text:
Over 28,000 Voices Strong in the Fight for Wolves
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
By: Robyn Carmichael
Wildlife advocates ramp up the pressure to stop the dangerous Keystone XL pipeline.
Thanks to wildlife advocates like you, more than 28,000 comments have
been generated to Congress in just the past month--urging them to do the right
thing for wolves by rejecting legislation
that would fast-track the Keystone XL tar
sands oil pipeline.
In addition,
generous donations by National Wildlife Federation Action Fund supporters have
enabled us to ramp up advocacy work in districts around the country and in the
halls of Congress--by running targeted ads, holding press conferences, generating
thousands of phone calls, and flying in constituents from across the country to
meet with their members of Congress in-person.
These efforts have
been crucial in keeping up the momentum to stop the Keystone XL pipeline--a
massive project that would expand the tar sands operations that are pushing
woodland caribou to the brink of extinction and prompting plans to poison and shoot thousands of
wolves in a cruel effort to "protect" the
Already, 500 wolves
have been cruelly killed this way in nearby developed areas, and we if we don't
fight back, 6,000 more may face the same fate in the tar sands area.
And wolves aren't
the only victims of this war on wildlife. Dogs, raptors, cougars, wolverines
and eagles that eat the strychnine baits, or feed on the poisoned carcasses,
are also facing the same cruel death.
The U.S. Senate
rejected a bill earlier this year that would have overruled President
Obama's rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline and expedited its approval.
Now, you're helping defend this victory by keeping the pressure on Congress to
stop boosting Big Oil's profits at the expense of wildlife.
With your voices,
we can stop these cruel killings and ensure wolves and many more wildlife can
thrive for years to come.
Save wolves from dirty oil–urge your members of Congress to stand up against the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline.


text:
Dr. Leah Chase, who is director of the neuroscience program at HopeCollege, has been elected to the governing board of the Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience (FUN).
Established in the early 1990s, FUN is a national professional organization dedicated to neuroscience teaching and research, and has approximately 700 members. In addition to providing an array of resources for faculty, FUN holds an annual meeting each fall for faculty and students, both to share information about neuroscience education and to feature undergraduate research, and has organized a variety of symposia to enable faculty to discuss, develop and refine neuroscience education.
FUN's leadership includes a total of six councilors as well as a president, president-elect, past president, secretary and treasurer. Chase's two-year term as a councilor began this month.
Chase is an associate professor of biology and chemistry, and has been a member of the Hope faculty since 2000. She has led the development of the college's neuroscience program, which became a minor in 2004.
Prior to joining the Hope faculty, she conducted postdoctoral training at the University of Minnesota, where she had completed her doctorate in biochemistry in 1999. She has received a variety of external grants in support of her research and development of the neuroscience program, including eight years of continuous support from the Campbell Foundation and an award from the National Science Foundation in 2002 to create the college's laboratory course in neuroscience. Hope named her a Towsley Research Scholar, a four-year award, in 2003. Among other professional activity, she is a member of the Society for Neuroscience, the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Sigma Xi.
The college's interdisciplinary minor in neuroscience includes a series of courses in neuroscience specifically as well as additional coursework chosen from among the departments of biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, philosophy, psychology and nursing. The minor includes participating in original research as part of the capstone neuroscience research course.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Rachel Zucker
Rachel Zucker was born in 1971 in New York City and raised in Greenwich Village. She earned her BA in psychology at Yale University and her MFA in poetry from the University of Iowa.
Zucker is the author of five books of poetry: The Pedestrians (Wave Books, 2014), Museum of Accidents (Wave Books, 2009), The Bad Wife Handbook (Wesleyan University Press, 2007), The Last Clear Narrative (Wesleyan University Press, 2004), and Eating in the Underworld (Wesleyan University Press, 2003). In addition to her poetry collections, Zucker has also published a memoir, MOTHERs (Counterpath Press, 2013), which details Zucker's relationship with her mother, as well as the various surrogate mothers and female mentors she has had in her life.
Zucker's work is known for its blunt, witty, and complicated takes on marriage, motherhood, familial relationships, and daily challenges. Dan Chiasson writes, "Zucker's name-naming, carping, merciless, and gloriously human body of work thus far suggests that any full account of being an individual has to register how specimen-like and interchangeable our lives often seem."
"Zucker is a poet of bottom-scraping, blood-chilling existential anxiety, one among many, and a poet of New York City, one among many, and a poet of American Jewish inheritance, one among many, and one of the funniest, too," writes Stephen Burt.
Her honors include the Barrow Street Poetry Prize; the Center for Book Arts Award, judged by Lynn Emanuel; the Salt Hill Poetry Award, judged by C. D. Wright; and the Strousse Award from Prairie Schooner. In 2012, she was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship.
Zucker currently teaches at New York University and the 92nd Street Y and is a certified labor doula. She lives in New York City.
Selected Bibliography
The Pedestrians (Wave Books, 2014)
Museum of Accidents (Wave Books, 2009)
The Bad Wife Handbook (Wesleyan University Press, 2007)
The Last Clear Narrative (Wesleyan University Press, 2004)
Eating in the Underworld (Wesleyan University Press, 2003)
MOTHERs (Counterpath Press, 2013)


text:
3-way floorstanding: 1-in EWB dome tweeter, 4.5-in midrange, 4 x 4.5-in woofer. (Price shown for each)
Out Of Stock
find a dealer
online retailer
Experience rich sound while enjoying music, movies, and more with the M340 Floorstanding
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vibrations and eliminate unwanted resonances, and an internal chamber isolates the
midrange from the woofers to prevent acoustic interference.
Clear, Natural Sound for Music, Movies, and More
The M340 Floorstanding Loudspeaker is equipped with Boston's signature 1-inch Extended
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reduce distortion, and improve clarity in the high registers. Unlike most tweeters,
the EWB has a small dimple in the middle and a large radiating surface that extends
from the center to the outside perimeter of the diaphragm. This design enables the
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A 4.5-inch polypropylene midrange employs mass loading to dampen harmful resonances
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The M340 has a cabinet made of Lo-Q, a material consisting of two pieces of medium-density
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This product measures 40.38 by 8.81 by 11.44 inches (H x W x D) and weighs 46.3
pounds. It is recommended for use with a 50- to 350-watt amplifier.
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What's in the Box
M340 Floorstanding Loudspeaker, speaker spikes, and owner's manual.
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text:
Men(With arrow(left)) (9x34 1/4)
When will I receive my order?
Shipping Policy
Without question the most storied and famous sports venue in America over the past century is the Original Yankee Stadium. Opened in 1923 the Stadium hosted 86 seasons of Yankees baseball and was home to some of the greatest players of all time in Babe Ruth Lou Gehrig Mickey Mantle Joe DiMaggio and countless others. This icon of Americana saw 26 World Championships 39 Pennants and countless memories for millions of people. This is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take home a piece of history with this Yankee Stadium bathroom sign which reads - Men. This is a truly unique piece from the most historic venue in all of sports. This sign measures 9x34x9'. A Yankees-Steiner Letter of Authenticity is included. This item is sold as is and is a final sale.


text:
Rich Boy is Feelin Some 8 Year Old's Rhymes & Yea Boy Got Bars For His Age!
Rich Boy in the streets
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
Comments will only be displayed by verified emails. No Spamming or Racism.


text:
Current Articles
This article "Issues in the Inner Niger Delta: Interview with Bakary Kone, Director of Wetlands International Mali Office" is published in the book 'The Ecosystem Promise' by Meindert Brouwer.
c) Extending the management committee of water resources of the Niger River. All users should be represented, farmers, cattle breeders and fishermen. Communities located downstream, big infrastructures and civil society should have more voice.
During floods the forests are the main production areas of fry for the Inner Niger Delta. There small fishes can grow well as they feed on big amounts of feces dropped into the water by colonies of water birds. Dead wood of flood forests is used to smoke fish or to cook. The forests provide high quality forage for livestock, shelter for boatmen when it storms and shade during the dry season. They are a refuge for fauna, the few remaining hippos use the flood forests as a nursery.
Acacia kirkii and Ziziphus sp are the main trees in the flood forests, they are marketed. The gum of the Acacia kirkii is highly valued for its therapeutic properties. The flood forests serve as sources of fruit. However, the trees of the flood forests are also a breeding place for seed-eating passerines that cause crop damage. People call the flood forests their 'local banks' because of their great social, cultural, economic and biodiversity values. Nineteen flood forests have disappeared or have dried out due to destruction by people and climate change. Seventeen flood forests are still present and two new ones have been discovered.
Bio-rights is an innovative financing mechanism which provides micro-credits for sustainable development to poor communities in return for their active involvement in the protection of the natural environment. Successful community involvement leads to conversion of micro-credits into definite payments, enabling sustainable development and environmental conservation to go hand in hand.
Source: www.bio-rights.org
Wetlands International Africa
Phone: +221 33 869 16 81


text:
From Tropical Storm Irene to the opening of the new Champlain Bridge, 2011 was chock-full of groundbreaking events. Once you've caught up on the year's biggest developments in our Chronology Feature, make sure to check out some of the accompanying images taken by award-winning photographer Trent Campbell. For captions, click on the slideshow image or refer to the print version of Thursday's paper.
Every year, boys and girls around the world send letters to Santa in the the north pole. Here are a few that local children shared with us.
Dear Santa,
Since I didn't get any gifts for my birthday can I get more presents than usual? I would like a DS, some DS games like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Batman. Some Wii games like Indiana and Star Wars and Batman, and Mario and Sonik, and a ripstick and a game for the Wii. It is. Maryo cart and a DS game it is Maryo. I would like some bayblades and a bayblade arena.
Pictured above is a glass carboy with a handle around the neck, just like the volatile combination referenced in this post. Photo from Flickr user stuttermonkey.
LINCOLN — Heading up the road from Bristol along the New Haven River, just west of the mountain village of Lincoln, stands a small Christmas tree in the woods decorated with lights and a star.
The mysterious tree — situated in a thick patch of forest, across the river from homes and utility lines — shines anomalously against tall stands of trees in the dark, winter night.
MIDDLEBURY — The UD-3 school board is considering cuts to driver's education, dance, art and foreign languages in order to limit the increase in the 2012-2013 spending plan to around 3 percent.
MIDDLEBURY — Some people can recapture their childhood through old photographs, friends, foods and fond memories.
But Paul Bortz uses a different vehicle to transport himself down memory lane — a train. Actually, more than 500 electric and toy trains that he enthusiastically collects and shares with his family and the public.
BRISTOL — Taking aim at level-funding the 2012-2013 school budget, Mount Abraham Union High School Principal Andy Kepes offered the school board at its Tuesday meeting an even slimmer spending plan that would decrease spending by 1.9 percent from this year's $11,309,068 budget.
The full text of this article is only available to online subscribers.
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MIDDLEBURY — Middlebury's historic covered Pulp Mill Bridge will close on Jan. 2 for an estimated 10 months of extensive repairs designed to make the span more structurally secure and durable.
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text:
I'm starting to realize there's a pattern to the majority of questions people ask about public speaking and presentation. We're looking for simple solutions to complicated issues.
That's a problem. Communication is complex. After all, it's about human interaction. And we all have enough experience to know that anything related to humans takes complication to a whole new level!
But humans also prefer certainty and simplicity. We don't like things to be complex and iffy. So we constantly come up with rules, manuals and prescriptions to guide us through the chaos. We look for for tips and tricks that are guaranteed to work in every situation.
But rules never cover every possibility. So we make more. Pretty soon, the rules just add to the confusion and complexity.
Formulism is defined as a strict adherence to prescribed forms. It shows up in art, religion, ethics—even in math. And maybe it's okay, even necessary, for beginners. The trouble is, prescription creates rigidity. We get up tight trying to remember and obey all the rules. We become disconnected, focused on doing it right, rather than being present to what's actually happening. In this respect, formulism stifles peak performance rather than promoting it.
Can you see how this relates to presentation and public speaking?
The antidote is Freedom. We must accept that communication is complex and the outcomes uncertain. It's not for dabblers and slackers. We must work to develop concrete skills rather than manufacturing end results. Instead of making up rules for eye contact, we should be cultivating our ability to be engaged, open and connected to our listeners.
Bringing crucial skills to the interaction, trusting we have what it takes and allowing ourselves to be aware and present, we can apply our skills in unique ways that are highly relevant to the situation. That's true expertise.
When we commit to the way of freedom, in communication, we discover a sense of confidence and serenity. We're not trying to be perfect, but effective. We become present for our listeners, projecting a sense of, "I get you." We bring enhanced creativity and spontaneity to the situation. And we communicate with greater relevance and ultimately more impact.


text:
This product will remain fresh and tasty for 14 days. You may specify future ship dates when you order.
Cane sugar, cage-free eggs, non-gmo expeller pressed canola oil, semi-sweet chocolate (unsweetened chocolate, sugar, anhydrous dextrose, soy lecithin, vanilla), peanut butter (peanuts, sugar, palm oil and salt), unbleached unbromated wheat flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), cocoa powder (process with alkali), peanuts (peanuts, salt), butter (milk), pure vanilla, Kosher salt.
CONTAINS: Egg, Milk, Peanuts, Soy,
Produced in a bakery that processes peanuts and tree nuts.
Certified Kosher by Star-K


text:
SUPERNATURAL - (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
"Goodbye Stranger" (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
SAM, DEAN, CASTIEL AND MEG TEAM UP AGAINST CROWLEY AND HIS DEMONS - Castiel (Misha Collins) reappears in Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean's (Jensen Ackles) life and tells them Crowley (guest star Mark Sheppard) has unleashed several demons into a small town. The demons are looking for Lucifer's Crypt, which holds a valuable asset, but Castiel lies to Sam and Dean about what it is. While interrogating a demon, the three discover Crowley has been torturing Meg (guest star Rachel Miner), who knows the exact location of the crypt. Sam and Meg fight to hold Crowley off while Dean and Castiel go in search of the crypt. Thomas J. Wright directed the episode written by Robbie Thompson (#817).


text:
£¤60 £¤177 £¤77
Kaw Lk
Sooner Lk
S U St
Co Rd 4070
Co Rd 5701
S S St
Co Rd 4551
E 0120 Rd
Co Rd 5451
Co Rd 4201
E 13th St
14 Mile Rd
Sinclair Ave
Co Rd 2340
E0130 Rd
N Rd
Otoe Ave
N3480 Rd
el Camino St
Kimball Rd
Ns 343
Co Rd 5990
Ramble Wood
Cr 5501
Prospect Rd
N Florence Ave
Oak Dr
E0320 Rd
Dover Dr
4th St
Sherwin Ave
Circle Dr
Deer Pl
Pitts Pl
Co Rd 3996
Elm St
A St
Maple St
Valley Rd
N3270 Rd
5 Mile Rd
Co Rd 5409
High land Rd
Co Rd 3593
Date St
Co Rd 3567
Redbud Dr
Kyker St
Sherman Ln
7th St
E0310 Rd
Red Corn
Cr 4420
Leatherman Rd
Cross S Ranch
E0070 Rd
S St
Cr 2186
Oak St
2nd St
Pr 3905
S Misty Isle
Cr 3803
Pecan St
Memory Ln
W In dustrual Blvd
Laila Pl
S Irving St
Co Rd 3587
Prue St
Parker Pl
Lucas St
Cr 2400
Crown St
Co Rd 3552
S Bonnie Ln
Duane Ave
Drake Ln
Revard Ave
Young Ave
E 100 Rd
E Opal Ave
Cr 4253
Fair Fax Lake Rd
Raintree St
Bombay Ave
S 14 Th St
E 4th St
Fern Rd
N3323 Rd
Brunswick Ave
Ridge Dr
Barnard Rd
6th St
Ramble Rd
S 1st St
Co Rd 3805
South St
South Ave
D0393 Rd
S Main
Co Rd 3505
Co Rd 4981
Co Rd 3513
Wentz Rd
Co Rd 6502
Co Rd 2552
Cr 2472
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Co Rd 5520
E0260 R d
Bj Rd
13th Mile Rd
N Pleasant View Rd
E0320 Rd
White Eagle Rd
Rodeo Ln
Mc Gee Ln
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Little Star Dr
3rd St
Indian Meadows
Cr 2306
W Oto e Ave
Overcrest Rd
Big Hill Rd
W 9th St
Cr 2804
Reddick Rd
Cooper Rd
SW Riverside Ave
Cr 220
Hog Hill
Clinic Rd
N Hubbard Rd
Cowskin Dr
Co Rd 2615
Quail Ln
W Church St
Co Rd 4606
N3460 Rd
Grigg Rd
Co Rd 3561
Wells Ave
Victory St
Harth Ave
Arrow Rd
W Riverview Rd
Ponca Dr
E0135 Rd
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Merrifield Rd
N 7th St
Jim Butterfield Rd
Co Rd 2567
Pecan Ave
Co Rd 2613
Pvt Rd 4386
1st St
E0015 Rd
Cardinal Rd
4th St
Hoddy Rd
N3328 Rd
Co Rd 2508
Cr 6310
Cedar Valley Rd
Talmer Rd
Co Rd 2662
Cr 4851
Ben Hall Blvd
N Main
W Walnut Ave
E 70 Rd
E Cowboy Hill Rd
Harvest Rd
Co Rd 4795
Co Rd 4657
Brake Rd
Bradbary Ln
Phillips Rd
Turner St
Co Rd 3581
Bill Morris Rd
Bass Dr
Co Rd 4375
McCarkle Rd
Jones Rd
Co Rd 2477
Co Rd 2555
Rustic Rd
Feed Rd
Mason Blvd
Unnamed Oil Rd
Stoneridge Rd
E0340 Rd
Cr 2340
Co Rd 5759
Rhoades Rd
Lincoln Ave
W 3rd St
Oak Ave
Creek Ave
N 40 R d
Cory Rd
Mo rland Ave
50 Rd
Klufard Rd
45 Rd
8th Ave
E 30 Rd
Eagles Nest
N Elk Ave
N 3rd St
Worley Rd
Anna Ave
Hitchcock Ave
N3555 Rd
Co Rd 4915
Co Rd 4155
N3305 Rd
S Bear Creek Rd
E Riverview Rd
Main St
High Pt
Old Hwy 99
Traders Bend Cove
Peck ham Rd
Timberline Hts
Rosedale Dr
12 Mile Rd
E 4th St
Mustang Dr
Oneill Ln
Grandview Dr
Co Rd 5705
N3420 Rd
S 10th St
E 2nd St
Birch Cove Rd
E0385 Rd
W 1st St
S 2nd St
Washungah Dr
85 Rd
Co Rd 3310
E0261 Rd
Hidden Cove Rd
Co Rd 3542
Diamond Blvd
Co Rd 2652
Co Rd 5515
E 21st St
Elk Lodge Dr
Whiz Bank Rd
Cr 2380
N 6th St
N Brake
McCarkle Ave
Cr 2460
Co Rd 2250
100 Rd
Stardust Trl
Cr 150
Hominy Creek
4 Mile Rd
S Pioneer Rd
Bull Creek Rd
Rhgato Acres Rd
Co Rd 2351
Co Rd 2 401
Co Rd 5790
N3307 Rd
Cr 6305
Camp Mc Fadden Rd
E 6th St
Co Rd 5257
Rainbow Rd
Ranch Creek
S Academy
Cr 3809
S Main St
20 Rd
Palmer Ave
E0310 Rd
Souligny Rd
Higgins Rd
Co Rd 175
W 9th St
SW Miller Ln
Co Rd 6018
Co Rd 2620
N 3730 Rd
Co Rd 2601
Co Rd 2330
Rogers Ave
N3380 Rd
N Main St
Co Rd 4302
Co Rd 4402
8th St
N3440 Rd
SW St
Cr 3455
Co Rd 2427
Furguson Rd
Co Rd 4701
Co Rd 3 455
6 Mile Rd
Co Rd 2305
South Ave
Sandy Park Rd
Edam Rd
N3375 Rd
Co Rd 5408
D0110 Rd
Acker Hill Rd
Co Rd 2415
Co Rd 4 840
E Lake Rd
Eagle Dr
N Lacann Rd
65 Rd
W Oklahoma Ave
Co Rd 5380
L B Ma y Dr
Old Lake Rd
Co Rd 5753
70 Rd
Payne Rd
Cr 4670
Osage St
Co Rd 4900
S 34900 Rd
N3260 Rd
Osage Park Rd
Grandview Ave
E Prospect Ave
Cr 4428
Pecan Rd
Old Hwy 11
Co Rd 2667
Co Rd 6303
Co Rd 5420
E Riverview Pl E 60 Rd
N3360 Rd
Co Rd 4410
Cr 4600
E R iver Rd E0090 Rd
Pixley Cemetery Rd
Co Rd 4 848 Co Rd 4910
Co Rd 2633
Co Rd 4 854
E W ooten Rd
Dry Rd
N3370 Rd
N Pine Ave
Co Rd 740
N3505 Rd
N3390 Rd
Kygar Rd
Co Rd 6551
S 9 Mile Rd
E0045 Rd
N W Rd
Indian Hills Rd
Pleasant View Rd
V St
N Prentice Rd
N3350 Rd
N3370 Rd
Union St
N E Longwood Rd
S W St
Co Rd 210
N3250 Rd
N3318 Rd
Waverly St
Co Rd 6309
Cr 5795
Co Rd 2393
Co Rd 5800
N Range Ln
Pleasantview Rd
S 34800 Rd
Waverly Rd
N Pleasant Vw
7 Mile Rd
Co Rd 4232
Sw an Ln
Lake Acc
Co Rd 6015
N3360 Rd
Co Rd 280
Co Rd 4020
Co Rd 4801
Sneed Rd
Co Rd 6070
Sherrill Rd
S 8 Mile Rd
Cr 5990
Co Rd 2310
Co Rd 4225
Tate Rd 5795
Co Rd 5801
E White Eagle R d
S Main St
E0030 Rd
Co Rd 5545
Co Rd 2580
D3218 Rd
Cr 6300
D0010 Rd
Kelley Ave
Elgin Rd
Cr 5800
S 4th St
Co Rd 2331
Cr 2350
11 Mile Rd
Co Rd 2190
Co Rd 2502
Wooten Rd
S Enterprise Rd
Co Rd 2280
Kelly Ave
Co Rd 2801
Co Rd 3503
W Hartford Ave
Rocky Ridge Rd
Denoya Rd
Co Rd 230
South Ave
Co Rd 5735
Co Rd 3901
N Olsen Dr
Co Rd 3450
E0340 Rd
Co Rd 4297
Va lley Rd
John Dahl Ave
Ash St
E Central Ave
Co Rd 2665
Co Rd 460 3
Cr 5303
N Hilltop Rd
Co Rd 2301
Co Rd 2809
Co Rd 4222
Co Rd 5925
Co Rd 5825
E George Braden Rd
Co Rd 4850
Rocky Ridge Pl
Co Rd 4250
60th Rd
Bowring Rd
W Prospect Ave
Co Rd 5772
Co Rd 240
City View Rd
S Waverly
S 34700 Rd
S 35000 Rd
Co Rd 4545
N3360 Rd
N3780 Rd
S 7th St
Co Rd 2663
Cr 4677
S 5 Mile Rd
Co Rd 3070
60 Rd
W Grand Ave
10 Mile Rd
Cr 4301
W Cowboy Hill Rd
W Highland Ave
Co Rd 4230
Co Rd 2470
Silverdale Rd
Co Rd 2520
Cr 4802
W Hubb ard Rd
Mc Cord Rd
Co Rd 6453
Co Rd 5602
Cr 4070
N 7th St
Cr 4721
Cr 2401
Co Rd 4990
Cr 2365
Co Rd 2511
Graham Rd
Co Rd 5 902
Co Rd 2491
Co Rd 2251
Co Rd 4950
Co Rd 5575
Cr 5909
Co Rd 2361
Cr 5470
Co Rd 3653
Co Rd 5511
N3450 Rd
Foraker Rd
Co Rd 4461
Snake Rd
Fairfax Lake Rd
N Payne Rd
Litt le Doga Rd
E0370 Rd
W County Rd
8 Mile Rd
Co Rd 2460
Co Rd 4870
C r 4500
Co Rd 6307
Co Rd 6202
N Olsen Rd
N Olsen Ln
30th Rd E0230 Rd
Co Rd 5775
Co Rd 4730
Cr 4750
C o R d 6102
Co Rd 4725
Co Rd 4675
E Hunt Rd
E0150 Rd
S Ranch Dr
Middle Doga Creek Rd
Ranch Dr
N 106th Ln
N Rock Cliff Rd
County Rd
N Longwood Rd
T St
Co Rd 6451
George Braden Rd
City Rd 4797
Co Rd 4703
Co Rd 270
S 106th Ln
Co Rd 4723
S Ranch Rd
Co Rd 250
N3350 Rd
Co Rd 6495
Cr 6309
Co Rd 4765
N Sage Ln
Cr 2355
N3340 Rd
Co Rd 4855
S Waverly St
Co Rd 492 0
Co Rd 5818
E0370 Rd
Co Rd 5412
Co Rd 5865
Co Rd 5205
Cr 5205
Co Rd 5410
Skyline Dr
Big Be nd Rd
Osage Cove Rd
Co Rd 2400
Little Chief Rd
Co Rd 3601
Co Rd 4685
E Furguson Rd
Old Hwy 60
L A Cann Dr
S Union Rd
Co Rd 2115 D3815 Rd
Co Rd 2471
Co Rd 5045
N3320 Rd C R 220
Co Rd 4621 D3573 Rd
Possum Hollar Rd
Co Rd 6350
Co Rd 4780
Co Rd 2487
Co Rd 4649
Co Rd 4 650
Cr 4275
E Indian Rd
Lynn Rd
Co Rd 2750
Co Rd 2230
Co Rd 5015
E So uth Av e
E Kildare Rd
Co Rd 6508
Cr 5770
Cr 6301
Co Rd 4860
Cr 4751
Co Rd 2 425
Co Rd 4 300
Cr 4551
E0020 Rd
John Dohl Rd
Riverv ie w Rd
Whizang Denoya Rd
Co Rd 5407
Co Rd 2627
Sullins Rd
E Hartford Ave
Round Mound Rd
Co Rd 190
Eagles Nest Rd E0290 Rd
Co Rd 6125
Longwood Rd
Co Rd 2350
Co Rd 5270
S Pleasant View Rd
N3330 Rd
E0380 Rd
Country Club Rd
Co Rd 4291
Co Rd 4001
N 14th St
N3490 Rd
E Tow er Rd E0160 Rd
Lazy Ln
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Zig zag
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Montana Highway Patrol Will Increase Presence During Holidays [AUDIO]
Winter weather, holiday parties, and too much holiday cheer can lead to a tragedy on Western Montana's highways.
Mike Burman with the Montana Highway Patrol wants drivers to know, extra patrols will be out over the holidays, and that those displaying distracted driving will be pulled over. Burman advises party-goers to choose a designated driver before the celebration starts, to ensure that everyone gets home safely.
Missoula Police, the Sheriff's department and the Highway Patrol will all be out in force to keep drunk, drugged and distracted drivers off the road.
Burman wants drivers to know that a DUI arrest will send them directly to jail, and that a conviction can lead to thousands of dollars in legal fees and fines, in addition to suspension of a driver's license.
Burman also encourages everyone in the vehicle to be safely bucked in, especially children, and to drive with caution on icy and snow-covered roads.
Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Mike Burman


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Megachurches are loved by some and derided by others, but a new study from the University of Washington claims that people who attend services at these huge churches can experience a change in brain chemistry that researchers are calling a spiritual "high."
"We see this experience of unalloyed joy over and over again in megachurches. That's why we say it's like a drug," said James Wellman, an associate professor of American religion who co-authored the study. Large gatherings of people at shared events such as sports events and rock concerts can engender similar feelings, but megachurches "seem to be unique in that these feelings are not just experienced as euphoria but as something transcendent or divine."
The researches think the spiritual "high" is caused by oxytocin, a chemical that's thought to be involved in social interaction. It's thought that megachurches achieve this through several ways, starting with huge congregations who can share the experience, the use of technology, upbeat modern music, charismatic leaders and appeals to emotion. One respondent to the study said, "God's love becomes … such a drug that you can't wait to come get your next hit. You can't wait to get involved to get the high from God."
Q: What do you think? Do megachurches provide a bigger religious "hit"? Or can any church provide that kind of experience, regardless of size?
I've only attended a megachurch once. I went mostly for professional reasons, to check out what the competition is doing. And I had some personal curiosity, too; I'm always inspired to see what causes the light of God to be in other people's eyes. So I went there genuinely open, both personally and professionally, to take in the best they have to offer.
I want to emphasize that openness, because here's what I'll say next: I would rather put out my eyes than worship that way again.
Far from a spiritual high, for me that experience was the emotional equivalent of combining a day at the DMV with an airport strip search, the dark side of Disneyland, the worst kind of blanging, claustrophobic Vegas casino, and that scene at the end of "A Clockwork Orange" where they're holding the guy's eyes open and forcing him to watch rehabilitative films.
Crowded. Loud. Too much sensory stimulation all at once. Too little choice about whether you want to be part of it or not. And such focus on the message (sermon) — the speaker's giant head projected on every screen, his voice piped into the restroom, even — that it felt creepy and cultic.
Many people, of course, enjoy Disneyland and Vegas and monster-truck rallies — the bigger the crowd, the louder the noise, the more sensory input at once, the better, for lots of people. We seem to be in a mode, as a society, of extreme sports, higher-proof alcohol, wall-size TV screens, increasingly scary movies and amusement park rides — as if our senses have over-adapted to normalcy, and it takes stronger and stronger jolts from outside us just to feel alive.
And I guess that translates into church experience too. I know, I know: my kind of church could be accused of erring on the side of melatonin over oxytocin. But I still wonder: What does it say about the numbness in your soul if you need that much stimulation to feel the first stirring of God's presence? Whatever happened to "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10)?
The Rev. Amy Pringle
St. George's Episcopal Church
La Cañada Flintridge
A church considerably smaller than a megachurch can give a comparable "high," in my opinion, but is that what church is for, to give everybody a euphoric feeling?
As we all have heard many times, God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform. And I am of the belief that God can and will act as he/she sees fit, when he/she sees fit. So it's not as if God acts in smaller churches but not in megachurches, and vice-versa.
God acts whenever and wherever. However, one of the problems in American religion today, in my opinion, is that people seem to want to be entertained, and many clergy seem to be bending over backward to give the people what they want. I don't think that's a good trend.
When Moses was up on the mountain talking with God, his brother, Aaron, gave the people what they wanted: a golden calf. Ministers are in a strange position. While we want to care for our flocks, and while we want our flocks to grow, we are entrusted with a hard message: We have to preach Christ crucified, and how appealing is that!
Of course it is wonderful to feel moved by the Spirit of God (one of our beautiful hymns has the opening line, "Spirit of God, descend upon my heart"). But the Judeo-Christian faith is not all hearts and flowers. Many of the Old Testament prophets suffered for proclaiming the message they believed that God had put upon their hearts; and we all know what happened to Jesus.
So while God may choose to move us in some wonderful way, and I personally am certainly grateful for any time I have felt the holy presence, there's more to faith than getting a good, positive feeling once a week. Why else did Jesus say, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24)?
How's that for a euphoric high?
The Rev. Skip Lindeman
La Cañada Congregational Church
La Cañada
Whenever we look at the conclusions studies like this make, we must take into consideration the underlying assumptions of the researchers. I wonder if these researchers assume there must be some chemical, biological explanation at the bottom of megachurch euphoria. Would they ever consider the possibility that there really is a God, and that his Spirit actually encourages and uplifts people who worship? I understand that science relies upon observable fact and concrete proof. But there's more to life, and to worship, than what is observable. "Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).
I think megachurches are great, as long as they keep their focus on encouraging people to follow Jesus Christ. The same goes for smaller churches. Megachurches have the resources to offer valuable programs that smaller churches cannot. But the fact is, most churches in America have congregations of fewer than 100 people. And many people feel lost in the crowd and unconnected in larger churches. I believe authentic, positive religious experiences in larger churches or smaller ones are always rooted in one's personal relationship with Jesus Christ. You can have a big relationship with Jesus even in a small church. Apart from that, it's all just hype and emotion.
Pastor Jon Barta
Valley Baptist Church
Yes, community worship, church attendance and relationship with God in community can produce a high similar to drugs. But it does not just depend on size. It is the effect of dopamine on the brain. It is a science, actually. And the University of Washington did the science. However, I believe it goes beyond megachurches.
There is a spiritual component unique to worship because of the Holy Spirit.
Physical and biological changes do happen in our brains when we feel connection, joy and love. But these are not unique to church. There is a release of the love chemical, dopamine. When you are in love, your brain generates a "feel-good" chemical that increases the release of serotonin, a euphoric hormone. It causes reward-seeking behavior; cravings. For example, when in the romantic stage of love, serotonin and dopamine levels are high. These are happy chemicals. But they are also released through music, new experiences, religious community, new experiences and even tobacco. Thus the experience of pleasure, joy and wanting more.
So this "experience of unalloyed joy over and over again in megachurches" that Wellman says is like a drug? It is absolutely true. But it can happen in smaller church settings as well.
Rev. Kimberlie Zakarian
Kimberlie Zakarian Therapy
The spirit of God isn't limited by the size of the congregation. Whether we feel his influence depends on our attitude toward him and our need. We can be touched by his love with equal power in large, joyous gatherings and in moments of quiet solitude.
The scriptures teach of spiritual manifestations in both circumstances. On the day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts, the spirit was felt dramatically by a "multitude" of people who gathered to hear the apostles. On the other hand, Moses was alone on a remote desert mountain when he heard the voice of God.
I believe there is a difference between the influence of the Spirit and our emotional and physiological responses to social interaction. The story of Elijah, following his confrontation with the priests of Baal, gives us some insight on this. Elijah was shown an earthquake, fire and wind strong enough to crumble mountains. But the lord, the Bible tells us, wasn't in any of those powerful sensory experiences. God's words came in a "still small voice."
So it is with us. Our worship, whether subdued or ebullient, whether performed with others or alone, invites the lord into our lives, but ultimately he speaks softly, to our hearts.
Michael White
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
La Crescenta
Anyone who's ever sat shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of like-minded football fans at the annual USC/UCLA game has experienced an oxytocin high. Levels of oxytocin, a "feel-good" neurochemical, are raised when heightened emotions are created by a group of people focused on the same experience.
According to a University of Washington study, megachurches (more than 2,000 members) create an oxytocin high through their unique style of worship. They use multimedia technology, rock worship and appeals to emotion by charismatic leaders to create a shared experience amplified in a congregation of thousands. Researchers postulate that it is their ability to deliver a bigger religious "hit" that explains the dramatic growth in the size and number of megachurches.
But by studying only megachurches, the researchers have ignored the fact that virtually all churches begin with a small membership. When the present-day megachurch was still small, before it could deliver a bigger religious "hit," why were people attracted to it?
Not surprisingly, the researchers overlook the possibility that if a being like God truly exists, his presence can directly interact with and affect people physically, emotionally and spiritually. Scripture actually confirms this. Psalm 16:11 states, "In your presence there is fullness of joy!" Now doesn't that sound like an oxytocin high?
God's presence is not limited to large gatherings. One of the biggest religious "hits" of all time occurred when 120 people were visited by the Holy Spirit, as recorded in Acts 2. And there are multiple instances of people like Moses, the prophet Daniel and the apostle Paul who experienced God's presence while alone. His presence can and does still touch people today.
Pastor Ché Ahn
HRock Church
This question feels to me as if it's really two questions — one asking if megachurches are good, and the second, if the Christians' experience in them is legitimate. I'm glad the report noted that even secular venues can elicit great emotional response from audiences, because it shows that it's not bizarre to experience feelings en masse. The fact that megachurches (and perhaps the big evangelistic crusades or Women of Faith/Promise Keepers-type stadium events) provide mountaintop experiences only seems to exhibit something desirable that's happening. Saints should hold to factual tenets of Christianity, but also feel them with passion.
I've worshiped in megachurches and I've enjoyed the sensation that God-focused multitudes provide. There's empowerment felt in such, as everywhere you look, people believe in Jesus Christ. Small churches also feel blessed in praising God, and we enjoy a believing fellowship, but sometimes we suffer an Alamo mentality, thinking there are only the few of us in the community that really care at all about God and we have to hold the fort till the end. Pews are half full, pagan community members criticize our Bible-centric commitment, and budgets don't afford professional orchestras, so we dismay about whether truly spiritual people can only be enticed to techno-gadgetry, CD-producing Praise Teams and Jumbotron graphics.
Still, God shows up in both places, and both provide manna for mood and mind. Perhaps the drug-like effect of worship in the super-atmosphere results from both humanly sensual tones and divinely inspired words. We can all excite about favorite songs, but spiritual songs have transcendent truth attached that transports us to heaven. Maybe it's more about participants than platforms, but God made us both thinkers and feelers, and he ordained brain chemistry that makes it enjoyable. Mega or micro, church is what churchgoers make it.
The Rev. Bryan Griem
Montrose Community Church
This research from the University of Washington seems to make sense, and Wellman makes an intriguing point. I can definitely see and appreciate how a mass of people, gathered for a spiritual purpose, can create a unique environment. This charged atmosphere can be very powerful, and perhaps even addictive. Thankfully, this is an example of a healthy obsession that stands in stark contrast to the many negative influences that often permeate our lives.
At the same time, however, I feel that our awe for these huge religious gatherings should not come at the expense of the small, community-based houses of worship that form the spiritual backbone of our nation. Our local churches, synagogues and mosques have dedicated clergy, laymen and parishioners who are committed to improving their neighborhoods in a multitude of ways. Their tireless grassroots efforts enhance the lives of many people on a daily basis.
Most important of all, the focus on the individual is paramount in a neighborhood house of worship but is practically impossible in a megachurch. The "personal touch" of a local religious leader or fellow congregant is often a life-changing experience, something equal to, or even more powerful than, the "high" of worshiping with 10,000 people. This special aspect of attending services at a smaller house of worship should be celebrated and cherished. It is a uniquely uplifting element that has a lasting impact on so many lives.
Rabbi Simcha Backman
Chabad Jewish Center


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Bill Levkoff
Like all our designers, bridesmaid dresses from Bill Levkoff are available in many different colors, sizes and shapes. They are affordably priced without sacrificing quality construction. You can find classic and contemporary looks in this designer line, from party-ready short dresses to tea length and flowing floor-length gowns.
Many Bill Levkoff bridesmaid dresses use smoky grays and blacks, deep jewel tones or gentle pastels to bring out wedding colors without overshadowing the bride. The shapes are complimentary, easy to wear and stylish; ideal for friends seeking a more versatile gown they can wear again. Bill Levkoff creates alluring figures with ease, including sexy one-shoulder tops, strapless stunners, striking halter tops and many more. All dresses from this fabulous line use luxurious fabrics and flattering pleats that trim the waist and accentuate the bodice.
Take a look at the Bill Levkoff bridesmaid dresses with your bridesmaids. You can scroll through hundreds of styles quickly until you find a look that jumps off the page. Order with a click of a button or come in and order in person, and have your bridesmaid dress in time for the big day!


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"...all the students talked about the same things in their explanations, but almost no one actually mentioned anything about rotation. But by looking at their hands – not by listening to what they were saying – we could distinguish between people with high and average fluid intelligence. We think that these hand gestures mimicked the strategy that the students used in solving the task. That is, they rotated the patterns in their imagination, just as they did with their hands. This suggests that individuals with high fluid intelligence engage more in simulation when imagining the problem than those with average fluid intelligence.
In fact, when we made Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans of the students' brains, we found that the cortical tissue in several areas of the brain was thicker among those students with high fluid intelligence who gestured more than among those with average fluid intelligence.
Our results indicate that the cortical thickness of those brain regions is related to both high fluid intelligence and the production of gestures. We do not know with certainty yet, but this result suggests that some brain areas may be more developed for the students with high fluid intelligence, possibly like a muscle that grows larger when it is trained.
Recent theories about the processes of thought emphasize the role of so-called action simulation. Evidence from other brain imaging experiments show that some of the same areas of the brain are activated when people only imagine performing an action as when they actually perform it. One theory proposes that these strongly activated simulated actions are manifested as gestures.
We do not know yet whether gesturing facilitates the development of fluid intelligence or whether it is a by-product. But we do know that children who are asked to gesture in certain ways while learning new tasks learn better than children who are asked not to gesture. Considering that gesturing benefits children while learning, it is possible that gesturing plays a role in the development of fluid intelligence, perhaps by simulating action. If this proves to be true, children might be able to literally give themselves a hand in their own development by gesturing more."


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I'm in Chicago this week to speak at the Microsoft Connected Health Conference, 2011 edition. It's been nice to get away from the cool and rainy northwest and spend some time in Chicago,where the weather has been... well, it's been cool, and rainy, though the rain has been a bit torrential at times. We are rain wimps in Seattle.
I ended up with some spare time earlier this week and spent a morning at the Museum of History and Industry, where I toured the U505 (an authentic WWII U boat captured in 1944 IIRC), and the bodies in motion exhibit, which was Oh my god did you see that guy? that's so gross I think I'm going to be sick!, or at least that was what the group of teenagers next to me thought. I found it fascinating and disturbing at the same time.
I'm co-presenting at an overview presentation on HealthVault, where we have an hour to cover everything we've done in HealthVault in the last year or so. We have an involved demo and technical explanation, then a lot of short items. I'm thoroughly practiced-out the night before the talk, but I feel pretty good about it.
The conference so far has been pretty good. We had a HealthVault-specific event last night and I was able to put some faces with a few names of people, and talk with partners about what they are doing.
We will be posting more information about what we talk about on the HealthVault blog; I'll link here when the post is up.


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Openhand Community
Openhandweb is a worldwide community of evolving people, with a common sense of destiny and purpose: evolving into a New 5D Paradigm.
See how you might like to get involved in the community:
- Participate in our Forums...Forums
- Become a community member...Register
- Check out Openhand People...Openhanders
- Connect with a Facilitator...Openhand Facilitators
- For conscious and healthy food...Trinity's Conscious Kitchen
Openhand Forums
Openhanders so often say to us how transformational it can be to share their journey with others in open forum. Some of course may want to protect their identity in the beginning and that's entirely understandable. The key is that in sharing, we start to touch the inner threads of consciousness we're working with. So it helps people begin to process blockages and unveil new gifts of beingness. Plus also in sharing, you'll draw responses from the team whose passion and dedication is to assist all who want to engage with us. So if you feel it, do subscribe to our community and post forum topics. Become a community member...Register
Conscious Kitchen
Conscious living is vital to our spiritual evolution and probably what we consume must be at the top of the list of spiritual priorities. At Openhand, our Conscious Kitchen is led by Trinity Bourne, who has developed her conscious eating recipes over many years, tested them with great success at the Openhand events and has now compiled a colourful and inspiring book full of the recipes. They're offered for the Openhand Community to enjoy and benefit from. For delicious and conscious recipes...Trinity's Conscious Kitchen
Openhand Facilitators
Openhand Facilitators are people who've successfully completed all stages of our advanced Ascension course program (levels 1 through 3). Plus they will also have successfully completed our year long Facilitation Program. These are individuals who've worked diligently to unveil their own gifts in order to give selfless service to others. Not only do they have an in depth and thorough understanding of the Openhand approach and philosophy, they also will each have their own unique healing skills and methods.
Need some assistance from a facilitator? Here's whose currently available...Openhand Facilitators
Want to become a facilitator yourself? You can find out more about the program here...Facilitator's Program


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LEED Certification
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|Posted on Feb 24, 2014 11:40am
After a shocking start line where Mallory replaced Bopper as Mark's Kentucky partner, cowboys Jet & Cord won the leg and two Express Passes in Guangzhou, China while twins Natalie & Nadiya were eliminated.
Stepping in perfect formation to the percussive beats of the drums section with brass horns blaring out the Amazing Race theme song, the world famous UCLA marching band greeted eleven of the most memorable all-star teams returning for a chance to rewrite their race history as they ran onto a football field in Southern California. Cowboys Jet & Cord, Harlem Globetrotters Flight Time & Big Easy, and mother and son Margie & Luke all hoped the third time would be the charm. Also hoping for a better result this time included father and son Dave & Connor (Dave tore his Achilles tendon on his last race), country singers Caroline & Jennifer, cousins Leo & Jamal (aka the Afghanimals), YouTube hosts Joey & Meghan, twins Natalie & Nadiya, newlyweds Brendon & Rachel, and the now engaged couple Jessica & John who famously chose not to use their Express Pass and were eliminated because of it. Oy vey.
At the starting line, those ten teams gasped with shock and concern when Phil made an announcement regarding the eleventh team, Kentucky friends Bopper & Mark. The previous night Bopper had to make an emergency visit with the Race doctor because of a pancreas attack that started the day before he arrived in Los Angeles. As the doctor performed his examination Bopper remained confident he would receive a clean bill of health to race. But the news wasn't good. With best friend Mark sitting next to him, Bopper listened as Phil and the race doctor told him he was not healthy enough to race. Shocked, Bopper said, "This is devastating to me and my family." The doctor further explained that Bopper had an inflamed pancreas that could become a problem and even be fatal if the condition worsened. In tears, Mark didn't believe Phil when he told him there was still some good news in this incredibly sad moment. Because Mark was in good health he could still run the race with a new partner chosen for him. Phil told a still emotional Mark, "You would be doing it for Bopper." After giving Mark his blessing to keep racing, Bopper added, "I would not ask you to take something from your family." With tears streaming down his face, Mark told Phil, "I'll do it, but this is the hardest decision I've ever had to make in my life."
Back on the starting line, Phil announced a new partner for Mark, someone also from Kentucky: Mallory. The pint sized blonde bundle of energy ran onto the football field as she later commented, "I couldn't leave Mark on the starting line. We're gonna make our state proud and Kentucky we got each other's back." After a hug between Bopper, Mark, and Mallory, a tearful Bopper gave an equally emotional Mallory his daughter's bandanna she signed for her dad, telling Mallory, "I want you to wear it for her." With more hugs goodbye from Brendon & Rachel, Bopper said of the new Team Kentucky, "I couldn't have put him [Mark] in better hands. I think they're going to do great."
With the eleven teams now set, Phil revealed their first destination: Guangzhou, China. As always, the team that wins the first leg will receive two Express Passes, one for themselves and one they had to give to another team before the end of the fifth leg. To win seats on the first flight to Guangzhou, teams had to search for the Chinese symbol representing the city hidden on some of UCLA band members' hat. When they found the symbol, they needed to bring the band member to Phil to receive their ticket on a flight. Then, they would get into a Ford Fusion Energi and drive to LAX where they would plug in the hybrid before catching their flight. With the world waiting for teams once again, Phil signaled the start of the race that sent the 22 racers sprinting onto the football field where the UCLA band marched in formation. After taking a moment to study the Chinese symbol for Guangzhou on the hats of the drum majors for reference, teams ran down the rows and rows of band members who acted as moving targets marching and turning away from the racers in their formation on the field. Cousins Leo & Jamal and cowboys Jet & Cord found the first two band members with the correct symbol and earned tickets on the early flight when they presented them to Phil. Father and son Dave & Connor found the third band member meaning only one set of tickets for the first flight remained. Twins Natalie & Nadiya and engaged couple Jessica & John both found a correct band member within moments of each other, but the twinnies won the race to Phil to snag the last seats on the first flight as Jessica & John settled for the second flight with the other six teams.
While every team had to adjust to being back on the race, Mark & Mallory had the added task of learning how to work together to form a new Team Kentucky. Mallory commented, "It's really tough traveling anywhere with someone that you don't know as well…I didn't even know his last name." Mark added, "We gotta get to knowing each other's weaknesses and strengths. Whatever we got to do for Bopper is what we're gonna do." Of course, Mark still missed Bopper, but he got some comfort and cheering up from the twinnies and newlyweds Brendon & Rachel at the airport. Mark told the teams, "It's gonna kill me when we go to China and he's not there."
Landing in Guangzhou, teams had the option of taking a taxi or the metro to the street of wedding dresses which boasts the largest collection of bridal gowns in South China. While Dave & Connor, Natalie & Nadiya, and Leo & Jamal all took taxis, cowboys Jet & Cord played the lone rangers by jumping on the metro alone. The subway decision paid off for the cowboys who arrived in Guangzhou's wedding district in first place. Now, they had to search among hundreds of dress shops to find one of three stores (The Precious One, Silver Gorgeous, Rich Forest & Beauty) each containing a limited number of clues. Just as the other three teams arrived in the district, the cowboys found a local who directed them into an alley that led to the Silver Gorgeous wedding shop where the owner handed them their clue, a clear plastic bubble. They had to figure out they needed to travel to Canton Tower, the tallest tower in China and home to the world's highest Ferris wheel. Teams would find their next clue in one of bubbles that circled the rooftop.
With father and son Dave & Connor finding Rich Forest & Beauty dress shop in second place, twins Natalie & Nadiya and cousins Leo & Jamal thought joining forces in their search would help but it only made matters worse. The two teams ran around unable to find anyone who could direct them to one of the three stores, and became increasingly less focused as time slipped away. The twins called the Afghanimals "a hot mess, worse than us." Their frustration and concern only heightened when teams from the second flight began to appear in the wedding district, prompting Nadiya to wonder, "How long have we been running in the streets?" Unbeknownst to the twins and Afghanimals, newlyweds Brendon & Rachel, Team Kentucky Mark & Mallory, Harlem Globetrotters Flight Time & Big Easy and mother and son Margie & Luke all swooped into the district and found a store quickly leaving Jessica & John, Caroline & Jennifer, and Joey & Meghan to battle it out for last place with Natalie & Nadiya and Leo & Jamal. Calling their situation with the Afghanimals "a train wreck" [The two teams walked right past one of the stores at one point], the twinnies decided to ditch them when country singers Caroline & Jennifer wanted to find an English speaking local. Seeing the twinnies and country singers walk away together, Leo & Jamal didn't even care because they finally found a local who quietly led them straight to Silver Gorgeous wedding dress shop, landing them in seventh place. After briefly connecting with Jessica & John and Joey & Meghan in the hunt for a dress shop, the twinnies once again made the decision to break away with Caroline & Jennifer leading nowhere while the engaged couple and YouTube hosts found the Silver Gorgeous shop. Sensing the situation spinning out of control, Caroline suggested, "I don't feel like we have a plan. We need help."
When Caroline & Jennifer and Natalie & Nadiya realized they were the only teams remaining in the wedding district, panic and frustration set in. One twinny exclaimed, "I'm going to take one of these dresses and strangle myself." A disappointed Caroline added, "It's over now. I feel like I'm in a nightmare." Finally, the twins found a man who knew the location of all three shops as Natalie asked, "Where was this guy hours ago?" The local led the two teams to the Silver Gorgeous shop, but all the clues were already gone. The same happened at Rich Forest & Beauty shop. Finally, at the Precious One, the twinnies and country singers finally found their plastic bubble clue and had a lot of ground to make up.
At the Canton Tower, cowboys Jet & Cord took an elevator to the top of the 1,968-foot building and marveled when they walked onto the rooftop where the bubble cars of the ferris wheel slowly circled the circumference. Cord joked, "If you fall from this far, a bubble ain't gonna save ya." Figuring their clue would be inside one of the large orange bubble cars, the cowboys chose number 15 and stepped inside. After briefly enjoying a full 360 degree view of the city, Jet noticed a clue attached to the door when it slid closed to begin their ride on the ferris wheel. However, lifting up the clue, it said Try Again. Immediately, the annoyed cowboys realized they would have to slowly circle the entire rooftop before getting out and selecting a different bubble car. A cheery Cord told his brother, "Might as well enjoy the ride, man!" Still with no other teams appearing at the tower, Jet & Cord completed their ride in bubble car 15, exited, and entered the next available one, number 16. This time, when Jet lifted up the clue, he and Cord cheered when they saw instructions to search for their next clue at the stadium on the river below (Xaixinsha Stadium). As they waited for their second ferris wheel ride to end, Jet & Cord were shocked when Margie & Luke and Brendon & Rachel [second flight teams] arrived along with Dave & Connor and Mark & Mallory. Cord exclaimed, "Talk about a flip!" In their bubbles, Brendon & Rachel had an actual clue for the stadium while Margie & Luke, Dave & Connor and Mark & Mallory all had to try again. Trying to lighten the mood, Dave joked, "Our bubble just burst." Noticing that the teams in bubbles on either side of them didn't seem to react like they had a clue and remembering Jet & Cord being in bubble 16, Rachel correctly pieced together that teams would only find actual clues in the even numbered bubbles. Exiting the bubble in hot pursuit of the cowboys who departed minutes earlier, Rachel shouted to Brendon, "We can totally win this Express Pass!"
While the Afghanimals luckily selected an even number bubble on their first try, Mark & Mallory, along with Dave & Connor, chose wisely their second try by entering bubbles that had been occupied by teams they knew got their clue. Seeing the Globetrotters (clue on the 1st try), Jessica & John (also got a clue), and Joey & Meghan (try again) all entering bubbles, Mallory became nervous about the race tightening up so she started to question Mark's logical assessment of which stadium (the only one in eyeshot below them along the river) they needed to travel to for their clue. Mallory insisted, "I just want to make sure to be sure. We gotta second guess it." Mark replied, "No we don't. I see it plain as day." Mark later added that trusting each other's decisions wouldn't happen right off the bat until they got to know each other better.
Finally arriving at Canton Tower in last place just behind country singers Caroline & Jennifer, who walked into an even numbered bubble, Nadiya wanted to pause for a moment to make sure no mistakes were made, but Natalie insisted that bubble choice didn't matter so the twins took the next one available. When Natalie then lifted the clue to see Try Again, Nadiya snapped, "I told you! You're such a fool…idiot." The bickering between the twins worsened when Natalie turned the tables accusing Nadiya of not giving her a warning about getting in the bubble. Nadiya fought back, correctly asserting that she questioned how to choose a bubble and wanted to make sure before stepping inside. The twins did agree on one thing: "This is the worst day."
Arriving at the awe-inspiring Xaixinsha Stadium that hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Asian Games, cowboys Jet & Cord ripped open their clue to find a Roadblock. In it, one team member had to perform five high-wire flips as they traveled 300 feet to the top of the stadium. After putting on a bright yellow and pink jumpsuit (with fringe on the arms resembling flames) that complemented his red hair, Cord ran to the demonstration and watched a professional spin mere feet off the ground in a harness to understand the task he was about to undertake. Taking an elevator to a platform 300 feet above the ground, Cord joked to the operator, "You guys have something about heights in this town." While not excited at the prospect of spinning so far above the ground connected only to two thin wires, Cord knew he had no choice if he and Jet wanted to win the Express Passes. After getting raised by the wires above the platform, Cord began to spin as the wires took him even further into the air. By the time the cowboy reached his pinnacle he completed his fifth backward revolution to complete the Roadblock and shouted, "I'm ready to get back down!"
Retuning back to solid ground, Cord opened up the next clue with Jet instructing the cowboys to find the next Pit Stop on foot at Guangzhou Opera House. With Brendon only starting his spinning in second place, the cowboys easily sprinted to the opera house where they claimed first place and the two Express Passes. While happy to win the Express Pass for his team, Jet voiced some concern about giving the other one away and joked he would tell teams he left the decision up to Cord. Cord quickly replied, "Don't do that."
With Brendon & Rachel finishing the day second, Dave & Connor third, and Margie & Luke fourth after fifty-something Margie triumphed at the Roadblock, Natalie & Nadiya watched all the teams leave the Canton Tower rooftop except YouTube hosts Joey & Meghan who correctly chose their second bubble, one that Caroline & Jennifer took before them. Now back at the beginning, the twinnies exited their wrong bubble still unsure of how to find a correct one. They knew the Globetrotters found a clue in bubble 12, but they also suspected all even bubbles had one, but the twinnies didn't know for sure because they didn't pay attention when other teams exited their bubbles. Now standing on the platform as bubbles slowly passed them, Nadiya wanted to play it safe until bubble 12 pulled up, but Natalie countered, "Just wait 25 minutes more? We're gonna be out!" Natalie started to step into bubble 2, but Nadiya hesitated forcing an increasingly frustrated Natalie to step back out, yelling, "You're an idiot!" When Natalie pointed out that Joey & Meghan were already halfway through their second ride, Nadiya relented and took the risk with Natalie by entering bubble 4. Seeing the clue inside, a vindicated Natalie exclaimed, "We should've gone in 2 from the first place," but Nadiya simply told her to shut up. Finishing the leg in sixth place behind Leo & Jamal and just ahead of Flight Time & Big Easy, Team Kentucky Mark & Mallory clapped at their solid performance together after such a turbulent and emotional beginning. Mark told Phil, "We're trying our best for Bopper." Mallory added, "Even though this is hard and we feel like we have other teammates that we can't let down, it's still about two people trying to make it around the world. It's gonna be great."
With Jessica & John and Caroline & Jennifer taking eighth and ninth place, Joey & Meghan arrived at Xaixinsha Stadium just ahead of twins Natalie & Nadiya. As impending elimination loomed just ahead, Joey stepped up to try and keep Team Youtube in the race. Running to get harnessed for his spins atop the stadium, Joey squealed over his costume, "Look I'm a dragon!" His excitement soon turned to panic and terror, gripping the wires as he rose into the air. Starting to make his revolutions just as Natalie rode the elevator to the platform, Joey maintained his composure just enough to finish five turns and descend back to the ground. On the mat in tenth place, he and Meghan cheered wildly at surviving to race another day. Watching Natalie perform the Roadblock, Nadiya graded their performance for the leg by saying, "We just sucked today. We did terrible." After being eliminated by Phil at the Pit Stop, Natalie told him, "I can't even look at you." Nadiya added, "The worst day to have a bad day for us. We're twins for God's sake. We can work together so well and today we just tore each other apart. Why can't we just get it together?"
Roadblock: A Roadblock is a task that only one team member can perform. In this Roadblock, that person had to perform five high-wire flips as they traveled 300 feet to the top of the stadium. Performed Roadblock: Cord, Brendon, Margie, Connor, Leo, Flight Time, Mallory, Jennifer, John, Joey, Natalie
Order of Finish: 1. Jet & Cord 2. Brendon & Rachel 3. Dave & Connor 4. Margie & Luke 5. Leo & Jamal 6. Mark & Mallory 7. Flight Time & Big Easy 8. Jessica & John 9. Caroline & Jennifer 10. Joey & Meghan 11. Natalie & Nadiya


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Remodeling, Alterations, or Improvements to University Facilities (IV.B.4)
Volume IV: Facilities and Safety
Chapter B: Use of Facilities
Issuing Office: Executive Vice President and Treasurer
Responsible Officer: Executive Vice President and Treasurer
Responsible Office: Environmental Health and Public Safety
Originally Issued: August 1, 2004
Most Recently Revised: November 18, 2011
Statement of Policy
Reason for Policy
Who Should Know This Policy
All work that involves the physical construction, alteration or improvement to university owned, leased or occupied facilities, or any improvements to land owned or leased by the university must be performed with the full knowledge and written consent of the EVPT or Designee. This applies whether the work will be performed by university employees (either Physical Facilities or department staff), students or outside contractors.
Physical Facilities is responsible for the planning, development, maintenance and construction of all facilities of the University. It is their responsibility to prepare or supervise the preparation of estimates, drawings, plans and specifications for major and minor alteration and remodeling projects including, but not limited to: new buildings and building additions or alterations, utilities, campus land improvements, landscape design and building maintenance for all University facilities. In order to fulfill this responsibility, plans and construction for this work are managed by Physical Facilities. They will insure compatibility with established University standards, building codes, and coordinate the work of the architects, engineers, contractors and Physical Facilities construction and maintenance staff with the requirements of the departments for which the work is being planned.
All requests for new space (new buildings, additions or leases, etc.), repairs, alterations, modifications and improvements to existing space (in university facilities of leased space, etc.) that are greater than $2,500, must begin with a Request for Professional Services (RPS) sent to the Work Request Center in Physical Facilities. A Project Manager will be assigned from Physical Facilities who will guide the requesting department through the appropriate process. Services estimated to cost less than $2,500 can be ordered electronically through the Work Request Center by departmental business units.
Project requests include all modifications to existing facilities, including but not limited to equipment installation, repair or modification of building envelope and structural components, electrical systems and equipment, telecommunication wiring and equipment, lighting, security alarms, heating, ventilating and refrigeration systems, plumbing and piping systems, walls and wall finishes, doors and partitions, furniture and casework, hazardous material abatement, masonry work and grounds site improvements.
Typically project work will be performed by in-house construction and maintenance crews or contractors hired through Physical Facilities. Some departments may have their own maintenance staff to perform some aspects of the work, but the request and coordination processes remains as stated above. Physical Facilities is responsible for providing professional oversight of both the design and construction phases of all construction. In order to insure this responsibility is met, Physical Facilities will inspect all work. Any work that is found to be not installed per codes and standards will be corrected, at the expense of the entity that did the work.
The construction, alteration or improvement of any university facility is regulated by various State and Federal laws and regulations, and by procedures established by the Purdue University Board of Trustees. These regulations, in part, control the process for awarding a public works contract (Indiana Public Works statues found in IC 5-16 and the by-laws established by the Board of Trustees), the requirements for the design of the facility (State Building Codes), the means and method of conducting the work and control of the workplace environment (OSHA and IOSHA regulations), the requirements for the testing for hazardous materials and their disposal (EPA and IDEM regulations), etc. Failure to comply with the laws and regulations may expose the university to fines. In addition, the individual responsible for the violation also may be subject to fines and/or prosecution by outside agencies.
The University takes these regulations seriously, and intends to fully comply with them. To insure compliance with the requirements, Physical Facilities has been established as the entity responsible for overseeing the construction, alteration or improvement of all university facilities. They have the responsibility to employ professionally trained and certified staff to insure all work done is in compliance with the regulations.
- President
- Provost
- Executive Vice President and Treasurer
- Chancellors
- Vice Presidents
- Vice Chancellors
- Vice Provosts
- Deans / Directors/ Department Heads / Chairs
- Principal Investigators
- Faculty Facility Managers
- Business Office Staff
- Administrative Staff
- Professional Staff
- Clerical and Service Staff
- Graduate Students
|VP of Physical Facilities
November 18, 2011: Policy number changed to IV.B.4 (formerly I.4.6).
October 13, 2008: Prior to October 2008, this policy was included as an appendix to policy I.4.1, Regulations Governing the Use and Assignment of University Facilities.


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Chizik, Tedford, Dooley and All the Other College Football Coaches Who Got Fired
While many coaches are gearing up for bowl season, it's that time of year when many other underperforming college college coaches get their walking papers. This year, some big names--including the winningest coach in Cal history and a guy who won a national title less than two years ago--headline the list of coaches who have been fired.
ARKANSAS: Coach Bobby Petrino was fired during the offseason after it came out that he had put his mistress, a former Razorback volleyball player, on the athletic department payroll. The university brought former assistant and former Michigan State head coach John L. Smith back on an interim basis. But after struggling to a 4-8 record this year, Smith was told his services would no longer be required.
AUBURN: Gene Chizik went from hoisting the national championship trophy to the unemployment line in less than two years after leading Auburn to a 3-9 mark this year, the Tigers' worst season since going 0-10 in 1950. Auburn became the first team in FBS history to go from undefeated in conference play to winless in the conference in just three seasons.
BOSTON COLLEGE: Frank Spaziani was promoted from defensive coordinator in 2009, but was never able to make the transition, going just 21-29 in four seasons, including a 6-18 mark the last two years.
CALIFORNIA: Jeff Tedford, the winningest coach in Bears history, was shown the door after a 3-9 mark this year, his second losing season in three years. He leaves with the Cal school records for games coached, wins and bowl wins.
COLORADO: While Jon Embree inherited quite a mess cleaning up the Buffaloes program after the Dan Hawkins era, CU administrators apparently felt he hadn't done enough, firing the coach after just two seasons. Embree went 4-21 as the Colorado coach, including 1-11 this year.
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL: Mario Cristobal was just the second coach in FIU school history and, after going just 9-27 in his first three years, appeared to have turned the corner with back-to-back winning seasons, a Sun Belt conference title and the first two bowl games in school history. But that apparently wasn't enough to buy the coach some slack, as Cristobal was fired after going 3-9 this year.
IDAHO: Coach Rob Akey was fired in October after starting the season 1-7. He was just 20-50 overall in 5+ seasons with the Vandals.
KENTUCKY: Phillips got the Wildcat job after serving as Kentucky's offensive coordinator during a four-year run of winning seasons under coach Rich Brooks. But, after Brooks' retirement, Phillips was never able to duplicate that success. During his three-year head coaching stint, Phillips never had a winning record, finishing just 13-24 overall (2-10 this year) and 4-20 in conference play.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE: The Wolfpack pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season with a 17-16 win over then-#3 Florida State. But it was not enough to save Tom O'Brien's job after NC State lost three of their last four to finish 7-5. While his 40-35 mark in six years with North Carolina State wasn't as bad as some coaches who have lost their jobs this year, O'Brien only had a winning record in the ACC once (2010) and had a losing record against FBS teams.
PURDUE: Danny Hope was brought in as the successor to legendary coach Joe Tiller. But Hope was never able to duplicate his predecessor's success, going just 22-27 (13-19 in the Big Ten) in four years with the Boilermakers.
SOUTH FLORIDA: Skip Holtz was fired on December 2 after completing his second consecutive losing season with the Bulls. In just three years with South Florida, Holtz went 16-21, including a 3-9 mark this year, the worst in school history.
SOUTHERN MISS: It's not often you see a coach fired after just one year. But after going 12-2 and winning the Conference USA title last season, Southern Miss pulled the plug on Ellis Johnson after the Golden Eagles dropped to 0-12 this year.
TENNESSEE: After starting his first season in Knoxville 2-6, coach Derek Dooley's Vols won their last four to make a bowl game, leading some to think Dooley would be the guy to return Tennessee to respectability. Unfortunately, that was not the case as the Volunteers lost that bowl game and then suffered through two more losing seasons in which Dooley went just 1-14 in conference play. Dooley was fired in November after a 15-21 mark in three years with Tennessee.
WESTERN MICHIGAN: Bill Cubit orchestrated one of college football's biggest turnarounds, going 7-5 in his first season (2005) after the Broncos had gone 1-10 the previous year. He led Western Michigan to three bowl games in eight seasons and has the second-most conference wins in program history. But, despite a 51-47 record with the Broncos, he was fired in November after dropping to 4-8 this year.


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Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Victory eases pressure on Lambert
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert spoke of his relief at a "huge win" over West Ham which moved the midlands club out of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone.
Goals from Christian Benteke and Charles N'Zogbia put Villa in control and all West Ham could manage in reply was an Ashley Westwood own goal as the home side held on for a 2-1 triumph. It was Villa's first win in nine league games after collecting only three points from the previous 24 available.
Lambert admitted: "It's only great when you hear that whistle and you've won. It's the only good thing about it. The stress levels are ridiculous. It's hard to explain. You have to be in that position. Balls are going into your box. But once it's finished it's great you have won. You just have to see it through."
He went on: "It's a huge win for us. We have been in positions of being goals up in a right few games. If we had taken more points from those, we'd be comfortably in mid-table. But the pleasing thing is we have hopefully broken the camel's back with that."
All the goals came late in the match. Benteke scored the opener from the penalty spot after 74 minutes before a stunning free-kick from N'Zogbia put them in control four minutes later.
Lambert said: "The free-kick was world-class, an absolute world-class goal. He's got that in him. He's a really talented footballer. To be fair, over the last couple of months, Charles has been excellent. He was unlucky because he had a bad injury with his knee.
"That kept him out for six weeks or so. Since he's come back into the fold he's been excellent. He has been very good. He's got that X-Factor. These type of players are not easy to come by."
West Ham have now lost five successive away games and manager Sam Allardyce was again rueing missed chances. They were handed a life line by Westwood's late own goal and then in the final moments Villa keeper Brad Guzan pulled off two fine saves to deny Kevin Nolan and Carlton Cole.
Allardyce said: "I thought we had saved it but we should never have been in that position. That's the biggest disappointment. We should never have got ourselves in a losing position because we'd created the chances. We can't play any better than we played.
"We then created the chances to get ourselves back to 2-2 and we failed to do so and that's been our problem away from home this season. It was a great free kick from Charles N'Zogbia so we can't criticise that too much. The overall situation was disappointing because of the way we played."


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ARLINGTON, Va. — The redesigned Ford F-150 pickup truck and Ford Freestar minivan each earned the highest overall rating in a recent series of 40 mph frontal crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both vehicles, which are 2004 models, improved compared with their predecessors (see attachment). The previous F-150 model was rated poor, while the redesigned 2004 model F-150 earned a good rating and the added designation of "best pick." Ford's previous minivan, the Windstar, was rated acceptable, while the new Freestar earned a rating of good and also is a "best pick."
Vehicle ratings reflect performance in 40 mph frontal offset crash tests into a deformable barrier. Based on the results, the Institute evaluates the crashworthiness of passenger vehicles, assigning each vehicle a rating from good overall to poor. If a vehicle earns a good rating, it means that in a real-world crash of similar severity a belted driver would be likely to walk away with minor injuries. A "best pick" designation means the vehicle performed well across the board in the 40 mph crash test.
"The good crash test results of the F-150 pickup and the Freestar minivan mean that Ford has the top-rated full-size pickup truck and one of the two top-rated minivans in the Institute's frontal crashworthiness evaluations," says Institute president Brian O'Neill.
"The F-150 went from the worst performing large pickup we've tested to the best performing large pickup," O'Neill says. "When we tested the old F-150, there was massive collapse of the occupant compartment, and as a result high injury forces were recorded on the driver dummy. In contrast, the compartment of the new F-150 held up extremely well in the offset test, the dummy's movement was well controlled, and all injury measures were low."
Comparison of 2001 Ford F-150 and redesigned 2004 F-150 Measured intrusion (cm) in 40 mph frontal offset crash tests
2001 FORD F-150 Poor structural performance: Massive collapse of the occupant compartment
2004 FORD F-150 Good structural performance: Occupant compartment remained intact
The Freestar minivan's driver space was maintained well in the offset test, and the dummy moved back into the seat without its head coming close to any stiff structure that could cause injury. In contrast, the old Windstar had too much upward movement of the steering wheel, which could compromise the performance of the restraint system. Intrusion into the Windstar's footwell area contributed to moderately high forces on the dummy's left leg.
"The new Freestar and the Toyota Sienna are the only two minivans that are rated good and also are 'best picks' in the Institute's frontal offset crash test," O'Neill says.
It's unusual for the Institute to release crash test results for vehicles from just one manufacturer. Ford requested the tests of the F-150 and Freestar early in the model year, and it's long-standing Institute policy to grant such requests if the manufacturer reimburses the Institute for the cost of the vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the federal agency that also conducts crashworthiness evaluations, has a similar policy.
The Institute's frontal offset test into a deformable barrier is especially demanding of vehicle structure. The driver side hits the barrier, so a relatively small area of the vehicle's front-end structure must manage the crash energy. This means intrusion into the occupant compartment is more likely to occur than in a full-width test.
"Good structural design is the key to good performance in the offset test," O'Neill says. "If a vehicle's front-end structure absorbs and manages the crash energy so the occupant compartment remains largely intact, with little or no intrusion into the driver's space, then the dummy's movement can be controlled, and injury measures are likely to be low. In contrast, poor structural design means greater likelihood of poor control of the dummy and high injury measures."
The Institute's crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of frontal offset crash tests at 40 mph. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on three aspects of performance — measurements of occupant compartment intrusion, injury measures from a Hybrid III dummy positioned in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.
The federal government has been testing new passenger vehicles in 35 mph fullfront crash tests since 1978. This New Car Assessment Program has been a major contributor to crashworthiness improvements — in particular, improved restraint systems in new passenger vehicles. The Institute's offset tests, conducted since 1995, involve 40 percent of a vehicle's front end hitting a deformable barrier at 40 mph. This test complements the federal test involving the full width of the front end hitting a rigid barrier. Both tests are contributing to improvements in crashworthiness — in particular, improved crumple zones and safety cages.
The same 40 mph offset crash test is used to evaluate new cars by the European Union in cooperation with motor clubs, by an Australian consortium of state governments and motor clubs, and by a government-affiliated organization in Japan.
©1996-2018, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute | www.iihs.org
IIHS-HLDI in the Classroom
An educational resource for students and teachers


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The Flying Dutchmen return 26 letterwinners from a 2008 team that finished second in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA). Coach Kevin Cole begins his fourth season at the helm of the track and field program with a roster that includes 12 freshmen, 19 sophomores, 10 juniors and 11 seniors.
Co-captains of the team are senior Robert Bailey of Ogden Dunes, Ind. (Portage HS) and junior Jeff Minkus of Glen Ellyn, Ill. (Glenbard West HS).
A record number of Hope track and field athletes received All-MIAA honors in 2008 as the men's and women's teams crowned 16 conference champions. At the conference championship meet each team had its highest point total since the current point-system was initiated in 2000.
Returning All-MIAA athletes include senior Sean Bergsma (Grand Haven, Mich./Grand Haven HS), senior Brandon Bosch (Hudsonville, Mich./Hudsonville HS), sophomore John Donkersloot (Zeeland, Mich./Zeeland East HS), sophomore Cameron Lampkin (Oak Park, Mich./Berkley HS), junior Jeff Minkus (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West HS), and sophomore Nick Rinck (Hudsonville, Mich./Hudsonville HS).
Sean Bergsma is the two-time defending MIAA champion in the high jump. Other returning MIAA champions include Brandon Bosch, long jump; Jeffrey Minkus, triple jump; and Nick Rinck, 400-meter hurdles.
Three of the team's distance runners achieved All-MIAA cross country honors last fall -- co-captain Robert Bailey, senior Paul VanderVelde of Lawrence, Kan. (Lawrence Free State HS), and junior Matt Wiersum of Minnetonka, Minn. (Minnetonka HS).
Other returning letterwinners include junior Matthew Clark (Holland, Mich./Holland HS), sophomore James Colten (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North HS), junior Bryan Dekoekkoek (Martin, Mich./Kalamazoo Christian HS), sophomore Dezmon Fulton (Southfield, Mich./Dearborn Robichaud HS), senior Forrest Gordon (Rockford, Mich./Rockford HS), junior Ryan Jara (Commerce Twp., Mich./Walled Lake Norhern HS), junior Collin Kooy (Metamora, Mich./Flint Powers Catholic HS), sophomore Mickael Nunez (Lawrence, Mass./Central Catholic HS), junior Preston Pierson (Traverse City, Mich./TC Central HS), junior Frenk Prebvich (Adrian, Mich./Onsted HS), senior James Ralston (Holly, Mich./Fenton HS), junior Jonathan Rodriguez (Berrien Springs, Mich./Berrien Springs HS), senior Chaz Shelton (Tucson, Ariz./Holland HS), junior Aaron Treiber (Auburn, Mich./Valley Lutheran HS), and junior Lucas Wolthuis (Vicksburg, Mich./Vicksburg HS).


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At 7-7, the UC Irvine men's basketball team is breaking even. It took overtime, of course, to produce the Anteaters' seventh victory of the season on Saturday, and "even" may be the theme in the Big West Conference, which tipped off with five games Saturday.
Four games among Big West rivals were decided by 10 or fewer points on Saturday, with the lone exception being UCI's 68-57 overtime conquest of visiting UC Davis, which managed just one field goal in the final 10:33 of action, including a scoreless overtime session.
Even may be the operative word in the Big West this season, with none of the 10 teams having stepped forward as a definitive favorite.
Cal State Northridge came into conference play with a 9-3 record, but fell, 74-71, to Hawaii.
One national media outlet named UC Santa Barbara as its odds-on favorite to represent the conference in the NCAA Tournament. But the Gauchos lost to Cal State Fullerton, 86-79, Saturday and are now 4-8.
Only two Big West teams take winning records into Thursday's conference schedule and both of those 7-5 squads — Cal State Fullerton and Hawaii — will square off at 9 p.m. in Honolulu.
UCI plays five of its next seven conference games on the road, beginning with its Central Coast swing against UCSB (Thursday at 7 p.m.) and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (Saturday at 7).
Coach Russell Turner's Anteaters were picked to finish third in the preseason poll and rank atop the conference in rebounding (43.6 per game), scoring defense (62.4), field-goal percentage defense (.360), three-point percentage defense (.275), assists (16.8) and blocked shots (5.0).
UCI senior Daman Starring, the 'Eaters' leading scorer at 13.5 per contest, ranks second in the Big West in three-point percentage (47.2% on 53 attempts). Sophomore Will Davis leads Big West players with 2.1 blocks per game, while freshman point guard Alex Young is second in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.5 with 50 assists and 20 turnovers).
The Big West is ranked 15th among 32 conferences, plus independents in the latest Ratings Percentage Index breakdown, which lists UCI at No. 145 among 347 schools.
The rest of the Big West is as follows on the RPI list: Northridge (59), UCSB (86), Long Beach State (116); Pacific (146), Cal Poly (196), UC Davis (219), Hawaii (247), Cal State Fullerton (270) and UC Riverside (345).
UCI has played four teams in the top 54, topped by UNLV (13) and including UCLA (43), Southern Mississippi (50) and LSU (54).
One area of concern for UCI has been free-throw shooting. It is 60.9% as a team (179 for 294), but seniors Adam Folker and Mike Wilder, as well as Davis, are a combined 30 for 82 this season (36.6%). Folker, the only Anteater to start all 14 games this season, has missed 30 of his 40 attempts from the line.
The UCI women's basketball team (4-8) opens Big West Conference play on Thursday at home against UCSB (4-8).
UCI, under first-year coach Doug Oliver, has won two of its last three, including a 66-52 triumph at Cal State Bakersfield on Saturday.
The Anteaters, 2-8 in their last 10 conference openers, have been led by junior point guard Jennifer Tsurumoto (11.2 points per game) and 6-foot-1 junior post Camille Buckley (10.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game).
Both Buckley and sophomore Methlyn Onogomuho had double-doubles at Bakersfield. Buckley had 19 points and 15 rebounds, while Onogomuho had 12 points and 11 boards.
UCI is 0-4 at home this season.
The Vanguard University women's basketball team completed its preconference season 9-0 and is ranked No. 3 in NAIA Division I. Coach Russ Davis' Lions open Golden State Athletic Conference play on Tuesday at home against San Diego Christian at 5:30 p.m.
Vanguard, led by junior guard Nicole Ballestero (20.7 points per game, which ranked No. 4 nationally through Jan. 1) and senior post Esther Timmermans (14.3 points and 11.3 rebounds per contest, the latter ranking No. 5 in the nation), may go unbeaten in the regular season.
The Lions' biggest tests in GSAC play include No. 4-ranked Westmont (at home on Jan. 15 and on the road Feb. 5) and The Master's College (at home Jan. 29 and on the road Feb. 19).
The Vanguard men's basketball team, off to a 10-4 start and on a four-game winning streak, opens GSAC play Tuesday at home against San Diego Christian.
The Lions, led by junior guard Preston Wynne (17.9 points per game), and senior forward Ennis Whatley Jr. (17.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game and shooting 63.2% from the field), are hoping to make a title run.
Westmont is ranked No. 5 in NAIA Division I and perennial GSAC power Concordia is ranked No. 19.
The Orange Coast College men's team (9-6) opens Orange Empire Conference play at home Friday against Riverside at 7:30 p.m.
The OCC women (9-7) play host to Riverside on Friday at 5:30 p.m. in their conference opener.
The OCC women are led by freshman guard Dayanara Armenta (17.9 points per game).
Twitter: @BarryFaulkner5


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The same trainer who coached Hackensack's American Pharoah to the 2015 Kentucky Derby finish line just made history again.
This time, it was trainer Bob Baffert's pre-race, undefeated favorite Justify (5-2) who went on to win the 144th Kentucky Derby Saturday reversing the Apollo Curse -- with only three races under his belt.
Hall of Famer Baffert also trained racehorse Solomini, of Hackensack's Zayat Stables, LLC -- owned by a Teaneck family -- who finished 10th this year at Churchill Downs.
Three-year-old Justify's win made him the first horse without a race as a 2-year-old to win the annual Run for the Roses since Apollo in 1882 -- finishing in 2 minutes 4.20 seconds with only three races under his belt.
Justify was neck and neck with Promises Fulfilled but pulled into the lead halfway through the race, earning Baffert his fifth win in the Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs.
The horse took home a $1,432,000 paycheck and his backers won $7.80 on a $2 bet to win.
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By: Kelly Ricker, SVP Education & Events, CompTIA
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