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Extra school funding denied by Lincoln voters
Extra school funding denied by Lincoln voters
LINCOLN - Parents who campaigned for a $500,000 increase to the school budget to combat overcrowded elementary school classes left the four-hour Financial Town Meeting Monday night empty-handed as voters decided $51.1 million was enough to educate the town's children.
Without that extra funding, the future of those classes is still teetering. Supt. Georgia Fortunato said Tuesday that her team would have to head back to the drawing board to see if they can come up with at least $200,000 to keep two full-time teachers and two teacher assistants in Central Elementary School and Lonsdale Elementary School from being laid off.
She said a decision is expected to be made by the School Committee meeting on Monday, May 19, at 7 p.m. at Lincoln Middle School.
"It is of paramount importance for me and the School Committee to reduce class size," Fortunato said, adding that she appreciates the support received by the town. "This is my major priority."
Fortunato said she was disappointed by the 231-173 vote that killed the resident petition, especially after she, Town Administrator T. Joseph Almond, and members of the School Committee and Budget Board had reached an informal agreement to support amending the half-million dollar increase to $200,000.
School Committee member Kristine Donabedian was the first to the microphone to offer the amendment and explain to residents that the other funds originally included in the petition for the self-insured medical claims line were taken care of through an agreement that a supplemental increase would be proposed next year should the claim line cause the school budget to default.
But even with that concession, what transpired was far from simple. Hours of passionate testimony and two secret ballot votes later, democracy was certainly alive and well in Lincoln, and so was the tedium that can often tag along.
First up to muddy the waters was a $43,000 amendment to the $200,000 addition, added by a resident who sought to save the job of a part-time social worker at Lincoln High School whose position was eliminated in the School Committee's proposed budget earlier this year.
Then came the succession of votes. On the petition alone, residents had to vote to amend $500,000 to $200,000, then to amend that to $243,000, then to make $243,000 the main motion.
It was that motion that was finally defeated.
Peppered in to the general sense of confusion were questions of whether the $500,000 was ever part of its own motion, and why residents were seemingly voting repeatedly on the same point.
Impatience grew as residents twice called the question, halting discussions. One woman felt the wrath of more than 400 of her neighbors as they shouted "No!" at her when she approached the microphone for a quick point-of-order clarification.
While it increased the petition amount to only a fraction of the school's $51.1 million proposed budget, the $43,000 amendment that replaced $200,000 in a vote of 235-227 forced residents and officials to shine a spotlight on the fact that the town only approves a bottom line budget for the schools.
"What we're voting on is funds, not how the funds are going to be spent," said resident Leo Tetreault. "That additional money is not going to be spent any way that the school department doesn't want to spend it."
The school department is not obligated to use that $43,000 for a social worker, officials confirmed, effectively prompting a change in the discourse from a promise to use specific funds to add teachers in overcrowded schools into a more philosophical question of the worth of educational investments.
Retirees talked about funding an increase in education while they live on fixed incomes. One woman questioned why those without school children should have to see their taxes increase for a larger education budget.
"We just can't keep giving and giving and giving and giving," said former Town Councilor Ronald McKenna. "I would expect our School Committee to take the lead on keeping the costs down ... and not just rubber stamp everything presented to them by school administrators."
Teachers and parents spoke to the needs of the kids and commended educators for working with limited resources.
"The teachers I know that I work with give 110 percent," said Lincoln Middle School special educator Tom Mellen. "We are maxed out."
He said students are not the same ones he went to school with 20 years ago, and that with changing times, and traumatic stories in the news, kids need additional supports.
Mary Ann McComiskey, the full-time social worker at LHS whose position was not in jeopardy, said she had "a morally ethical obligation" to speak for keeping her part-time counterpart.
"We are not going to be able to meet the needs of the students in the town of Lincoln with this reduction," she said, calling the cut "detrimental" and "a disaster waiting to happen."
While McComiskey said she will be the only licensed mental health care provider in the district, Fortunato told The Breeze the cut was made after discussions with the LHS principal and district student services director because Lincoln already has a full-time psychologist, a full-time social worker, a full-time student adjustment counselor and a full guidance department staff.
After the meeting, Donabedian said that while she respects the fair and democratic process, "It is unfortunate that a worthy effort to alleviate overcrowded classrooms was obstructed by an attempt to restore a part-time position deemed unnecessary by the superintendent and eliminated by unanimous vote of the School Committee."
Budget Board member William McManus spoke of efficiency in the school budget Monday night, comparing it to challenges faced in the private sector.
"The problem is, we don't make boxes, we don't make automobiles, we don't make computers," LMS special educator Mellen said.
Resident Joseph Goho, also principal at North Providence High School, said the school department had acted efficiently by closing Fairlawn School years ago and reducing teaching staff by 30 over the past decade.
"With all due respect for the gentleman looking for a slight reduction in his tax bill," Goho said, "the 6- and 7-year-olds and 5-year-olds sitting in classes with 25 kids are probably looking for a slight reduction in their class size."
Nathan Green, father to a student in one of the overcrowded Central kindergarten classes, said that while he would vote for the additional funding, "it just seems crazy" that the money could not be found in the existing $51.1 million budget, especially when administrators are receiving raises.
"I think the $200,000 will be found if it does not pass," he said. "I am confident the School Committee will find the funds."
Why is there not a call for a complete and thorough audit of the School Departments funds? Lots of different numbers being tossed around. Do they have to keep such large surpluses on hand because they can not maintain a proper budget?
Poor Leadership
In response to the above comment:
As explained by the school committee chair, the surplus was restricted for anticipated expenses. Further the Town Administrator has obligated the school committee to fund mayoral academies in the sum of at least 2 million dollars for this year alone.
Putting things in perspective, the Administrative budget is carrying a 6 million dollar surplus.
What is most concerning is that the Budget Board, Town Administrator, along with the School Committee could not come to terms prior to the Financial Town Meeting. I also question why they reached an agreement prior to the FTM for 200,000 and not prior for budget submittal? Further after the rejection of 243,000, why did they not move for reconsideration for the approval of 200,000 as they agreed?
It is terribly concerning that all the elected and appointed officials involved failed in meeting a consensus on handling the elementary overcrowding problem.
In the end, it was not the resolution that had failed, it was our elected officials. Particularly with Town Administrator Almond for removing the funds from the school committee budget, only later agreeing to add the 200,000 needed.
It is abundantly clear the Town Administrator needs to make good on this issue.
you got to be kidding me!!!
The school committee is SCREAMING that the "sky is falling" because they are not getting .oo4 percent of their total budget +200,000/51,100,000. GIVE ME A BREAK.
These jerks have been pulling this crap for 30 years. Enough is enough!! Not one penny more. Its not a money problem - its a UNION problem. The teacher unions (and teachers) only give a damn about the buck in their back pocket. wake up folks. Its not about the kids welfare. Its about the TEACHERS welfare.
How is it possible to have overcrowding in a school system that is showing declining enrollment.
The highly compensated administration loves to blames the charter school for any problems in the district,but without them wouldn't there be more overcrowding?
Is the Superintendent incapable of coming up with intelligent solutions to seemingly minor issues with the generous funds she has been given.
There is no overcrowding. The Kindergarten Class in Central has 5 children in self contained and one in resource. Both Regular Classrooms for K at Central have 21 students. The also have an aide. Just about every classroom in Lincoln is below the student/teacher ratio called for in the Teacher's Contract.
Lincoln1 since you are representing the School Administration why are you hiding behind a screen name? Again and again the blame for the out of control spending is placed on either the Town Administrator or the Mayoral Academy. Since you represent the district explain why the front office and administrators compensation is out of control in comparison with other districts. I know the answer to this but I am interested to hear your justification for this.
And as for your response you gave no explanation as to why a thorough review of the school departments finances are not needed.
Truth Runs Deep!
In response to Ms. Roberts:
For clarification I do not represent the school administration in any form.
In addition: It is rightfully so that the extra financial problems that have a direct burden on the school system are in fact the Town Administrators Mayoral Academies, where of note the Town Administrator serves as an executive board member for the mayoral academy. Who also in fact reduced the school committee budget while funding his budget completely without debate or transparently!
Further the Town Administrator supported the extra 200,000 resolution. So I ask why no one is questioning a 2 million dollar budget for the mayoral academy without transparency.
It is critical that the people of Lincoln understand that the creation of this mayoral academy was done illegally by the Town Administrator. At no time was there ever a public hearing, public vote, or charter change obligating tax payers money for Mayoral academies. (Big Picture)!!
It is not about the teachers unions, it's about the letter of law!
Now for your concerns on compensation with the administrator, I feel it is up to the town council to correct the problem. However they choose not to!
Lastly I never suggested that a review of the school finances were not needed!
If a complete review was to take place, it would be up to the town council to do it! However that would constitute a full forensic audit that would not only cover the school finances but also the town administrators. (And they don`t want that)!!
It might show the millions of dollars the Administrator has moved without voter approval, or the extra pension he gives himself, or the 3 million dollars bonded out without voter approval, and the list goes on!!
All of the public officials in town are either ignorant, corrupt, and or arrogant into thinking they can handle the job at hand!


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Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
JoAnn Getman, RN, a nurse administrator with extensive quality and clinical experience and long-term care expertise, was named director of nursing at the Schoellkopf Health Center. Her appointment is effective immediately.
Getman, who earned an associate's degree in nursing from Niagara County Community College, has been a registered professional nurse for nearly 20 years and has worked her entire career in skilled nursing facilities.
She most recently served as assistant administrator and director of nursing at Wyoming County Health Systems, where she supervised the nursing, therapy services, recreation, dietary, social services, housekeeping and maintenance departments.
Prior to that, she served 11 years as director of nursing at the Odd Fellow & Rebekah Rehab and Health Care Center in Lockport, where she established a quality assurance/performance improvement program and implemented initiatives that enhanced safety awareness, improved employee satisfaction scores and decreased employee turnover.
A certified nurse executive, Getman is a member of Professional Nurses Association of WNY, National Association Director of Nursing Administration/Long Term Care, American Association of Nurse Executives and the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators.
A service of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, the Schoellkopf Health Center is a 120-bed facility with all private rooms that provides short- and long-term care for people in need of nursing or rehabilitative services.

subset: commoncrawl


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By: Dr Lynda Kelly, Category: Museullaneous, Date: 11 Nov 2009
What are museums across the world doing on Flickr and how can the Australian Museum learn from that?
As part of our Engaging with Social Media in Museums research project we are investigating the use of Flickr by museums so we can start to develop some crowd-sourced exhibitions ourselves.
So, what have I found out? Here's some useful links and tips:
I'm going to have a read and think before next week's workshop...
BTW setting up a Flickr account was not easy! I think I have done what was needed for the first of our Flickr pilots - the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition Flickr site.
Thanks Jareen. I like your comment "It wasn't too labour intensive (really) - we just saw it as a priority to make work and shuffled stuff to make sure it did." Many of the barriers to take up of Web 2.0 centre around the time taken (a misguided perception that it is labour intensive) and that it adds work. Your comment demonstrates that this doesn't have to be the case. My philosophy is just do it and *always* think about incorporating the web into your current work practices - 20% different, not 20% more!
Thnx so much for posting this Jareen. What a great project to involve the local community. I'm always intrigued about how we engage contemporary cultural groups with ancient material that we often display and this sounds like a really cool approach!
We were just discussing engaging with the Flickr community today through our Wildlife Photography Flickr group. I totally take your point about the time it takes to build momentum, as with physical exhibitions, museum folk often think "if we build it they will come" - this is so not true.
Sounds like a great social media experiment - did you have a dedicated person doing this??
Came across this nice summary piece: Five ways in which museums are using Flickr via the Museum Marketing blog. Worth checking out.
Thanks Ondine. I'll give it a go but I'm a hopeless photographer and an even worse Flickr user! How are we promoting this BTW? I'll tweet and Facebook it for the Museum but we'll need to get the word out there somehow?
Hi Lynda - you might want to change that link to our Flickr site now - we have set up a Group called Wildlife Photography with the Australian Museum. Check it out and start adding your wildlife photos and have the added bonus of seeing them displayed on a screen at the Museum! We will be streaming them straight from the Flickr site.


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CAMDEN, N.J.—The Harvard lightweight varsity eight completed a perfect collegiate season with the program's eighth national championship, winning the grand final in course-record time at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association National Championships Saturday on the Cooper River.
The Crimson held off Dartmouth by nearly a second and blew away the IRA men's lightweight course record by three seconds with a time of 5:33.059 to put the perfect finish on a collegiate campaign that included a 9-0 dual record, Eastern and Ivy League championships and a course record at Princeton. The Crimson lightweight four, made up of four freshman rowers, placed fifth, racing against varsity boats, in its grand final Saturday.
"I'll always remember this one; it was amazing," said coxswain Angela Chang, who guided the Crimson to its first national title since 2003 and its sixth medal in the last seven years. "I'm so happy it worked out, such a successful season. I'm really proud of the guys."
The medalists were the same as last season, but this time Harvard, which placed second in 2011, had an answer for every move by defending champion Yale and Dartmouth. The Crimson went out fast in tailwind-fueled conditions, making it a point not to get behind. Harvard kept up the pace as the race went on, building the lead that the Big Green could not erase with a strong sprint. Dartmouth finished less than a second behind the Crimson in 5:34.035.
"I thought it was our best piece, because we stayed right with the fastest boats in the first 300 meters, and at the 500 we knew we had to assert ourselves, not just for 20 strokes, but for an entire 1,000 or 1,200 meters," said Charley Butt, the Friends of Harvard Lightweight Rowing Coach for Harvard Lightweight Crew. "And they did just that. I was quite happy to see them get enough distance on very dangerous Dartmouth, Yale and Princeton boats and Georgetown, enough that in the end we didn't have to have a desperation sprint."
Yale finished third in 5:36.671, and fourth-place Georgetown missed a medal by about 1.3 seconds. Six-seat Tim Moore helped Harvard place third in the 2010 IRA grand final, when Princeton set the previous course record of 5:36.06. He was happy to aid in the Crimson's effort to break that mark, part of a Harvard lineup that has remained intact since leading all collegiate lightweight crews at October's Head of the Charles Regatta.
"I'm ecstatic," Moore said. "It's pretty much four years of work coming to a big win in my last collegiate race of my career."
Joining Moore and Chang in the winning varsity were juniors Florian Mayr, Alex Newell, Nicholas Gates, Stuart Taylor, Erich Schultze, and Matt O'Leary and sophomore Michael Wales. All nine athletes were also first-team All-Ivy League honorees this season. Mayr, Newell, Gates and Taylor won gold in the varsity four at the 2011 IRA regatta, while Chang, Moore, Schultze and O'Leary were part of the runner-up Crimson varsity a year ago. The varsity will remain together to compete in the Temple Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta June 27-July 1 in England.
The lightweight four held its own against varsity competition. The Crimson placed second in its morning heat and in the grand final finished three-fifths of a second behind fourth-place Yale in 6:25.759, missing a medal by less than four seconds.
Varsity Eight
Harvard 5:46.667
Dartmouth 5:46.729
Princeton 5:47.093
Yale 5:47.574
Columbia 5:49.581
Georgetown 5:49.756
Cornell 5:51.040
Grand Final
Harvard 5:33.059
Dartmouth 5:34.035
Yale 5:36.671
Georgetown 5:37.966
Cornell 5:42.397
Princeton 5:43.258
Columbia 5:47.795
Varsity Four
Heat 1
Wisconsin 6:23.510
Cornell 6:24.286
Yale 6:25.954
Columbia 6:38.922
Georgetown 6:50.325
Heat 2
Navy 6:31.934
Harvard 6:35.822
Milwaukee School of Engineering 6:46.198
Grand Final
Navy 6:18.126
Cornell 6:20.519
Wisconsin 6:21.931
Yale 6:25.215
Harvard 6:25.759


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The Mount Vernon Mustangs got on the board first in the Demons' homecoming game but Washington responded with 21 unanswered points to win 28-10. Early on a Demon punt deep within their own territory set the Mustangs at midfield but Mount Vernon was held to a 30-yard field goal. Washington had a big pass to Jordan Hoffman to get to the 10 yard line and set up a touchdown pass to Austin Knupp from Jake Redlinger. Then a 60 yard punt return by Kyle Roder set up a short touchdown toss to Jordan Hoffman. The Demons led 14-3 at halftime. Washington had another big pass to Landon Coker who got it down to the one and would take it in on the next play. The Mustangs responded with Marshall Tuerler going 80 yards on the kickoff for a touchdown to make it 21-10. Washington's final score came on a 30 yard pass from Jake Redlinger to Parker Turner as the Demons won 28-10. They improve to 3-3 on the season and are now 1-3 in the district. Mount Vernon falls to 0-6 on the season. The Demons next travel to play South Tama.
Other 3A District 6 Scores:
Grinnell 59 CCA 31
Solon 47 South Tama 7
Williamsburg 62 Benton 19


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JIMS module (Java Interaction Mechanism in Scilab) allows Scilab to instantiate Java objets.
Thus, without any recompilation needed, Scilab is able to integrate and use your classes and interact with applications developed in Java.
For example, from Scilab, a Java object can be used as easily as:
jimport('myPackage.HelloWorld'); object = HelloWorld.new(); object.message();
JIMS is included in Scilab since 5.5.0 version.


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WeWantApps!, the app that helps you find great apps for your kids, was recently updated in preparation for today, December 1, and the beginning of its advent calendar that offers a normally paid app for free every day until Christmas Day.
If you have kids, there's no reason not to pick up WeWantApps. It's one of my go to apps when looking for something for my daughter as it does a great job of curating the App Store and finding great deals. The advent calendar is just the cherry on top.
Today's deal is Nighty Night! HD - Winter Edition, an app that I highly recommend. In fact, I recently chose Nighty Night! as my pick of the week in a recent Editors' Choice column because of how much my daughter loves it and how much I love it as a bedtime story. It's normally $2.99, so you definitely want to grab this one while it's free.
Free - Download Now
This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy for more details.


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Today was the first time I went out on my bike for a real ride since getting sick over the weekend. I might have waited a few extra days had an excellent opportunity not presented itself. A Twitter friend was in town and wanted to get together for a ride. I couldn't pass up a chance to meet some Twitter peeps, so a meet up (or "tweet up", if you will) was arranged with Bob*, Chris (@cycleboredom), and Ryan (@TheEpicRide, who I didn't realize had answered Chris' tweet about our ride until after he'd left! So I thought he was just some random guy who decided to ride with us.).
We planned to meet up at Hain's Point (which, incidentally, is where I had my first group ride). About an hour before we were supposed to meet, I got SUPER nervous. I felt like I do before a first date- a sick stomach kind of nervous. I think this came from two things. One, I have no idea how my fitness level would compare. I always get nervous when I ride with new people because I never know how my fitness level will stack up to theirs. I think this is why I'm also nervous to do group rides. I really want to do group rides, but I hate getting dropped, and always assume this will happen when I ride with new groups. As much as this goes against the logic that riding with these groups will help me improve so I don't get dropped, we've discussed before how humans (me) are rarely logical. Moving on. The second reason I think was so nervous was because I essentially was going on a blind date with these guys. Twitter/social media creates such strange relationships- I know these guys, but only as much as one can know someone through the internets. While I would consider myself to be friends with these guys, how much can you really be friends with someone you've never meet face-to-face? Who knows if we would actually be able to interact in the real world.
So I set off from work to find out. I didn't ride to work, but brought it on the metro that morning. Which meant I had to leave extra early, so I'd be off the train by 7, after which bikes are outlawed for the rest of rush hour. Luckily, my ride down to Hain's Point after work helped calm my nerves some. And I'm sure we all know how this story ends: we meet, it was great, everyone was nice, we were able to have a conversation longer than 140 characters at a time and without the help of a Twitter middle man.
But it was more than that, because Chris and Bob were super awesome. They were both super excited and impressed with my doing RAGBRAI, which made me feel good. In terms of our ride, it was a great workout for me. Being with those guys made me push myself further than I normally would've gone- I never would've done 31 miles by myself, at least not at that pace. It was a fabulous ride, I almost didn't want it to end- mind and legs said "more!" but my saddle said, "enough!" I hope more cycling tweetups are in my future, because this was awesome!
*some names have been changed to protect the innocent. Mainly, me. Being associated with him is social suicide.


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Last Minute Push For Christmas Sales
NEW YORK (AP) — Holiday sales don't seem to be picking up as it gets closer to Christmas.
After a strong start to the season, sales at stores have fallen for three consecutive weeks.
And that's putting a lot of pressure on retailers.
ShopperTrak says for the week that ended Sunday, sales at U.S. stores dropped 3.1 percent to $42.7 billion, when compared to the same period last year.


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A Look at Early ACA Implementation
September 8, 2016 | Report
An Urban Institute report looking at the first year of Affordable Care Act implementation finds that it led to a large drop of uninsured adults.
A listing of Affordable Care Act reports about implementation approaches, challenges, and successes in the ten study states.
You are now viewing 1 - 9 of 9 results
September 8, 2016 | Report
An Urban Institute report looking at the first year of Affordable Care Act implementation finds that it led to a large drop of uninsured adults.
August 1, 2015 | Brief
A state-by-state analysis delves into how much choice consumers have over the doctors they see, if they purchased insurance through Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces.
December 2, 2014 | Brief
A consumer guide on the health insurance re-enrollment process in California, Colorado, Kentucky, Maryland, Rhode Island and Washington. Notably, many consumers could be auto-enrolled in a plan that does not maximize their premium tax credit.
February 1, 2015 | Brief
This brief examines state law changes that affected hospital community benefit regulation in five states to assess how state-level policy is evolving around the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
October 27, 2014 | Brief
Research shows that some small employers may be missing out on important consumer protections under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by purchasing health insurance through an association health plan.
November 19, 2012 | Brief
This report examines the capacity of providers to deliver timely, quality care to the newly insured in 10 case study states.
April 1, 2012 | Brief
The report finds that New York has been proactive in implementing the ACA and has made considerable progress, despite not yet passing legislation establishing its health insurance exchange.
April 1, 2012 | Brief
The authors conclude that with less than two years to go before the ACA is fully implemented, Colorado is reasonably well positioned and has made substantial progress in implementing health reform.
October 7, 2013 | Brief
Stark differences in the level of marketing and consumer assistance efforts are analyzed in this report that takes a look at enrollment and implementation efforts in 10 states.


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Join the Nation's Conversation
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Kids apps to celebrate America
The Fourth of July holiday tends to bring out a patriotic streak in most of us. If waving the red-white-and-blue has piqued your child's curiosity in the United States and its history, here are some fun apps that can extend that interest.
Ansel & Clair: Paul Revere's Ride
Cognitive Kid, best for ages 8-12, $4.99, iPad
Rating: 4 stars (out of 4)
This app makes history come alive as kids travel back in time to meet Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock and other famous Revolutionary War heroes. Join alien Ansel and his robotic friend Clair on their quest to understand the American Revolutionary War. This quest is filled with interactive elements and games. Kids get to talk to Paul Revere and others to understand their actions. They solve picture-based puzzles, create a travelogue by taking photos inside of the app, play mini-games set inside historic events and answer pop-quizzes.
While the app is filled with historic facts, it teaches by making the learning seem like a game. Since Ansel isn't from this world and doesn't know American history, he asks all sorts of questions. Clair, with her encyclopedic knowledge, provides answers. You also learn by talking to characters and playing games, including the one about the Boston Tea Party where you pick up tea chests and toss them into a waiting whale's maw.
Ansel & Clair: Paul Revere's Ride is a great example of how apps can be both fun and full of education. It's a perfect way to introduce kids to our country's history.
Presidents vs. Aliens
Dan Russell-Pinson, best for ages 8-up, 99 cents, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Rating: 4 stars
Aliens are attacking the White House! That's the premise of this silly app, which incorporates three presidential-themed games. The main game tests your commander-in-chief knowledge by using it within a game involving flinging presidential balls at floating alien heads, with the goal being to knock out all the aliens. Sounds wacky? It is, but this pinball-like arcade game works amazingly well to draw kids into learning facts about our past and current presidents.
Since the ball-flinging game is so much fun, it provides great motivation to learn the presidential facts. The only way to earn these balls is to correctly answer the presidential questions posed. If players answer three correct in a row, they earn wacky power-ups, including an invincible president who can mow down any defenses the pesky aliens put up.
To get better at this game, kids can study the 44 informative presidential cards. A nice feature is that you can control the category of facts that appear in the quizzes. Younger kids might want to start with just identifying the pictures of the presidents. Older players can take on famous quotes, political party affiliations, historical events and other more specific questions. In either case, this head-bashing hail-to-the-chief is an irreverent hoot to play.
Geography Drive
Spinlight Studio, best for ages 7-14, $3.99 (iPad, Android), $2.99 (Nook)
Rating: 4 stars
This stellar app turns learning about all 50 states into an engaging travel game. You move a matchbox car over the map of the United States, stopping in each state to answer state trivia questions in hopes of acquiring that state. The object of the game is to acquire as many states as possible before running out of fuel. Like the collecting of states, earning fuel is also tied to answering geography questions — but this time, the player answers by pointing to places on the map of the United States.
Kids start in their own garage with a car. The garage houses state cards to study before adventuring out, but reading them is optional. Driving to a state triggers the three-question trivia test. You might be asked the postal abbreviation of the state, the name of its capital city, its nickname, time zone or famous landmarks. Occasionally, the questions cover state history. Answering correctly all three random questions earns the player ownership of that state. You also earn in-game currency for every right answer. The game continues by having the player drive to an adjoining state, which uses one unit of fuel. After visiting several states, kids must play the locate-places-on-the-map mini-game in order to fill up the car's gas tank.
This cross-country adventure is accompanied by upbeat jazzy music. Sprinkled within the travel are other mini-games that focus on state flags, spelling each state, naming the state capitals and identifying all the shapes of the states. The app has a fun vibe of going on a trip, not taking a test. By cleverly using geographic knowledge to fuel their cars, players are motivated to ace the state facts. Kids also get "driven" to pick up facts so that they can earn in-game currency to upgrade and customize their vehicle. "Geography Drive" gets children's learning motors revving as it steers them into a better understanding of America.
Jinny Gudmundsen is the author of the new book: iPad Apps for Kids, part of the For Dummies series. Contact her at firstname.lastname@example.com. Follow her @JinnyGudmundsen.


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Corsair Force GT SATA 6Gb/s 120GB Review
Let's talk about cars for a moment. While some simply buy and drive them, there are some who wish they could own even the most expensive models. Why? In some cases, they may bring unique aesthetics or a sense of luxury. Much of the time, however, the more expensive cars have an unparalleled potential for pure speed. Who wouldn't want to sit in a Lamborghini Diablo GT on an empty road and drive at double the speed limit? I know I would! Keep in mind that I chose the Diablo GT not only because it is an exotic car, but for the reason that it is one of the few cars with the "GT" in its name – only some of the fastest cars in the world share this moniker. Thus when you hear someone mention the Corsair Force GT, you should automatically know that this is not your average SSD. Equipped with the new Sandforce 2281 controller and SATA III 6Gb/s interface, this drive is sure to be blazing fast! Having I/O speeds rated up to 85,000 IOPS, read speeds up to 555Mb/s, and sequential write speeds up to 515Mb/s, this drive is definitely a "Force" to be reckoned with. Currently, there are three models available in the Corsair Force GT Series; 60GB, 120GB, and 240GB. Today, we will be taking a detailed look at the 120GB model. Can this drive take the top spot on our charts? Let's buckle up and find out!
Closer Look:
Taking a look at the front of the packaging, we get a good glimpse of the drive's physical appearance. Located on the top corner and the right side is the Corsair logo and the Force GT branding, respectively. There is also information such as the 555Mb/s read speed and 515Mb/s write speed. The drive's 120GB capacity and SATA III interface specifications are also listed on the front of the packaging. On the back, there is a quick debriefing as to the Force GT's capabilities at giving your system a performance boost. It also highlights the included 3.5" adapter.
Removing the contents of the packaging, the Corsair Force GT is revealed to be fit nicely in a plastic clamshell container. It is also accompanied by a 2.5" to 3.5" adapter and two packages of screws – they are used to mount the SSD into the adapter and then into a 3.5" hard drive slot for installation into a chassis.
Now that we've seen the Force GT's packaging and accessories, let's take a closer look at the drive itself.


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Brand Label: Bernardo
ITEM MOVED TO ARCHIVE: On January 11, 2018 2:54 pm, Fashion Stylist Online noted this item may be out of stock at NORDSTROM because it was not referenced in their latest online catalog. If this item is out of stock at NORDSTROM, you may be able to find similar fashions sold there or elsewhere on our Bernardo Designer Brand Directory.
Available for Purchase Online at NORDSTROM for $99.99Pin It
Plush genuine shearling trims the outside of a street-chic rain boot that's a perfect accent to gloomy days. Style Name: Bernardo Zain Genuine Shearling Trim Rain Boot (Women). Style Number: 5487350. Available in stores.
Shop other brand label items from Bernardo on FashionStylist.com.
This item was published for sale online by NORDSTROM on January 11, 2018 10:32 am and last updated by us January 11, 2018 2:54 pm.
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The agency is required by AS 23.05.370(a)(4) to publish annual reports to the Governor and Legislature.
1999 Annual Report
1998 Annual Report Highlights
1997 Annual Report Highlights
Board decisions from 1983 to present are now available for download from the agency's web site. Board decisions are also available by request from the agency electronically or by mail. The older decisions have been scanned into a WordPerfect format for an IBM PC compatible machine. The agency will provide this database of all administrative decisions issued under PERA and the railroad labor laws at no cost upon a request accompanied by the appropriate number of new, formatted 3.5 inch diskettes. If the diskettes cannot be provided, the database may be purchased for $75.00. The agency provides supplements to the electronic database annually or upon request with the required diskettes. There is currently no charge for this service. Board decisions can now be searched.
The agency is governed by a board of six members who serve staggered three-year terms. The members must have backgrounds in labor relations and two members each must be drawn from management, labor, and the general public. AS 23.05.360(b).
|Aaron Isaacs, Jr., Acting Chair
|Appointed June 12, 2000
|Robert A. Doyle, Board Member
|Reappointed August 3, 1999
|Dick Brickley, Board Member
|Reappointed June 30, 2000
|Karen J. Mahurin, Board Member
|Reappointed December 2, 1997
|Raymond Smith, Board Member
|Reappointed July 31, 1998
The Board conducts business meetings in room 208 of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development building, 3301 Eagle St., Anchorage. A meeting agenda is available upon request to the agency two weeks before the meeting. The agency can accommodate requests to participate at the meeting by telephone. Such requests should be made seven days before the scheduled date for the meeting.
The agency will accept filing by fax, but the person filing by fax must then mail or personally serve the required number of copies of the document upon the agency.
The agency maintains a record of all filings. The record is available for review in the office of the agency, or by telephone at 907-269-4895.
The agency has forms available to assist persons filing unfair labor practice charges, representation petitions, petitions for recognition by mutual consent, claims for religious exemption, petitions for unit clarification, and petitions to enforce the collective bargaining agreement. Parties are not required to use agency forms, but the forms are provided for the convenience of the public. These forms can be obtained at the office of the agency by telephoning 907-269-4895, by email to firstname.lastname@example.com, or by clicking on the forms below. The forms can only be viewed and printed using Adobe® Acrobat® Reader. Download FREE Adobe® Acrobat® Reader software.
for Unit Amendment
Charge Against Labor Organization (with instructions)
Charge Against Employer (with instructions)
Public Employment Relations Act Exemption Claim
Labor Organization Representation Petition
Petition for Unit Clarification
Petition to Determine Strike Class
Petition to Enforce Contract
Petition for Recognition by Mutual Consent
The agency maintains a noncirculating library of labor relations texts, including BNA Labor Relations Reference Manuals. The library is open for public use
A Hearing Officer is available by appointment to answer general questions about mediation and agency mediation services.
Pamphlet No. 900. Laws and regulations the agency administers. The most recent pamphlet was published in February of 1997 and it contains the changes to the statutes effective in 1996.
Report to Governor and the Legislature. The agency is required to report to the governor and the legislature annually. AS 23.05.370(a)(4). Copies of the annual report, published in February of each year, are available upon request.
Representation Services pamphlet. This pamphlet is a basic description of the agency's representation proceedings and is available at no charge.
Unfair labor practices pamphlet. This pamphlet is a basic description of unfair labor practices and the agency's proceedings if an unfair labor practice is charged. The pamphlet is available at no charge.
Agency staff are available to speak to groups about the agency and its programs. To schedule a speaker, email Mark Torgerson or call (907) 269-4895.
Copies of tapes of agency case proceedings are available upon request. Please call agency staff to arrange copying. Generally, there is no charge if the appropriate number of leaderless 90-minute tape cassettes is provided.
Back to Labor Relations Page


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Maker: Shun (click to see more by this maker)Product line: Shun Accessories (click to see more in this line)
Price: $189.95
Saving: $59.05
Item num: 84813
Item weight: 69.52 oz.Shipment weight: 70.72 oz.Size: 17 2/3 in x 11 3/4 in x 1 1/8 in
Description: This hinoki cutting board is the best way to keep knives sharp longer.
Hinoki boards are used throughout Japan. Hinoki is a cypress that is native to Japn. Its wood and oil are known for their ability to kill bacteria, viruses and fungus. It is also prized for its longevity under the wettest conditions. These properties add to its desirability for use in a kitchen.
The unusually straight grain structure of the wood makes for the perfect surface for the sharpest knives. The medium-soft nature of hinoki wood provides a self-healing cutting surface that helps hide scratches.
This board is a perfect size for preparing full meals to snacks.
Availability: In stock. Usually ships in 1-2 business days


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Glee's really good, if you're into music and theater, also there's a japanese reality show called, Water Boys. It has real people in it and it's super funny!!! I watch it with my teacher in my japanese class!
Hope this helped!
Why u watch no anime? ♥
70s show, Spartacus, Boardwalk Empire, Game of thrones...... OMG so Many Well if you like them and you will ask and i will provide you with more awesomeness
The walking dead you might of seen it since its so Beast!
My favorite show in recent memory had a short run but its ending was satisfactory.
Awake (2012) was a show about a man whose reality was split after a car accident. Micheal Britton (Jason Isaacs) goes to bed each night in a reality where his son died and his wife survived. Upon waking up the exact opposite is true. The question is, which reality is the real one.
Was literally heart broken when it was canceled, but it was damn near perfect. It was only 12 episodes and I highly recommend it. If you stick around until the end you will not leave the edge of your seat in suspense!
If you guys like Science Fiction. Defiance is where its at
Space Pioneer....
boardwalk empire, game of thrones, and orphan black
not a school girl crush
Hannibal is the best series ever!!
Dragon Ball Z It Is also a good anime just as naruto It Is weird that It Is not here...
Wow weird I see no Chuck or Castle fans but yeah these two shows are funny sexy romantic cute and action packed.
Modern Family is like your new type comedy and is one of the top dogs in comedy TV in my opinion.
Suburgatory is odd at first but its a comedy that grows on you after like 5-6 episodes.
Others have mentioned How I Met Your Mother and it really is hilarious! Also a top dog comedy at the moment.
Whitney a newer comedy show that makes great use of crude humor really funny.
Guys with Kids created by comedian and late night host Jimmy Fallon is a new show that uses less crudeness to its humor but somehow that just works so well.
Go On is an interesting comedy starring Matthew Perry (Chandler from friends). It is fairly interesting at first and is funny and quirky but its one of those shows that doesn't seem to get anywhere. Still very entertaining and a few chuckles and smirks here and there.
Oldies but goodies Scrubs and Friends
2 Broke Girls is also a really funny show. Basically what the title says. Its basically about 2 girls who are in desperate need of finance and one is pretty, blonde, and brainy while the other has a big rack, attitude, and is a cupcake baking genius.
If you like monsters, myths, and fairy tales then I suggest Grimm. it is a darker thriller/action type show that utilizes fairy tales from all over the world and incorporates them into modern day situations. Main character is a cop who finds out he is actually also a Grimm and watch the first episode and your answers to your questions will be revealed.
Next you have White Collar. This show is similar to that of Castle where they solve cases but instead of murders they solve White Collar crimes such as stealing or embezzling money, robberies, etc. Main character is a pretty good looking guy so it will be a show easy on the eyes for the ladies. For guys there will be eye candy here and there since the main character is somewhat of a playboy. Not as action packed but the crimes they solve are fascinating and the witty banter is just so entertaining.
Big Bang Theory is also a good funny smart comedy. 4 best friends who are your basic nerds working as scientists/engineers. Their individual pet peeves and antics are just so unique and that is what makes the show entertaining.
Walking Dead as several others mentioned is about zombies and trying to survive. This ain't your typical Zombie theme. Based off a comic this show actually has a lot of heart and the characters are so well thought out so well written that you will get hooked. Unless you are squeamish at the sight of blood brains and guts squirting exploding and gushing. Episodes are an hour and each season is like 7 episodes and you sometimes have to wait half a year before the next season. But the good news is that way you have time to catch up!
Also if you like competition shows I recommend Masterchef. One of the best cooking show ever!
All of these shows I mentioned I highly recommend.
Everyone needs to watch Under the Dome ( it's on mondays 10/9c on CBS )
Genre: Action, Treachery, Life, Revenge
Synopsis: A girl was wrongfully taken away from her framed father of a terrorist act and now has come back to destroy the lives of the people who created the madness in her life
Brothers & Sisters
Genre: Family, Secrets, Life
Synopsis: Unfortunately I am only 5 episodes into watching it but I am very pleased so far with it and recommend it to those seeking a new show.
Hurry the photobug is around...grab your camera
If you liked heros or just the superhero genre, and also enjoy comedy/drama. The first few seasons of a UK show called Misfits would be worth checking out.
A group of troubled teens who have to complete community service are one day hit by a huge storm that they later discover gave powers to whoever it struck. They learn to deal with their new found power and the responsibility that comes with it, but its more of a comedy than a drama which is where it differs from shows like heros.
It is a very clever, suspenseful, and hilarious show that takes you on a bit of an adventure it has great soundtracks too. The actors sort of made the show and are later replaced in late seasons, but first 2 seasons are worth watching regardless i believe its available on hulu, great show from the UK.
Hilarious, I may have to go rewatch
Walking Dead
Under the Dome (new series that just started)
Firefly...Firefly EVERYTHING
"Dang, BasedonFiction just stole my waifu again." ~Everyone
roswell isn't to bad, not great and its a little old but still good enough for a watch


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NEW ORLEANS — Blaine Gautier's record-setting passing and a long clutch kick by Brett Baer gave Louisiana-Lafayette fans the kind of thrills they haven't had since Jake Delhomme was playing for the Ragin' Cajuns.
Gautier passed for 470 yards and three scores, and Baer kicked a 50-yard field goal as time ran out, lifting Louisiana-Lafayette to 32-30 victory over San Diego State in the New Orleans Bowl on Saturday night.
Before the kick had even sailed through the uprights, Baer was off and running in celebration and briefly jumped into the first row of the Superdome stands before teammates caught up with him and lifted the kicker onto their shoulders.
"This game meant everything to our players. A lot them grew up in New Orleans. It was a dream come true for them," first-year coach Mark Hudspeth said. "We didn't have one kid walk in late even for breakfast in preparation for this game."
Playing in their first bowl game as a Division I FBS team, the Ragin Cajuns (9-4) led most of the way but fell behind 30-29 when Aztecs quarterback Ryan Lindley connected with Colin Lockett on a 12-yard touchdown strike with 35 seconds to go.
"Thirty seconds on the clock? You'd like to think (the game was over)," Lindley said. "It was a hard fought game and you have to tip your caps to them."
Gautier drove Louisiana-Lafayette 44 yards to the Aztecs 38 to set up what was initially a 55-yard attempt, but a pre-snap penalty on SDSU (8-5) for trying to bait the Cajuns into a false start moved the winning kick 5 yards closer.
Gautier finished with 2,958 yards passing and 23 TDs on the season, breaking Delhomme's single-season school records.
Delhomme held those records since 1996, when he passed for 2,901 yards and 20 TDs.
Gautier's passing total also shattered the New Orleans Bowl record for yards passing, set a season ago when Troy's Corey Robinson passed for 387.
"It's a wonderful feeling to do so much in one night. The get the win is what it was all about," Gautier said. "The records and all that stuff, that's a little addition to the way this team plays. We fight so hard and always talk about that fourth quarter being our quarter and we believe that."
Gautier threw two touchdown passes to Javone Lawson, from 18 and 11 yards out, and had a 20-yard scoring strike to Ladarius Green.
Darryl Surgent returned a punt 87 yards for a score, slicing through SDSU's punt coverage with a quick cut to his right and a sprint back to the left. The receiver finished with 283 all-purpose yards.
The Ragin' Cajuns had not appeared in a bowl of any kind since playing in the Grantland Rice Bowl 41 years ago.
Thousands of red-clad, bowl-starved fans followed the Ragin' Cajuns to New Orleans and helped set a New Orleans Bowl attendance record of 42,841.
Lawson, who grew up in suburban New Orleans, made nine catches for 193 yards, including a 52-yard catch and run that set up Green's TD. Green caught five passes for 121 yards.
Until his final kick, Baer thought he might have cost his team the game by missing two extra-point tries.
"I was down on myself," Baer said. "With 35 seconds to go, to get into field goal range was ridiculous. But they did it."
Lindley was 28 of 49 for 413 yards and three touchdowns. The Aztecs needed every bit of that as their offensive star, running back Ronnie Hillman, was largely bottled up and finished with 55 yards, well below his average of 138 yards.
Lindley found Lockett for a pair of 16-yard scoring passes in the third quarter, when the Aztecs trimmed a 19-3 deficit to 19-17. Lockett's second TD capped a seven-play, 99-yard drive.
The Ragin' Cajuns responded with a 14-play, 78-yard drive that included three third-down conversions and Lawson's second TD.
Adam Muema's 5-yard touchdown run up the middle pulled SDSU back to 26-24 with 5:40 left, but the Cajuns marched right back down the field and were in position to put the game away.
Surgent made a one-handed catch while reaching around behind defensive back Leon McFadden, even as McFadden was interfering with him. He then broke free of McFadden for a 56-yard gain to the SDSU 20.
Lawson then pulled down a catch between two defenders while being interfered with, giving the Cajuns a first down on the 3. But Louisiana-Lafayette was forced to settle for Baer's 22-yard field goal, setting up the wild finish.
The Aztecs were left to regret missed opportunities, including a 36-yard field goal attempt that Abeladro Perez hooked wide right with just more than 10 minutes to go.
"We had opportunities and we didn't make as many plays as they did," San Diego State coach Rocky Long said. "We missed a field goal. They made a field goal. ... Everyone wants to talk about offense and defense, but it was special teams that won the game."
They had a first-and-goal on the 4 on their opening drive, only to go backward and settle for Perez's 27-yard field goal.
Early in the second quarter, SDSU appeared to have a successful short passing play set up on fourth-and 1 from the Louisiana-Lafayette 6, but Dylan Denso could not keep his feet as a he made the catch and landed inches short of the first-down marker.


text:
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Fisher, Robert
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Maker: Robert Fisher (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 83720
Blade length: 6.30 in.Total length: 10.60 in.Blade height (at heel): 0.82 in.Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.06 in.Item weight: 2.40 oz.Blade: 420 stainless steel with a hand rubbed satin finishHandle: Jigged wood grain micarta scales
Description: Robert Fisher is currently apprenticed to Mastersmith PJ Tomes. Under the watchful eye of his master, he has created this exceptional handmade fillet knife. Light and fast in the hand, the 420 stainless steel blades have keen, long lasting edges and have been hand satin finished. The handles are formed from jigged wood grain micarta. This attractive material holds up well to heavy kitchen and outdoor, providing a sure grip. The scales are attached with four pins. Exceptional work throughout.
Availability: Not currently available


text:
STOCKTON - The City Council hired a headhunter Monday, taking its first critical step toward replacing City Manager Bob Deis, who will soon retire from the bankrupt city grappling with high crime.
STOCKTON - The City Council hired a headhunter Monday, taking its first critical step toward replacing City Manager Bob Deis, who will soon retire from the bankrupt city grappling with high crime.
Bill Mathis, a management psychologist based in Napa chosen to lead the national search, told the council he already knows a vital personality trait that Stockton needs in its next manager.
"You have to have a fire in your belly," Mathis said. "You have to have more energy than most people possess."
Mathis beat out two competitors to win the job as Stockton's recruiter, presenting an aggressive timeline to have a new city manager hired as soon as late November.
Mathis will charge the city $23,475, also coming in with the lowest bid.
In a brief presentation to the council, Mathis also said that at this delicate moment for Stockton, the city needs a manager who has thick skin, but not so much not to have feelings.
The city needs somebody experienced in building community trust, he said, adding that in this courtship, Stockton also has to present itself as someplace a city manager will want to come, likely bringing along a family.
Mathis will market Stockton as the ultimate challenge in public service.
"They have to have a love and a passion for what they do," Mathis said. "This sounds hokey - if they don't have a do-gooder instinct, then you probably don't want them."
Deis, who earns a base annual pay of $240,000, started work in Stockton in July 2010, rebuilding its management team, taking the city into bankruptcy and charting its financial recovery.
Most recently, the City Council under Deis' leadership voted to put a 3/4-cent sales tax increase on the Nov. 5 ballot. If passed, the money will go to fight crime and pay Stockton's way out of bankruptcy, city leaders said.
Deis plans to work his last day Nov. 1 as the city manager, but there's already suspicion he won't completely cut his ties.
Gary Malloy, a City Hall watchdog, warned council members that if they want residents to approve the tax increase, they have to conserve money and not hire Deis back as an expensive consultant.
"We're looking for you as council members to be up front with us and save money," Malloy said. "We're not going to go out and spend money like we have it, because we don't."
Malloy suggested that one of two deputy city managers lead the city until a new one takes over.
Councilwoman Kathy Miller, after the meeting, said the suggestion to put a deputy in charge sounds good, but it's not practical. The city's two deputy city managers are loaded down with work, Miller said.
"The reality is they're already working on the bankruptcy," she said. "We would have to take them off of their duties."
Contact reporter Scott Smith at (209) 546-8296 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Visit his blog at recordnet.com/smithblog.


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DALE EARNHARDT JR and DAHM TRIPLETS.
Just before the 2003 NASCAR season got rolling, stock car phenom Dale Earnhardt Jr. went full throttle with Playboy.com and the Dahm triplets.
We let Dale take the wheel – and the camera – to play guest photographer for a day in his private garage outside Charlotte, North Carolina. During the steamy three-hour photo shoot, Playmates Erica, Nicole and Jaclyn Dahm became living, naked hood ornaments for Dale's yellow Corvette GTR. When it was all over, the Dahm's cooed in unison, "We'll be Dale's pit crew any time."
Feast your eyes on Dale's handiwork, plus check out our behind-the-scenes photography and revealing video of the shoot.


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Car Review
2012 Smart Fortwo: New Car Review
In the current crop of concepts, there's one theme that predominates: small city cars. Between Volkswagen's Up! and Toyota's FT-Bh concept, everyone is looking ahead, thinking that small cars are where the market is going. But let's not forget that Smart has the head start, bringing the quintessential small city car to the U.S. in 2008 and overseas for 10 years before that. Because of this recent influx into a segment that Smart has had all to itself until now, we thought it would be a good idea to take the 2012 model out and see if Smart got it right the first time around.
Comfort & Utility
With an overall length of 106.1 inches, utility isn't the first priority of the Smart. But you'd be surprised where that utility is lost. Inside the cabin, the Fortwo is rather spacious, easily fitting six-foot-plus passengers in its two seats. All the amenities one would expect in a car are there as well, giving this car a more serious demeanor on the inside despite how it looks on the outside. In fact, if your gaze is purely fixed out the front windscreen or side windows, it's easy to get into the mindset that you're sitting in a full-size car. Only when you look backward in the cabin or through the rear-view mirror does the fact that you're in such a small car snap into focus. And it is an arresting realization.
With the diminutive engine tucked under the floor compartment in the trunk, trunk space isn't one of the Smart's big selling points. An average grocery run would fit just fine, as well as one golf bag - as long as that's the only thing in the trunk and it's standing upright. For trips, two carry-on bags will fit fine, again standing upright, but that's about it.
The entry-level Fortwo costs only $12,490, but to get prices that low, Smart had to cut a lot of corners. Creature comforts that are mostly expected in cars these days are missing. So to get the Smart at that price, expect to live without air conditioning, power windows and even a radio. However, once you start adding options, you can get a decent amount of equipment. The optional sound system sports modern amenities such as AM/FM radio and satellite radio. And for those that would rather deejay themselves, there is still an auxiliary hookup on the face of the radio for input from anything with a headphone jack.
Our only qualm with the Smart's amenities is that once they're all part of the package again, the Fortwo's price jumps back up to around $14,000. Other cars in this space come with all those features as standard, and still have a starting price in the $13,000 range.
Performance & Fuel Economy
If we were to pick the most disappointing aspect of the Smart, it would have to be the performance. Looking at the tiny engine compartment, it's not surprising that the Smart isn't fast. There's only enough space to fit a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine capable of 70 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque. So all things considered, you wouldn't expect it to be the best highway cruiser. Where it's disappointing is the city driving, supposedly the Fortwo's forte. But more on that later.
Fuel economy is a big selling point of such a paltry engine, especially considering the car only weighs about 1,800 pounds. The EPA lists the Fortwo's mileage as 34 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, and our time with the car proved the EPA got was pretty spot-on.
Despite its small size, the Smart Fortwo gets credit for being incredibly safe. In every Insurance Institute for Highway Safety test, it received a Good rating, and it has four airbags in the cabin, two in front and two side curtain airbags. The entire interior has been designed with passenger safety in mind, and the Tridion cell-the exposed metal beam just aft of the passenger doors-is so strong that it needs to be cut into sections before being put in a crusher.
Driving Impressions
The Fortwo's small engine isn't anything to write home about, but no one expects it to be. The real issue, though, is the transmission. The five-speed automated-manual transmission seems to be in a constant argument with itself. At the low speeds that are typical of city driving, the transmission has a hard time deciding what gear it needs to be in, which is even more maddening because each shift takes a lifetime to complete. The result is an extremely jerky ride for a majority of the car's duty. Where this is best seen is in a pretty standard maneuver, the left-hand turn.
When turning left onto a main road, the transmission always tries to make its shift to second gear exactly when it is crossing the near lane. This makes trying to turn through a narrow gap a scary ordeal. Directly in the path of incoming traffic, the transmission seemingly takes eons to shift, stranding the driver in harm's way. Once you get used to the size of the gap, it's not that much of a problem, and to be fair the engine has never actually caused a problem in our time with the car, but until you reach that point, it can be a harrowing experience. Otherwise, the ride can be a bit harsh, but in the city you never get going fast enough for it to be too much of a problem.
Other Cars to Consider
Scion iQ - AutoTrader really liked the iQ when we reviewed it last November, recognizing it as one of the best values in the segment. The ride is better than the Fortwo, as is the standard equipment, and it has a back seat. Yes, the iQ is a few thousand dollars more expensive, starting at $15, 995. But if you prefer not having to check an options box for some of the features you're used to seeing in a car, it runs about the same as the Smart would with all the equipment fitted.
FIAT 500 - The FIAT 500 is a bit bigger than the Fortwo and considerably more expensive, starting at around $15,000. But the FIAT is very maneuverable in the city, and the drive experience is much more satisfying.
AutoTrader Recommends
We respect Smart for being first in the microcar game. But although it had the monopoly for quite some time, some newcomers have just gotten it more right. We'd go with the Toyota iQ, as it's one of the cleverest-packaged cars on the market and is priced comparably to the Smart when outfitted with the same equipment, while having a much better fit and finish.


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To get more information about the use of "date-rape drugs" and related topics, NIJ sponsored a Campus Sexual Assault (CSA) Study, which surveyed more than 5,000 female undergraduate students from two public universities.
Researchers asked the students to distinguish between forced sexual assaults and incapacitated sexual assaults related to drug or alcohol intake. They also asked if the incapacitation was a result of the victim being given alcohol or drugs without her knowledge.
Number of Survey Respondents Reporting Sexual Assault*
*Out of 5,446 survey respondents. For the survey, the researchers used a broad definition of "incapacitated" that included being drunk, under the influence of drugs, passed out, asleep or otherwise incapacitated. The figures are not likely to be representative of most American campuses: The surveys were conducted at two public universities with large enrollments. Department of Education statistics show that such campuses have the highest crime rates.
Read the full report of the Campus Sexual Assault Study (pdf, 111 pages).
More women experienced forced sexual assault before college than during college. Once in college, however, their risk of becoming a victim because of incapacitation — broadly defined — increases.
The survey results show that
the use of date-rape drugs does occur, but less than 1 percent of women indicated this happened, making it far less common than sexual assault following voluntary intoxication.
Alcohol is more frequently associated with sexual assault on campuses than drugs.
Next Section: Laws to Make Campuses Safer.
National Institute of Justice, 810 Seventh Street, NW, Washington, DC 20531


text: Korean Job Discussion Forums :: View topic - SOLD - 19" LCD + Computer, Printer and Speakers Speak Korean Now! Korean Job Discussion Forums"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!" FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in SOLD - 19" LCD + Computer, Printer and Speakers Korean Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Buy/Sell/Trade Forum View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message haggsinkoreaJoined: 03 Aug 2004 Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 9:04 pm Post subject: SOLD - 19" LCD + Computer, Printer and Speakers This computer will be available around mid-April when I leave for Canada. I am hoping to get asking price as it is very good value, but I will take any bid and the highest one will take it home. I will include a small computer desk if you want it. Desktop Computer Package – 500,000 Won [Current bid is 500,000 by Voook] 19" Samsung SyncMaster CX-911T Flat Screen LCD Monitor (overpaid 950,000 at Lotte Mart just over 1 year ago before the prices all came down – still have box and receipt) You can check out the monitor at the hackers website--> http://www.hackers.co.kr and can see that the monitor still retails for 766,000 won (its hard to find if you don't know some Korean - its under 컴퓨터주변기기 and then click 모너터 then click 삼성전자 on the third line of the list of brand names - then its third from the bottom of the list of samsung monitors that appears). Of course, less well known monitors are much cheaper - but at least you know you are getting a good one. Actual Pics http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/haggsinkorea/Feb0773.jpg http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/haggsinkorea/Feb0816.jpg http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/haggsinkorea/Feb0818.jpg *Includes Anti-Glare Filter http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/haggsinkorea/Feb0805.jpg In the Case Pentium 4 2.0 GHz Intel Processor (not a Celeron) Gigabyte Motherboard w/On-Board Video and Sound 512 MB SDRAM 80 GB Hard Drive DVD/CD CDRW Floppy Drive ~Trution Computer Speakers http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/haggsinkorea/Feb0802.jpg ~Epson C43UX printer (new black cartridge still in case worth 17,500) http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/haggsinkorea/Feb0812.jpg Includes keyboard, mouse, and headset/microphone Optional - Small computer desk http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f128/haggsinkorea/f2798624.jpg (Software Included – Disks Provided with Valid Serial #'s) Windows XP Professional (English) Microsoft Office (English)Last edited by haggsinkorea on Sat Feb 11, 2006 12:27 am; edited 1 time in total Back to top haggsinkoreaJoined: 03 Aug 2004 Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 12:26 am Post subject: SOLD This item is now considered sold as the asking price has been offered. Thanks for your interest. Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First Korean Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Buy/Sell/Trade Forum All times are GMT - 8 Hours Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum Forums:----------------FAQJob-related Discussion ForumGeneral Discussion ForumOff-Topic ForumTravel ForumCurrent Events ForumTechnology ForumBuy/Sell/Trade Forum You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling. Contact Dave's ESL Cafe Copyright © 2018 Dave Sperling. All Rights Reserved. Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group TEFL International Supports Dave's ESL Cafe


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ST. LOUIS, Mo. – In search of their first Women's Collegiate Wrestling Association (WCWA) national title, the top-ranked King University women's wrestling team turned in a solid first day at the WCWA College Nationals hosted by Missouri Baptist University. Eleven Tornado wrestlers reached the semifinals of their weight class in the first day, and King is atop the team standings with 129 points.
King got off to a great start at 101 pounds as both Ashley Iliff and Shannon Constantine advanced to the semifinals. Iliff had a bye in the first round before defeating Southwestern Oregon Community College's Mikayla Pico on a fall in 1:26. She followed by defeating Brianna Rahall of Oklahoma City University on a 6-4 decision. Constantine also had a bye, and took a 10-0 technical fall win over Angela Fargoso of Northwest Kansas Technical College. The senior then topped Vanessa Smith of Wayland Baptist University on a fall in 5:31 to advance to the semifinals.
Freshman Daisy Santos opened the day with back-to-back technical fall 12-0 wins at 109 pounds. She took wins over Jessica Marso of Menlo College and Oklahoma City's Esthefania Jimenez. Santos advanced to the semifinals with a win over Wayland Baptist's Michele Guerrero on a fall in 2:44.
Fellow freshman, Haley Augello advanced to the semifinals of the 116 pound bracket following a bye and 10-0 technical fall over McKendree's Lindsey Spjut. She then defeated Lindenwood's Savanna Nobile on a 12-0 technical fall win to advance to the semifinals.
At 123 pounds, Sarah Hildebrandt started the day with a bye before defeating Ashley Talaro-Potter of University of the Cumberlands 10-0 on a technical fall. She then topped Northwest Kansas' Teasia Lizama on a fall in 2:19. Kayla Bartosch advanced to the quarterfinals following back-to-back wins on falls over Madison Fitzgerald of Midland University in 4:43 and University of Jamestown's Alicia Soto. However, she fell to Menlo's Cady Chessin on a fall to drop to the consolation bracket.
The Tornado had four wrestlers start the day at 130 pounds, and Kayla Brendlinger advanced to the semifinals. She started the day with a win on a fall in 1:13 over Menlo's Jeanette Naranjo. The junior followed that with a 10-0 technical fall win over Linda Esquivel of Northwest Kansas. Brendlinger advanced to the semifinals with an 11-4 decision over Rosemary Flores of Campbellsville University. Megan Black advanced to the quarterfinals behind a 10-0 technical fall win over Lindenwood University's Rachel Factora and a victory on a fall in 0:30 over Diana Nevarez of McKendree University. She then fell to Cheyenne Youngblood of Missouri Baptist University on criteria after a 6-6 decision.
Defending WCWA 136-pound national champion, Alli Ragan began her defense with three wins on technical falls. She defeated Simon Fraser University's Madeline Millsip 10-0 and Missouri Baptist's Sarah Holdman 12-0 before advancing to the semifinals with a 10-0 victory over Kasey Kruczek of Campbellsville.
Amanda Hendey cruised to the semifinals at 143 pounds following a bye and a victory over Jamestown's Precila Matar on a fall in 0:28. She then defeated Lindenwood's Anna McAleavey 12-2 on a technical fall. Julia Salata's path at 155 pounds was nearly as easy as she took three 10-0 technical fall wins to make the semifinals. She first topped Oklahoma City's Heiley Garcia before besting DeAngela Castex and Renee Samano of Jamestown to reach the semifinals.
At 170 pounds, Lorrie Ramos won both of her matches to advance to the semifinals. The junior defeated Oklahoma City's Sherese Thomas on a fall in 3:40 before taking Brittany Jones of Missouri Valley College on a fall in 0:38. Kerri Bumpers took her first match of the day at the same weight class over Cumberlands' Aviance Watters on a fall in 4:50. However, she fell to Lindenwood's Victoria Francis on a 10-5 decision to fall into the consolation bracket.
Malexis McAdoo is the final Tornado to reach the semifinals, doing so at 191 pounds. Following a bye, the sophomore defeated Meghan Freeman of Lindenwood on a fall in 1:17 before advancing to the semifinals with a 12-10 decision over Campbellsville's Tiaira Scott.
After the first day, King leads the team standings with 129 points while #3 Oklahoma City follows with 111 points and second-ranked and defending WCWA national champion Simon Fraser is third with 96 points.
The semifinals are scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m. ET Saturday morning with the finals starting at 7:00 p.m. ET. Missouri Baptist will provide live video here. Live results will also be available on trackwrestling.com.


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chapcrap wrote:Nicky15 wrote:Now this a clean slate, we are moving forward. We must all adhere to site rules.
A clean slate for breaking previous rules?
I'm ok with the rules and whatever we need to do, but giving out some kind of blanket immunity for people who have been breaking site rules is absurd.
For once I agree with chap.


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Whimsical garden scenes, elegant florals, bright unfolding roses were among the entries in the Woman's Club of Orange's 76th annual flower show.
Open to amateurs of the community, the flower show gave guests time to wander through the exhibits and have lunch while the judges voted. There were also vendors and sweets for shopping.
The women's group meets monthly at its clubhouse, 121 S. Center St. Up next it has a meeting at noon Monday featuring entertainment by Helene Weinberg, a singer, comic and impressionist. All women of the community are invited. Call 714- 654-9747 to make reservation and to learn more about the club.


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Fresh, Funky & Fender Vintage Guitars
Fresh, Funky & Fender Vintage Guitars
Choosing a Fender these days can be like browsing the most awesome pawn shop in the world. Unique features, custom pickups and wild finishes all abound in the Pawn Shop, Custom & FSR series. There's a raft to choose from, some well known models done with a twist, some brought back from the archives and others are vintage inspired but wholly new designs. Any which way, if you want something a little different then Fender have an instrument for you.
TelecasterA versatile beast the old Tele, well known for "the twang" in country but it's been embraced by just about every genre going since it's creation. That's led to Humbucker Teles, 3 pickup Teles, sparkle finishes, 3 or 6 saddle bridges and all kinds of coil tapping/switching shenanigans.
We're quite fond of Telecaster Custom '72 for a blend of bucking power and single coil bite.
Famous for: No secret these days but Jimmy Page played that solo with a good ol' fashioned Telecaster.
Intended to reach a hardcore Jazz market and perhaps replace the Strat at the top of the Fender family tree. While the Jazzmaster didn't quite succeed in this regard it is much loved by an entire generation of musicians. Tom Verlaine, J Mascis, Nels Cline & Thurston Moore to name a few. They don't come much more versatile than the JM. Particularly nice is the Classic Player FSR, Limited Edition finish, beefier pickups and the modern "C" shape neck that everyone loves for faster playing.
Famous for: All these guys. If we had to pick it would be Tom Verlaine, Marquee Moon is just the perfect match of man, music and twanging Jazzmaster.
Plus a bit of Maruee Moon, for Jazzmaster action and just because.
No messing, the Mustang was conceived as a beginners guitar back in the 50's and has been taken to the bosom of back to basics guitarists like Kurt Cobain, King Buzzo (Melvins), Frank Black & John Frusciante. We can see something of a thread developing, raw, muscular and unfussy (in a good way) guitarists to a man. The Mustang is often overlooked but it's not until you get one in your hands you realise how much damn fun it is to play.
Famous For: Go listen to some Nirvana, any excuse is a good one.
For amplification Fender offer many of their finest amps with upgraded speakers and fine finishes. For something with vintage character try the Pawn Shop series Excelsior 15 Watt Combo or little Greta portable amp.


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Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
Sen. George Maziarz (Senate energy chair), Sen. Catharine Young and Sen. Mike Nozzolio respond to "uninformed stance" of the Business Council and the Sierra Club
"We are shocked and deeply troubled by the press release circulated by the Business Council and Sierra Club calling for the closure of the upstate New York Dunkirk and Cayuga power generating stations," the senators said. "Their uninformed stance represents a direct attack on the communities that we represent, the workers at those facilities, and the Central and Western New York economy.
"Upstate New York has suffered through the loss of manufacturing jobs, tax base and population, and now the Business Council, which claims to support job creation and economic development, is working with leftwing New York City environmental interests to kill middle-class jobs in the power generation industry. The Business Council's out of touch, anti-jobs position on this issue and its collaboration with groups, who on a regular basis work to kill job opportunities and a hopeful future for upstate New York, is an affront to common sense and the antithesis of that organization's stated mission.
"The proposals to repower coal plants in Lansing and Dunkirk to natural gas will guarantee jobs remain for workers and new constructions jobs will be created, the tax base will be protected for communities and school districts, and the environment will be much cleaner.
"These proposals that have been submitted to the Public Service Commission in case 12-E-0577 represent commitments by NRG and Upstate Power to invest over $1 billion combined to in local communities by constructing state-of-the-art, combined cycle natural gas plants. These plants will create more than 1,000 construction jobs and maintain good-paying union jobs at the repowered plants and protect millions of dollars that are badly needed by local communities and schools.
"The energy produced at the repowered plans will substantially reduce (by between 73 to 100 percent) emissions of harmful pollutants such as mercury, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide and particulate matter.
"Studies show that repowering these plants will produce substantial ratepayer savings, with at least $300 million in benefits to ratepayers totaling $3 billion over the next 10 years. These savings will help energy consumers, including family budgets, senior citizens on fixed incomes, and manufacturers and small businesses that provide jobs.
"The Business Council's assessment was premature, without a factual basis or adequate research, and heavily weighted toward the special interests of private utility companies that have vested financial stakes in killing these projects."


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HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Coker College men's soccer coach Paul Leese announced today that David Arensdorf, Kyndle Cobb, Adam Murphy, Matt Lloyd, Noah Gulley and Caleb Fenner have all agreed to play for the Cobras.
"Losing 10 seniors to graduation meant we had specific needs for this recruiting class, and we wanted to bring in players who have the ability to make an impact in the fall," Leese said. "I am very pleased each player has agreed to become a student-athlete at Coker.
"We have recruited individuals who are competitive, driven and have the maturity to play and study at a high level. Each of these young men has achieved success in the classroom as well as on the soccer field. I know they are excited to join the Cobras, and I am equally excited to work with them."
Arensdorf is a defender from Raleigh, N.C. He attended Millbrook High School and was a four-year letterwinner on the varsity soccer team. He was a team captain, team MVP, and all-region selection. Arensdorf led his team in assists his junior and senior seasons and led the program in total points scored over his four-year career with six goals and 17 assists.
David is the son of Dave and Laurie Arensdorf.
Cobb, a goalkeeper, hails from Oviedo, Fla., where he was a two-sport athlete in soccer and volleyball at Oviedo High School. Cobb was the 2011-12 varsity soccer player of the year and a Seminole Athletic Conference honorable mention selection.
Kyndle is the son of Bryan and Beth Cobb.
Murphy, a midfielder, is from Piedmont, S.C. He attended Wren High School, where he was a three-year member of the varsity soccer team. Murphy was part of three straight regional championships for the Hurricanes.
Adam is the son of Chris and Dana Murphy.
Lloyd is a midfielder from Raleigh, N.C., where he attended Millbrook High School. He started 42 of 44 games for the varsity team over three years, serving as a captain his senior season. Lloyd made the Cap 8 all-conference team as a senior and was an academic all-conference selection as a junior.
Matt is the son of Beth Lloyd and David and Brittany Lloyd.
Gulley, a center back, is from Pawleys Island, S.C. He was a three-sport athlete in soccer, basketball and football at Waccamaw High School. In soccer, Gulley was a three-time all-region and two-time all-state selection.
Noah is the son of Gary and Janet Lloyd.
Fenner is a midfielder from Greenwood High School in Greenwood, S.C. His team won the South Carolina 4A Region 1 championship during his sophomore and junior seasons.
Caleb is the son of Trey and Beth Fenner.
For more information, contact Chris Dougherty, manager of athletics media relations and marketing, at 843-383-8018 or email@example.com.
Coker College readies undergraduates for personal and professional success through a distinctive four-year program that emphasizes a practical application of the liberal arts as well as hands-on and discussion-based learning within and beyond the classroom. Coker is ranked among the "Best Colleges" in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review. Located in Hartsville, S.C., Coker is within two hours of the cultural, financial and recreational resources of Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.


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The Graduate Academic Catalog provides information about academic programs and their requirements as well as important academic policies and procedures for students in the College of Arts and Sciences and Sawyer Business School.
There are many academic resources available to Suffolk student to foster student success.
Each of the sites below will open in a new window which is not part of the Student Handbook:
Center for Learning and Academic Success
Disability Services
Sawyer Library
Information about 2017 Commencement will be available soon.


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Blockchain & Crypto Domains
We've listed some of the best blockchain & crypto related domains for you to explore.
Explore a fraction of our domain marketplace by theme and discover the domain name that fits your brand best.
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All great domains are already registered, but not all are used or developed... The good news is that millions of these domains are listed on our domain marketplace! Undeveloped allows you to buy domain names directly from their current owner.
Once you find a domain you like, simply review all options and proceed to checkout. You can pay in full or in installments; there is absolutely no extra cost! Some sellers at Undeveloped will also accept renting or leasing their domains.
94% of all transactions are completed within 24 hours after payment. Some transfers are even instant since the introduction of DAN! Domain transfers used to take weeks. That is now a thing of the past!
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Our partner Adyen processes all payments with professional-grade security so you never have to worry!
Customers love our support team! We are always available for you and respond to your chat or email within 51 minutes.


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Value Line is regarded as the best independent research available. More than just recommendations, Value Line provides the rationale behind its picks for greater understanding.
Value Line assigns Financial Strength ratings across a spectrum from A++ (Highest) to C (Lowest). Generally speaking, the largest companies with the strongest balance sheets get the highest scores. Factors considered in making a rating determination include balance sheet strength, corporate performance, market capitalization, stability of returns, and business outlook, among others.
The Financial Strength rating and a stock's Price Stability rank are the two main components used to determine Value Line's proprietary Safety Rank, which measures the total risk of a stock relative to the approximately 1,700 other stocks under Value Line review.
Although a company's Financial Strength rating is just one factor among many that investors should consider, it is an important one. Moreover, shareholders should take particular note of changes in this rating—both up and down. Value Line subscribers have access to our complete list of Financial Strength upgrades and downgrades each week in the Selection & Opinion section of the product. Noted here, however, are recent upgrades awarded to Facebook (FB) and Priceline.com (PCLN).
Although Facebook is relatively new to the public investment scene (IPO on the NASDAQ Global Select Market in May 2012) it is easily one of the most popular and well-known websites on the planet. Founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook, Inc. operates the world's leading social networking service, enabling over a billion people to connect, share, discover, and communicate with each other through its flagship website and mobile application. In fact, at the conclusion of fiscal 2013, FB supported nearly 1.23 billion monthly active users. On top of that, the ever-changing dynamic of Facebook has enhanced its picture and video capabilities with the purchase of highly desirable Instagram, a mobile app and website allowing users to take, customize, and share their captured memories.
Meanwhile, Facebook does not operate in the same manner as traditional companies that sell a specific product or service. Due to the fact that its online service is free for users, the company generates the majority of its revenue through third-party advertising. This poses a challenge to balancing the company's monetization efforts with maximizing the user-friendly nature of its service. To avoid this pothole, FB looks to inject advertising which holds the most relevancy to its target users' interests, ultimately improving the experience while simultaneously strengthening the top line. To highlight the company's recent success, on a year-over-year basis, in 2011, 2012, and 2013, revenues soared nearly 88%, 37%, and 55%, respectively. This equates to a three-year compound annual growth rate of 58.5%, from the 2010 to 2013 time frame.
Indeed, consistent revenue growth can be considered a building block of a strong fundamental foundation, alongside a sustainable business model with bright future prospects, improving profitability, as well as a rock solid balance sheet. All things considered, Facebook's Financial Strength rating has been recently upgraded from a B+ to a B++, taking into account the company's standout performance in the aforementioned metrics. Ultimately, risk-averse investors will find comfort in equities that boast above average Safety measures.
The U.S. based online travel company, which became a public entity in 1999, has evolved into a global network giant helping customers reach desired destinations, sometimes on their own terms. The company offers airline tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals, vacation packages, and cruises, but is most noted for its "Name Your Own Price" service. This allows customers to make offers for travel services at their own discounted "bid" price, which is then be matched up with a database of sellers that meet the required specifications. Indeed, the business model is appealing in the fact that it can accommodate travelers who would otherwise not be able to pay traditional, set in stone prices. Importantly, the company does allow customers to purchase through the normal, price disclosed manner.
Priceline's bread and butter is its international operations, highlighted by booking.com, which generates the majority of revenues. Rentalcars.com fills the role of car rentals on a worldwide basis. The company also has a foothold in the Asia-Pacific market through Agoda.com. These three operations are managed separately from the Priceline brand, which is only responsible for domestic travel services. However, these companies are all together referred to as the Priceline Group.
In our view, the company is fundamentally sound, which is why it garners one of our Highest ranks for Financial Strength (A+), recently raised from (A). Although the stock's Price Stability is somewhat uninspiring (50), its score for Growth Persistence is noteworthy (100). This large cap equity (market capitalization of $65 billion) will likely appeal to investors with a low appetite for risk, as its revenue streams are highly diversified and the top line figure is poised to grow at healthy double digit clips, year over year. Furthermore, Priceline is operationally efficient for at least the next few years, boasting operating margins into the low-mid 40% range, based on our forward looking estimates. Lastly, a relatively low debt profile (roughly 20% of its capital structure) augurs well for a persistently strong financial position.
At the time of this article's writing, the author did not have positions in any of the companies mentioned.


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berpdreyfuss wrote:harfatum wrote:It's been a while since I've played, but the square cursor really makes the game feel more like a tileset and less like a real dungeon. If you need an indicator of which tile you're mousing over, just the corners would be much less jarring and mechanical.
You can change the opacity and turn it off completely in the menu.
Oh, that's good to know. Still, I think as a default setting it kind of kills the immersion, and there's no reason for it to be a full border.


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'Magnolias' remake was a great idea, but falls short for TV
Remaking that rousing celebration of Southern womanhood "Steel Magnolias" with an African-American cast is such a great idea, you'd have to work very hard to screw it up.
The team behind the Lifetime channel remake, airing Sunday, hasn't screwed it up entirely, but they've somehow lost much of the heart and the humor from the 1989 Herbert Ross film based on Robert Harling's play. At every turn, the new "Magnolias" reminds you of what could have been.
If you know the Ross film, you'll find it impossible not to compare it to the Lifetime version, and just as impossible not to think how much better Sally Field was as M'Lynn, the Mother Courage of the piece, than the new film's executive producer, Queen Latifah. If the rest of the new cast doesn't quite compare well to their earlier counterparts, blame it on the lackluster direction. When it comes to Queen Latifah, there's no one else to fault but her: She is simply not up to the emotional depth and range of the character.
The story is set in the modern-day South where Truvy's beauty parlor serves as a place where the women of the town can let their hair down, figuratively and literally. They can gossip about the men in their lives, and about each other, and no one gets away with anything. They may enjoy ganging up on the town's richest and meanest lady, Ouiser Boudreaux (Alfre Woodard), but at heart, they are truly a band of sisters.
Their lives aren't perfect, but these women are survivors. Truvy herself (Jill Scott) tries to put on a brave face about her marriage and her husband's lack of interest in her. And while M'Lynn is excited about her daughter Shelby's (Condola Rashad) forthcoming marriage, she's also worried about the younger woman's health and the kidney damage caused by diabetes. Still, she knows her friends, including widow Clairee (Phylicia Rashad), are always there for support.
There was a lot of humor in Ross' film, but somehow it's been lost in translation to the Lifetime remake. The script is virtually the same, but Kenny Leon's direction is lackluster. Where the film should crackle, it ambles; where it should be crisp, it's too often flabby.
M'Lynn is the broken and ultimately resurgent heart of the story, a woman who has to face the greatest loss a mother could ever imagine, and Latifah simply can't pull it off. She's always been fine at playing strong, but playing shattered to the core just doesn't seem to be in her acting vocabulary.
"Steel Magnolias" isn't a disaster by any means. It has some winning moments, and clearly the cast members are having fun with their roles. In the end, though, it just doesn't connect the way it really should have. What a missed opportunity for something much better.
More Information
'Steel Magnolias'
When: 8 p.m. Sunday
Network: Lifetime