizations.
State symbols:[52]
- State bird: Scissortail flycatcher
- State tree: Eastern Redbud
- State mammal: American Bison
- State beverage: Milk
- State game bird: Wild Turkey
- State fish: Sandbass
- State floral emblem: Mistletoe
- State flower: Oklahoma Rose
- State wildflower: Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchellum)
- State grass: Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans)
- State rock: Rose rock
- State insect: Honeybee
- State soil: Port Silt Loam
- State reptile: Collared Lizard
- State amphibian: Bullfrog
- State butterfly: Black Swallowtail
- State song: "Oklahoma!"
- State vegetable: watermelon[53]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Land and Water Area of States and Other Entities: 2008" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. 2008. http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2011/tables/11s0355.pdf. Retrieved 2011-01-19.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Oklahoma". Encyclopedia Americana. (2011). Web: Grolier Online. 0294370-00. Retrieved on 21 January 2011.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Resident Population Data". 2010.census.gov. http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/apportionment-dens-text.php. Retrieved 2010-12-30.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Elevations and Distances in the United States". U.S Geological Survey. 29 April 2005. http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html#Highest. Retrieved 2006-11-07.
- ↑ Murphy, Sean (2011-01-10). "Mary Fallin becomes Oklahoma's 1st female governor". KFOR.com. http://www.kfor.com/news/local/kfor-news-fallin-first-female-gov-inaug-story,0,1753900.story. Retrieved 2011-01-20.
- ↑ "Senators of the 112th Congress". senate.gov. United States Senate. http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?State=OK. Retrieved 2011-01-21.
- ↑ Sutter, John David (2008-06-29). "High gas prices slow Black Mesa tourism - Residents in Kenton run on town's own time ; relaxed pace is the norm for the one-street city." (NewsBank). The Oklahoman: p. 7A. http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DLOB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=121A8C3C09B8D0B8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0EAD847D4966C8AF. Retrieved 2011-01-21.
- ↑ "Oklahoma - Definitions from Dictionary.com". Dictionary.com. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Oklahoma. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ "Oklahoma QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau". State & County QuickFacts. U.S. Census Bureau. 2006-01-12. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/40000.html. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Wright, Muriel (June 1936). "Chronicles of Oklahoma". Oklahoma State University. http://digital.library.okstate.edu/Chronicles/v014/v014p156.html. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ "Oklahoma at a Glance" (pdf). Oklahoma Department of Commerce. http://staging.okcommerce.gov/test1/dmdocuments/Oklahoma_At_A_Glance_0602061749.pdf. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ "State Personal Income 2006". United States Department of Commerce. 2007-03-27. http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/regional/spi/2007/spi0307.htm. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ "Gross Domestic Product by State (2005-2006)" (pdf). Oklahoma Department of Commerce. http://staging.okcommerce.gov/test1/dmdocuments/Gross_Domestic_Product_by_State_2000_0706071891.pdf. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Annual Estimates of the Population of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2006" (csv). United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on 2008-01-15. http://web.archive.org/web/20080115171647/http://www.census.gov/population/www/estimates/metro_general/2006/CBSA-EST2006-01.csv. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Oklahoma, All Terrain Vacation". TravelOK. TravelOK.com. 2006-01-12. http://www.travelok.com/atv/index.asp. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ Greymorning, Stephen. "Profiles of Native American Education Programs". Southwest Educational Development Laboratory. http://replay.web.archive.org/20090329050152/http://www.sedl.org/pubs/lc05/intro.html. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ "Religious Groups". pewforum.org. The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. http://religions.pewforum.org/maps. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
- ↑ "Registration by Party as of January 15, 2009" (pdf). Oklahoma State Election Board. Oklahoma State Election Board. 2009. http://www.ok.gov/elections/documents/reg_0109.pdf. Retrieved 2011-01-15.
- ↑ "Oklahoma History". Ponca City Info. Ponca City Information.com. 2008-08-08. http://www.poncacity.com/history/oklahoma_history.htm.
- ↑ "THE WEST - Events from 1500 - 1650". PBS. http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/events/1500_1650.htm. Retrieved 2008-09-13.
- ↑ "Trail of Tears". ngeorgia.com. http://ngeorgia.com/history/nghisttt.html. Retrieved 2008-08-27.
- ↑ "Oklahoma (Indian Territory)". Civil War Traveler. http://www.civilwartraveler.com/TRANS/OK/. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 "History of Oklahoma". The History Channel. http://www.history.com/states.do?action=detail&state=OK&contentType=State_Generic&contentId=54146. Retrieved 2008-08-28.
- ↑ "Contributions of the Indian people". Oklahoma State University. http://digital.library.okstate.edu/Chronicles/v014/v014p156.html. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ "Tulsa Area History". Tulsa County Library. http://replay.web.archive.org/20090111093051/http://www.tulsalibrary.org/tulsahistory/communities.htm#tul. Retrieved 2008-08-28.
- ↑ "Tulsa, Oklahoma City History". Bycitylights.com. http://www.bycitylight.com/cities/us-ok-tulsa-history.php. Retrieved 2008-09-13.
- ↑ "1930s Dust Bowl". Cimarron County Chamber of Commerce. 2005-08-05. http://www.ccccok.org/museum/dustbowl.html. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ "History of the States: Oklahoma, The Sooner State". The History Channel. 2007. http://www.history.com/states.do?action=detail&state=OK&contentType=State_Generic&contentId=54146. Retrieved 2008-08-29.
- ↑ "Oklahoma Symbols, State Song: Oklahoma!". State History Guide resources. http://www.shgresources.com/ok/symbols/song/. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
- ↑ Medley, Robert (2001-09-12). "Memorial draws '95 survivors Diverted plane passengers also drawn to bomb site" (NewsBank). The Daily Oklahoman: p. 6-B. http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_action=doc&p_topdoc=1&p_docnum=1&p_sort=YMD_date:D&p_product=AWNB&p_text_direct-0=document_id=(%200EE83503A76CC30A%20)&p_docid=0EE83503A76CC30A&p_theme=aggdocs&p_queryname=0EE83503A76CC30A&f_openurl=yes&p_nbid=A51Q43XBMTI5NTE0NzUyMS4xOTE1OTk6MTo3OnJmLTkzODU&&p_multi=DLOB. Retrieved 2011-01-15.
- ↑ "Paper Reports Six Subpoenaed To Testify About Oklahoma - Blast" (NewsBank). The Buffalo News. Reuters (Buffalo, New York): p. A6. 1997-07-14. http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:BNWB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EAF9A46180B1812&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0EAD847D4966C8AF. Retrieved 2011-01-15.
- ↑ "Okla. Grand Jury Subpoenas 6 In Coverup Probe" (NewsBank). Washington Post. Okla. Grand Jury Subpoenas 6 In Coverup Probe: p. A8. 1997-07-14. http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:WPIW&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB2C2938874836D&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0EAD847D4966C8AF. Retrieved 2011-01-15.
- ↑ Rodriguez, Alex (2001-06-11). "U.S. executes McVeigh - Oklahoma City bomber is 1st federal inmate put to death since '63" (NewsBank). Chicago Tribune: p. 1. http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:CTRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0ECF19E355368A60&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0EAD847D4966C8AF. Retrieved 2011-01-15.
- ↑ Talley, Tim (2004-08-09). "Nichols asks forgiveness for role in Oklahoma bombing as he gets life on state counts" (NewsBank). The Deseret News. Associated Press (Salt Lake City, Utah). http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DSNB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1045ED4DD7599DF4&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0EAD847D4966C8AF. Retrieved 2011-01-15.
- ↑ "Oklahoma State History and Information". A Look at Oklahoma. Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation. 2008. http://replay.web.archive.org/20070729132331/http://www.state.ok.us/osfdocs/stinfo2.html. Retrieved 2008-19-14.
- ↑ Merserve, John (1941). "Chief Allen Wright". Chronicles of Oklahoma. http://digital.library.okstate.edu/chronicles/v019/v019p314.html. Retrieved 2008-08-10.
- ↑ 37.0 37.1 "About Oklahoma". Travel OK.com. 2008. http://www.travelok.com/about/fun_facts.asp. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 "Oklahoma's Climate: an Overview" (pdf). University of Oklahoma. http://climate.mesonet.org/county_climate/Products/oklahoma_climate_overview.pdf. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ 39.0 39.1 Arndt, Derek (2003-01-01). "The Climate of Oklahoma". Oklahoma Climatological Survey. http://cig.mesonet.org/climateatlas/doc60.html. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ "Tornado Climatology". NOAA National Climatic Data Center. http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/severeweather/tornadoes.html. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
- ↑ Novy, Chris. "SPC and its Products". NOAA. http://www.spc.noaa.gov/misc/about.html. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ "Oklahoma Weather And Climate". UStravelweather.com. 2007. http://www.ustravelweather.com/oklahoma/. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ "Weather Averages: Lawton, Oklahoma". MSN Weather. http://weather.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?wealocations=wc:USOK0307. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ "State and County Quickfacts - Metropolitan Statistical Area". United States Census Bureau. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/meta/long_metro.htm. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ Morgan, Rhett (2008-03-27). "Stillwater's growth tops in Oklahoma". Tulsa World. http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=20080327_1_A9_hBein77115. Retrieved 2008-03-29.
- ↑ 46.0 46.1 "Oklahoma Census Data Center News" (pdf). Oklahoma Department of Commerce. July 2007. http://staging.okcommerce.gov/test1/dmdocuments/2007_July_Oklahoma_Census_Data_Center_News_1907072217.pdf. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ "Oklahoma Municipal Government" (pdf). Oklahoma Department of Libraries. 2005. http://www.odl.state.ok.us/almanac/2005/12-muni.pdf. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ Hibdon, Glenn (2007-07-29). "Pro soccer: Soccer comes to Tulsa". Tulsa World. Archived from the original on 19 September 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080919180842/http://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/article.aspx?articleID=070729_2_B2_hTheT26273. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ "BA Team Valuations - #29 New Orleans Hornets". Forbes.com. 2007-01-25. http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/32/biz_06nba_New-Orleans-Hornets_328959.html. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ↑ "Sonics, city reach settlement". The Seattle Times. 2008-07-02. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008030229_sonitrial02.html. Retrieved 2008-07-02.
- ↑ "OCIS Document Index". The Oklahoma Supreme Court Network. http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/index.asp?ftdb=STOKST&level=1. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
- ↑ "Oklahoma State Icons". Oklahoma Department of Libraries. http://www.state.ok.us/osfdocs/stinfo.html. Retrieved 2008-09-14.
- ↑ "Bill 1669". Oklahoma Secretary of State. http://e-lobbyist.com/gaits/OK/HB1669. Retrieved 31 January 2012.
Other websites
- Oklahoma's official web site
- Oklahoma Department of Human Services
- Oklahoma Tourism Board
- Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Oklahoma travel guide from Wikivoyage
- Oklahoma City History
- Oklahoma QuickFacts Geographic and Demographic information
- 2000 Census Oklahoma Demographics Information


text:
I have seen this in my travels lately and must say I am very happy to see it catching on. Many hotels have been offering great local craft beers for a while now, but seeing them actually get into the brewing business can only be good (for beer lovers that is). The more small, local brewing that gets going the more comfortable folks will get with it and just maybe try something besides Bud Light.
Hotels use craft beers, tastings to attract business
A number of hotels are getting into the brewing business, either heavily promoting craft beer at social hours or working with local breweries to have their own beers made.
Beer Travel Tip
Even if your hotel does not brew their own, the hotel bar is a great place to start your search for some good local brews. I usually start at the hotel bar and order a few of the local brews.. it has been a great way to get a quick sample of the local offerings and I can also ask the bartender what are some of the better local breweries to try out. I have found they are much more likely to tell me other places to try if I have already sampled a few at the hotel and they they will still be getting a tip 😉
This worked out perfectly during a recent trip to Vancouver. I stayed at the Hyatt Regency, one of my favorite upscale hotel chains by the way, and went to the bar after checking in. I spent about an hour there and sampled a few local brews, most notably Granville Island Brewery. The ones I tried were great and I now had my first brewery to head out and find… very easy.
More Reading:
Craft beers have hotel happy hours hoppingTucson Citizen
Hotels turn to top-end beers for customersThe Tennessean
New law may boost Arizona craft–beer industry salesAZ Central.com
Have you stayed at one of the hotels that brew thier own beer? What did you think?


text:
TuffMag Magnet - 5.25"x8" Round or Square Corners - Outdoor Safe
Personalized with your services and contact information, outdoor rectangle shape magnets are an effective marketing tool. Magnets keep selling long after other products have been tossed away and forgotten.
TUFF MAG Magnets are 30 mil thickness and will work on cars or any other metal surfaces are perfect for outdoor applications - water repellent, fade resistant and outdoor safe.
When used on a vehicle it is recommended you remove and clean the magnet weekly and after rain. There is no warranty expressed or implied against loss of magnets or damage to vehicle surfaces, as factory has no control over how magnets are cared for, altered, stored, and/or used, or the surface to which the signs are applied.
NEW CUSTOMERS - Please specify where you want your picture, logo, address, phone numbers, etc. Please be sure to include all your special designations. Chances are we already have designations logos on file. If you are unsure of the layout and format you'd like, we are happy to create a custom layout for you. If you are requesting unusual artwork or a logo that we do not have on file, then you will be required to supply a digital file with a resolution of at least 300 dpi.
EXISTING CUSTOMERS - If you already have a layout on file, please indicate in the requirements to use your existing layout. If you wish to have modifications to the existing layout, also specify them separately.
RESOULTION: All artwork must have a resolutions of at least 300 dpi.
FILE TYPES: Please submit your art as JPG, TIF, EPS or PDF with fonts embedded.
DIGITAL PROOFS: You will receive a layout proof to view before we print your product. You will receive your proof via email from our art department, typically within one business day.
If more that 3 proofs are requested for the same item, there will be an additional charge of $28.50.
Our talented designers will setup a proof and email it to you for approval within 24 hours!
Plan 7-10 days plus 3-5 days shipping.
If you already have a layout on file, please indicate in the Instructions above. If you wish to have modifications, please specify them separately.


text:
I wanted to test the game (and if I like it, mabe buy it after some test sessions). I currently only have the free edition, so I wanted to start a quick match but in the loading or session-search screen, my frame drop to between 0 and 5 fps. I can wait as long as I want, nothing happens. I started a offline bit game, but there worked everything fine (perfect fps and smooth gameplay).
I dont know, why this is happening. The framedrops only occour when I search for online games. Does anyone has the same problem or knows how to solve it?
Best regards


text:
An unpatched flaw in Adobe Acrobat and Reader might be exploited without even needing to trick a surfer into opening a maliciously constructed file.
Proof of concept demonstrations of this by security blogger Didier Stevens will increase pressure on Adobe to release a fix ahead of schedule.
The exploit techniques demoed by Stevens make use of the Windows Explorer Shell Extension installed with Adobe Reader. The feature creates a conduit between Adobe Reader and Windows Explorer and means that simply hovering the mouse cursor over a booby-trapped file, or selecting it, are enough to allow the bust out of potentially malicious code. Selecting a thumbnail view poses a similar risk.
In all three scenarios the problem exists because simply reading a maliciously constructed document is enough to trigger code execution.
Stevens explains these approaches to hacking in much greater depth in a blog posting, featuring a video demo, here.
Adobe admitted the security patch last week but said an official patch wouldn't be available until 11 March. The delay is all the more serious because hackers are actively attacking the flaw, thus far using approaches that mean maliciously constructed files need to be actually opened. ®


text:
Bleeding Heart Libertarians is generally one of the more thoughtful political theory blogs out there, so this post was a disappointment. Basically, in the course of accusing Corey Robin of badly mischaracterizing libertarian views, author Jessica Flanigan herself badly mischaracterizes the historical relationship between unions and the progressive movement. She writes:
But I also suspect that there's a deeper, more fundamental anxiety about libertarians that goes beyond politics. Internal to progressivism there is a tension between its historical pro-union and direct governmentalist roots and its avowed concern for the worst off. In practice, it looks like direct governmental intervention and union support no longer works to the benefit of society's worst off. Progressive opposition to policies like voucher programs are a great example of this tension, as is the current health care mess and the regressive social security system. In a lot of cases, market solutions do a better job of furthering progressive aims than the state run policies that progressives favor, and even the worst off value economic liberty.
Let's table any questions about the relative merits of school vouchers and social security for now, since it's not in my wheelhouse and argument-by-links is generally an indication that we're supposed to take pronouncements like "vouchers are awesome" and "social security is regressive" as premises. I'm willing to do that for the sake of this particular argument. But there's a very curious omission here: after going on about the "historical pro-union and direct governmentalist roots" of progressivism, Flanigan goes on to talk about only the latter root-category. It's almost as if she had to get in a casual swipe at the labor movement before moving on to what she really wanted to talk about.
The counter-argument, I suppose, is that progressive opposition to vouchers is all about unions, specifically the teachers' union. But A) no, and B) you can't expect to be taken seriously by anyone with any interest in organized labor if you choose to treat the labor movement as just another interest group whose primary goal is to lobby the government for goodies. Being "pro-union" means a hell of a lot more than just endorsing legislation that some unionized workers might like.
But perhaps the most glaring problem with the above passage (at least from a labor perspective) is its blithe reference to progressivism's "historical pro-union roots." Yes, the interests of early 20th century progressives and organized labor did often align, but there were also serious philosophical clashes between the two parties. In particular, the progressives had a technocratic rationalist streak that led to some rather authoritarian views on the proper role of labor in society. Some of the era's most prominent progressives even endorsed Frederick Taylor's systematic assault on workers' control over their own labor. From David Montgomery's classic Workers' Control in America: Studies in the History of Work, Technology, and Labor Struggles:
Thus Taylor roundly denied even "the high class mechanic" could "ever thoroughly understand the science of doing his work," and pasted the contemptuous label of "soldiering" over all craft rules, formal and informal alike. Progressive intellectuals seconded his arguments. Louis Brandeis hailed scientific management for "reliev[ing] labor of responsibilities not its own." And John R. Commons considered it "immoral to hold up to this miscellaneous labor, as a class, the hope that it can ever manage industry."
"Historical pro-union roots," indeed.


text:
Nubbins and His Bird Buddy Pose for 2014 Calendar
When Nubbins the cat was first brought to the ASPCA Animal Hospital, he was emaciated, riddled with birdshot, and had tumors hanging from both of his ears. But the minute he was removed from his carrier by his rescuers, he started purring. He knew he was finally safe; relief was here at last.
Dr. Patricia Wagner, a veterinarian at the ASPCA, performed surgery on the sweet feline and fell in love with his kind demeanor. Soon after, Nubbins joined Dr. Wagner's household. He is incredibly grateful for his second chance and gets along swimmingly with the family's resident parakeet.
In fact, kitty and bird are stars of the 2014 ASPCA calendar. Check out this adorable behind-the-scenes video of Nubbins sitting for his photo shoot.
Have you received your 2014 calendar? Want another one for friends or family? (They make great gifts!) Make a small donation to the ASPCA, and we'll send you our 2014 calendar today. Thank you, as always, for your support. It makes stories like Nubbins' possible.


text:
VIDEO DOWNLOAD - CM Punk Platinum Edition Shoot Interview - Part1
In 2003 CM Punk sat down for his first shoot interview. At the time he was a major attraction for Ring of Honor wrestling and he had only done a hand full of dark matches with the WWE. But now in 2011 CM Punk is one of the biggest names in pro wrestling. Which makes him a perfect candidate for the first ever Highspots.com's Platinum Series Interview.
Highspots.com has always prided ourselves on our video production but we feel that we can better than before. That is why we are going back in our video library and picking out some of our older shoot interviews and making them better. The era of watching a talking head for 2 hours straight is over. WIth a mixture of classic footage and photographs you will see this once standard interview come to life. We aren't just redoing shoot interviews we are making them better.
Listen as Punk talks about his early days in IWA Mid South to his one match with CZW to his tour of Japan with Zero One. Get a look inside head of a 2003 CM Punk and see the seeds being planted for his future success.
Part 1
Growing up a Wrestling Fan
CM Punk & Colt Cabana vs. Ace Steel & Danny Dominion (3/3/01)
Straight Edge
IWA MId South
CM Punk vs. Colt Cabana (IWA Mid South Debut, 8/5/00)
Punk vs. Hero
CM Punk vs. Chris Hero (Tables Ladders & Chairs, 2/9/02)
92 minutes
Finish of the 92 minute match of Punk vs. Hero - Full match is on Disc 3
CM Punk vs. BJ Whitmer (2002 TPI Finals, 11/2/02)
Average Customer Review: Not yet rated
Write an online review and share your thoughts with others.


text:
Cassette T-Shirt
T-Shirt designed by Bertrand Blanchard
Printed on Cranberry American Apparel Tee
Fine jersey / Durable & vintage feel
Please note: T-Shirts are made to order. It can take a few days to create this product. Then you should add shipping times on top of that. Read the FAQ section for more info.


text:
Country singer Chely Wright and her wife, Lauren Blitzer-Wright, will be seeing double this summer.
The couple, who married in August 2011, are expecting twins. They made the announcement on Howard Bragman's YouTube series, Gwissues, Wednesday.
See celebrities who are out and proud
The babies are due in July, but Wright, who is carrying them, expects she'll have to deliver a month early, as is often the case with twins.
"We're excited to be parents," she told Bragman. "We hope we don't mess it up too badly."
Watch their announcement below:


text:
Automation has a good future: even in those areas in which manual labour is cheaper, the use of automated processes for burring, grinding and polishing still pays. The actual advantages of automation with machines, plant, robots, production and transfer lines with workpiece and tool-guided applications are to be found in the increase in quality, exact reproducibility in the manufacturing process, the flexibility afforded by software-supported production and more often than not, a veritable explosion in production.
A number of new fully-automatic solutions for ever-more products are being found for a greater range of products, even with the technology available today. In an ever-greater number of factories (such as the shell building of car bodies) in which handwork is becoming a thing of the past. This process is irreversible, driven on as it is by economic considerations and constraints. This is a process that takes us to a new and better quality of life and work.
We are proud to have played our part in this process.
You too could profit from our automated solutions for diverse and complex burring, grinding and polishing technologies both to effect the bespoke surface-processing of your products in the desired appearance and in doing so effect considerable and significant savings.
|Info service


text:
I applaud President Obama's push for conservation but I am discouraged by those put in place to execute. This push for conservation is called America's Great Outdoors Initiative which was signed this month on the 16th. It's the largest land bill initiative since the days of FDR. Good stewardship of our land is vital. While I disregard all notions of man-made global warming, the hunter in me strongly believes in the mission of the Safari Club International, a global hunting organization, that stands up for conservation everywhere.
Straight from the SCI website:"Every member of SCI is a conservationist on many levels. From their membership dollars that go to support the SCI Foundation's global activities, to their local chapter projects, to their support of federal and local game and fish agencies through purchase of licenses and sporting equipment, members of SCI are conservationists of the best kind."
While I am motivated by the concept behind the new land bill let me tell you why I'm discouraged. To handle this initiative the President has identified the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Chair of the Council of Environmental Quality. You tell me where conservation fits into any of these organizations. It doesn't. These are a bunch of radical environmentalists that are driving for devastating legislation like cap and trade. These are individuals who will put their radical agendas above all, not in the name of the environment, but in the name of power.
President Obama, if you really cared about the environment, conservation and preserving our National parks, put the REAL conservationists in charge, they would be Americas hunters, Ranchers and Farmers, we were "green" before "green" was cool. Not the environmental tree-huggers. Keep the contaminates out of conservation!


text:
Hip Arthroscopy Market Research Provides an In-Depth Analysis on the Future Growth Prospects and Market Trends Adopted by the Competitors.
The Global Hip Arthroscopy Market research report consists of a primary and secondary research along with an in-depth analysis of the quantitative and qualitative aspects by the expert industry analysts and professionals, leading management bodies, to gain a profound insight of the industry as well as the industry performance. The report presents a lucid picture of the current industry landscape, including the historical and projected market size, based on value, technological innovations, micro- and macroeconomic components, and governing factors in the market.
This research report analyzes and accesses the historical and current market scenario so as to chalk the trajectory of the market during the forecast period. The global Hip Arthroscopy market research report has been collated using primary and secondary research approaches and methodologies that are meant for providing the readers an insight about the prospect of the market. The report likewise tracks the latest technologies, emerging applications, and M&A.
Access PDF Version of this Report with and 30 mins free consultation! @ https://www.marketresearchvision.com/request-sample/52819
Lately, the global Hip Arthroscopy market has been witnessing a substantial growth in its size and valuation. The report provides definite forecasts referring to the expected size of the market during the coming years, the key products, technologies, applications, end-users, industry verticals, and the regional segments that are anticipated to dominate the market during the forecast period. A detailed overview of the key trends in the global Hip Arthroscopy market is also provided in this research report.
Key players of the Global Hip Arthroscopy Market include:
The report provides an executive summary pertaining to the market, which comprises the data related to the various segments and sub-segments of the market. Furthermore, the report helps the readers in understanding the market dynamics of the market, including the growth factors, restraints, threats, challenges, and the potential growth opportunities. The past performance and future projections of the market have been conferred in this study with the help of graphical representations, infographics, tabular arrays, maps, and charts.
Grab Your Report at an Impressive Discount! Please click Here @ https://www.marketresearchvision.com/check-discount/52819
Report Highlights:
- The report provides a detailed survey of the current and future industry trends so as to identify the investment analysis.
- The industry forecasts, using estimated market values have been mentioned, till 2024.
- Market dynamics such as the drivers, restraints, threats, opportunities, and industry-specific challenges
- Key industry trends across all the market segments and sub-segments, geographies, and nations.
- Key developments and strategies determined in the market.
- Detailed profiling of the leading competitors and the entrant market players.
- Growth prospects among the emerging nations throughout the forecast period.
- Market opportunities and recommendations for new investments.
Click here to view the full report details, Reports TOC, Figure and Tables @ https://www.marketresearchvision.com/reports/52819
The global Hip Arthroscopy market research report ends with the brief summary of the leading players operating in the market, their product offerings, key developments, SWOT analysis, invest feasibility and returns, and the growth trends and forecasts. The report, which is the outcome of the ultimate dedication of industry experts, has an abundance of data that can profit anybody, regardless of their business or academic interest.
Contact Us:
Elvis Fernandes
Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like Asia, United States, Europe.


text:
Earth Changes
Mystery bird spotted at New Mexico national wildlife refuge
Associated Press
Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:59 UTC
Albuquerque, N.M. - Wildlife managers at one of the nation's premiere bird-watching spots have a mystery on their hands. A strange-looking bird with dark plumage showed up at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge earlier this month to join the tens of thousands of cranes and geese that spend the winter in the Rio Grande Valley.
The problem: No one knows exactly what kind of bird it is.
The debate has spread from the refuge's fields and wetlands onto Facebook, where guesses have ranged from some kind of mutant to a Thanksgiving turkey disguised as a crane for self-preservation. Birding experts from New York to California continued studying photographs of the bird Thursday, spurring even more theories.
The refuge posted a photograph of the bird on its Facebook page this week, sparking dozens of comments. Aside from the disguised turkey and oil-slicked bird theories, some suggested it could be a hybridization between a crane and an emu or a trumpeter, which are native to South America.
It could be a sandhill crane that has come down with a feather-staining fungal infection. Or maybe he - or she - has a genetic disorder that results in too much melanin production.
"It's different. It's got to be a hybrid-cross more than likely, but what, we don't know," Refuge Manager Aaron Mize told The Associated Press in a phone interview.
Members of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Team Sapsucker - known as some of the best birders anywhere, they hold the U.S. record for finding the most bird species in 24 hours - say it's a sandhill crane. "We can't say why it's colored so differently, but we can be certain about species anyway," said Pat Leonard, a spokesman for the Cornell lab.
Other bird-watchers have reported seeing birds with similar coloring in wintering areas in California and along the Platte River in Nebraska. Some experts have said breeding birds have been known to preen mud into their feathers, resulting in the unusual colors.
The refuge said Thursday a closer look at the bird through a spotting scope called into question at least one theory - that it had a case of feather-munching mites.
The only way to determine with certainty is to capture it so blood, tissue and feather samples can be taken and DNA tests runs. But managers at Bosque del Apache say it's not worth stressing out the bird for the sake of answering what amount to a trivia question.
"Whatever it is, it's doing what a bird does. It looks healthy and happy so we'll leave it alone," Mize said. "We probably won't ever know but it's fun to speculate. It gets people excited. It's interesting. It's a curiosity and that's how we'll treat it."
The bird showed up about a week before the refuge's annual crane festival, which draws thousands of bird-watchers from across the country. It stood out against the sea of gray sandhill cranes and white snow geese.
The bird is both shorter and skinnier than a lesser sandhill crane. The muscle structure of its legs appears to be different and so does its body shape, but Mize said its bill is crane-like.
When cranes fold their wings, their feathers drape over their rear ends in that classic crane-like flow. Not so much with this mystery bird. "He's goofy looking," Mize said.
The cranes that spend the winter at Bosque del Apache come from as far away as the western coastline of Alaska. Mize said that doesn't mean some rare bird can't hop a thermal and find its way to the refuge. "Birds from all over the world can - and they do - show up in weird places because it's the nature of birds. They can fly," Mize said. "This one is just a little different."
Reader Comments
My best guess: An Immature Hybrid/cross of a Whooping Crane and a Sand Hill Crane?
Whooping cranes are white with black while Sand Hills are Grey. Both have similar red patches on faces/beaks.
I've seen one Whooping Crane in my life of birding.


text:
Making Meals: Pan Seared Sable Fish
Prepared by Executive Chef Justin Johnson
Pan Seared Sable Fish with Lemon Roasted Cabbage, & Olive Pistachio Salad (yield 20 servings)
-1 T. canola oil
-6, 4 oz. portions Sable (Black Cod) or White Icelandic Cod
-¼ c. pistachios (unsalted)
-Juice of one lemon
-2 basil leaves (minced)
-2 T. olive oil
-4 oz. oil cured olives
-Petals of two edible orchids
-1 head green cabbage (cut into one inch thick wedges)
-1 T. butter
-¼ t. sea salt
Heat butter in a large skillet. Sear cabbage wedges (as many as will fit in your pan at a time) Season with salt. Brown well on each side. Transfer pan to oven and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the cabbage is to your desired tenderness. In a separate skillet, heat oil. Sear fish, skin side down, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. In a stainless steel bowl, combine lemon juice, basil and oil. In a separate bowl, combine olives and pistachios. Drizzle basil vinaigrette over the top. Garnish fish with olive and pistachio and finish with orchid petals.


text:
Hamilton's comments on Rosberg was joke
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has played down a spat between Mercedes' race drivers over championship leader Nico Rosberg's nationality.
Recently at Silverstone, Briton Lewis Hamilton thrilled his fans with a popular home victory, closing the championship gap to just 4 points due to teammate Rosberg's gearbox breakdown.
Contemplating the next race at Hockenheim, Hamilton said the German grand prix is "not really his home race", as Rosberg's father is Finnish and he has spent most of his life living in Monaco.
Rosberg, who has since been posting Germany-themed photos on Twitter and Facebook to mark the world cup and will wear a special helmet this weekend, hit back that he considers himself "100 per cent German".
Mercedes boss Wolff, however, said the saga triggered by Hamilton's comments has been overblown.
"It was meant as a joke," he said during an interview with the German news agency DPA.
"It (Hamilton's comments) was not reproduced in the way that he intended it. But they are fighting each other for the world championship, so there are bound to be situations that are less spectacular in reality than they are presented to the public," Wolff added.
Asked if he was surprised by the reaction to Hamilton's comments, the German answered: "Formula one has an incredibly high media presence, and so if something sounds controversial then this effect is only multiplied.
"Then there can be a momentum that is impossible to stop.
"For us, the important that was to discuss this internally in a very timely and transparent way. In this case it was resolved quickly," said Wolff.
Until Silverstone, German Rosberg appeared to have regained the upper hand in the title scrap, apparently with a clear emotional and psychological edge over Hamilton.
But Hamilton's British grand prix win has now closed the gap to within four points.
"It's almost a fresh start heading into the second half of the season and it's going to be a really close battle between us," the British driver said on Tuesday.
Wolff also denied that Rosberg still has the psychological edge.
"Both of them are incredibly strong mentally," he insisted.
"Every time we talk about one of them having momentum on his side, it flips around to the other one again," Wolff explained. "So it's difficult to see any pattern."


text:
RELIGST 14N: Demons, Death, and the Damned: The 'Other' and the Otherwordly in America
This course will examine how beliefs about the "other world" actually shape and are shaped by Americans' this-worldly actions and interactions (i.e. in the demonization of the "other," whether defined religiously, racially, ethnically, or in gendered terms). Students will ask how ideas about demons and death, heaven and hell have reflected the concerns, values, and identities of Americans over time. Students will learn how to read primary sources against secondary literature.
Last offered: Autumn 2013 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum
RELIGST 17N: Love, Power, and Justice: Ethics in Christian Perspective
From its inception, the Christian faith has, like all religions, implied an ethos as well as a worldview, a morality and way of life as well as a system of beliefs, an ethics as well as a metaphysics. Throughout history, Christian thinkers have offered reasoned accounts of the moral values, principles, and virtues that ought to animate the adherents of what eventually became the world's largest religion. We will explore a variety of controversial issues, theological orientations, and types of ethical reasoning in the Christian tradition, treating the latter as one 'comprehensive doctrine' (John Rawls) among many; a normative framework (actually a variety of contested religious premises, moral teachings, and philosophical arguments) formally on par with the religious ethics of other major faiths as well as with the various secular moral theories typically discussed in the modern university. We will learn to interpret, reconstruct, criticize, and think intelligently about the coherence and persuasiveness of moral arguments offered by a diverse handful of this religious tradition's best thinkers and critics, past and present.
Last offered: Spring 2016 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, WAY-A-II, WAY-ER
RELIGST 18N: Religion and Politics: Comparing Europe to the U.S. (JEWISHST 18N)
Interdisciplinary and comparative. Historical, political, sociological, and religious studies approaches. The relationship between religion and politics as understood in the U.S. and Europe. How this relationship has become tense both because of the rise of Islam as a public religion in Europe and the rising influence of religious groups in public culture. Different understandings and definitions of the separation of church and state in Western democratic cultures, and differing notions of the public sphere. Case studies to investigate the nature of public conflicts, what issues lead to conflict, and why. Why has the head covering of Muslim women become politicized in Europe? What are the arguments surrounding the Cordoba House, known as the Ground Zero Mosque, and how does this conflict compare to controversies about recent constructions of mosques in Europe? Resources include media, documentaries, and scholarly literature.
Last offered: Spring 2014 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, GER:EC-GlobalCom, WAY-ED
RELIGST 26: The Bible and its Interpreters
Introduction to major stories, figures, and themes of the Christian Bible and their retellings in theological writing, art, literature, film, and music throughout the ages.
Terms: Aut | Units: 4 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, WAY-A-II
Instructors: Pitkin, B. (PI)
2016-2017 Autumn
4 units |
UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, WAY-A-II |
Class #
Section 01 |
Grading: Letter (ABCD/NP) |
| Students enrolled: 8
09/26/2016 - 12/09/2016 Mon, Wed 1:30 PM - 2:50 PM at 160-323 with Pitkin, B. (PI)
Axess Enrollment will open for students on September 1st.
Instructors: Pitkin, B. (PI)
RELIGST 29: Religion, Violence & Nonviolence (Lecture Series)
College courses and public events often address "religion and violence"--an important topic, but one-sided. We will study ways in which religious leaders, movements, and discourses have (1) promoted violent conflict, aggression, and oppression; and (2) contributed to nonviolence, peace-building, and liberation of the oppressed. An overarching theme will be a view of religions as fields of interpretation. No religion is essentially violent or peaceful; intricately connected to the world around them, religions become what they become through interpretation and action. Each week will have two meetings: one featuring an outstanding guest lecturer and one to discuss the lecture topic, with assigned readings and films. Topics under consideration include: Buddhism and Violence; Dorothy Day and Catholic Nonviolent Resistance to Nuclear Weapons; Just War and Jihad; The Contribution of Negro Spirituals to Liberation; The Quakers: Pacifist Convictions and Activism; Violence/Nonviolence in Jainism; The Role of Christian Faith in M.L. King¿s Political Work; Spirituality and Religious Peacebuilding. Lectures series with required attendance and written reflections for 2 units; full course for 4 units please sign up for RELIGST 119.
Last offered: Winter 2016 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum
RELIGST 31: The Religious Life of Things
Temples, prayer beads, icons, robes, books, relics, candles and incense, scarves and hats, sacred food and holy water; objects of all sorts play a prominent role in all religions, evoking a wide range of emotional responses, from reverence, solace and even ecstasy, to fear, hostility and violence. What is it about these things that makes them so powerful? Is it beliefs and doctrines that inspire particular attitudes towards certain objects, or is it the other way around? Many see a tension or even contradiction between religion and material pursuits and argue that the true religious life is a life without things. But is such a life even possible? This course adopts a comparative approach, drawing on a variety of traditions to examine the place of images, food, clothing, ritual objects, architecture and relics in religious thought and practice. Materials for the course include scholarship, scripture, images and at least one museum visit.
Terms: Win | Units: 3-5 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, WAY-A-II, WAY-ED
Instructors: Kieschnick, J. (PI) ; Gentzke, J. (TA) ; Lee, S. (TA) ; Lee, T. (TA)
2016-2017 Winter
3-5 units |
UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, WAY-A-II, WAY-ED |
Class #
Section 01 |
Grading: Letter or Credit/No Credit |
| Students enrolled: 85
01/09/2017 - 03/17/2017 Mon, Wed, Fri 11:30 AM - 12:20 PM at 530-127 with Kieschnick, J. (PI)
Instructors: Kieschnick, J. (PI)
Additional Resources: (Login to view additional resources)
UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, WAY-A-II, WAY-ED |
Class #
Section 02 |
Grading: Letter or Credit/No Credit |
| Students enrolled: 13 / 20
01/09/2017 - 03/17/2017 Fri 11:30 AM - 12:20 PM at 110-101 with Kieschnick, J. (PI)
Instructors: Kieschnick, J. (PI)
UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, WAY-A-II, WAY-ED |
Class #
Section 03 |
Grading: Letter or Credit/No Credit |
| Students enrolled: 5
01/09/2017 - 03/17/2017 Fri 11:30 AM - 12:20 PM at 110-114 with Gentzke, J. (TA)
Instructors: Gentzke, J. (TA)
UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, WAY-A-II, WAY-ED |
Class #
Section 04 |
Grading: Letter or Credit/No Credit |
| Students enrolled: 1
01/09/2017 - 03/17/2017 Thu 4:30 PM - 5:20 PM at 240-101 with Lee, T. (TA)
Instructors: Lee, T. (TA)
UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, WAY-A-II, WAY-ED |
Class #
Section 05 |
Grading: Letter or Credit/No Credit |
| Students enrolled: 2
01/09/2017 - 03/17/2017 Thu 1:30 PM - 2:50 PM at 540-103 with Lee, S. (TA)
Instructors: Lee, S. (TA)
UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, WAY-A-II, WAY-ED |
Class #
Section 06 |
Grading: Letter or Credit/No Credit |
01/09/2017 - 03/17/2017 Tue 4:30 PM - 5:20 PM at 540-103 with Lee, T. (TA)
Instructors: Lee, T. (TA)
UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, WAY-A-II, WAY-ED |
Class #
Section 07 |
Grading: Letter or Credit/No Credit |
01/09/2017 - 03/17/2017 Fri 11:30 AM - 12:20 PM at 80-115 with Lee, T. (TA)
Instructors: Lee, T. (TA)
RELIGST 36: Philosophy of Religion (PHIL 77S)
(Formerly RELIGST 62S) Explores fundamental questions about the existence of God, free will and determinism, faith and reason, through traditional philosophical texts. Course is divided into four sections: first asks what is religion; second surveys the western philosophical tradition from Boethius through Descartes, Hume, Kant, and Kierkegaard regarding the foundation for theist beliefs; third investigates questions mystical experience raises through both western and Buddhist materials; and fourth takes up the ethics of belief, what we have a right to believe, through the Clifford and James debate and the opposing stances of Camus and Pascal.
Last offered: Autumn 2014 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, WAY-A-II
RELIGST 50: Exploring Buddhism
From its beginnings to the 21st century. Principal teachings and practices, institutional and social forms, and artistic and iconographical expressions. (Formerly RELIGST 14.)
Last offered: Autumn 2015 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, GER:EC-GlobalCom
RELIGST 61: Exploring Islam
This course introduces some of the most important features of the Islamic religious tradition. It explores the different ways in which Muslims have interpreted and practiced their religion. The main subjects of discussion --- including the life of the Prophet Muhammad, the Qur¿an, law, ritual, mysticism, theology, politics, and art --- will be considered with reference to their proper historical contexts. Some of the topics covered include abortion, gender, rebellion and violence, and the visual vocabulary of paintings. Students will be exposed to important theories and methods in the academic study of religion. No prior knowledge is required.
Last offered: Autumn 2015 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, WAY-A-II, WAY-ED
RELIGST 65: Exploring Global Christianity
Explore the world¿s largest religion as a multicultural, global faith, with attention to Christianity¿s origins, spread and impact around the world up to the present. Special attention to recent shifting demographics leading to declining numbers in mainline Christian denominations in North America and Europe and the rapid expansion of Christianity in Africa, Asia, and South America; the explosion of international Pentecostalism and other new Christianities; Christianity, global politics, and the global economy; Christian-Muslim relations and conflicts.
Last offered: Winter 2016 | UG Reqs: GER:DB-Hum, GER:EC-GlobalCom, WAY-A-II, WAY-ED
Filter Results:


text: Pubdate: Wed, 08 May 2013 Source: Wall Street Journal (US) Copyright: 2013 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Contact: http://www.wsj.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/487 Author: Douglas A. Berman And Harlan Protass A SANER APPROACH TO SENTENCING 'Mandatory minimum' laws need an overhaul. Congress is ready. Will the president make good on his promises? There are few topics on which leading Democratic and Republican voices agree these days. But the recently introduced Justice Safety Valve Act of 2013 - which would authorize federal judges to impose prison terms below statutory mandatory minimums in some cases represents a new bipartisan effort at addressing America's overcrowded prisons and bloated budget. Passage of the act, though, will depend on President Obama and his Justice Department getting behind it. Mr. Obama has long talked about reforming federal mandatory minimum sentencing laws. During the 2007 presidential campaign, he promised that if he were elected his administration would review those provisions to see "where we can be smarter on crime and reduce the blind and counterproductive warehousing of nonviolent offenders." After Mr. Obama gained the White House, federal prosecutor Sally Quillian Yates testified for the Justice Department at a May 2010 hearing before the U.S. Sentencing Commission that the Obama administration believes "there are real and significant excesses in terms of the imprisonment meted out for some offenders" under existing mandatory minimum laws. Just last month, Attorney General Eric Holder lamented that "too many people go to too many prisons for far too long for no good law enforcement reason" and that federal mandatory minimums "too often bear no relation to the conduct at issue, breed disrespect for the system, and are ultimately counterproductive." Yet President Obama still has not proposed or championed any major reforms. So the bipartisan Justice Safety Valve Act now presents his administration with an opportunity to make good on his pledges. By throwing his weight behind this act, and urging Congress to make it apply retroactively to those still imprisoned based on mandatory-minimum provisions, the president could demonstrate that his campaign promises of hope and change were more than political slogans. Congress began embracing harsh mandatory-minimum laws in the 1980s, in part over frustration with judges who seemed lax in sentencing, but mostly because of the crack epidemic poisoning the country. Legislators believed that long prison terms could help deter drug crimes for instance, five years for five grams of crack, roughly a couple of sugar cubes in weight. Lawmakers thereafter frequently backed new mandatory minimums, which enabled them to claim on the campaign trail that they were "tough on crime." Though good political rhetoric, mandatory-minimum sentencing laws have proven to be bad policy. They transfer enormous power to prosecutors - who choose the charges to bring - and federal judges regularly complain of being required to impose excessively long prison terms on nonviolent offenders. These laws also fueled a federal-prison population explosion - with its consequent financial costs, ruined lives and broken families. The U.S. Sentencing Commission reports that nearly 20,000 defendants - most of whom are nonviolent drug offenders - face long, mandated minimum prison terms each year, at a "warehousing" cost of nearly $30,000 annually for each inmate. About half of all federal prisoners doing time today - a population of more than 218,000 - are incarcerated for narcotics offenses. President Obama's fiscal year 2013 budget requests $6.8 billion for federal prisons alone, more than a quarter of the entire Justice Department budget. The Justice Safety Valve Act, recently introduced by Sens. Patrick Leahy (D., Vt.) and Rand Paul (R., Ky.), and to the House by Reps. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D., Va.) and Thomas Massie (R., Ky.), could help reduce the millions of taxpayer dollars wasted keeping thousands of people sentenced under mandatory minimum laws locked up. The bill would enable federal judges to consider when or whether a mandatory-minimum sentence serves legitimate law-enforcement purposes given the particular circumstances of the crime and defendant. Judges could impose prison terms below the statutory minimums only when they explain, through an on-the-record, reviewable opinion, that a shorter term is sufficient to serve the express goals of the criminal justice system set out by Congress. As described by Julie Stewart, the president and founder of Families Against Mandatory Minimums, the bill would "ensure that judges use our scarce prison beds and budget to keep us safe from truly violent offenders." According to Sen. Leahy, the bill would help rein in ballooning prison budgets, which mean "less money for . . . law enforcement" and "less funding for crime prevention programs and prisoner re-entry programs." No single piece of legislation can reform all the laws and practices that have resulted in the federal government now imprisoning more Americans than were incarcerated by all 50 states a few decades ago. But bipartisan support and sponsorship of the Justice Safety Valve Act highlights that prominent lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agree - at this time of lean budgets, sequester cuts and overcrowded prison facilities - that the current federal sentencing scheme is neither fair nor effective, and that mandatory-minimum sentencing laws lie at the heart of the problem. President Obama's vocal support of this bill would signal a real commitment to using his bully pulpit to advocate on behalf of significant reform proposals. If he does not, the president's failure to champion sentencing reform may become his most lasting federal criminal-justice legacy. Mr. Berman is a law professor at the Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University and the co-author of "Sentencing Law & Policy" (WoltersKluwer 3d ed., 2013). Mr. Protass is a criminal-defense lawyer in New York and an adjunct professor at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where he teaches about sentencing. A version of this article appeared May 8, 2013, on page A17 in the U.S. edition of The Wall Street Journal, with the headline: A Saner Approach to Sentencing. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt


text:
Stuffed and pickled baby aubergines
There is no race
Do you count when you run? I do. Perhaps it's because I don't want to run, or maybe there is a secret sense of achievement in ascending numbers. 34, 35, 36, 37…my mind bounds as fast my body, to the beat of my feet…38, 39, 40. I feel all of my thoughts in pictures. I see myself in PE at secondary school; one of my teachers had a rule that if we wanted to participate in with his scheduled activity we could, if not we run on the course that whole lesson. The default option was always to run. I saw myself at college, pre-hockey game. My dad would make me two eggs, two slices of toast and a large milkshake and I would run thinking of my breakfast and my aims, I needed those three 'A' grades for my a-levels, though I wasn't sure why. 41, 42, 43, 44.
I feel the drizzle on my face and my throat is dry, my mind is running down the hill at junior school when the other girls didn't want to play with me that day. The hill was littered with daisies and when you don't know what to do, when standing still and all alone is confusing and unsettling, you stay busy and run. 45, 46, 47, 48…The new part of the school was being painted red and I could smell it amongst the daisy chains. 48, 49, 50…I wore trainers for the journey to work. I ran up the steps and down the spiral staircases and along the platforms, weaving myself between people traffic, frowning, as you do and thinking about the first meeting. If I got a seat I would whip out my phone and prepare to bash out that presentation.
51, 52, 53, 54…she said I should consider something that made me feel weak, he said that I need to do more. I said I have no time and that I am tired. You know when I am this busy, in this race, I nibble and not eat so much. I'm tired.
55, 56, 57, 58… I'm in the park with my best friend and we are young and laughing. It is what we did. There was nothing else, no competition, no pressure, no agenda. We walked a lot, we laughed a lot and we made up silly songs. We got wet, we ate a lot and we accepted. 59…I am in my quiet and secret spot on that bench amongst flowers. It is serene and cold and nobody knows I am there. There is no race.
If you have no time and you pick a lot, like me, make it one that will last. These sumptuous and silky bites give way to zing and heat and crisp little red peppers. These baby aubergines are stuffed with red pepper, parsley and garlic and this is a fine combination at any time of day. The idea of picking for me is to satisfy any mild hunger but more so, any urge for taste that will linger for a while. If I could keep a jar of these in my car with me I would, for an intermittent sigh of relief.
300g baby aubergines, stems removed
1 medium sized red pepper, finely diced
15-20g parsley, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic
1-2 green chillies
½ tsp. cumin seeds
Salt to taste
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. lemon juice
400ml white wine vinegar
4tbsp. sugar
200ml water
- Clean and sterilise the jars you will put the aubergines into and then dry them thoroughly.
- Boil the baby aubergines for 10-12 minutes before draining them and leaving them to cool and dry.
- When the baby aubergines are cool and dry, make a slit into them, lengthways.
- Combine the red pepper, parsley, garlic, salt and chilli and then drizzle in the lemon juice and oil. Stuff 1 tsp. or more if possible into the aubergines before letting them rest for ten minutes of so.
- In the meantime, bring the white wine vinegar, teaspoon of salt and sugar to a simmer before gently placing the aubergines into the brine. Simmer for three minutes before removing them with a slotted spoon.
- Pour over the brine, so that the aubergines are completely submerged.
The aubergines will taste best the day after and should keep for a week in the fridge.


text:
Perhaps instead of blaming Canada, "South Park" and free speech fans should start singing "Blame Pakistan" – or "Blame Facebook."
In a cautionary case showing both how connected and divided our world has become in an age of new-fangled social media and old-school religious fervor, Pakistan on Monday lifted a nearly two-week ban on Facebook after the site reportedly apologized for – and yanked – a page started by "South Park" supporters.
The page, called "Everybody Draw Muhammad Day," sought renderings of the Islamic prophet, the promulgation of whose image is considered blasphemous by many Muslims.
The movement was inspired by the recent controversial censoring of a "South Park" episode in which Comedy Central bleeped the prophet's name and obscured the image of a character who was supposed to be Muhammad in a bear mascot outfit, following a thinly veiled threat from a New York-based extremist group. (The character in the costume turned out to be Santa Claus).
The ruling Monday out of an Islamabad court, which ordered the blocking of certain "blasphemous" pages on Facebook and other sites, has ramifications far beyond Pakistan – and "South Park."
Facebook, whose stated purpose is to "give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected," doesn't seem to be fully living up to its credo in this crucial test.
These are not easy decisions for Facebook, Comedy Central or any other media outlet. We all remember the violence that erupted in 2005 after a Danish newspaper published a cartoon image of Muhammad.
But perhaps more importantly, we've also seen the power of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media sites as key platforms for information exchange during unrest in Iran and elsewhere.
The Internet, of course, has become a conduit for both direct and indirect communication for hundreds of millions of people around the globe, and seems likely only to grow in reach.
With more than 400 million users, Facebook needs to allow the free flow of speech – or users eventually will turn elsewhere. Maintaining trust and credibility are vital, especially when some countries are bent on controlling information.
Google has clashed with China over Beijing's censorship demands. After Pakistan first pulled the plug on Facebook, Google CEO Eric Schmidt said he suspected the ban was about a lot more than the Muhammad cartoon controversy.
"There is an awful lot of political criticism they are blocking at the same time," he said at a New America Foundation gathering in San Francisco. "I am very suspicious here."
Meanwhile, a page called, "AGAINST 'Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!'" is still up on Facebook.
The page contains some messages of peace and attempts at civilized debate – along with comments spewing anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim bile, and crackpot 9/11 conspiracy theories. But as scary as some of the rhetoric is, the conversation is at least out in the open, apparently uncensored.
It's almost comical that we've gotten to a point where a cartoon comedy show about a cartoon some believe no one else should see is driving an international debate over free speech and the limits of the Internet.
But there's nothing funny about giving in to bullies. If we allow others to tell us what to think, say or post, then we can only blame ourselves.
Hester is founding director of the award-winning, multi-media NY City News Service at the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism. He is the former City Editor of the New York Daily News, where he started as a reporter in 1992. Follow him on Twitter.


text:
A Sandwich a Day: Il Trapizzino from Broken English at Madison Square Eats
A new sandwich every day.
In this great city of ours, one could eat a different sandwich every day of the year—so that's what we'll do. Here's A Sandwich a Day, our daily look at sandwiches around New York. Got a sandwich we should check out? Let us know. —The Mgmt.
Madison Square Eats has returned to the Flatiron, and the season brings some new vendors, including Broken English. The booth is selling Il Trapizzino sandwiches, ($5 each), the popular Italian street food of pizza bianca pockets stuffed with savory fillings like stewed oxtail, eggplant parmesan, and pollo alla cacciatora.
The pizza bianca in each sandwich is very fresh, spongy within and crispy without, capable of soaking up all the juices from the fillings (which makes the last few bites the most glorious). I scarfed down the Pollo alla Cacciotora (not pictured), dark meat chicken meat cooked with garlic, olive oil, rosemary, white wine, and vinegar. The Il Garofolato, which features beef, onions, pancetta, tomato, red wine, and cloves is super meaty, a tender stewy braise that'll make you crave cold weather.
Other fillings fare less well. The Baccalà, made with salt cod and peppers is fishy in the extreme, and Trippa alla Romana is for tripe lovers only. But we're excited to head back to try more.
At the moment, you can only find these sandwiches at Madison Square Eats (open through October 15th) in the Broken English booth, but they'll appear on Broken English's menu soon.
Broken English at Madison Square Eats
Worth Square (map)
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.