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There are no LeBron stoppers. I like Noah and would take him if he is available. He has some personality, which we like in the media, and while he's not a scorer or shooter, I think he'll annoy big guys with his hustle and enthusiasm. You get the feeling he'd actually try to play Shaq and have some fun with it. Though what's with the hair? I had been considering that style but it seems passé now.
Do you think the Bulls will change the infamous headband rule over the off-season? I remember John saying it would have been a different story had Ben approached him before the season starte. --Nick Russell, Tampa, Fla.
I think it would be a good time. As I've never seen anyone in the media wear a headband, I've always assumed it applies to us as well. And I'm ready for a new look, as I said, dude.
Does John Paxson have the courage to step up and acquire Kobe Bryant? I think this is the Bulls best chance to win a championship again and with what we can offer it's the Lakers best chance to redefine their team. I propose we trade Gordon or Hinrich, the No. 9 pick and sign and trade Nocioni and PJ Brown to balance the $. --Bill Mergenthal, Glava, Ill.
Yes. Can he? No. As I've said before, I don't see Kobe being traded for any reason. It makes no sense at all for the Lakers. And despite what some have written, I don't see the players the Bulls have as appealing to the Lakers. The Bulls have some good players, but what the playoffs showed as much as anything was you have the best chance to win with a star. I'd keep Kobe and I'm quite sure the Lakers will as well. But I'm also quite sure Paxson would deal anyone to get him.
Kobe Bryant for Sefolosha, Luol Deng, and Ben Wallace, plus the ninth pick. Then we have Kirk, Gordon, Bryant, Thomas and re-sign PJ Brown. I know I'm dreaming. --Dave, Trevor, Wis.
Go back to sleep.
I am absolutely (absolutely) crazy about Corey Brewer. I think he may be the best defensive player I've ever seen and I'm pretty sure he'll be gone by the ninth pick. What do you think the likelihood of them trading up (Nocioni sign and trade?) to get him? --Pat Fox, Villa Park, Ill.
None. Let's not get too carried away by Nocioni. He's a nice player to have, but a reserve or bit starter. No one is going to give up a pick and potential star player (and this draft has a half dozen or more of them) for him. The Bulls also don't have a history of moving up and giving up a player. They've always viewed that as too costly. I don't think the Bulls are as enthusiastic about Brewer as you since they have Luol Deng at that position.
I don't get the infatuation with Nick Collison. He's not really much of an offensive threat other than put backs. With the Nuggets not going far in the playoffs, what do you think the odds are that Nene would be available? What would it take to get him? --Khyle, Lindenhurst, Ill.
Collison could be available, which is reason enough. He's a hard worker and committed player who can score some, if not tall enough to meet the Bulls' main frontcourt needs. They liked Nene a few years ago when there was some chance he could be available. I seriously doubt he will be again. The Nuggets have floated Marcus Camby's name, but he has a big contract and small scoring game. Next!
I'm a UW Husky grad, fan, season ticket-holder. I can tell you that Spencer Hawes is a stud not unlike Brandon Roy. It hasn't been seen, because he was sick, lost a lot of weight, played alongside a rebounding machine in John Brockman and was forced to play an uptempo game. But when the ball was in his hands he delivered. He simply manhandled Aaron Gray of Pitt heads up and showed his range with a overtime forcing three-pointer against USC. He should be the third pick in the draft and the team that lands him will find a player much like Roy -- skilled, athletic and of high character. --Marc Taylor, Seattle
As long as you have no bias. I assume he's on the Bulls' radar, but he is awfully raw. At No. 9, he fits the profile of the kind of player the Bulls need, a potential low-post scorer. But I've heard he's exceptionally weak and obviously inexperienced and Aaron Gray is a second rounder, anyway. No one consults me on these things, but I'd pass since I think he is way too far away and given the Bulls' situation and the way the East is, I see the Bulls needing more immediate help.
Who is the best big man not named Oden in the draft that can suit the Bulls best and complement Big Ben's defense? And has the offensive threat that we need? --Jayvy Cristi, Marikina, Philippines
Probably Al Horford, the Florida power forward. He should be gone in the top five, and I don't see him getting to No. 9 in any scenario.
It has become fashionable, almost de rigueur, to invoke advanced statistical analysis on various NBA blogs across the internet wasteland. Even pundits in the mainstream media have begun to rely on seemingly sophisticated statistical aggregates. Recently, I read an article that indicated some NBA teams have hired statisticians to gauge player performance. What is your take on advanced statistical tools such as PER, the Roland rating, and various other metrics? Based on your experience with the Bulls, how do Skiles and Paxson view those tools? --Nicholas Secco, Chicago
My advice is not to read the writers who use those. They are tools; the problem is people who use those extensively don't watch and often miss the finer points of the game. I recall one of those on plus/minus listing Ben Gordon as the Bulls' best defender. There's the old line about lies, damned lies and statistics. And the story of the man who drowned in a pool that averaged three feet deep. There are some useful points made in those analyses about certain players in certain situations, but they are better applied to baseball, which is more an individual sport. What occurs in basketball--played right--involves players doing things to help one another and the team, things that can't be measured in those analyses. I find most to be way off base. As older school types, I don't think the Bulls rely them extensively, though they are made available to the staff and can be of some curiosity.
What's the chance of Paxson going after Rashard Lewis this summer to fill that post presence? While he is an awesome perimeter player, the guy does have a lot of good back-to-the-basket moves if needed. He could be like a younger, more athletic Rasheed Wallace to complement Ben and Tyrus. --Ancel, Santa Ana, Calif.
Not the Rashard Lewis I know. He's more the perimeter player and shoots a lot of threes. He wants to make an eight-figure annual salary and the Bulls have no salary cap space. He plays the same position as Luol Deng and the Bulls have no one to truly match him in a sign and trade. Other than that, there's a good chance.
Can we stop with the whole Zach Randolph trade scenarios? If we add him to play the four, we have Deng, Randolph, and Wallace as our frontcourt. They are all 6'9! In case everyone has forgotten, our main problem is size. That is why we lost to the Pistons. Look at how close the Cavs played them. They are bigger than us, not a better defensive team. If we can't swing a deal for a legitimate big man such as Gasol, Garnett, O'Neal, what do you suggest we do with the ninth overall pick? Please tell me Spencer Hawes, because I might cry if they draft Noah. --Vick, South Orange, N.J.
As Question Mark and the Mysterians said, "96 tears." I'm for Noah, though that rarely sways the Bulls. I reiterate: I just cannot see them taking a big man so inexperienced after the issues with Curry and Chandler and with their run at Wallace last summer. That was for now, not the future. I still think they'll consider dealing the pick, though I expect possibilities we haven't thought of will arise around the draft as teams get more excited about getting into the draft.
As I watch the great play of Tim Duncan, I can't but think back to the bizarre game in which Joe Crawford ejected Duncan for what appeared to be no reason at all. Any updates on the status of Crawford for next season? Do you believe he'll be reinstated? --Scott Kelnhofer, Iola, Wis.
I believe he will be reinstated. The commissioner has said nothing and hasn't given much hint of it. But I've heard Joey is contrite and wants to return and I can't see Stern being that mean. Other than to the Suns.
If there are any players that the Bulls traded in the past 5 years that you would want back, who would it be? --Omar, Manila, Philippines
No one, really. The statute of limitations on Elton Brand has expired. I initially bought in to the Curry/Chandler thing because I was assured--bad intelligence as I claim a Democratic congress excuse--they were Shaq and Garnett. It turns out closer to Charles Shackleford and Bill Garnett. Though Paxson cleaned house, I don't see it hurting the team. I did like Chandler because he hustled and cared, but it wasn't working with Skiles and someone had to go. Plus, Chandler's contract set too high a bar to get the other players signed at more reasonable rates to give the team flexibility for other deals. Crawford was too undisciplined and defensively-challenged; likewise Curry. And I'd still do Jalen Rose for Ron Artest and Brad Miller seeing the mess they've made of the Kings franchise and Artest before that in Indiana. I thought Jalen could have been handled better, but was the kind of player the Bulls needed in a scorer. He'd just lost too much too quickly at the time.
Assuming Pax isn't able to secure a quality veteran big man on draft night, do you think they'll be able to trade some combination of their three picks to move up between two and four picks? I remember that the Bulls had the 16th pick last year and moved up to 13 to get Sefolosha. --Joseph, Oak Park, Ill.
I doubt it. The seconds aren't great. I think they got a steal moving up for Sefolosha. That doesn't happen often.
What do you think of signing Milicic this of season? I don´t think it will cost a lot, and probably he will be cut in Orlando. Maybe now he can be a dominant player, like Carlos Boozer in Utah this year. -- Gonzalo Panisell, Santiago, Chile
He's an interesting case since to re-sign him, it will cost the Magic much of their salary cap space and a chance at a potential big scorer like Vince Carter or Rashard Lewis, both likely free agents. If I were the Magic, I'd try for them and let Darko go. It's not like the Magic don't make regular personnel mistakes. Of course, being the Magic and after the Billy Donovan mess, you never know what they're thinking. I don't care for Milicic as a player a she seems disinterested too often. But he is tall and can score some inside. If you can get him with the exception, I might take a shot. But so will a lot of other teams and I think he'd be better in the West.
How come no more Kevin Garnett-to-the-Bulls talk? It seems like a real possibility he'll get traded this summer, and why wouldn't he want to go the East, where he has an easier road to the Finals? Bulls could give Gordon, Thomas and the No. 9. Wolves get a big-time scorer in Gordon, a starting power forward to take Garnett's place (he won't fill his shoes but should grow into a star player) and a valuable pick to rebuild the team with. Bulls have a Garnett-Wallace-Deng frontcourt that will be one of the league's best. Everyone wins. --Josh Lash, Naperville, Ill.
Tell it to Kevin McHale. I've backed off because it no longer makes much sense to make a big Garnett deal. He can opt out of his contract after next season, so how could you offer two players, probably starters, and a lottery pick for a guy you might have for one season? The Timberwolves blew it last summer when the Bulls offered Chandler, Deng and the No. 2 pick. Having Garnett two years with Ben Wallace would have been worth the shot. It doesn't seem to be anymore, and I think Minnesota now rides it out, lets Garnett leaves and says they did everything to keep him and hope that assuages the fans. It won't. Figure the Lakers make a run at him after next season, though all they have is the exception. He's made $200 million in salaries. Would he go to play for $5 million? He might, and you can't take the chance he'd bolt on you.
Why do people believe that Nocioni and Duhon have value? Every mailbag people keep suggesting that by packaging those two with the draft pick you have enough to get a top big man. Noc is over-rated, he plays hard (when healthy), but he's role player - not an every minute, every game player. And Duhon is terrible. I wish people would realize that the only people anyone would be interested in is Deng, Gordon, and Hinrich and that's that. --Sean Coughlin, Schaumburg, Ill.
Sad but true. Fans fall in love with their players. You can be sure the Bulls are realistic and understand what value they have, which is why it will be difficult to make a major deal. The key with P.J. Brown was he'd come off the books if traded by the trading deadline. He still could be in a sign and trade, but a team would have to take him for big money for a year. The Bulls players are looking at extensions, and teams don't often take those kinds of players. I suspect in the end the Bulls use the pick and pick up a veteran big somewhere and perhaps deal Duhon for some future pick.
You mentioned that the Bulls' locker room needs some personality. Tell me about it. Surely the Bulls as a team give the most dull interviews of any team. First, you have the coach. Nuff said there. Then you have Kirk who is so guarded that he probably wouldn't tell you which road he took to get to the stadium. Then there's Tyrus Thomas. Nuff said. Then you have Ben Wallace who speaks about the Bulls as if he's not even on the team. Then you have Ben Gordon who really tries to hide the fact that's it not all about him. Andreas Nocioni still says the same words over and over--he hasn't learned any new English yet? And, let's not forget Mr. Monotone Luol Deng. I think the key to finding the next draft pick and free agent is just to find the most boring, least informative player interviewee, and you'll predict who'll be in the next Bulls uniform. --James, Lake in the Hills, Ill.
You have been watching the post-game show? As I've said, it's a wonder to me sometimes why they put guys like Thomas on camera and think they have something. I don't understand why TV isn't insulted when players repeat that stream of clichés. I don't think the Bulls search out these players, and privately several are actually funny and interesting. Not Thomas. That's another reason I like Noah. He has some panache. Though the Bulls don't always like panache. There's also some risk with guys who enjoy life a little too much, and this is a conservative Bulls organization. It's sort of that old A-to-B-to-C thing. The Bulls have gotten where they are with hard-working, serious guys who are committed to the game. After what they went through, it was a good way to go. But many of those guys are restrained. I'd say Tim Duncan as well, but you'd take his vegetable personality. One issue that has developed which does have the team concerned is the lack of vocal leadership because no one ever says much. It's not essential, and there have been winning teams without that. But it's an element the Bulls want. It's hard to say they haven't come out and competed, so that isn't vital. Maybe Dennis Rodman can replace Andre Barrett and sit the bench all season.
Those of us who have been around since the before the beginning of the NBA realize that it takes at least two superstars to win championships. Larry/Kevin, Julius/Moses, Michael/Scottie, Magic/Kareem, etc. That's why Kobe's plight is so agonizing. He and Shaq won a few and broke up. Now he wants a new dance partner. Great. While the Lakers are deciding to sign a top player, or not, it might be a good idea to acquire a good supporting cast. That is where the Bulls come in. Giving up Hinrich, Nocioni, and maybe the 2007 No. 9 draft pick for Andrew Bynam would solve major problems for both teams and possibly set up a string of future LA and Bulls championship encounters. --James Westbrook, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Well, LeBron is there as one. Though that is the East. And I'm not sure who that second is on the Spurs. Maybe Ginobili, though now a sixth man. Bynam is an interesting name because some people around the NBA believe he's going to be an All Star low-post scoring center. Many believe several years from now, Kobe included. I don't see the Bulls taking that step back and don't see the Bulls dealing Hinrich unless they have a sure point guard replacement.
The word out here is that Zach Randolph just needs to be surrounded by good people to behave and the Bulls might provide that. But my question is what do you think about the Bulls getting Przybilla instead? He plays hard, defends, can score when called upon and has a good attitude. Sure he's not a big scorer, but he might be the best 7-1 guy realistically available right now. -- Andrew Heckman, Portland, Ore.
Seems too injury prone to me. He was in Milwaukee out of college and always hobbled. He's making reasonably big money now and is a non-scoring center. The Bulls already have one of those.
I imagine that the Kobe Bryant trade story really has you jacked up. What do you think of this: Gordon, (sign & trade), Ben Wallace and Tyrus Thomas (I know you don't like him) and a swap of first-round picks, plus our 2008 first rounder for Kobe and Bynum? -- John Jenkins, Archdale, N.C.
I hate that I had to start knocking down my own potential deals. Even I couldn't make it work.
How come every time a former Bulls leaves for another team, they have a breakout season the next year? Elton Brand, Ron Artest and now Tyson Chandler. Now he's on the US team this year. --Hughes, Las Vegas
As I scan that list, I don't see anyone in the playoffs this season.
If the Hawks offered Marvin Williams and the No. 3 pick for KG (and throw in Mike James for PG stability), don't both teams benefit? The Wolves can accumulate a solid young core and build for the future, and the Hawks are instant contenders with Johnson, Josh Smith and Garnett. A similar thing could work with Milwaukee giving up their pick and Villanueva, leaving them with Mo Williams, Redd, Bobby Simmons, KG, and Bogut. This makes sense to me, but I don't see McHale looking up from fishin' hole any time soon. --Bill, Chicago
As I said above, I think the Timberwolves stick it out and if Garnett goes to a bad place, and there's few worse than Atlanta for basketball, he'll likely leave. But this won't stop the speculation this summer, which I applaud.
Would you agree that Kobe's demand for a trade takes him off the "Michael Jordan path" to greatness? I think Colorado already did that and the Shaq trade almost underlined it, but now with the crazy trade demand, he is never going to reach Jordan status. Sure he cares about winning and all, but instead of just lifting his own team, he's still crying about 2004 and the Shaq trade. I know MJ cribbed a lot about Krause but I don't recollect ever hearing the words "I'm out of here if you guys don't shape up." I hope Kobe doesn't get traded to the Bulls, because that will mean I can never root for the Bulls again. Maybe he can get traded to the Nuggets? I hear he has a big fan base in Vail. -- Adithya Rao, Atlanta
Ouch. Though you are right about the legacy. The public doesn't embrace that kind of behavior and while Kobe is closest (including LeBron) to Michael as a player, you'll see LeBron pass him with this Finals appearance. There are an awful lot of fans who refuse to forgive Kobe for past indiscretions. Michael was hardly perfect, but he was well liked. And when you are you get excused. I liken him to the basketball Ronald Reagan, though, to me, Jordan was much more effective. The point is the public wants to like its stars. They liked Michael and Kobe makes it more difficult. Though if Kobe gets back to the Finals and gets on a run, I believe much of that can change.
I'd be pleased to know your opinion about this: Horace Grant was a core player in a team that won three titles in a row, and clearly their best frontcourt player. Have the Bulls been fair to him by not retiring his number? Do you think he deserves that honor, or, in other words, did Jerry Sloan and Bob Love contribute more to the organization than Grant? --Jon, Spain
Horace was a terrific role player and key component of the team that won three championships. I think it was obvious how valuable he was when he left and went to Orlando and they beat the Bulls. The Bulls focus became getting a power forward, which they did with Rodman. But Horace left on bad terms in a contract dispute and that's not likely to happen. Many believe Chet Walker and Artis Gilmore also deserve the honor, but I think the Bulls are done retiring jerseys for some time.
What's happening with Brad Miller? Though his short stint with the Bulls came during the ugly Tim Floyd era, he seemed to be one of the few bright spots back then. And he played well for the Sacramento Kings early on, too. What is his contract status with the Kings? And with his size and offensive skills around the post, would he be a good fit for today's Bulls? --Ed G., Rockford, Ill.
Brad's skills are in serious decline along with his body. The Kings gave him a big contract, which is good for him. But they're stuck with it now and he's just part of a franchise heading toward a major rebuilding down the road when the big contracts, like his, begin to expire or can be dumped. He's much too slow for the Bulls.
Re-examining the Curry Trade: Now that Curry didn't nab us Oden or Durant, what is your take? Are we winners or losers? TT and No. 9 for Curry. I say we are losers! Curry would have been the inside presence to put us over the top. --Mr. Jinx, Chicago
I say even. If the Bulls had gotten 1 or 2, it would have been heavily weighted to the Bulls with Thomas. Getting two lottery picks, Nos. 2 and 9 for Curry seems fair. I don't see Curry as that inside presence to fit the Bulls style and it's probably fair the way it worked out.
Do you have any kind of relationship/friendship with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and/or Phil Jackson? -- Palash R. Ghosh, New York
Not with Jordan, who rarely speaks to the media anymore, anyway. I did have a good relationship with Jordan until I wrote "The Jordan Rules." I still feel it wasn't unfair to him and I've always gotten the impression he never read it, but because it was so controversial back then in 1991, I think he took it as a betrayal. Though I must say afterward he always treated me professionally, including when he went to Washington. Though I know he wasn't happy about the book, he answered my questions like he would any other, making eye contact and the occasional joke. A lot of players wouldn't deal with it so well. We just didn't make small talk anymore, which was appropriate. Though I always did like him. I talk to Scottie and Phil regularly and have been able to enjoy a nice, professional relationship with both. I'm closer with Phil as I've known him since before he came to the Bulls, but have done some social things with Scottie as well. They both are interesting in certainly different ways.
What are the Bulls chances of acquiring Jermaine O'Neal? --Anthony, Lombard, Ill.
Little or none. It would cost too much and the Bulls aren't giving up two major pieces for him, which is what the Pacers generally are asking.
I emailed you 15 games into the NBA season this year, and said that the Wolves should not trade K.G. After this season provided me with 20/20 vision, I will now admit this is the best the Wolves can do with K.G. It's time for the future Hall of Famer to go. Some around here liken him to Kirby Puckett, yes and no. Yes, he is a tremendous player and positive attitude. No, doesn't have any rings (Puck had 2) and really doesn't extend himself to local media as Puck did time and time again. K.G. views himself above the local fray. I would liken K.G. to another Twin, Rod Carew. Yes the hit machine. Great stats, no rings. Rod's best years as a Twin were in 69-71, when he had Killerbrew, Oliva, and Kaat talent like Cassell and Spree. So, like the Twins did with Rod, great player and super stats, they traded him to the Angels. K.G. needs to move on like Rod. Sad but true. Give K.G. the chance go elsewhere. But unlike the Carew deal, the Wolves need to make the greatest blockbuster in team history; with Carew we didn't get talent in return. Thanks Rod for helping us refocus for 1987, and thanks K.G. for helping the Wolves refocus for 2012. --Aaron, Maple Grove, Minn.
I have gotten a lot of email over the last few years from Minnesota fans about how they'd never want to see KG go. I don't get many anymore. The problem, as I've said, is I don't see blockbusters anymore. It's the issue with teams like the Pacers and O'Neal and the Grizzlies and Gasol. They are their best pieces and they want a lot. But when you don't make the playoffs, teams aren't offering that much with the thinking that, "If he can't even take that team to the playoffs, how much impact could he really make?"
What happened to Jamaal Magloire? He used to be decent and now entering his prime (age wise) is dropping of? What about a trade of Carter for Kirilenko? And what exactly was the reason Viktor Khryapa has not gotten much playing time? -- Nick Hantke, Würzburg, Germany
It seemed Magloire was more athletic at one time. Now he's an offensive black hole with mechanical moves around the basket -- too slow for the game these days. I don't fully know what happened with Khryapa, but he got on Skiles' bad side and never recovered. I do respect him for his professionalism all during the frustrating period. Vince is a free agent and while there can be a sign and trade, I doubt Utah is his choice destination. He could be going to Orlando as he's from Daytona Beach.
I've seen some highlights with the new Chinese sensation, Yi Jianlian, and I think he is way over-hyped. At best he might be comparable to Toni Kukoc. --Dave, Omaha, Neb.
It's always difficult for me to figure these guys out because I don't see them and they play against woeful competition. I downgraded Bargnani last year and he's been OK. He's worked out well, though I have my doubts. Most of the scouts seem to think he's top five to seven.
I like to think there are more of me but not sure. I listened on the radio as a young child in Frankfort, Ill., when the Bulls played back in the very early '70s. I kept stats and the whole nine yards on a piece of paper. Howard Porter was my favorite player and he came off the bench on a team with Love, Walker, Sloan, Van Lier and Ray. He would always light it up for instant points when needed. I wish I could have met him. I have lived 30 miles south of Sarasota since 1974 and that was Howard Porter territory. I like to read that he was well liked by people who knew him. Thanks Howard for some good memories during a great Bulls era. --Howard DeVries, Sarasota, Fla.
Thanks for the nice recollection on Howard. He had a tough run, but turned his life around and became a great addition to the community. It was evidenced by . He defined hope for a lot of Bulls fans back then, and his life reflected it.


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Highlights: Visit New Orleans, Houston, Austin (Hamilton Pool Preserve), Dallas (Pioneer Plaza), Fort Worth, San Antonio (San Antonio Night Tour Including River Walk, The Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum). Inclusions: Roundtrip airport transfer, 7 nights hotel accomodations, Transportation via air-conditioned vehicle
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Duration: Approx. 30 Minutes
Admission (Optional): Adult $25; Child (Under 11 yrs) $15; Senior (Over 65 yrs) $15|Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 9:00am - 5:00pm, Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas|Duration: Approx. 1 Hour
Duration: Approx. 15 Minutes
Admission (Optional): Adult $30; Child (3-11 yrs) $25; Senior (Over 65 yrs) $28|Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 9:00am - 7:00pm|Duration: Approx. 4 Hours
Duration: Approx. 40 Minutes
Admission (Optional): Adult $22; Child (3-11 yrs) $17; Senior (Over 65 yrs) $22|Opening Hours: 10:00am - 5:00pm|Duration: Approx. 1 Hour
Admission (Optional): Adult $35; Child (3-11 yrs) $25; Senior (Over 65 yrs) $35|Duration: Approx. 30 Minutes
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 7:00am - 10:00pm, Sat - Sun 9:00am - 8:00pm|Duration: Approx. 1 Hour
Duration: Approx. 30 Minutes
Admission (Mandatory): Adult $15; Child (3-11 yrs) $15; Senior (Over 65 yrs) $15|Duration: Approx. 1 Hour
Admission (Optional): Adult $25; Child (3-11 yrs) $20; Senior (Over 65 yrs) $20
Duration: Approx. 15 Minutes
Duration: Approx. 15 Minutes
Duration: Approx. 15 Minutes
Opening Hours: Mon 12:00pm - 6:00pm, Tue - Sun 10:00am - 6:00pm
Admission (Optional): Adult $25; Child (3-11 yrs) $10; Senior (Over 65 yrs) $25|Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 9:00am - 5:00pm|Duration: Approx. 2 Hours
Admission (Optional): Adult $34; Child (3-11 yrs) $26; Senior (Over 65 yrs) $34|Opening Hours: Daily 9:00am - 3:00pm|Duration: Approx. 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Admission (Optional): Adult $25; Child (3-12 yrs) $15; Senior (Over 65 yrs) $25
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9:00am - 6:00pm
Admission (Optional): Adult $28; Child (3-12 yrs) $18; Senior (Over 65 yrs) $24
Admission (Optional): Adult $13; Child (3-11 yrs) $13; Senior (Over 65 yrs) $13
|Austin, TX
|Hamilton Pool Preserve (Mandatory)
|$15 (3-11 yrs)
|$15 (Over 65 yrs)
|Fort Worth, TX
|Special Steak Dinner (Optional)
|$30 (3-11 yrs)
|$30 (Over 65 yrs)
|Stockyards Championship Rodeo (Optional)
|$20 (3-11 yrs)
|$20 (Over 65 yrs)
|Houston, TX
|Houston Museum of Natural Science (Optional)
|$15 (Under 11 yrs)
|$15 (Over 65 yrs)
|Old MacDonald's Farm (Optional)
|$13 (3-11 yrs)
|$13 (Over 65 yrs)
|Space Center Houston (Optional)
|$25 (3-11 yrs)
|$28 (Over 65 yrs)
|New Orleans, LA
|New Orleans Night Tour (Optional)
|$15 (3-12 yrs)
|$25 (Over 65 yrs)
|Oak Alley Plantation (Optional)
|$10 (3-11 yrs)
|$25 (Over 65 yrs)
|Swamp Tour (Optional)
|$26 (3-11 yrs)
|$34 (Over 65 yrs)
|The National WWII Museum (Optional)
|$18 (3-12 yrs)
|$24 (Over 65 yrs)
|San Antonio, TX
|San Antonio Night Tour Including River Walk (Optional)
|$25 (3-11 yrs)
|$35 (Over 65 yrs)
|The Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum (Optional)
|$17 (3-11 yrs)
|$22 (Over 65 yrs)
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Cancellations and Cancellation Fees
Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed and pending bookings. Therefore, cancellation penalties and or fees will apply. Time of cancellation will be determined when notice is received and confirmed by our office. Notice of cancellation must be made directly to TakeTours by email or through web mail at Contact Us .
Tour Departure: This tour has 100% guaranteed departure; if the tour is cancelled there will be refund of 120%. Restrictions apply; due to weather conditions, State Emergencies, Airport Closures or anything beyond the control of the tour operator the 120% refund will NOT apply.
Cancellation penalties per person (Notification day and departure day are not counted)
NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds more than 30 days after completion of tour.
Broading Time and Location
All passengers must arrive 30 minutes before departure time. All passengers must show photo ID and boarding pass or tickets for boarding; absolutely no boarding without tickets. Departure time and boarding location will be confirmed after reservation is made.
Travel Insurance
Tour operator is not responsible for any loss of or damage to personal items, or personal injury that may occur on or during the tour. It is optional that passengers to buy travel insurance, for more information, please consult your travel agent.
Luggage Restriction
1-4 Days Tour: Each passenger may carry one check-in luggage and one carry-on bag.
Itinerary Variations
We constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary - we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods duplicate departures may operate, and sometimes in reverse order in which case hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages.
Tour Cancellation
We reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control.If cancellation is made any time prior to departure* of the tour, Taketours' only liability will be to refund to the passenger the amount it has received for the tour booking. We are not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations.

subset: commoncrawl


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Telliskivi 60a, Tallinn
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Virtual Fair 24.–30. october
Be part of the biggest virtual career fair in Baltic States and meet your dream employer already today!
The largest virtual job fair in the Baltic States, 'Baltic Career Days' takes place from 24th of October – 30th of October 2017. The fair will be attended by small and big businesses that are currently hiring new staff, from both Estonia and other Baltic Sea countries. Come and open...


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Capital chic and heaps of tradition - a winning combination
For many visitors to Ireland, Dublin is their first stop. And what a great introduction it is. The city has an irresistible atmosphere. It's full of youthful energy – just sample some of the hip bars and restaurants to see what we mean – yet its rich history is apparent wherever you wander. An open top bus tour is a great way to get your bearings and the witty commentary will remind you how much the Irish love the spoken word.
Once you leave the city limits, it's the stunning coastline that really makes an impact – head as far north as Carlingford Lough in County Louth and south to Brittas Bay, County Wicklow. Along the way you'll find breath-taking beaches framed by rolling sand dunes rushing down to the sparkling Irish Sea.
Move inland to counties Cavan, Monaghan, Meath, Westmeath, Longford, Offaly and Laois and the contrast is spellbinding. Carpeted in acres of pristine countryside, hills and mountains, lakes and rivers, this is rural Ireland at its very best, with charming towns and villages bustling with infectious energy. You'll also stumble across a stunning selection of stately homes and gardens, plus intriguing ancient sites, such as Clonmacnoise, County Offaly and the fascinating megalithic passage tombs at Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth in County Meath.
The East Coast also thoroughly enjoys its sports – from soccer, rugby and athletics to our home grown Gaelic games - football, hurling and camogie. Golf courses are also abundant around this region, and include challenging coastal links and idyllic tree-lined parkland courses, depending on your preference. County Kildare, meanwhile, is the home of Irish horse racing with the National Stud and various first-class racecourses placing their pedigree high on the international pedestal. If you fancy a flutter on the horses, Kildare is a centre of excellence for all things equine, and well worth a visit on your trip to the East Coast.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Dublin, a cosmopolitan city with a wonderful sense of tradition. Stroll around leafy squares of perfect Georgian houses and the cobble-stone courtyards of Trinity College, or take a trip to the Guinness Storehouse to see how Ireland's famous drink is produced. Hang out in snugs of atmospheric old pubs, or trendy bars and clubs with world class DJs. Shop in designer boutiques or grand old department stores like Brown Thomas and Arnotts. And you're never far from a fascinating gallery or museum, such as the Chester Beatty Museum or the Dublin Writers Museum. Overnight in any one of the plethora of hotels, guesthouses or B&B's around the capital city.
Total mileage: 0km
It's south and out into the countryside on the R115, and very soon you're in the Wicklow Mountains, surrounded by hills and valleys, forest and woodland, where you can stop off to cycle, walk or ride a horse. Cross over the Sally Gap Mountain and pay attention to the spectacular views that envelop you - then take the R756 to Glendalough. This is a serene spot, with misty valleys and still, glassy lakes. It's also the site of an ancient monastery and St. Kevin's Church. Carry on through the National Park (N81, R411, R413, M7) to Kildare, where you can tour the Irish National Stud and adjoining Japanese Gardens and St. Fiachra's Gardens.
Total mileage: 112km
From Kildare it's a quick trip on the M7 to Portlaoise and the grand Emo Court House, County Laois - a neoclassical country villa with landscaped gardens and great vistas. Get back on to the N80, N52 and R394 north to visit yet another majestic pile - Tullynally Castle, just outside Castlepollard in County Westmeath. This is a real fairy-tale castle, with towers, turrets and enchanting gardens. Stop overnight in the midland's town of Mullingar.
Total mileage: 121km
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Head north towards Killykeen Forest Park, County Cavan with its lakes, islands and woodland. Woven around the rippling waters of Lough Oughter on the River Erne, there are marked trails leading you into the dark forests, where you can get close to the exquisite flora and fauna of the area. There are ample opportunities to walk, fish, or go pony trekking and if you want to enjoy more, stay overnight in onsite log cabins.
Total mileage: 68km
From Cavan town take the N3 towards the fascinating megalithic site of Newgrange, which has a roof that has stayed miraculously waterproof for over 5000 years. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient burial mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, which are elaborately decorated with megalithic artworks. From here its an easy trip down the M1 to Dublin ready for your ferry or plane journey home.
Total mileage: 124km
And if you have more time…
- Walk the mountain trail in the Slieve Blooms, County Laois.
- Be a dweller of the past at Causey Farm, Navan, County Meath, trying your hand at turf cutting bodhran (small Irish drum) classes, ceili dancing and more.
- Explore the lovely coastal towns of Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey and Killiney in the Dublin suburbs.
- Cast your eye over the beautiful designs at Cavan Crystal, and maybe choose some for friends and family back home.
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As friendly as a village and as intimate as a pub, Dublin is a capital city like no other
Going off the grid in Ireland.
If you thought there was only one 'Grand Tour' in the world, Wicklow and Kildare have got news for you
Belfast is buzzing right now. This is a Titanic city with a musical edge and enjoying it doesn't have to cost a fortune....
At certain times of the year, just off the 214m-high Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, the conditions are just right...
Romantic and rugged - fall in love with the hauntingly beautiful land
Packed with variety - discover a land filled with outstanding natural beauty
From towering cliffs to serene sands - this is the stuff that dreams are made of
If you are thinking of holidaying in Ireland and are considering hiring a rental car have a look at our sample 10-day...
Dublin's doorstep is a world of adventure. Make some memories with our Top 10 Dublin Day Trips
So you want to practise your wildlife photography but you're sick and tired of running the risk of a rampaging rhino...
No wonder Connemara has become the subject of a film trail... it's got some of the most incredible landscapes on...
Cruise the River Shannon at your own pace - starting from just $840 CAD per boat for 7 nights - Pricing is based on travelling Portunma Return or Carrick-on-Shannon Return (onboard the Le Boat Townstar Cruiser-sleeping up to 3 people). Pricing is subject to change based on availability.
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Holiday ideas, news, offers… sign up for our ezine and we'll keep you in touch with Ireland.
Excited your interest? There are airports throughout the Island with international arrivals. Discover airlines flying to Ireland from your location.
Want to know more? Ask a question in our Community, they're the people who know Ireland best.
For more information on travel, accommodation and attractions have a look at our brochures and maps.
If you're a visitor from the island of Ireland you may want to visit one of these sites… Otherwise proceed to Ireland.com
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Kate Spade designs take New York style and fashion and use it to inspire each of their eyeglass designs. By using current trends in addition to retro styles to inspire their designs, Kate Spade creates a truly unique look that compliments many fashions year round. Eyecareuniverse.com works to provide a wide and convenient selection of Kate Spade designs that keep with current trends and provide you with the most possible selections.


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East Coast Office
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Chesapeake, VA 23320
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San Pedro, CA 90732
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IMPORTANT NOTE: due to PCI & BANK COMPLIANCE RULES, any Merchant-specific support questions can ***ONLY*** be answered once you have logged in to authenticate yourself through one of our designated Portals below. If you are a merchant and have merchant support-related questions, our staff will be UNABLE to answer them via the Sales Chat link and you MUST first log in to the appropriate Portal BELOW. We take your security & privacy very seriously and this is one of the many steps we take to protect it.
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If you need assistance with your Statements, Merchant Portal, Account Changes, or if you have any other Merchant Account related questions, concerns, or issues, chat with one of our live Merchant Support representatives who will be more than happy to assist you.
To ensure the most efficient support, please login to your MerchantPortal™ using the link at the left. You can then make use of all of our support services as well as our live merchant support options.
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SANTILLO, MEXICO - If you can have only one symbol to represent the world of lucha libre, without a doubt, it is the wrestling mask.
For as long as some professional wrestlers in Mexico have hidden their identities, a unique mystique has followed and grown into a certified, cultural phenomenon. Suffice to say, in this wondrous world of brave Technicos (Faces) battling the vile Rudos (Heels), it is the men and women who enter the squared circle, putting their bodies on the line that bring it all to life.
It is in this distinct wrestling realm where the mask becomes more than just a gimmick. In fact, it comes to life in a way, creating a character that is adored (or hated) by the masses of Mexican fans.
For a young woman who made the decision to become a Luchadora, the mask she wears has come to symbolize a passion for professional wrestling, a passion that from the onset of her career, was kept a secret from her loved ones.
"I didn't want my family to know that I was wrestling," said Princesa Sugey, in an interview with SLAM! Wrestling, during the Santillo Cup 2003 event. In keeping with tradition, Sugey (pronounced 'Soohey') did not reveal her true identity, although it was confirmed that Sugey is her real second name.
For as long as she can remember, Sugey loved lucha libre, often attending live shows whenever she had the chance. The affection for the wrestling spectacle manifested itself into a desire to become a luchadora.
When Sugey, a native of Monterrey, idly suggested the idea to her family, they were quick to voice their concern.
"They said if you want to become a wrestler that's fine, but you must take care of yourself because we don't want anything to happen to you," Sugey recalled.
But the distraction of her loved ones anxiety for her well being was something she did not want to contend with. Boldly, the athletically-gifted Sugey made the decision to train in secret.
She received her indoctrination to the wrestling world at the Escuelita Guadalupe school in Monterrey. There, Sugey received training from instructors Bello Kalifa and Carnicero Aguilar, enduring seven hour-days in the ring, learning the fast paced-submission lucha libre style.
On September 22, 1996, after training for only three months, Sugey entered the ring for her first match at the tender age of 16. Still fearful of her family discovering that she was a wrestler, she donned a mask.
Thus was born Princesa Sugey.
"Those first years were difficult," admitted Sugey. Like her counterparts in the rest of North America, Sugey had to traverse a variety of promotions, slowly but surely learning the lucha libre craft. "I had to become experience in the ring and the only way to do that was to wrestle as often as I could."
But persevered she did and, in time, Princesa Sugey had garnered the attention of promoters who saw that she had what it takes to entertain wrestling fans.
One promotion in particular that noted her exploits was the AAA promotion, one of the two premiere wrestling companies in Mexico. "The promotion liked what I could do in the ring," she said. "They said that I was a very good wrestler and they wanted to put me on television. I couldn't believe it. They liked me, but I was so young."
On August 17, 1999, Sugey debuted for the promotion. She would share the ring with many other famed luchadoras, including the likes of the Moreno sisters (Alda, Cynthia, Esther & Rossy), Miss Janeth, Martha Villalobos, Tiffany, Estrellita, Xochitl Hamada, Lady Apache, and others. Working with the promotion also afforded the opportunity to tour Japan.
Only adding to her success with AAA was her participation in specialty matches where competitors will put their mask or hair on the line. In the case of Sugey, she was victorious in winning a mask match against a fellow graduate of her wrestling school, Pantera Salvaje.
Always looking for new challenges, Sugey decided to join the fledgling all women's promotion, Lucha Libra Femenil (LLF), based in her hometown of Monterrey. Already having established herself nationally, Sugey assumed the role of being the top grappler for the promotion, acting as a role model for up and coming luchadoras.
"She is extremely disciplined," remarked Winnipeg's Sarah Stock, who resides in Monterrey and wrestles with the LLF. Having wrestled against Sugey on numerous occasions, Stock did not hesitate to praise Sugey for her dedication and contributions. "With any training sessions that I've had with her, she tests me constantly. Hands down, she is the best woman wrestler I've ever worked. I learn something new from Sugey every time I have a match with her."
The promotion would also become ground zero for an international feud involving Sugey that would span a continent.
LLF promoter Luciano Garcia de Luna was anxious to deliver an all women's promotion that would display a diverse collection of wrestling styles. To achieve this, Garcia decided to import women wrestlers from the United States and Canada. "It's been a very different experience wrestling with the girls from the northern cities," remarked Sugey. "They have a different style."
But nothing could prepare Sugey for the hardcore style of one particular wrestler from Montreal, Canada by the name of LuFisto. What erupted between the two wrestlers was an epic battle where LuFisto brought her brand of hardcore wrestling mayhem to the lucha libre landscape. Sugey was more than up for the challenge and the rivalry ensued.
What made the saga even more momentous was the reported fact that Mexican wrestling fans had never before seen women participating in a hardcore match. Throughout the past year, LuFisto and Sugey would duel against each other more than once in hardcore matches, including a vicious, dog collar bout.
"For me, it is an honor to wrestle against LuFisto in this hardcore wrestling style. In Mexico, there is nothing like that here," she said, adding that of all her past feuds, this one easily ranks as the most memorable. "These extreme matches have been a good test of my courage. I was not afraid and I proved that."
As for LuFisto, the respect against her arch rival is mutual. "The first impression was finally, a woman who can take the shots and is not afraid to try something different," the Quebec-native said. "Her body language speaks for itself. She's a wrestler, she hits hard, and she's always ready to bring it on when we're together in the ring. If I had to choose only one woman to wrestle with for the rest of my career, it would be her."
Of all her achievements, perhaps the one that holds the most sentimental value is when she was finally able to divulge to her family about her true occupation. "My family knows and they're proud of me," Sugey confirmed. "They're not scared about me getting hurt."
Sugey remains focused in her wrestling pursuits, seeking out those unique opportunities to show fans what she can deliver in the ring.
One of such event took place in Atlanta, Georgia in September of last year, at an all lucha libre show. There, Sugey had the privilege of going one on one with fellow Mexican and international women's wrestling superstar, Ayako Hamada. "Ayako is a great wrestler and it was an honor to compete against her. The people there really enjoyed our match. I hope I can go back again." said Sugey, adding that she also hopes to come to Canada one day and wrestle LuFisto on her home turf.
"I want to come to Canada and take back the belt," Sugey said, referring to the LLF Extreme Championship that LuFisto currently holds. "I want to travel more to the United States and Canada to show as many people as possible that Princesa Sugey is a great wrestler."
Corey David Lacroix can be emailed at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Of course, not. Not at all. Or wait! It is only midseason and 15 people have drowned in the lake so far.
accident Austria Balaton beautiful Hungarian girls beauty Budapest celebration celebs crime Danube East Hungary economy festival film foreign policy Formula-1 fun girls history Keszthely Kis-Balaton Mecsek Mountains Miss Hungary music national park natural beauty nature opinion photo Pécs race Slovakia South-Hungary spas sport statue Szigliget tips tourism transport Turkey video Viktor Orbán weather weird
Top 10
- A highly usable map of the Hungarian parking zones
- Supermarket chains and typical grocery prices in Hungary
- They are the 20 most beautiful girls Hungary, at least…
- Hungary's most beautiful girls in bikinis
- Kemal Atatürk park in Budapest
- Beauties at the Miss Hungary 2017 contest
- German company organizes sex orgy in a famous Hungarian bath
- Looking for Miss Hungary 2016
- Hungarian twin beauties
- Will Smiths shooting in Budapest streets


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There will be no sudden Week 16 revival for the New York Giants this season. But if you're looking for a talented team that could flip a switch just in time for the playoffs, look no further than the AFC North champion Baltimore Ravens.
The intense race for the playoffs is in full gear. Check out the latest situation in the postseason chase. More ...
The Ravens pounded the Giants into submission 33-14 on Sunday in a game that wasn't even as close as the score indicates. The Ravens had 533 yards to just 188 for the Giants. The Ravens held the ball for over 39 minutes, clinching the division title at home before a tough game in Cincinnati next week.
This wasn't a game of funny bounces or big return plays. The Ravens looked like they were one of the best teams in the NFL for a day, while the Giants looked like a 2-12 squad just wasting time. New York has lost its last two games by a combined score of 67-14. The Giants' playoff hopes are all but done.
"We're flat-lining right now," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said after the game.
New York no longer can win the NFC East. To get a wild-card spot, the Giants need to beat the Philadelphia Eagles next week. That's the easy part. The Giants also would need the Minnesota Vikings to lose to the Green Bay Packers, the Chicago Bears to lose to the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys to lose to Washington Redskins.
Taken one by one, all those outcomes sound possible. But considering the Giants need all four things to happen, it's very, very unlikely. There's just no reason to believe the Giants can even compete against quality competition at this point. Their pass rush has vanished, and their passing game has been very uneven.
Given up for dead a week ago after a blowout loss, the Ravens put together their best performance of the season. The 10-5 Ravens, currently the AFC's No. 4 seed, still could climb to the No. 3 spot with some help. Still, the Ravens-Bengals game next week ultimately doesn't mean much. This win, however, gives the Ravens renewed hope that they can make noise in January.
The Giants, on the other hand, are 8-7 and staring at another playoff-less season under Coughlin. Since 2007, the Giants have won two Super Bowls. They have won't a playoff game otherwise.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.


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Android Phone Adapters
Wähle dein Android Phone Modell:
Ersatzteile für Android Phone:
Droid Turbo Turbo Charger
Replace a malfunctioning or missing charger. Turbo charger for Droid Turbo gives 8 hours of charge in as little as 15 minutes.
Android is a Linux-based, open source operating system for mobile devices created by Android Inc., now owned by Google. Today, many different companies use Android for their mobile device product lines including Samsung, HTC, Motorola, and many others.
The first Android phone was the HTC Dream released in October of 2008. Since then Android devices, including tablets and phones, have become popular all across the world. As of May 2013, a total of 900 million Android devices had been activated and 48 billion apps had been installed from the Google Play store. It's currently the most widely used smartphone OS.


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By Ian Hepenstall
It's July 2013. Super-fit, super-fun and just super Sharn McNeill has just one item on her bucket list – to complete an IRONMAN. She had already chalked up IRONMAN 70.3 events on the Gold Coast and Cairns. Then the 30-year-old nurse was diagnosed with an aggressive form of motor neurone disease. The debilitating neurological disease has slowed her speech and movement. She thought it had ended her IRONMAN dream.
However, keen triathlete Craig Gruber, who works as a paramedic with Sharn's husband Russell, is helping her achieve that dream at the Cairns Airport IRONMAN Cairns this weekend. He will pull her on a kayak for the 3.8km swim, attach her reclining bike to his for the 180km cycle and help with the wheelchair 42.2 km run.
"When Craig said he wanted to help me achieve my dream and get that IRONMAN medal, we just cried and hugged. It's a dream come true. When you're faced with something like this you have a choice on how to respond. I chose positivity. I don't know how long I've got – the average is between two and five years – and I want to have the best life I can have," says Sharn.
Specifically she suffers from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," after the famous American professional base ball player who died from the disease in 1941. It affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and currently has no cure. ALS progressively robs those affected by causing muscle weakness, paralysis and, ultimately, respiratory failure. The disease occurs without any family history in the range of one in 400, with symptoms at the onset so slight they are frequently overlooked. Sharn's friends set up Shining4Sharn Facebook page to raise the $500,000 for potential cutting-edge treatment in USA, while 100 of those friends are travelling to Cairns to share her journey.
The support of friends and family has helped significantly, along with Sharn's positive outlook, healthy eating and exercise, in coping as well as she can with the disease that eats away at the muscles that enable her to move, breathe, speak and swallow.
She faces difficulty walking and with her balance, plus cramps and pain because of the muscle wastage. Basic daily activities like putting on clothes, taking a shower and preparing food are challenging.
"It's been hard training. It's physically and mentally challenging but I'm so close now to ticking that box so it's all positive."
She plans to help her co-pilot as much as she is able on the bike and wheelchair run.
"I hope to be able to get out of the wheelchair and walk the last 100m. That will be amazing."
Follow the action from IRONMAN Cairns on IRONMAN.com and via Twitter @IRONMANLive.


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This question already has an answer here:
- Why aren't people voting for questions? 52 answers
I've been wondering about this ever since I signed up on SO. With answers, it's easy to determine what to upvote. Is it helpful, is it informative, is it correct?
None of that really applies to a question though. So which criteria are we supposed to use for upvoting questions? (And for that matter, which purpose does it serve? Upvoted answers are listed first, so here the effect is obvious. What difference does it make whether a question gets upvoted?)


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Salem Al Fakir
Salem Al Fakir is a swedish solo artist. He plays all instruments on the album (with some help from his friends and family). When he plays live he has a great quartet with him: Nils "The Dirty Turtle" Wallfält on drums, Jakob "Ett-Öga-Trött (One-Eye-Tired") Birgersson on bass, Gunnar "Mr Tender G (Crisp, Animal Dog)" M. Lidström on gitarr and Internal Dread as sound engineer (sound artist, dub master).
- Online:
- myspace.com/salemalfakir


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Kansas congressman enjoys tour of popular wetland area
PLEASANTON – Senator Pat Roberts toured the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and
Senator Roberts, his wife Franki, and a staff member met with Karl Karrow, area manager, to tour the wildlife area and learn more about the role it plays in the region. The Senator and his group visited several wetland units, including a new project on the wildlife area.
"It was a great day in the field – nice weather, good company, lively conversation, and an abundance of wildlife, particularly waterfowl," Karrow said. "We were especially lucky to see swans on two different wetlands."
Spring migration is in full swing and KDWPT staff estimate about 5,000 geese and 40,000 ducks are currently present on the wetland area. Although the wildlife area's French name translates into "Marsh of The Swans," swans are typically uncommon visitors. Oddly enough, about 12 swans were present during Senator Roberts' visit.
In addition to established marshes, the group also toured the site of a forested unit, or green-tree reservoir, which is still in development stages. Trees have been cleared from a narrow corridor to allow for construction later this year. The 75-acre impoundment, dominated by bottomland hardwood trees, will be flooded with shallow water in the fall to attract mallards and wood ducks. The area will be drained in the spring before trees break dormancy. The unit will be open to hunting.
For more information on the Marais des Cygnes Wildlife area, contact Karro at (620) 432-5047 or visitwww.ksoutdoors.com.


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ROCHELLE PARK, N.J. – A special toy collection train will make stops in Rochelle Park, Hawthorne, Midland Park, Wyckoff, Oakland and Pompton Lakes Saturday.
The train, operated by volunteers from the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway, will chug through sections of Bergen, Passaic and Morris Counties, collecting thousands of donated toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation along the way.
People are invited to visit the train when it arrives at each stop to donate toys, board the caboose to see Santa Claus, view a variety of working railroad equipment and meet members of the Marine Corps and Operation Toy Train program.
Donated toys should be new, in their original packaging, and not gift wrapped. The toys will be distributed as holiday gifts to underprivileged children in the community.
Here are the stops the train will make in Bergen and Passaic Counties on Saturday, Dec. 2:
- Rochelle Park : CVS Pharmacy, 150 Rochelle Ave. (Train will arrive at 9 a.m. and depart at 9:30 a.m.)
- Hawthorne: Volunteer Railroaders Association (Hawthorne station), 80 Royal Ave. (Train will arrive at 9:50 a.m., and depart at 10:30 a.m.)
- Midland Park: Hot Dog Caboose (Wortendyke station), 211 Greenwood Ave. (Train will arrive 10:40 a.m. and depart at 11:10 a.m.)
- Wyckoff: Wyckoff Station, 399 Main St. (Train will arrive at 11:15 a.m. and depart at 11:55 a.m.)
- Oakland: Enterprise Rent-a-Car, 393 Ramapo Valley Rd. (Train will arrive 12:10 p.m. and depart at 12:40 p.m.)
- Pompton Lakes: Pompton Lakes station, 1 Station Plaza (Train will arrive at 12:55 p.m. and depart at 1:40 p.m.)
For more information, CLICK HERE .
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by Sue Ann Rybak
The third article in a four-part series
Dennis Debbaudt was shopping at a toy store in the mall when his son became upset.
"I wasn't willing to buy him the $300 battery-operated car," Debbaudt said. "I was willing to buy him a Matchbox car."
That resulted in a complete meltdown.
Debbaudt had no choice but to pick up his son and carry him out to the car. As he was buckling his son in his car seat, Debbaudt suddenly found himself surrounded by mall security officers.
The security guards were responding to 911 calls about a possible child abduction.
The guards' attempt to question Debbaudt's son, who has autism, only escalated his behavior.
"Yeah, I was angry at the time," said Debbaudt. "But when I took a deep breath and thought about it, I didn't blame them for making the call."
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees.
The incident ignited a desire by Debbaudt to educate law enforcement officials on how to interact with individuals with autism.
Debbaudt is a professional investigator and law enforcement trainer, whose training video "Autism and Law Enforcement Roll Call Briefing Video" is used by the Department of Homeland Security, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Philadelphia Police Department and hundreds of other agencies.
Recently, he presented two informational sessions for families, educators and professionals at the National Autism Conference held in State College, Pa., from July 31 to Aug. 2.
Research has shown that the developmentally disabled are approximately seven times more likely to come in contact with law enforcement personnel than others.
"The person is not going to stop having autism once the police are on the scene," Debbaudt said.
"People with autism do not know the implications of their behavior – they don't understand the consequences of their actions, especially aggressive actions."
Debbaudt said first responders should be prepared to invest some time and – whenever possible – allow individuals with autism to calm themselves down.
He noted that when communicating with someone with autism, individuals should speak slowly, using simple language that is free of joking, slang, colloquialisms and figures of speech.
"Many people with autism will take your cues as what to do themselves," Debbaudt said. "In some cases, whatever you say may be repeated literally to you."
Debbaudt said people often interrupt this behavior as a sign of disrespect or mocking. People with autism may not understand even when you use simple language.
"For example, the Miranda rights are pretty straightforward," Debbaudt said. "In our training video we ask people with autism who are high-functioning 'do you waive your right to remain silent?' and their reaction was to wave their right hand."
Debbaudt said that while "we can't expect someone to field diagnose someone's autism," when it is necessary to restrain people to protect them from harming themselves or others, first responders "should be aware that a part of this population may have some form of seizure disorder."
"They may have low muscle tone, which would cause asphyxiation if they are face down with pressure on their back," he added..
Have a plan
Caretakers of autistic individuals, he said, should have a preparation and response plan in place since people with autism have a propensity to wander.
Debbaudt said parents of people with autism should reach out to members of their community, such as the police department and immediate neighbors, because the more information police and other emergency personnel have when they're responding to a call the less likely someone is going to get hurt.
For example, most people with autism will react negatively to police sirens and flashing lights. Debbaudt said when police are armed with the knowledge that someone has autism they can attempt to manage the individual's sensory environment and be aware of how sights, sounds, odors, touch can affect someone's behavior.
A 2011 survey conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare, Bureau of Autism Services (BAS), found that 50 percent of autistic individuals who had police contact were hospitalized at some point. Aggression was the most common reason for hospitalization.
Police are often called in to investigate suspicious behavior. Often, an autistic person may have wandered out of his or her *neighborhood. Many people with autism self-stimulate when under stress. This behavior is often characterized by hand-flapping, finger-flicking, body rocking, twirling and repetitive speech. Unfortunately, people with autism are often suspected being drunk, hostile or defiant.
Debbaudt encouraged parents and caregivers of people with autism to think about disclosure in a variety of ways, such as an informational sheet, identification cards and online databases.
"I think registries are one of the answers to safer law enforcement contact," Debbaudt said. "It gives them a roadmap to how that person may communicate or what sets them off. The Ottawa (Canada) Police Autism Registry is a great example of that."
Research has found that as individuals with autism age, they are increasingly likely to have police contact.
Debbaudt said there is an urgent need for professionals, – especially first responders – to be trained in dealing with individuals with autism. He added that the autism explosion is "affecting the American Social Infrastructure, and a key part of that infrastructure is law enforcement and safety."
A system in crisis
Nina Wall-Cote, director of the Bureau of Autism Services for the office of Developmental Programs at DPW, said one of the biggest hurdles from preventing adults with autism from being in a crisis situation is that "when individuals with autism reach the age of 21, the entitlements stop and unless someone is in a waiver they are no longer eligible for services."
"It's a heartbreaking thing to have to look a mom or dad in the eye and say your very wonderful, capable, talented kid that we invested resources in is going to reach the age of 21, and the bus isn't going to show up anymore because the program isn't available," Wall-Cote said.
She said an even more alarming problem is that "as staggering as those numbers (from the DPW) are, it's a low ball."
The problem is that there are people (adults with autism) out there who are not receiving services because there was no way to get them into the system at the time," Wall-Cote said.
She said when an individual with autism is in a crisis, it can look very menacing. Law enforcement officials are often called in, and the individual ends up in the hospital.
"But," she added, "if you are trained how to deescalate someone with autism, it can take five minutes to get someone back on track."
Wall-Cote said the state hopes to avert some of the "really horrible outcomes" through proper support services and training. She said there are were some incidents of individuals with autism "intersecting with the criminal justice system because they were brought in on sex offenses."
"And once someone is in the system, it is very, very hard to redirect a good outcome," she said.
For more information about emergency preparedness and autism go to Autism Safety Project at


text:
Scout Songs
From MeritBadgeDotOrg
Tips for Great Scout Skits and Songs
- Keep them short - never longer than 3 to 5 minutes so that they can be easily memorized.
- The Younger the scout, the simpler the skit should be.
- Homemade skits or songs may seem funny to the writers but often are not funny to the audience.
- Use cue cards and lyrics if you need to. Rehearse until everyone is comfortable and knows their parts.
- Everyone has to speak or sing loudly and clearly.
- Avoid gross, vulgar, or un-Scout-Like topics or content.
- Many old topics should never be used today. Ever.
- Cross-dressing, transsexual, or gay references have at times triggered lawsuits you can't defend.
- Fat, ugly, ethnic or handicapped jokes, skits, or songs have no place in Scouting either.
- Have a Master of Ceremonies to keep skits and songs moving.
- Keep your program fast paced and get everyone involved!
Official Books from Scoutshop.org
- Superior Campfires - contains skits, cheers, introductions, riddles and Scouting legends.
- More...Scout Skits - 75 more campfire skits, plus cheers, introductions, riddles and Scouting legends
Thousands of Internet Scout Songs
The links below will connect you with literally thousands of Cub Scout and Boy Scout Skits.
- 120 Page Philmont Songbook with Guitar Cords - Another Source - Also seePhilmont.
- Wood Badge SOng Book
- Scoutorama 100's of Songs
- boyscouttrail.com 100's of Songs for Scouts
- MacScouter: Book of Song for Scouts
- USSSP - Songs
- Cub Scout Roundtable Home Page
- Boy Scout Troop 780 - Boy Scout Songs
- SONGS - Meeting Dazzlers For The Cub Scout Leader
- Creative Campfires - Skits, Songs, Cheers
- Songs - Scouting The Net
- Cub Scout Leader Resources Links.
See also
- Scout Cheers
- Scout Skits
- Scout Songs
- Theater Merit Badge
- Pack Meeting
- Den Meeting
- Scoutmaster


text:
Rules that determine how to return the result of a search operation to a client are called search data hiding rules. For information about creating search data hiding rules, see To Create Search Data Hiding Rules in Oracle Fusion Middleware Administration Guide for Oracle Directory Server Enterprise Edition.
The result of a search operation can be returned in one of the following ways:
The target entry is not returned
The target entry is returned but the specified attributes are filtered out
The target entry is returned but the unspecified attributes are filtered out
Search data hiding rules can be applied to the following entries:
Entries with the specified DN
Entries with the specified DN pattern
Entries with a specified attribute name/attribute value pair (attrName:attrValue)
Search data hiding rules are defined for a given request filtering policy and cannot be used by another request filtering policy. If a request filtering policy is deleted, its associated search data hiding rules are automatically deleted. Zero, one or multiple search data hiding rules can be defined in one request filtering policy.


text:
Work & Travel as a Non-Immigrant
The United States welcomes thousands of foreign workers in a multitude of occupations every year. These include artists, researchers, cultural exchange participants, information technology specialists, religious workers, investors, scientists, athletes, nurses, agricultural workers and others.
All foreign workers must obtain permission to work legally in the United States. Each employment category has its own unique requirements, conditions and authorized periods of stay. Our role is to cut through the myriad options to help choose the best visa solution available. More
Permanent Residence "Green Card"
A permanent resident has authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. As proof of that status, such a person is granted a "green card." There are many ways in which an individual can become a permanent resident. Most individuals are sponsored by a family member or employer in the United States.
Whether it is a family wanting to reunite in the U.S. or a foreign worker who seeks to stay, our office guides the parties along the best path to achieve permanent residence goals. We provide integrated counsel, considering the totality of the legal and financial circumstances before recommending an immigration strategy. More


text:
Walmart charges sales tax on gun safe
DANBURY -- With a six-generation family tradition of service in either the military or law enforcement, Sean Witoshynsky has been around firearms nearly his whole life.
So when he decided to purchase a gun safe to secure his weapons earlier this month, he went to the Walmart on Newtown Road in Danbury, where he plunked down nearly $500 for one that would do the job.
But after Witoshynsky returned to the store the next day to pick up the safe, he was surprised to find he'd been charged more than $33 in Connecticut sales tax. He knew that Connecticut state law specifically exempted gun safety devices from the levy.
"I said `You're not supposed to charge tax on that,' " said Witoshynsky, who knew the law well enough to have a copy of the statute at hand. "I showed them that exact website."
They charged him anyway and, it turns out, Witoshynsky may not have been the only one who was overcharged.
Hearst Connecticut Media last week conducted a telephone survey of all of the retail giant's 33 stores in the state. Employees at the 16 stores where gun safes were available said the sales tax is being applied.
More InformationConnecticut General Statutes
Chapter 219, Sales and Use Taxes
Sec. 12-412. Exemptions
(101) "Firearm safety devices. Sales of and the storage, use or other consumption of firearm safety devices. For purposes of this subdivision, "firearm safety devices" shall include safes, lock boxes, trigger and barrel locks and other items designed to enhance home firearm safety."
In stock at the Norwich Walmart, on Salem Turnpike, for example, there was a $497 safe that could hold up to 24 guns. The associate who took a reporter's phone call said, "I'm not sure if there is tax." He put the phone on hold and went to check. When he returned he said: "There is a regular sales tax on that."
In the Manchester Walmart store, there was a $397 gun safe in stock. The associate said: "It would be $425 with tax."
In Naugatuck, Walmart had a $100 pistol safe available. The associate said it would cost "roughly $106.50 with tax."
None of Walmart's employees seemed aware that gun safety equipment is exempt from the state sales tax, and has been for nearly 15 years.
"Yes, there is a tax on everything," a worker at the Walmart in Waterbury said when asked if the gun safes being sold there were subject to the 6.35 percent sales tax.
Tax free to encourage safety
Over the course of three days last week, Walmart did not respond to two emails and two telephone message requests left with its communications department seeking comment on the sales tax charge. A message left Friday with the assistant for David Tovar, Walmart's vice president of communications, was returned Friday evening by Brooke Buchanan, a Walmart spokeswoman.
On Saturday morning, Buchanan said she checked with 10 tax professionals at the company and that "Walmart is in compliance with the law and doesn't charge sales tax on gun safes."
She asked for a copy of Witoshynsky's receipt and said Walmart had no record of the Hearst reporter's earlier emails and telephone messages.
Later that day, when a reporter offered to email her a copy of the receipt, Buchanan said she had gotten a copy. The safe Witoshynsky bought was a new product and the SKU number had not been entered into the system, Buchanan said.
"Our system defaults to charge tax," she said, adding that they corrected the problem after it was discovered. "We haven't charged sales tax (on gun safes) since that law was put into place."
Buchanan said she could not respond to Hearst's survey of Connecticut stores, which found that taxes are charged on various models of safes wherever they are sold.
"I can't speak to what the associates said," Buchanan said. "There was no transaction that took place. We are in compliance with the law."
In a state where the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre has made gun safety a part of the daily discussion, eliminating tax on safety equipment is intended to encourage the use of gun locks and lockers. It is a first line of defense to protect children and others from the accidental or improper discharge of firearms.
"In principle, it's a good idea not to make people pay taxes on any safety items, because the state has an interest in protecting the public from getting hurt," said Marc Weber Tobias, a South Dakota attorney and security specialist who has written numerous articles on gun safes and gun locks.
"But it would be easy enough for Walmart to barcode these items to show they shouldn't be taxed," he said.
Connecticut is one of three states, Massachusetts and New Jersey are the others, that exempt "firearms safety devices," including gun safes, lock boxes, trigger and barrel locks, from state sales taxes, according to a 2013 report by the General Assembly's Office of Legislative Research. Washington exempts only gun safes from sales tax, the report said.
Hearst's survey found that even though taxes were charged on gun safes in Connecticut, they were not charged on lower-priced safety items like gun locks.
Consumers can seek refunds
Sarah Kauffman, a spokeswoman for Connecticut's Department of Revenue Services, said the law should not be a surprise to retailers.
"The statute passed in June 1999 and became effective for all sales on or after July 1, 1999," Kauffman said.
Asked about Walmart taxing gun-safety products, Kauffman said the Department of Revenue Services will investigate the retailer's apparent error and see that those who were taxed receive refunds if they paid unnecessary sales tax.
The revenue services department will notify Walmart that sales of gun-safety products are tax exempt and advise that taxpayers claiming refunds are due back the amount of tax paid, she said.
The department will "take appropriate enforcement action if this was not merely erroneous," Kauffman said.
The next step would be for the department to issue a public notice of the inquiry, which it plans to do Monday, and advise any taxpayers who contact the state of their "refund remedies."
It wasn't easy for Witoshynsky to get his money back. At first an employee told him "that he saw on a blog that he could charge tax," and refused to refund the tax.
Witoshynsky, a 20-year-old resident of Brewster, N.Y., who is a senior airman with the New York Air National Guard and volunteer Putnam Lake firefighter, filed a complaint with customer service at Walmart's corporate headquarters in Bentonville, Ark. A short time later, he heard from the Danbury store and was told to come in to pick up his refund.
By that time, he wasn't satisfied with a refund alone.
"I called customer service back and said I wanted to keep the claim open, because the law has been in effect for more than 10 years, and I thought they should be up on it, " he said.
Later that evening, Witoshynsky said, he again heard from Walmart.
"Friday night the head guy from the corporate office called in a panic asked for the receipt," Witoshynsky said. "He said `We might have been charging this through the entire state.'"
Witoshynsky provided the employee's phone number and first name to Hearst. When contacted, the employee confirmed he had spoken to Witoshynsky, but immediately declined to comment any further.
"I'm not authorized to talk about that," he said, and referred all questions on sales tax and gun safety products to a company spokesperson.
Under state law, anyone who paid the sales tax on a gun safe or any other firearms safety device has three years to apply for a refund, Kaufman said.
The taxpayer can either go back to the retailer to obtain it, or submit a refund request directly to the Department of Revenue Services, she said.
Staff writers Dirk Perrefort and Denis J. O'Malley and intern Nick Pasacreta contributed to this report.
email@example.com; 203-731-3342/


text:
Written by: Frank Pingatore
Recorded: 2 July 1963
Released: 30 November 1994 (UK), 5 December 1994 (US)
Paul McCartney: vocals, bass
John Lennon: harmonica, rhythm guitar
George Harrison: lead guitar
Ringo Starr: drums
Available on:
Live At The BBC
This lesser-known song by The Jodimars was recorded for the Pop Go The Beatles radio show. It was first broadcast on 16 July 1963.
The Jodimars were formed in America in 1955 by past members of Bill Haley's Comets. They had left Haley's group following a salary dispute; their name came from the first names of founding members Joey Ambrose, Dick Bocelli and Marshall Lytle.
In contrast to the slower, Elvis-style original, The Beatles' version of Clarabella was a souped-up rocker, complete with the first recorded outing for Paul McCartney's Little Richard impersonation.
Although it was never recorded by the group for EMI, McCartney has suggested that the song was put forward as a possible cover version. Talking about the songs recorded for the BBC, he said:
I think we probably played them all to George [Martin] and said, 'How about this one?' Clarabella was one.
The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions, Mark Lewisohn
Well, I've got a baby
Crazy for me
Yeah, I've got a baby
Won't let me be
Whoa, baby baby, Clarabella
Baby baby, Clarabella
Baby baby, whoa, whoa, yeah
Well, she needs no
Coachin' on makin' love
All she needs is the stars up above
Whoa, baby baby, Clarabella
Baby baby, Clarabella
Baby baby, whoa, whoa, yeah
Well now, Clarabella
You're my honey, Clarabella
Ooh yeah Clarabella
I said you're my baby, Clarabella
Yeah, Clarabella, baby
Wo wo, yeah yeah
Well, she's got no time for-a dungarees
Already knows her ABCs
Whoa, baby baby, Clarabella
Baby baby, Clarabella
Baby baby, whoa, whoa, yeah
Well now, Clarabella, yeah
You're my honey, Clarabella
Whoo, you're my baby, Clarabella
You're my honey, Clarabella, yeah
Yeah, Clarabella, baby
Whoa whoa, well, oh yeah


text:
Synthetic Turf
Tiger turf
**From website** TigerTurf is the leading worldwide manufacturer of synthetic grass surfaces for residential, commercial, pet, and athletic landscapes. Synthetic Grass Warehouse, the exclusive distributor of TigerTurf US, showcases our high quality line of synthetic grass products manufactured in America, by Americans—for Americans. Our product line is not only aesthetically beautiful, but can also withstand heavy foot traffic and severe weather conditions, making all of our turf ideal for any landscaping project. We have designed, manufactured, and achieved premium high performance synthetic turf by applying our innovative research and development methods throughout our 32 years of leading the industry. When you choose TigerTurf U.S., you value high quality well-thought products that last.


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December 11, 2008
Robert Hilbert, President and Chief Executive Officer of Optical Research Associates (ORA®) and an OSA member since 1960, died on December 11, 2008, in Pasadena, California, USA. He was 67.
Hilbert, who had been ORA's President and CEO since 2000, was a dynamic and respected leader who was actively involved in all aspects of ORA business, from shaping important CODE V® and LightTools® software features to supporting key optical design and engineering initiatives.
"Bob was an important member of our team for more than 30 years, and was instrumental in the growth that ORA has enjoyed both in our optical design software and engineering services offerings," said Thomas Harris, founder and former CEO of ORA. "Most importantly, Bob understood the core values that have always driven ORA, and emphasized customer success as our highest goal. Bob cared deeply about the staff at ORA and the feeling was reciprocated. He will be greatly missed."
Hilbert had served ORA since 1975, initially as Vice President leading the Optical Engineering Services business. In 1991, he was named the company's President and Chief Operating Officer.
Hilbert started his career in optics at an early age, receiving the Future Scientist of America Award for a 360-degree camera design in 1957, at age 16. He received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Optics from the University of Rochester in 1962 and 1964.
From 1963-1975, Hilbert worked for Itek Corporation, which pioneered satellite-borne, photo optical reconnaissance systems (for example, the now declassified CORONA Project) and high-altitude strategic reconnaissance systems. At Itek, he held management positions including Director of Optics, Manager of the Optical Engineering Department, Chief Optical Engineer, and Supervisor of Optical Design. As Director of Optics, he was responsible for all engineering and manufacturing necessary to design and produce mounted optics including optical design, opto-mechanical design, optical fabrication, assembly, and test.
Hilbert's career was dedicated to the development of new optical products from conception through early production. He was actively involved in developing the Parallel Processing feature for CODE V, the Illumination and Optimization modules for LightTools, the evolution of computer platforms for ORA software products, and in directing development of CODE V technologies in graphics, MTF tolerancing, and holographic/diffractive capabilities. He contributed to the development of new concepts and designs for optical systems including visible, IR and UV sensors, the optical design of a broad variety of fabricated optics such as a wide angle projection lens for 35 mm slides, a star tracker objective, a Raman Spectrograph relay lens, an f/0.62 low light level catadioptric TV lens, the objective for the A. F. KA-80 panoramic camera (also used on Apollo), a zoom system for visual use, an 80° field cos3 falloff objective, a one- meter aperture wide field telescope, a finite multi-conjugate relay lens for rectifying CORONA panoramic photography, and a zoom lens for S.L.R. use.
His technical background also included developing Qualification and Acceptance Test Procedures as well as performing component and system level tests, e.g., interferometric tests and data reduction of massive optics, and radiometric tests of electro-optical systems. Early in his career as a precision optician, Hilbert fabricated high-quality spherical and aspheric surfaces through figuring of 2-inch to 20-inch aperture optics to fractional wave tolerances.
Hilbert served as a member of the OSA Engineering Council and the Joseph Fraunhofer Award Committee. He also served as chair of the Optical Design Technical Group. He was elected a SPIE Fellow in 1992, received an American Optical Company Fellowship from the University of Rochester in 1962, and held seven U.S. patents in the field of optics.
He is survived by his wife, Angela; two sons, David and Daniel; daughter-in-law, Sara Armstrong; two grandsons, Isaac and Jacob; a sister, Joan; and many other family members and friends who will cherish his memory. A memorial service was held on December 15, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. His family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Orange County United Way, 18012 Mitchell Avenue, South, Irvine, CA, 92614, USA. Online donations can be made at www.unitedwayoc.org/donate.
This obituary was contributed by Laura Mickens, ORA Manager, Technical and Marketing Communications.


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Welcome to the Program in Law and Social Thought!
The Program in Law and Social Thought is the only program of its kind in the state universities of Ohio. The program is based on the view that the study of law and justice is best pursued when located within a rich humanistic and social scientific tradition. LST's faculty promote sustained reflection on the fundamental yet contestable values that shape the requirements of citizenship in contemporary democracy. LST can also develop an appreciation for the connections among various academic disciplines and their convergence on issues of law and its relation to morality, politics, language, history, and power. And LST emphasizes the arts of critical and creative thinking that can support its graduates in a lifetime of work, service, and study.
LST's Program is designed to enhance student participation in the experience of learning. To that end, we have designed an innovative curriculum involving members of UT's excellent faculty from many disciplines in the Arts and Sciences. Feel free to contact us about the major or minor if you have any questions or if you would like to discuss your options.
LST is a founding member of the Consortium of Undergraduate Law and Justice Programs.


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Published: September 2013
When you own a small business, you have to juggle lots of responsibilities. Responding to your customers, keeping your website running, making sure overhead bills are paid—there are constant demands on your attention, and your checkbook.
An Allstate agent can answer coverage questions and help you find ways to protect what matters most.
Business insurance is likely one of the items on that long list—and it's a very important one. You want to make sure you have the right amount of protection for your company. Here are some factors to consider as you make those big decisions about business insurance while keeping your bank account in mind:
Some business owners buy multiple policies with different insurers—for example, a liability policy and another policy to cover their office furnishings. "Bundling," or placing all your business coverage under one policy with one insurer, may help reduce your premium costs, and, as an added bonus, can make managing your insurance renewals less time-consuming.
The amount of money you pay in the event of a claim, before your insurance contributes, is known as a deductible. Increasing the deductible for each eligible coverage on your policy may mean reduced premiums—and more money in your pocket each month. However, while saving money on premiums by electing a higher deductible may be attractive, make sure you think about how much money you would have available to cover your deductible if something unexpected were to happen.
A business can change rapidly. New risk exposures may suddenly emerge that require special coverage. For example, even a few years ago, some small business owners didn't worry about Internet security. Yet, a study cited by the U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Subcommittee on Health and Technology in 2013 found that 20 percent of all cyber attacks target businesses with fewer than 250 employees—and 60 percent of small businesses victimized by cybercrime close their doors within six months. In this case, a new trend might lead small business owners to consider data compromise coverage.
When you renew your policy, think of it as an annual check-up. Be sure to take advantage of the business insurance information your business insurance agent can provide. Your agent understands the current risk environment in which today's small businesses operate and can help you make decisions to better manage your business and personal risk.
The best defense is a good offense. Taking measures to reduce your risk, the potential for fire or customer injuries can make a big difference. Many reputable websites provide small business owners with advice about risk management and how to run a small business. The U.S. Small Business Administration, the American Red Cross and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety are just a few of the resources available. Implementing sound risk management practices in your small business can help your business avoid some preventable losses.
The days fly by when you own a small business, but small business insurance is an important item on your packed to-do list. Whether you must insure your vehicles or ensure you can meet your financial needs in the event of your disability, there are business insurance options for you to explore.
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Part of National Museums Liverpool
Also in this section…?
'Icare' ('Icarus'), plate VIII of XX from the illustrated book Jazz, 1947, Bank of America Merrill Lynch Collection.
© Succession H. Matisse/DACS 2011
We are proud to present an exhibition of art books by one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, Henri Matisse (1869-1954), on public display for the first time in the UK.
The exhibition comprises 63 framed original illustrations with text from four of Matisse's most significant books, including his famous 'Jazz' (1947), one of the most celebrated artists' books in the history of modern art. Highlights include:
All the works are part of Bank of America Merrill Lynch's extensive art collection, and have been loaned to the gallery through the company's Art in our Communities ® programme as part of a commitment to share its artworks with the wider public.
Also on display are a number of artists' books from the Walker Art Gallery's permanent collection by artists such as Ed Ruscha, Derek Boshier, Gilbert & George, Tom Phillips and Jeff Nuttall.
From the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Art Collection
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