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After a very successful Sparks session at Lotusphere NerdGirls is proud to announce that we are taking it on the road!
Our first stop is BLUG; the Belgium – Luxembourg User Group event held on March 22-23 in Antwerp where we are hoping to present some more Sparks. And that means it's open for new submissions
Are you going to inspire the audience?
So if you are going to BLUG and have an inspirational story to share let us know. And who knows, maybe your spark will be on center stage in Antwerp!
Not sure what a Sparks session is? No problem. A spark session is a session consisting of a number of short (5min) speeches by people (both men and women) from the audience about something they think is inspirational. It can be on anything from work to hobby to family life, as long as it is inspirational. For some ideas check out the video's of the Sparks that were presented at Lotusphere here.
Interested in participating? Sent us a mail shortly describing your Sparks topic to firstname.lastname@example.com. A selection commission will pick the best submissions out for the BLUG session.
We hope to see you in Antwerp!


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The Great Pumpkin Chase 5K & 10K - Jackson Hole
We love Autumn and Halloween!!! And to celebrate the amazing month of October, we are hosting The Great Pumpkin Chase 5K & 10K! October is also Domestic Violence Awareness month. We will also be donating at least 15% of each registration to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, which has served as the national voice for millions of women, men, and children who have endured abuse from someone who claims to love them. When: Complete your race any time in October. Where: This is a virtual race. You choose the course and you time yourself (you'll report your finishing time to us and we ship your medal to you). You choose which distance you want to complete. Why: Because we love pumpkins, Halloween, and anything AUTUMN!! Cost: $17. Includes custom medal and bib that will be shipped directly to you. Plus, at least 15% of every entry will be donated to National Network to End Domestic Violence. *We are in no way affiliated with this charity, we like to choose a different charity for each of our races and are happy to raise funds for them. * Medals will beginning shipping in September.
- Start:October 01, 2017 Time: 1:00 PM
- End:October 01, 2017 Time: 11:59 PM
- Where:Jackson Hole - VIRTUAL, YOU CHOOSE, Jackson, Wyoming, United States, 83001
- Phone:N/A
- Event Type: Other
- Ticket Price:N/A

subset: commoncrawl


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CHICAGO, April 30 (UPI) -- Soon-to-be-parents Kim Kardashian and Kanye West asked friends to donate to a Chicago children's hospital instead of buying baby gifts, a Kardashian agent said.
The celebrity socialite-actress and Chicago rapper asked friends to donate to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Kardashian's publicity representative said.
The hospital, formerly known as Children's Memorial Hospital, issued a statement expressing "its sincerest gratitude" to Kardashian and West "for their thoughtfulness and support of the hospital."
"We wish them all the best in the upcoming arrival of their baby," the statement said.
Donations made on the couple's behalf will go to the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which provides critically ill newborns with highly specialized care, the hospital said.


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§6906. Financial disclosure
(a) Statement
Each officer or employee of the Administrator who-
(1) performs any function or duty under this chapter; and
(2) has any known financial interest in any person who applies for or receives financial assistance under this chapter
shall, beginning on February 1, 1977, annually file with the Administrator a written statement concerning all such interests held by such officer or employee during the preceding calendar year. Such statement shall be available to the public.
(b) Action by Administrator
The Administrator shall-
(1) act within ninety days after October 21, 1976-
(A) to define the term "known financial interest" for purposes of subsection (a) of this section; and
(B) to establish the methods by which the requirement to file written statements specified in subsection (a) of this section will be monitored and enforced, including appropriate provision for the filing by such officers and employees of such statements and the review by the Administrator of such statements; and
(2) report to the Congress on June 1, 1978, and of each succeeding calendar year with respect to such disclosures and the actions taken in regard thereto during the preceding calendar year.
(c) Exemption
In the rules prescribed under subsection (b) of this section, the Administrator may identify specific positions within the Environmental Protection Agency which are of a nonpolicy-making nature and provide that officers or employees occupying such positions shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.
(d) Penalty
Any officer or employee who is subject to, and knowingly violates, this section shall be fined not more than $2,500 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
Termination of Reporting Requirements
For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of reporting provisions in subsec. (b)(2) of this section, see section 3003 of
Transfer of Functions
For transfer of certain enforcement functions of Administrator or other official of Environmental Protection Agency under this chapter to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, and subsequent transfer to Secretary of Energy, then to Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects, see note set out under section 6903 of this title.


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Timer for Android Is the Most Elegant and Functional Timer We've Ever Seen
Android: Most of us don't normally associate words like "elegant" with an app like a timer, but Timer for Android is a perfect example of how function doesn't have to be sacrificed for form. More »
Google Tracks 2.0 Turns Your Exercise Trips into Eye-Catching Data
Android: My Tracks, in its first version, was a nifty outdoor GPS tracking tool-if you were really comfortable with Google Spreadsheets. The just-out 2.0 My Tracks is much prettier, easier to activate, and shares out stats far more easily.
One year after open-sourcing the My Tracks code, the... More »
Word Lens for Android Brings Offline, Visual Language Translations to Your Android Phone
Remember how mind-blowing Word Lens was the first time we all saw it? Just point your phone's camera at a sign in another language, look at your phone's screen, and the sign would appear in English, plain as day. More »
Postbox Email Client Now Only $9.99, Is a Perfect Alternative to Thunderbird
Windows/Mac: Now that Thunderbird has all but shut down development, some of you may be looking for a new desktop email client. Postbox, one of our favorite email clients around, is now much cheaper at $10, and it's the perfect replacement. More »
Fake-A-Call Free Gets You Out of Awkward Situations with Realistic Rings
iPhone: Fake phone call escapes are nothing new, but Fake-A-Call has a certain style when it comes to deliberately faking an important call. The screen looks real, the caller ID is custom, and there's even a fake answer recording.
Whenever you think it's [appropriate to create a fake... More »
WhoAreYou Offers Free Caller ID, SMS Blocking, and Reverse Phone Number Lookups for Android
Android: Your Android phone probably came with basic caller ID, but if you're like most people you still wind up with a lot of mystery calls. WhoAreYou is a free app that boosts that caller ID by filling in details that you'd miss otherwise, like the city and state of the caller and other... More »
MenuBarFilter Gives OS X a Dark, iOS-Style Menubar
OS X: The menubar on your Mac is black text on a white background, and even if you tell OS X's system preferences to set the menubar to translucent, it's still a little on the bright side. More »
Boom Makes Your Crappy MacBook Speakers Louder, Is 30% Off Today Only
OS X: If your Mac's speakers leave a little bit to be desired, Boom will boost your volume past its maximum point, making that sound easier to hear.
We've talked about Boom before, and its really easy to use. More »
Next Issue Offers Unlimited All-You-Can-Read Magazines on Your Tablet for One Subscription Price
iPad/Android: Avid magazine readers will want to take note of this new app for the iPad and Android tablets. Next Issue gives you access to over 30 major magazines (including Wired, Real Simple, and Bon Appétit) for $10 to $14 a month. More »
Minimalist Timer Is the Least-Distracting, Simplest Timer You'll Ever Use
iOS: Using a timer while you work can help you remember to stay on task, remember to take breaks, and is essential to the Pomodoro productivity technique. More »


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He's the most powerful psychic on the planet, but televangelist Peter Corbie has spent a lifetime hiding from his gifts…
They've killed once. He's vowed never to let it happen again. He'd hoped a lifetime of service to the church could shield him from what he believes may be a demonic power. But Peter can't hide much longer. A deadly killer is on the loose, a killer with but one purpose: to steal extraordinary abilities from his victims even as he takes their lives. As Peter's carefully arranged life and iron control begin to crumble, time starts running out. When the killer targets Peter, he has no choice but to turn and fight. He's forced to grapple with his power and his faith in order to take on a merciless enemy and his murderous apprentice. Buy now from Amazon.com.
Emaline Voisine is ready to give up on life just before she gets the call that her seven year old daughter has been kidnapped by her dead ex-husband.
Now she's in a race against time, locked in a supernatural custody battle of epic proportions that forces her to rise to the challenge while facing her own shortcomings as a parent.
Buy now from Amazon.com.


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With a little Sonny Crockett, right?
I know some of you aren't feeling it. Me, I'd be so much more into it... but for that gold chain around his right wrist. If not for that gold chain, I'm buying. It's probably the white belt. I am predisposed to liking a white belt on a man; I think it reminds me of golf.
So here's Brad Pitt at the Killing Them Softly photo call today in Cannes just before the press conference where they waited some over two hours to get a spot. I was at the screening which ended about 50 minutes before the presser, guaranteeing there was no way I'd get in. With the highly anticipated films in Cannes, sometimes you have to choose. So I ended up walking out of the Palais while he was heading in to tell a room full of journalists that Angelina Jolie isn't here. That she's about to start a new movie and couldn't make it. A few people told me afterwards that it was like the entire place deflated. Because it's now assumed that there will be no Brange on the carpet tonight, that he will walk alone instead. Others are calling, calling, calling, sourcing sourcing sourcing to see if she actually will show up as a "surprise". You see how these two keep playing us? They are always, always playing us.
And it's not just because we're all gossips. For many of the photographers and the shooters, that shot of them together, on the red steps, is, like, a month of rent. It's the shot that could make many covers all around the world. It's the shot that feeds people. The only other couple that sells like Brange is Royal - William and Catherine. Otherwise, while there may be interest in other lovers here and there, they don't make cash money for their pictures they way the Brange and the Cambridges do. Those two couples fuel their industries. So you can imagine how much they're hoping the Jolie arrives tonight.
But if she doesn't...
Well it's either because they've called off the wedding!
She's pregnant!
Brad made quite clear today during the presser that the wedding will happen but that it won't happen this summer as has been rumoured.
As for Killing Them Softly, his is indeed a nuanced, very skilled performance, the latest in a series of strong performances over the last few years, paced deliberately as he approaches 50 to prove his point: I am a proper actor.
For some reason, after the screening I kept thinking about Johnny Depp. And that past conventional wisdom has been to say that if we were to compare the two of them, that Johnny is the real artist where Brad just an artistic lightweight. Looking at their recent resumés though, Johnny's has more bullsh-t on it than Brad's, and Depp certainly seems to work more (often) for the Disney paycheque than Pitt. But why does Johnny get more respect? Is it because analysis of Pitt's career is too often filtered through the prism of his personal life?
I quite like the roles he's been choosing. I quite admire that he instinctively steps back so that others can be great in their roles around him, a talent that he doesn't get enough credit for. You'll see it best in Killing Them Softly in his scenes with James Gandolfini like he's sitting across from his own Jeffrey Goines in Twelve Monkeys and just ...encouraging the crazy to happen without interference. And being really, really funny about it. There are moments of very dark humour in this film, conveyed mostly via subversively written dialogue that Pitt captures with impressive comedic timing although I'm not sure about whatever accent he was trying that kept going in and out. Sometimes he spoke like himself. Other times he was a heavy New Yawker. As for all the hyperventilating about him getting another nomination, well it certainly gives Harvey something to work with, if that's what he chooses.
With a little Sonny Crockett, right?


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Music, food and drink bring us together in a new tradition of friendship celebrations that are as important to us as family gatherings.
Who are your friends?
At first, it seems a simple question. But think again: when was the last time you saw your best friend? Who did you spend your weekend with? Who are the people you really care about and how do you stay close to them?
Science tells us we can maintain a network of up to 150 friends but that we, really, only could count our close friends at 15.
We maintain connections in their hundreds, sometimes thousands, on social media and our networks of "friends" are linked by likes and shares. We can go for months without a face to face interaction with some of the people we consider closest to our hearts.
Today's friendship has become abstracted by our globalized and increasingly virtual lives. We have become more nomadic, moving in our careers from town to town, to new countries even. We make new friendships as we go, with more and more of our life taking place online.
With social media, we don't have to let friendships lapse, keeping pace via feeds and photographs; snatched moments of connectivity that create a feeling of close proximity regardless of distance. These changes are having a fundamental impact on friendship itself.
We are making more and more friends than ever, but we often struggle to meet in person. The psychology of what we're experiencing is unique to our time: we are negotiating friendship on entirely new terms, with new tools, and we're struggling.
What used to be a sci-fi dream of virtual reality is here now, and it is distancing us from the deeper relationships our spirits crave. Against this backdrop, the need for tactile friendship has risen to the fore, and we're witnessing a renaissance of friendship's truest forms.
The 'friendship ceremony' – coming together has never been more important
In our busy lives, time is precious, and we choose carefully who we spend it with. Whether we are distanced by time or by continents, connecting physically with our closest friends takes on a new significance.
These moments are not just dear to us, they affirm the importance of the people we choose to spend them with. They provide much-needed breaks in our lives: a time to truly enjoy friendship in a world moving at breakneck speed.
Now, more than ever, the need to get together has become truly vital. Loneliness has entered the domain of the sociologist, doctor, and epidemiologist; technology has offered us incredible connectivity but we're fighting against a reality of increased distance and isolation.
Conventional social milestones: weddings, births, birthdays, don't really serve our needs in this way. The 'Pintererestization' of these events can feel almost competitive, with all eyes on the star of the event.
In the gap between, we have started to create our own 'friendship ceremonies', sometimes complementing, occasionally replacing traditional family gatherings with something that is altogether more vibrant, loud and fun.
These events are an opportunity to confirm your presence in the social circle, to demonstrate personal value and show appreciation to those around you through inviting them into your home – your most sacred and personal space.
Invitees are finite, usually around 13 – a number that is consistent across countries. Amongst 8 countries studied the biggest average friendship celebration is still only 15, in the USA.
Potlucks: the perfect antidote
Potluck, an old English phrase meaning to accept a situation in which one must take a chance that whatever is available will prove to be good. It has also come to mean a meal shared by friends in which everyone brings a dish to the table. It's a custom that is shared by many cultures, in many countries, each in their own interpretation.
Potluck dinners are spontaneous; they focus on the group, not the individual. They put the opportunity to celebrate and nurture friendships front and centre. New friendship rituals from Galentines Day, Friendsmas, Friendsgiving, and even Game of Thrones season finales, provide moments to get together and celebrate without the formality of more traditional occasions.
Over half of our global sample (57%) say they look forward to Friendsmas and Friendsgiving gatherings more than their family's holiday celebrations.
Potluck expresses a desire for flexibility, an opportunity to incorporate the diversity of our modern lives. We are remixing rituals on our own terms.
The locations in which Friendsmas is celebrated implies that people are aiming for greater control of the gathering. Homes are more popular than public places. 49% say they've had these events in their own home and 41% a friend's home, compared to 31% in restaurants, 15% in bars and only 4% in nightclubs. For 74% of people, the event has to involve catching up with old friends and the home is the best setting for this.
It's surely no surprise to see the perfect holiday gathering events have four key ingredients: friends, music, food and drink.
People and music
Adding music is fundamental to the holiday party, a condition, alongside good company and great conversation, that is truly fundamental.
85% of attendees say there has to be music playing at these gatherings, and the same percentage believe that just behind the presence of good friends and good conversation being in flow, music is the next most essential ingredient.
"Music has always been part of celebrating Christmas to the point that it is unthinkable to have Christmas parties without music. With Friendsmas parties, music has taken on an even more significant role." – Dr. Daniel Müllensiefen
A generation that grew up to a sound-track of poor-quality compressed mp3s has matured and calibrated to an expectation of high quality sonic experiences.
79% valued the sound quality of the music played through the speaker system as 'important.'
"(Now) music is among the goods you can savor and appreciate in a high quality mode, not just consuming it as you go along."
Services such as Spotify have accelerated our ability to discover music exponentially. Simultaneously, the speed of sharing and conversation happens faster than ever before. Thanks to these exciting new resources, our tastes are diversifying and we are becoming more empowered to develop and showcase our newfound obsessions.
63% say there needs to be a large music library to choose from while 67% think it should be easy for guests to pick a song. 60% believe that it's important that everyone has the opportunity to add to the playlist.
"This is in contrast to the idea that there should be a DJ scripting the event. More importantly it's about sharing access to the playlist; the process of choosing music can help to increase the feeling of togetherness. It's more democratic, and very few people would try to hijack that and to impose their taste."
Setting the tone with the right music choice helps us to connect and feel comfortable. Helping the conversation from the kitchen to the dining room.
The style of music matches the taste of the people at the gathering: 80%.
Music, food and drink
And talking of the kitchen, the centre of any home, where would we be without great food and drink?
"Once you've found the right kind of music, that matches the event, it sends the immediate signal that we're all on the same page. Then, other types of interaction, like eating together, or cooking together, will benefit from that experience, as the music helps everyone feel the same emotion."
Music is not only a vital ingredient, it's an enhancer. Where every second is precious, every detail should be optimized. From our tastebuds to our eyes, music infuses and enhances every aspect of the Potluck.
Music makes the food and drink taste better for 62% of our sample.
"This idea that our senses are separate and completely independent is simply not true. They interact in the brain together: arousal in one sense will carry over to perceived arousal in another sense."
Playlist Potluck: playlists and modern friendship
Playlist Potluck. A potluck in which we all contribute to the food, the music, the atmosphere is perhaps the truest, democratic expression of the friendship ceremony; an essential antidote to the stress and anxiety of modern life. It's a wonderfully simple and flexibly created social setting to make lasting collective memories.
"One of the reasons music exists at all is around social interaction, bonding and the communication of emotion. Things you couldn't easily say in language can be much more easily communicated by music."
Playlist Potluck provides the perfect opportunity to reinforce and nurture our most important social bonds with friends.
"Music generates and triggers the same emotions in people. If you feel an emotion triggered by music and you have the impression that someone else is feeling the same emotion, it creates a strong bond. Music is particularly good at doing that – because you are listening to the same stimulus, you want to generate more of this feeling of togetherness, and that might carry over to other activities."
Music at these parties helps 82% relax, and 78% use it as an ice-breaker.
Casting convention aside, there's no need to follow any rules or guidelines. It's this informality, the ability to choose together that makes for the best conditions for all, creating shared playlists, enjoying them out loud, as they should be heard.
As we set out on bigger and bolder journeys, the true form of friendship that we long for faces real challenges. But we are finding our own way to tighten connections and strengthen bonds between us. We hope you'll join us this holiday season by celebrating your own Playlist Potluck with Sonos and Spotify, bringing the perfect collaborative soundtrack into your home.
Survey highlights
- Over half of our global sample (57%) say they look forward to Friendsmas and Friendsgiving gatherings more than their family's holiday Christmas celebrations.
- 85% of attendees say there has to be music playing at these gatherings, and the same percentage believe that just behind the presence of good friends and good conversation being in flow, music is the next most essential ingredient.
- The music at these parties helps 82% relax, and 78% use it as an ice-breaker.
- 79% valued the sound quality of the music played through the speaker system as 'important.'
- 63% say that there needs to be a large music library to choose from while 67% think it should be easy for guests to pick a song.
- 73% believe that music encourages people to sing along.
- Music makes the food and drink taste better for 62% of our sample.
- The style of music matches the taste of the people at the gathering: 80%.
- 60% believe that it's important that everyone has the opportunity to add to the playlist.
- Invitees are finite, usually around 13 – a number that is consistent across countries. Amongst 8 countries studied the biggest average friendship celebration is still only 15, in the USA.
What we did
The Study
In August 2016, Sonos and Spotify commissioned a quantitative global study of adults aged 18-40 across the UK, U.S, France, Germany, Canada, Sweden, Australia and Netherlands. We spoke to over 9,000 people in these eight countries, and compiled usage data from millions of Sonos homes and Spotify customers. Our analysis was also informed and supported by two independent experts and Flamingo Cultural Intelligence.
The Experts
Oliver Burkeman – new relationships and milestones
Author and Journalist, Oliver explores the evolving fabric of everyday life and relationships, from 'The trouble with modern friendship' to 'Can you make your own happiness?'
Dr. Daniel Müllensiefen – music psychologist
Music Psychologist, Course Director and member of the Music, Mind & Brain research group at Goldsmiths University, London.
Still want more?
Please head over to our friends at Polygraph for some interactive fun.


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Today's question about the Broncos comes from Ted Shih:
Q: Is it my imagination, but are more players accepting short-term deals than before? For example, I was surprised that Wes Welker signed only a two-year deal and not a longer one. What's the explanation?
A: Ted, it isn't your imagination, it's the Broncos business plan in free agency these days.
With John Elway calling the shots on the football side of the organization, the Broncos have made the decision to limit the risks in free agency, if possible. They don't want dead money on the salary cap — cap charges for players who are no longer on the roster — and they are a draft-centered team.
This idea the Broncos are entirely in "win-now" or "all-in" mode because they have Peyton Manning at quarterback is simply false.
Who says so?
Guy named Elway. Here's how he put it:
"So, I know that we've got to continue to stack these drafts, and that's how we're going to stay competitive for a long time. Now, free agency, to me, that's something you look at where you add certain aspects that make you better there, but the bottom line is, you're going to make your living on the draft."
And that's exactly how the team has approached free agency in the last three offseasons under Elway if you look at the big picture, a picture that extends beyond Manning.
Manning's signing was an anomaly, a future Hall of Fame quarterback with football tread left on the tires simply doesn't come into the market in the free agency era. In fact, many personnel folks I speak to regularly believe the league may never see another situation like it.
Elway and the Broncos saw a unique opportunity and they made the most of it. So, to hold up Manning as an example of the Broncos' strategy in free agency is mis-placed.
They have been far more selective in free agency after Manning, choosing to make short-term offers to players they believe could fill specific needs without burdening their salary cap. They are not one of the most cash-rich organizations in the league in terms of the ability to give up up-front, guaranteed money — they are closer to the middle of the pack in that regard than the top of the league — so that has influenced their strategy.
Couple that with simple fact the "all-in" approach has yet to really work for anyone who has tried it, in terms of playing in, let alone winning, a Super Bowl and you have the football business plan for Dove Valley.
The annual rite of the postseason is the "all-in" teams conduct their coaching searches as they watch the draft-built teams play of the trophy.
But players are always going to want long-term deals with plenty of up-front cash, because free agency was a hard-earned, much-deserved right that was won only with long legal battles with the league. So, in a competitive marketplace the Broncos are selling the idea of potential success to players who, perhaps, could have gotten an extra year or two, or a little more money up front, elsewhere.
Welker is a player used to being among the league's elite after six years in New England, he was not looking to just go anywhere for extra cash. He wanted to stay among the teams with the ability to compete for a Super Bowl spot.
And that entails having a franchise quarterback. So, the Broncos are a quality fit on a two-year, $12 million deal with plenty of guaranteed money in it.
In addition the Broncos targeted players they believe fit what they do and for the most part tried to sign some of the younger guys in the free agency market as well. Linebacker Stewart Bradley, cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are on one-year deals while Welker, Kevin Vickerson and Terrance Knighton are on two-year deals. Of that group, only Welker is over 30.
Vickerson just turned 30 and Bradley is 29. Rodgers-Cromartie won't even turn 27 until next month while Knighton won't turn 27 until July. Thus far, only guard Louis Vasquez got a longer deal from the Broncos with the 25-year-old having signed a four-year contract.
Last year Justin Bannan, Keith Brooking, Jason Hunter, Dan Koppen and Brandon Stokley were all signed to one-year deals with no signing bonuses this past season. Jim Leonhard also signed a one-year deal last year and got a $65,000 signing bonus.
That means the Broncos got enormous production from that group having signed them all after they had signed Manning.
Jeff Legwold: firstname.lastname@example.com or twitter.com/jeff_legwold


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Keeping the Faith on College Campuses
New wave of Newman dorms could represent evangelization breakthrough.
LINCOLN, Neb. — Prepare for a new chapter in keeping the faith with college-bound Catholic youth: A new wave of Newman student housing is hitting public universities in 2013, and campus ministers say it could mark a real breakthrough in evangelizing the college scene.
Catholic bishops and campus ministers are taking up the ideas of 19th-century Blessed John Henry Newman in addressing the serious problem of the loss of Catholics to the faith during college.
"Many make the wrong assumption that young Catholics lose their faith because of intellectual reasons," said Adam Koll, director of the Diocese of Corpus Christi's Office of Youth Ministry in Texas. "They are leaving because they are losing the support to live out their faith."
Nearly 30% of Catholics in the Millennial generation (young adults currently aged 18-24) have left the faith, according to a 2012 study from Georgetown University's Berkley Center. The study shows that Catholic youth are leaving the faith at a higher rate than other religions and are helping fill the ranks of the 25% of Millennials who don't identify with any religion.
But Catholics have broken ground on three large-scale student-housing projects at public universities that will bring hundreds of students living together in a Catholic environment served by nearby Newman Centers — all based on Blessed [John Henry] Newman's idea that Catholics should live and learn together in community at secular universities.
"Having and developing a community at the university helps give young people an experience of the faith," Bishop Michael Mulvey of Corpus Christi said. "It gives them a chance to experience the word in practice. Being together, in communion with each other, strengthens the soul."
Most Catholics attend public universities. Five million Catholics attend secular colleges, according to the Catholic Campus Ministry Association, while just 500,000 Catholics seek their degrees at Catholic institutions.
Both Bishop Mulvey's Corpus Christi Diocese and Bishop John Noonan's Diocese of Orlando, Fla., broke ground in 2012 on faith-based housing sites that include brand-new Newman Centers and chapels. The Newman Center dorm at Texas A&M in Kingsville will house nearly 300 students and could expand in the future to house some 900 students. The Newman dorm at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne will serve 140 students. The Newman Student Housing Fund, LLC is building both dorms, which will open in August 2013.
Illinois Example
"If we could build large-scale housing for our Catholic students at public universities, we would see a transformed Church," said Msgr. Gregory Ketcham, chaplain at St. John's Catholic Newman Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
St. John's first pioneered the idea of building student housing for Catholics at public universities in 1927. St. John's Newman Hall houses close to 600 students — most of them are Catholics who come to college with a strong faith — and campus ministers freely walk the halls. Msgr. Ketcham said the St. John's model allows his team to engage the students on site and provide them easy access to confession, Mass and retreat programs.
"When you have that housing element — where students can live with one another and form relationships — you can really help them give their hearts to Jesus," Msgr. Ketcham said. St. John's turns out an average of 10 vocations to the priesthood or religious life per year.
Ryan Mattingly, a first-year seminarian for the Diocese of Peoria, Ill., said he entered Newman Hall a lukewarm Catholic and graduated from the university in 2012 with a renewed faith, having found his vocation.
"I started living out my Catholic faith for the first time in my life, really," Mattingly said. Friendships and the welcoming environment of Newman Hall inspired him to rediscover the faith, sacraments and prayer and give up a party lifestyle. "It gave substance to my faith — just living out the faith in an everyday manner at a large, secular university, where the faith isn't that encouraged."
'Greek' Catholic Students
The Newman Center at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln is trailblazing a housing model that could help campus ministries break into the Greek community at secular universities.
Under the direction of Father Robert Matya, chaplain for the UNL Newman Center, the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity (founded in 2005) and Pi Alpha Chi sorority (founded in 2012) are challenging the Animal House mentality with a Newman-based idea of Greek living — where Catholics can live, learn and grow in their faith and evangelize others.
Father Matya said the vast majority of UNL students live in fraternities or sororities, so it made sense to build a Catholic community at UNL on the Greek model.
"If you are 18 and come to college and you want to stay on the straight and narrow, you do that by finding other (like-minded) friends," Father Matya said.
The fraternity and sorority houses will serve 120 residents (60 residents per house) when complete. The Phi Kappa Theta house will open its doors in August 2013. A Newman Center and chapel built in the English-Gothic style will go up in 2014. The sorority house for Pi Alpha Chi is projected to open in August 2015. The chapel construction just got under way. The last Masses at the former church were the Easter vigil and Easter morning Masses on March 30 and 31.
Already, the fraternity that made its unofficial motto "Be a beacon, not a bunker" of the Catholic faith is helping other Phi Kappa Theta chapters renew their Catholic identity.
"We know other chapters around the country are now modeling their recruitment and operations after us," said Matt Litt, a UNL 2009 graduate and founder of the UNL chapter.
"From the beginning of our discussion to expand our facilities at the Newman Center, the focus has always been to serve the students in such a way that they may encounter Christ and live their lives in union with him," said Father Robert Matya, pastor and chaplain, in a March 28 statement. "To meet that goal, it became obvious early on that we needed a larger chapel to accommodate the many students who attend various liturgies at the Newman Center. And so it is with great excitement and joy that the time has come for us to begin construction of this chapel. I am grateful to almighty God and to all of our benefactors, who, through their encouragement and support, have brought us to this moment. I ask for your continued prayers, that, as we finalize the plans, we will not only build a chapel that will accommodate more students, but, more importantly, will foster their encounter with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."
Raising Funds
For campus ministers and dioceses, raising funds provides an enormous obstacle. For some, the Newman Student Housing Fund offers an option, as the private equity company builds, owns and operates the faith-based student housing when it is finished, leaving the formation of student life up to campus ministries.
Others might follow the route taken by UNL's Newman Center, which launched a $25-million capital campaign and has already raised $10.6 million from 1,700 donors, according to Jude Werner, the Newman Center's director of development. Werner said the Diocese of Lincoln provided seed money to begin housing construction, which will be repaid in installments. Once the housing is complete, he said, the rent collection will allow the Newman Center to turn a profit that will go to maintain the site and fund future expansion.
University officials say that the faith-based housing is a win-win that helps relieve crowding on campus and helps prospective students choose them over academic competitors.
"We compete with a lot of schools, including some private Catholic schools, so it really helps us in recruitment and retention of students," said Juan Franco, UNL's vice chancellor for student affairs. "We're seeing students themselves becoming a little more religious, and having that kind of religious-based community is attractive to them."
Ultimately, the Church's long-range hope for building a living-learning Catholic community at secular campuses is to put Christ back in the center of public life, said Bishop Mulvey.
"It's a start to building a better world of justice and peace," he said. "I'm very hopeful and confident about what we are doing. I'm looking forward to seeing it evolve, and, hopefully, I'll get to see it continue to grow from heaven."
Peter Jesserer Smith writes from Rochester, New York.


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Unleashed by a 2010 Supreme Court ruling, top corporate power players in Massachusetts are pumping millions into an array of campaign coffers and freewheeling political committees as control of the White House and a coveted Bay State Senate seat hangs in the balance, a review of contribution records show.
Unleashed by a 2010 Supreme Court ruling, top corporate power players in Massachusetts are pumping millions into an array of campaign coffers and freewheeling political committees as control of the White House and a coveted Bay State Senate seat hangs in the balance, a review of contribution records show. Three big name business leaders — including a sneaker tycoon, a top Bain Capital executive and a biotech entrepreneur — have chipped in more than $1 million each into the presidential campaign, the state's hard-fought Senate race and other contests, according to a review by the New England Center for Investigative Reporting. The NECIR analyzed a newly created, comprehensive database that combines federal contributions with contributions from seven states, including Massachusetts. Overall, two dozen Bay State executives have contributed $200,000 and up during the last two years to state and federal candidates, both in the state and across the country. The data shows a more complete picture of the true scope of Massachusetts donors' political reach than previously disclosed, revealing that deep-pocketed benefactors give more to federal, not state, causes and candidates. Despite its reputation as the "bluest state," Massachusetts' contributions were fairly bi-partisan. The spending surge has been fueled in part by a controversial U.S. Supreme Court decision that has given executives and companies the ability to dole out unlimited cash for the political causes they support, campaign finance experts say. In fact, some top executives are now funneling most of their campaign dollars not to the candidates, but rather to the so-called super PACs that have become major players in the nightly political TV ad wars. - Interactive: Massachusetts Top Political Donors 2011-2012 "It is a terrible ruling that has opened the floodgates to unlimited amounts of money to be spent in our elections," said Pam Wilmot, executive director of Common Cause of Massachusetts, a group dedicated to battling the influence of money in politics. "The result is a distorted election and increasing opportunities for corruption in our political system." Bay State power couples are the leading donors in the 2011-12 election cycle, the NECIR analysis shows. Reinier and Nancy Beeuwkes of Concord top the list of the biggest political givers from Massachusetts, chipping in $1,137,800 to a swath of Democratic candidates, from President Obama on down to the Maine Democratic Committee. A former Harvard Medical School professor, Reinier Beeuwkes chairs Ischemix, a Maynard-based biotech firm. Paul Edgerly, a long-time Bain Capital director, and his wife, Sandra, of Brookline have doled out $1,091,600 to many Republican candidates, from Mitt Romney on down. Newton billionaire Jim Davis, chairman of New Balance, and his wife, Anne, have spent $1,104,100, almost all of it on Republican efforts to retake the White House. Paul Egerman, co-chairman and chief executive officer of eScription, and his wife, Joanne, of Weston, dropped $904,550 into a range of Democratic causes and candidates across the country, from Senate challenger Elizabeth Warren to Al Franken, the comedian turned U.S. senator. Former Dell chief Kevin Rollins and his wife, Debra, of Dover have spent nearly $638,700 on contributions to several Republican candidates and causes. And a who's who of local business executives coughed up hundreds of thousands in cash for their favored causes and candidates. Overall, 19 executives and wealthy individuals shelled out enough in contributions to buy a house, ranging from just over $220,000 to nearly half a million. An exclusive club, it includes philanthropist and backer of women candidates Barbara Lee ($492,371), Putnam Investments chief Robert Reynolds ($438,300), and supermarket fortune heir David Mugar ($367,815), who owns a home in Cotuit. "Personally, I contribute to progressive candidates, and I have helped to elect every sitting woman Democratic governor and U.S. senator," wrote Lee, former wife of billionaire Boston financier Thomas Lee, in an email. "My personal giving history is publicly available through the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance and the Federal Election Commission." The other power players highlighted above either declined comment through public relations representatives or could not be reached for comment. The Bay State's corporate elite may be as divided in its loyalties as the rest of the country during a particularly bitterly partisan election season. But one common thread uniting both conservative and liberal contributors has been the rise of the super PACs, which have opened the door to unlimited political expenditures by wealthy individuals and corporations. Set loose by the landmark Supreme Court decision in 2010, Citizens United, these shadowy political committees are helping reshape the state and national political landscapes this election cycle. In Citizens United, the high court ruled that government couldn't ban corporations and unions from making direct political expenditures. A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., later gave even more power to the super PACs, permitting acceptance of unlimited contributions from individuals, corporations and unions. The only limitation is that such independent expenditure committees can't coordinate their actions with candidates or directly put money into campaign coffers, Wilmot said. But free to make their case through ads and other venues, super PACs have become a major political force. And the decision allows super wealthy contributors to pump large sums directly into races where before they would have had to spread the money around to multiple committees and candidates to stay within federal and state contribution limits, which remain in place for individual candidates. "The large contributions to super PACs this year clearly are a function of the Citizens United and Speechnow.org court decisions," said Robert Boatright, a Clark University political science professor and campaign finance expert. "It's a regrettable development and the cumulative consequences of all of this money means that candidates have less control of their campaign messages, (and) the public is subjected to a flood of special interest advertising." For local executives looking to dish off big chunks of campaign cash, super PACs have become a favorite vehicle. Of the $1,104,100 that Davis, the billionaire athletic shoe tycoon, has contributed this election cycle, a total of $1 million has gone to Restore Our Future, a super PAC backing Romney. Davis spread the rest to a range of candidates, mainly Republicans. The roster includes Massachusetts congressional candidates Sean Bielat and Richard Tisei, as well as House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and Sen. Orrin Hatch, a contender to take over the powerful Senate Finance Committee should Republicans win control of the chamber come November.
Other conservative power couples also plugged money into Restore Our Future.
Paul and Sandra Edgerly pumped a million into that super PAC, while Kevin and Debra Rollins chipped in $500,000. For both couples, this represented the majority of their political expenditures during this election cycle.
And local wealthy contributors backing liberal causes and candidates were hardly outdone, pumping big money into their own set of super PACs.
Paul Egerman, eScription chief, ploughed $250,000 into Priorities USA, $200,000 into American Bridge 21st Century and another $100,000 into the House Majority PAC. His wife, Joanne, gave $100,000 to Planned Parenthood Votes.
Meanwhile, Reinier Beeuwkes, the biotech chief, gave $100,000 to Priorities USA while his wife, Nancy, pumped $200,000 into American Bridge and $250,000 into Women Vote!
Influence seekers or hyper partisans?
As financiers and tycoons shovel more cash than ever before into campaign coffers, their generosity is raising questions about the corrosive influence such large sums of money can have on the political system.
Boatright said most big contributors aren't looking to hit the jackpot; rather, they just want to score dinner or get a phone call of appreciation from the candidate.
"I don't know that they are getting individual favors in return, although it's not uncommon for presidents (Democratic and Republican alike) to occasionally reward a large contributor with an ambassador post or something of that nature," Boatwright said. "I suspect that large donors agree with a candidate's general perspective but generally don't want anything more than the occasional gesture of appreciation."
But others contend that power players who contribute more than a million dollars are likely taking a business-like approach to their political activity.
While ideology plays into the decision by wealthy individuals to open their wallets for certain candidates, it would be naive to think that high-powered business executives aren't expecting a return on their investment, said Mary Boyle, a spokeswoman for Common Cause's national office in Washington, D.C. For big donors and fundraisers, there can be an array of potential rewards, including political appointments and even an ambassadorship, or the chance to gain favorable treatment for business endeavors.
"A million dollars today is a very significant contribution, whether the givers will acknowledge it or not," Boyle said. "They are all savvy business people — they don't invest a million dollars without expecting something in return."
That said, some contributors say they are none too thrilled with the current system.
One of the most prolific contributors to political campaigns in Massachusetts and nationally, Barbara Lee said the system needs reform.
"I am a strong proponent of reforming our campaign finance system, because a campaign finance system that best serves the interests of the public is one that is transparent and levels the playing field for all people," Lee wrote in an email to the NECIR.
Albert Merck, a former director of pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co., was blunter when reached by phone at his Lexington home.
Merck has given thousands over the past two years to the Massachusetts Republican Party and to promising state legislative candidates fielded by the state's minority party, as well as to Sen. Scott Brown and Republican presidential challenger Mitt Romney.
A lifelong Republican, Merck would like to see more competition in Democrat-dominated Massachusetts.
But he also made clear he finds the current, increasingly money dominated political system distasteful, arguing it is "corrupting the system."
"If you want to run, you can't run without good amounts of money," Merck said. "We are trapped."
The New England Center for Investigative Reporting is a nonprofit investigative newsroom based at Boston University. This story was done in collaboration with the Investigative News Network.


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Urban Rest Stop
Team Leader
Downtown location.
Two positions available.
Posting Date: October 18, 2016
Closing Date: Opened until filled.
Reports to: Urban Rest Stop Manager
Work Schedule: Downtown: Fulltime. 40 hours per week. Mon-Fri 5:30am-1:30pm
Downtown: Part-time 16 hours per week. Sat & Sun 7:30am-3:30pm,
Summer hours 20 hours/week Sat & Sun 7:30am-5:30pm June 1 through Sept. 18.
Salary: $15.95 – 20.20 per hour, DOE
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/Disability, Retirement, Vacation and sick leave.
Agency Summary: The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) was established in 1991, as a non-profit housing development and advocacy organization. LIHI develops housing opportunities for people who are low-income and/or homeless, provides technical assistance to communities and other non-profits, and advocates for housing justice.
The Urban Rest Stop, a LIHI, project, offers toilets, showers and laundry facilities to the homeless and low-income people.
Position Summary:
Responsible for greeting and assisting Urban Rest Stop patrons who use the bathroom, shower and laundry facilities. Monitor patrons, inside and directly outside of the Urban Rest Stop facility. Provide requested personal hygiene and laundry supplies. Maintain a high standard of facility cleanliness and service, following agency standards and procedures. Order, stock and control supply inventory for staff and patron use. Updates and maintains patron database daily. Submits various Urban Rest Stop Activity Reports. Supervise the Team member and volunteer efforts. Work directly with the Program Coordinator to ensure the Urban Rest Stop success. Required – Two years previous experience working/volunteering with homeless population in a comparable social service environment such as a shelter, transitional shelter, multi-service center or other direct human services. For consideration – all job requirements must be met.
Customer Service
- Ensure that the Urban Rest Stop provides a clean, safe and welcoming environment at all times.
- Schedule appointments for daily use of the showers and laundry facilities.
- Monitor use of all agency facilities by patrons. Provides personal assistance when necessary.
- Distribute personal care items as requested and when donations are available.
- Distribute and monitor shower towel use and return, in accordance with agency procedures.
- Monitor Rest Stop patrons and their behaviors throughout the facility.
- Enforce Rest Stop Rules and Procedures to ensure the safety and security of patrons, staff and the facility.
- Mediate conflicts and model appropriate problem solving strategies.
- Implement Rest Stop Security Procedures when necessary. Document all such incidents in Daily Log and submit Incident Report to Program Coordinator.
- Provide information and referral services to Urban Rest Stop patrons.
- Contact other community agencies when specific patron assistance is required, i.e. Public Health, the Sobering Center, Seattle Police and Community Service Officers.
Administrative/Record keeping
- Maintain Daily Log of Urban Rest Stop activities.
- Order, stock and sort consumable items and cleaning supplies, ensuring a continuous supply for Rest Stop staff use. Inventory to be secured and managed for best use of agency property and funds.
- Stock and sort donated and purchased hygiene supplies, such as razors, diapers, foot care products, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, soap, shampoo and laundry detergent.
- Collect demographic and facility use information on Rest Stop patrons daily. Update and maintain patron database daily.
- Maintain a daily towel and supply use log.
- Follow agency procedures as detailed within the Urban Rest Stop Procedures Manual.
- Clean the Urban Rest Stop in accordance with daily cleaning schedule and expectations. Maintain a high level of facility cleanliness at all times, including responding to spot and emergency cleaning tasks.
- Monitor the condition of the Rest Stop facility. Report any maintenance or repair concerns to the Program Coordinator.
- Schedule relief staff if regular staff cannot work
- Supervise and coordinate Team members and volunteers efforts. Coordinate and share all work tasks.
- Work directly with the Program Coordinator to ensure the Urban Rest Stop success.
- Participate in staff meetings and in-service training events.
- Other duties as requested by Program Coordinator.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Demonstrated verbal and written command of English.
- Previous home health aide, nursing/psychatric aide, orderly, chore service, social service assistant/aide or janitorial experience of two years in a commercial, private, health or social service agency setting.
- Two years experience as a Supervisor or a Team Leader.
- Previous work experience in a comparable social service environment, such as a Homeless Shelter, Transitional Housing, multi-service center or other direct human services provision.
- Demonstrated abilities and experience in successful conflict resolution.
- Ability to work with low – income, multi-cultural, homeless individuals and families.
- Ability to work effectively with both staff and patrons who represent diverse cultural, economic, social, ethnic, and sexual orientations, with differing levels of physical and mental abilities.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to perform hard, physical work
- Ability to stand or walk during majority of work shift.
- Ability to work in a busy, fast paced, stressful environment
- Functional knowledge of computers and keyboards.
- Must pass criminal background check and drug test.
Desired Qualifications:
- Bi-lingual skills.
- Health care or social work related professional credentials, such as LPN, RN, Medical Technican/Coreman, BSW or MSW
Upon Hire:
- Acquisition within 7 days of employment: Verification of TB Skin Test or Chest X- ray results.
- Acquisition within 90 days of employment: physical exam, home telephone, First Aid and CPR Cards. All items must be maintained on a current status
- Renewal of TB Skin Test or Chest X –Ray in accordance with Urban Rest Stop guidelines.
- Successful completion of both the Washington State Patrol and FBI Criminal History Background check.
- Employees must adhere to the Urban Rest Stop's Drug Free Work Place Policy
This is a unionized position, represented by Local 8 of the Office of Professional Employees International Union. Employment applications may be printed from the website www.lihi.org. Or you may pick up or request an application from:
The Low Income Housing Institute
2407 First Ave
Seattle, Washington 98121-1311
Phone: (206) 443-9935
Fax: (206) 433-9851
The Low Income Housing Institute is an equal opportunity employer. LIHI participates in E-Verify. Qualified women and minorities are encouraged to apply.


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A book full of ideas on what to read at the beach besides Tina Brown's tales of Princess Diana and her prize-winning guinea pig
If you're looking for a classic to read on vacation, you'll find lots of ideas in John Carey's Pure Pleasure: A Guide to the 20th Century's Most Enjoyable Books (Faber and Faber, $14, paperback), a collection of 50 reviews of some of its author's favorite books. I wrote when I reviewed it in October:
Part of the charm of Pure Pleasure lies in the brevity and directness of its essays, which first appeared in the Sunday Times of London. Secure in his reputation as one of England's most admired critics, Carey has neither the need nor the desire to wear his erudition like a top hat at a royal wedding. His method is to dive straight into what interests him most about a book and wrap up his review in about 800 words. Here are the first lines of his essay about John Updike's A Rabbit Omnibus: "Updike's Rabbit saga is often praised as a lifelike portrait of middle-America in the second half of the 20th century. This should give grave offense to middle-America." And here is how he introduces Kazuo Ishiguro's The Unconsoled: "This is a book about stress, a problem of epidemic proportions in our culture that modern fiction largely ignores." Carey's writing is never harder to understand than that, yet it is full of insights into works as different as The Great Gatsby, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and the Collected Poems of W.B. Yeats.
To read the full review, click on this link: www.oneminutebookreviews.wordpress.com/2006/10/27/
I also love two other collections of essays on books, Noel Perrin's A Reader's Delight (Dartmouth, $19.95, paperback) and Michael Dirda's Readings: Essays and Literary Entertainments (Indiana University Press,$24.95), both elegantly written and full of wonderful ideas on what to read. And while Carey's book can be hard to find, both of these are in stock on Amazon and elsewhere.
(c) 2007 Janice Harayda. All rights reserved.


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I'm looking at Vegas and offshore books. Heat Minus 7-7.5 all over town. That tells me that Melo is a GO. If he would be ruled out we would see a line in the ball park of 10-10.5 or more. Vegas >>>>>>> Wall St
I'm looking at Vegas and offshore books. Heat Minus 7-7.5 all over town. That tells me that Melo is a GO. If he would be ruled out we would see a line in the ball park of 10-10.5 or more. Vegas >>>>>>> Wall St
If we could play defense like in the begin of season, it would be easier, but now...
Game Story
Knicks-Heat Preview
By JEFF BARTL
Posted Dec 06 2012 12:51AM
Carmelo Anthony has been on a tear of late, but he wasn't on the court for the end of the New York Knicks' thrilling victory their last time out.
He may not be around for Thursday night's highly anticipated rematch with the Miami Heat, either.
A finger injury could keep Anthony from helping New York try to avoid its sixth straight defeat in Miami, while the Heat figure to be motivated after a stunning loss in the nation's capital.
Anthony entered Wednesday's game in Charlotte averaging 30.7 points over his previous six. He had 23 when he dove into the team's bench after a loose ball and suffered a deep cut to his left middle finger with 2:10 remaining.
That left the Knicks needing another option down the stretch. Enter J.R. Smith, who intercepted a pass with less than 20 seconds left, then hit a jumper as the buzzer sounded - the final two of his 13 points - to give the Knicks a 100-98 victory.
Tyson Chandler added 18 points and 17 rebounds.
"The huddle was very calm. They were like, 'Hey, we can win this,'" coach Mike Woodson said. "We missed a lot of good shots tonight, shots that we normally make, but J.R. hung in there and made the shot when it counted."
New York (13-4) has won five straight and has the best record in the Eastern Conference.
"I was hurt, but J.R. made it feel better," Anthony said.
How good it will feel Thursday remains to be seen. Anthony received five stitches for the laceration, though the injury is on his non-shooting hand.
"Right now it's numb, so I don't know," Anthony, averaging 28.4 points in his last 13 regular-season matchups with Miami, said of his chances to play against the Heat.
Anthony scored 30 points in New York's 104-84 home win over Miami on Nov. 2, but the Knicks have lost nine of the last 10 road meetings with the Heat - including the postseason.
Miami, though, is coming off a 105-100 loss at Washington - which had only one victory entering the contest - that snapped a season-best six-game winning streak.
"We understand that every team we play is going to play their best. They're going to make shots they don't make against other teams," LeBron James said after recording his 33rd career regular-season triple-double (26 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists). "We understand teams are going to play better when they play against us. They're up for it and we have to be for teams as well."
James insisted the defeat is no more or less important than any other.
"Nah, man, there's no lesson. This ain't a lesson for us. We just lost," James said. "We've seen and been through everything, so we don't need a loss to be like, `Oh, let's catch ourselves.' It happens."
Chris Bosh scored 20 points and added 12 rebounds, while Dwyane Wade finished with 24 points.
"You move on," Wade said. "You learn from it, but you don't become a good team by holding onto certain losses - or certain wins."
James has averaged 30.6 points in his last 18 regular-season games against the Knicks, while Wade has averaged 30.3 in his last 13 in the series.
New York may heavily rely on Smith if Anthony can't go, but shooting against the Heat has been a struggle for Smith. He's hit just 33.6 percent from the field versus Miami in eight meetings since the start of last season.
Projected Starters
at Forward "Mr. I need more help to win titles" LeBron James
at Forward "I was ass, got good, got paid then was ass again" Rashard Lewis
at Center "The last living dinosaur" Chris Bosh
at Guard "Mr. I'm a top 10 Point Guard" Mario Chalmers
at Guard "Mr. didn't win **** between Shaq and LeBron" Dwyane Wade
Your Coach for the Cryami Cheat Erik "With a K" Spoelstra
6 Keys to Victoryat Guard from North Carolina Raymond Felton
at Guard from Arkansas Ronnie Brewer
at Center from Dominguez High School Tyson Chandler
at Forward from TCU Kurt Thomas
at Forward from Syracuse Carmelo Anthony
Your Coach of THE New York Knicks Mike Woodson
1. No second chance points/rebounding
2. Ball movement and player movement
3.Defend the 3 pointer
4. Make LeBron and Wade contested jump shooters
5. Maintain composure(Felton/Carmelo/JR/Tyson)
6. Transition Defense
Match-Up To Watch
Nothing else really matters. Which superstar will lead their team to victory. Can Carmelo handle the Miami defensive pressure. Can LeBron handle the New York defensive pressure
JaVale is diggin the tits
Last edited by Crazy⑧s; Dec 06, 2012 at 21:52. Reason: Elation
Im amped for the game....one other key for the game is transition defense.
Can't let Bron and Wade get the fastbreak going...unstoppable in the open court.
PG: Raymond Felton vs. Terrel Harris
SG: Jason Kidd vs. Dwyane Wade
SF: Ronnie Brewer vs. LeBron James
PF: Carmelo Anthony vs. Rashard Lewis
C: Tyson Chandler vs. Chris Bosh
Questionable: Carmelo Anthony (lacerated finger), Shane Battier (knee), Norris Cole (groin)
Out: Marcus Camby (foot), Iman Shumpert (knee), Amar'e Stoudemire (knee), Mario Chalmers (finger)
Shandel Richardson is one of the Sun Sentinel Heat writers. http://twitter.com/ShandelRich@ShandelRich
Norris Cole says he's really pushing to play tonight so the Heat avoid having to play without a point guard.
Some more info: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/m...,6967400.story
With four players nursing injuries, coach Erik Spoelstra said he will decide before tip-off if guards Norris Cole and Mario Chalmers and forwards Shane Battier and Udonis Haslem will play. Chalmers (finger) and Haslem (hip pointer) sustained injuries in Thursday's loss to the Wizards. Spoelstra confirmed Chalmers tore a ligament in the finger while trying to catch a pass.
Battier has been out the past three games since sustaining a sprained knee against the Cleveland Cavaliers Nov. 24. All the players completed the morning shootaround except for Haslem, who only practiced about minutes.
Melo said he'll decide based on how well he can grip the ball. I don't believe pain is the issue here. Amare missed a game with a lacerated hand... let's hope Melo ain't about that life.
This game is no doubt huge because you have the #1 and #2 teams in the EC, but we'll see a real war take place when we have everyone back healthy.
Real Talk
Melo playing for sure?
"I'm more concern how Melo is gonna play with Lin" Joe Budden
anyway we cant play vs heat like vs bobcats. I understand that they have to use as less energy as possible but this game was really ugly .heat are playing many fast breaks like spurs only positive is Chalmers wont be available but they still got Killer Allen and Lewis.
Kurt Thomas in starting 5 is wrong idea for Mike
good song of choice! enjoyed while reading the thread!
we cant let these flames run man!
no fast break buckets we have to get back on D!
But yeah BRING THE MOTHERFUKIN RUCKUS!!!!
only problem will be as allways vs heat REFS + flops
if chandler will get fould trouble we are done
I'm really worried about this game.
The Knicks are the top team in the East, so Miami won't sleep on us. The Heat just got off a loss to Washington of all teams, so they'll be fired up as well. Melo hurt himself in the game last night and needed stitches and the Knicks are playing on a back-to-back.
Definitely not the best way to enter a game.
Big game tonight on national TV.......Hope the team reps well...little dinged up so these cats need to dig deep Let's go Knicks!!!
Of course I want us to and believe we will win this game, however if we didn't it wouldn't be a big deal. As long as we put up a good showing I'll still be satisfied.
Melo, Kidd, Felton, Amare and Iman all banged up to some degree, damn that 5 is better than half the league's starting 5.


text:
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(Nov. 16, 2004) - The ETSU volleyball squad has played their final match of the 2004 season finishing with an overall record of 7-22, including a 5-11 record competing in their final Southern Conference season. Under the direction of second-year head coach
Despite losing their setter just weeks before the season began, and battling injuries to key players throughout the year, ETSU continued against all odds. Led by senior Karen Freeburg (New Castle, Ind.), the Lady Bucs posted their first victory of the season against non-conference opponent Lipscomb competing at the Nike/Comfort Suites Classic in Richmond, Ky. in early September. The following weekend the Bucs traveled to
After nearly a month on the road, the Bucs finally returned to the court in Brooks Gymnasium to host Appalachian State in both the home and Southern Conference opener for 2004. In an exciting five-game match, the Mountaineers managed the 3-2 win despite 19 kills from ETSU freshman Callie Kiselich (Colorado Springs, Co.) in her first home match in a Lady Bucs uniform. Much of October saw the Bucs stay close to home playing a tough stretch of conference match-ups including a thrilling 3-2 win versus UNCG in
The Lady Bucs opened November on the road with a mid-season non-conference match versus Radford. ETSU swept the Highlanders behind 13 kills each from Kiselich and right-side hitter Sara Scandiffio (
Entering the final weekend of competition, the Lady Bucs needed two capture wins versus both the Spartans and Elon, while needing UTC to fall in both of their weekend match-ups. Playing at home on parent's weekend the Lady Bucs swept UNCG 3-0 and defeated the
Three Lady Bucs played in all 116 games this season, Freeburg, Kiselich and Sartor while Scandiffio made 115 appearances for coach Devine. Kiselich led the Bucs hitting .238 adding 328 kills for the year, while Scandiffio's 344 kills was a team-high in 2004. Kessel posted 1,052 assists throughout 2004, adding 28 aces (team-high) and 206 digs in her first season in a Bucs uniform. Freeburg posted a team-high 415 digs for the year, just 26 digs shy of her career-high set in 2002.
Continue to visit the home of Buccaneer athletics online at ETSUBucs.com for scores, updates and information.


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Author Siddhartha Mukherjee and others call the budget situation in Washington 'depressing.'
As Congress continued its standoff over Obamacare and the budget, doctors and scientists on the other side of the country confessed that they're worried about Washington. Siddhartha Mukherjee, the author of The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer, was among those who spoke against the political shenanigans that might derail medical research in interviews at The Atlantic Meets the Pacific.
"I'm happy to talk about Washington, but I will say, it's a depressing conversation," Mukherjee said. "What you cannot do with cancer, or with any scientific project, is you can't say, 'Well, you know, we've run out of money today, so let's put it on hold for five years and when the budgets free up and the time happens, we will come back to it.' That just doesn't happen. Science is a continuous conversation, and if it breaks, it's a broken conversation. It's a peculiarity of this ecosystem that while it produces dividends on the one hand, it is actually very fragile."
Scott Lippman, the director of the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California San Diego, echoed Mukherjee's concerns. "Trying to get NIH funding is a serious problem – I don't want to say crisis, but it's heading that way. I was at a meeting few days ago in Washington … and Kathleen Sebelius spoke. The concern, she said, is that we may lose the talent we have in this country to go to other countries if we don't do something. We have to push for increased funding, particularly in cancer, which is transformative."
Like all other federal agencies, the National Institutes of Health was hit by the sequester in the spring, and it will be required to trim $1.55 billion from its budget in this fiscal year.
(Image via isak55/Shutterstock.com)


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Apple is developing an FM radio application for the iPhone and the iPod touch, according to an anonymous source speaking to a blog.
Yesterday, the 9to5Mac blog told the world that Apple's radio will operate in the background on the iPhone and iPod touch while offering all the same stuff as the FM radio built into the new iPod nanos. The blog's anonymous source said that the new radio tuner might be integrated with the existing iPod app, which offers traditional iPodian tools from the iPhone and touch.
Apparently, there's a hold up in getting the new tool into the wild because Apple is working to integrate the thing with iTunes. The idea, of course, is to let you instantly purchase songs you've been listening to on the radio.
"If you like a song you are listening to on the radio (and that station supports tagging and you are in the US), you will be able to push a button and see the song (and all of the information around it) in the iTunes Mobile store," 9to5Mac says. "With another click, you'll be able to make a purchase."
As we reported last month, the latest iPod touch includes a Broadcom BCM4329 wireless chip capable of sending and receiving FM signals. And eagle-eyed fanbois have noticed references to the Broadcom chip in the boot script for beta versions of Apple's new iPhone 3.1 software. ®


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Georgia teacher accused of sex with six students; look back at some of Oakland's teacher cases
Such stories have become fairly common as laws have changed to criminalize sex with younger people who have reached the age of consent yet but have a teacher-student, coach-player or boss-employee relationship. For instance, in Michigan, as with Georgia, the age of consent is 16, but it is now illegalf for people to have sex with those younger than 18 if they are a teacher, boss, coach or someone with an authority position over that teenager.
In Georgia this week, a 32-year-old math teacher and 10-year veteran of Charlton County High School, DaNita Wilson, was charged with seven counts of sexual assault, reports the NYDailyNews.com.
The math teacher has been suspended with pay and is free on bond. School leaders will seek to terminate her employment, reports WPTV.com.
The Huffington Post reports she could face up to 25 years in prison for the charges, but the maximum could be pushed up to 50 years because one of the seven students was underage, 15 years old, exacerbating the charges.
As with Michigan, the teacher-student relationship criminalizes the sex with students who are 16 or older. The relationships reportedly, in at least some cases, lasted more than a year. Wilson's arrest came after the school board received a tip about the alleged relationships, prompting an investigation. A school official escorted the teacher to state investigators with the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, giving her a letter informing her of the paid suspension.
In a CNN story, colleagues expressed surprise at the accuations, noting she'd never been disciplined before.
In Oakland County in recent years, several teachers and coaches have been accused and convicted of sexual misconduct charges related to relationships with students.
In Rochester Hills, an Adams High School softball coach, volunteer Thomas Powell, 59, was sentenced in January of 2012 to one year in jail on such charges involving two young women. When sentenced the then-18-year-old girl told the judge she still loved him and said she would wait for his release.
In Waterford Township, in 2009, the district saw two employees charged with criminal sexual conduct related to relationships with students. Both adults worked at Waterford Mott High School.
Amy Rita Ellsworth, then 38, was arrested, charged, and later pleaded to a slew of charges related to relationships with three male students, including first-degree criminal sexual conduct, the most serious such charge. She was sentenced to a minimum of five years in prison. The 5-to-30 year sentence of Ellsworth, a teacher assistant, was much more severe than the sentence of Brian Drake, then 41, a theatre coordinator at Waterford Mott who pleaded to reduced charges for a relationship involving touching with a young woman. He received probation, and his son later married the victim.
In Birmingham, a Seaholm High School swim coach was sentenced in 2007 to one-to-15 years in prison for a sexual relationship with a then-16-year-old female swimmer. Dennis Michael Carter, then 53, was sentenced to prison after the girl reported the two-year relationship.
These are just some of the cases we have had, but it is interesting that these ended with the women still jailed and the men getting smaller sentences. I don't, however, believe there's that strong of a gender bias, much of it involves whether and how the victim testifies and which judge the case is assigned to.


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Müller BowAugust Müller published this article about the double bass bow in the
Neue Zeitschrift für Musik, No. 29, on 07.10./1848:
the force with which it must be handled make apparent what is necessary.
Double bass bows are often so light that they are scarcely heavier than a stalwart cello bow. And people think that this gentle dove has the power and endurance needed to manage our colossal violin?
in order to convince myself completely of its inadequacy. It seemed at first to be very good and to provide excellent power in playing. But
this is just an illusion, soon you discover that in
the long term it is not at all suitable for providing
the necessary vehemence or for promoting the
power of the double bass player.
The bow which I have found in my experience to be best suited to the purpose is almost the same length as a cello bow and is constructed in exactly the same way as such a one, except that it is at least twice as thick and heavy. It must be made of weighty American pernambuco or of logwood. The head may not be too low, and must be at least as high again as that of a violoncello bow. The frog is made
From contemporary reports it is clear that Müller´s large and intensive sound was very convincing. None less than Hector Berlioz wrote in his Mémoires about Müller:
"There is a remarkable artist in the Darmstadt orchestra. His name is Müller... Instead of making a big show, which he could easily do, playing runs and arpeggios of excessive difficulty with a grotesque effect, he sings nobly and plangently on the enormous instrument, and produces the most beautiful notes, which he colours with artistry and feeling. I heard him play a wonderful Adagio, causing a critical audience to become deeply moved."
Müller was involved in the festival for the unveiling of the Mozart monument in Salzburg in September 1842, including in the performance of Mozart´s aria
"At these festivities, Mr. August Müller contributed an enormous amount to the success of the ensemble pieces with his omnipotent tone, combined with his discretely excellent interpretation and eminent proficiency."


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|General software and network General OS-independent software and network questions, X11, MTA, routing, etc.
|Thread Tools
|Display Modes
for example, the pixel density for a monitor with 19" viewable area & 1440x900 would be = sqrt(1440^2 + 900^2)/19 pixels/inch = ~90 dpi
I've also heard that the display on one of the old macs made 1in about 72 pixels in length, but that's a bit before my time... And not related to Google Chrome.
My Journal
Thou shalt check the array bounds of all strings (indeed, all arrays), for surely where thou typest ``foo'' someone someday shall type ``supercalifragilisticexpialidocious''.
That's right, TerryP, and the pixels were square. That was the original Mac. (Not before my time!)
Windows uses 72 dpi and this can be changed. I can't remember anything about the Mac, and I used to be reasonably well versed.
On the web, you should never use pt for sizing text. Most everything is done using ems, percent and px. And many will tell you, including me, not to use px either.
If px makes your fonts huge, then there is inheritance going on that shouldn't be there. Which browser?
I might be an odd ball or is just a fact that whenever I create a web page, it's usually meant for reading not getting paid for... But I almost never screw with font sizes to begin with lol. Usuaully when I do change the font-size, it's with a keyword size (e.g. small, larger, etc) or with ems. Sometimes I'll inline a <h?> if know exactly what I want for a short passage of text, but I tend to avoid it. Since I believe that the web browsers default setting _should_ be set to something legible to a user, and if there is any reason to use a different size it ought to be realitive to that, and not my own opinions of legibility.
I do hope, that Google Chrome gains the ability to force minimal font sizes, a suitable way of creating extensions by the time they make a complete release. Because the former is invaluable IMHO for controlling the view and constantly ctl++'ing is a pain, while the former is somewhat a fun part to learn ;-)
My Journal
Thou shalt check the array bounds of all strings (indeed, all arrays), for surely where thou typest ``foo'' someone someday shall type ``supercalifragilisticexpialidocious''.
> it's with a keyword size (e.g. small, larger, etc) or with ems.
The keywords I understand, but using ems or ens?
My own opinion is that you really should learn to use points. The entire typesetting industry has standardized on that, and has used that for a very long time. Every phototypesetter in the old days had a clear plastic sheet with a standard font or two in point sizes from about 6 to 72. There was a point size scale, and a bunch of other stuff. You could use it to identify and make changes easily. Those typesetters also had a book, usually from Mergenthaler, that listed a few thousand fonts in various weights and point sizes.
My ex was a phototypesetter when I met her (she ultimately became an attorney -- yuck!). That's where I learned all this stuff. And the horizontal space is leading ("ledding"); one gets used to talking about 10 on 12 or 11 on 14 (the former is a ten-point font size, with 12 point leading); different fonts have differing x-heights and descenders and ligatures.
I know that the visual display is somewhat different, but that should map directly through the dpi. And using the standard terms makes groff and TeX a lot easier to understand.
Keywords aren't use by many developers because IE screws them up.
UNIX was not designed to stop you from doing stupid things, because that would also stop you from doing clever things.
Still, TerryP was talking about using ems (I didn't know ens weren't used). use of ems seems even worse than points. An em, in typography at least, is the width of the letter "m" in the font size and family used. So there are two variables in this, rather than just one (the point size). That seems like the wrong approach.
Clearly I am not a web designer, though I am certain aware of the problem. I would have thought that there would be a means to identify the dpi and screen size in the initial negotiation with the web site. That would seem to be about the only way to get any hope of device-independent output, or at least a proper scaling of results (like two columns vs. three or four) for the particular display device. I see no reason why a web site on a cell phone or a 30" monitor should look the same.
I personally find this discussion intently interesting, but someone disrespectful of me to have (seemingly) hijacked drhowarddrfine's thread with it. For that I am sorry drhowarddrfine: even if you've joined us ;-)
If no one has any objections, especially the OP, I really think a Moderator should split most of the points/ems/px stuff off into a separate thread.
------ my reply
I don't know about everyone, but I quite like the concept of a "Point" for print, it's fairly unique and to the point. Just like the word font is within its domain, unlike say using the millimetre to describe the dimensions of a letter on the page. When the document is meant for print-form: I usually think in points and generate either PDF or PS output from my .tex files. I almost never print them, but treat them as printer output. You could say tex output like digital paper.
With a webpage, I try to focus on content and leave styles to later. Most of the stuff I do will downgrade to looking nice in lynx: both because I want it to and because I don't care if they look snazy or not, as long as I like the page itself. I typically tune the standard fonts in a web browser to match my tastes on a specific display and OS, an example might be: 12pt Terminus for mono-spaced text.
If I just want text to generally be of a different proportion of size from the regular font-size, I often settle for the keyword sizes. As long as it doesn't break my layout and I'm not being paid for it, people can generally kiss my grits if their browser doesn't get it *just* right lol. If I want text to just be larger then normal, but have no idea what size the base font will be; then I go for smaller/larger etc. The em unit in CSS is relative to the current font size. So if I actually care how the text size comes out, I usually use em's because the computated value of N em should change if text changes from, say 10px to 16px in sice without my anticipation, it should still be N*size.
My reference defines the a point as 1/72 inch, a pica of 12pt, and a pixel of 1 dot on the computer screen. If I wanted to be as precise as a dot on the computer screen in my font size, I would print the thing instead of using a web browser to view it on my screen !!!
That's why I rarely use pt/px for webstuff, and why I usually don't muck with fonts a lot in HTML/CSS. And just for the record, the only time I've *ever* had to change a page because of wrong rendering from what was intended, was in IE7 on a very simple page ;-). I don't consider myself skilled in web page design and wouldn't want to be if it meant compromising my opinion that the web should be for all, not look sexy under very specific criteria that could change like a fart in the wind (nor do I want to go nuts trying to appease all in a balancing act, because if you try to appease everyone, you'll probably piss them all off imho!)
My Journal
Thou shalt check the array bounds of all strings (indeed, all arrays), for surely where thou typest ``foo'' someone someday shall type ``supercalifragilisticexpialidocious''.
Last edited by TerryP; 9th September 2008 at 04:06 AM.
The point (no pun intended) is that if you wish to change the font size, change the font size based on its value, and not on something that depends on other variables.
I too am interested in other opinions, but to me it seems that you need to code with some standard for font size. Points are as good as any, and it is the standard for print. Of course you need to do the dpi conversion, and I don't know what is the convention for that.
But unless you start with something absolute, there is no way you can wind up with it at the end. It is the same sort of thing as color calibration. If your image is not calibrated to the standard, you have little hope of it being displayed or printed accurately on another device.
This is where ems come in. Ems, on the web, are not the same as in typography. 1em is equal to the current size of the current font, whatever that may be. So, in the body of a html document, if I set 'font-size:16px' then 1em=16px elsewhere. Now all my font sizes can be made relative to that. If I want a 12px paragraph, I would say 'font-size:.75em'. Setting 'font-size:1.5em' gives me...well...I'll leave that as an exercise for the reader.
Some developers will do things like set 'font-size:62.5%' in the body. This makes the reference 10px (16x.625=10). But now all em settings now equal pixel sizes. That is, 1.0em=10px; 1.5em=15px, etc.
In some cases, people like to use percentages. Percent works well when you want the page to be "liquid" and resize according to screen size. So if someone shrinks a window, the containing elements will adjust accordingly and you can even make the font sizes adjust but you can imagine what reading problems there may be.
In any event, if an "em" is defined as the current point size, well, carry on. In my opinion that is silly. But my opinion does not matter in this.
Here's where it is in the standard. I know there's a discussion of it somewhere there and I have articles I've collected over the years but I'm too old to look them up.
I'm not arguing that what you describe is the standard. It is just very poor form to redefine existing terms into new ones. The committee should not have done that.
I'll grant that on-screen and on-paper displays require different approaches, but there is no reason why the terminology should differ for such fundamental definitions.
Yes, I understand. Just kidding. Provided a link to that in case anyone wanted to see it.
For those who like Chrome for its speed compared to IE and Firefox, have you tried Dillo or NetSurf? Both are lightweight and have a spring in their step. NetSurf is currently more feature rich than Dillo (which is missing some important features).
And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us. (John 1:14)
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Animal Welfare Institute Urges Consumers to Take Action: USDA Seeks Comments from Public on Definition of Labeling Meat Products as "NATURALLY RAISED"
AWI's Comments Submitted to USDA
Washington, D.C. -- The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is seeking comments on a proposed voluntary standard for a "naturally raised" marketing claim for meats. According to its Notice and Request for Comments for Docket AMS LS 07 0131; LS 07 16, "the livestock and meat supply chain, along with consumers could benefit from a uniform standard for the marketing of this type of product."
The definition for "naturally raised" proposed by USDA is:
Livestock used for the production of meat and meat products have been raised entirely without growth promotants, antibiotics, and have never been fed mammalian or avian by-products. This information shall be contained on any label claim that an animal has been naturally raised.
Cathy Liss, President of the Animal Welfare Institute, asks consumers to urge the USDA to include animal welfare criteria in the standards. "We are seeking a better result. The definition as proposed contains no stipulations concerning the animals' own welfare or how the animals live, but applies narrow criteria related only to feed or other substances administered to animals. While farmers who raise animals under high welfare conditions should be covered by this term, the industrial producers will seek a weak definition so they can profit by selling the products of cruelly raised animals labeled as 'naturally raised.'"
According to the USDA, prohibiting use of antibiotics, growth promotants, and certain animal by-products are the main attributes consumers want for "naturally-raised" meat and meat products. However, many ranchers, farmers, and others testified in public meetings in 2006 and 2007 that the ability of animals to range freely, eat diets natural to their species, and engage in natural behaviors are essential aspects of a "naturally raised" claim.
Also, in July 2007, the independent Consumer Reports revealed that 83% of consumers polled regarding meat labels said a "natural" label should mean "it came from an animal raised in a natural environment." See page 15 of Consumer Reports Survey.
The Animal Welfare Institute asks consumers to urge the USDA to write a definition for "naturally raised" that:
- requires farm animals, including poultry, to be raised in a manner that is consistent with the biology and natural behavior of the species;
- disqualifies farms that use gestation crates, farrowing crates, battery cages, calf crates, slatted floors and liquefied manure, and other equipment or facilities typical of unnatural factory systems; and
- requires that animals have free access to continuous range on fresh pasture or woodlands, or, in inclement weather, be able to move freely in comfortable housing and clean bedding until outdoor conditions improve.
Additional points that could be added include:
- While it is appropriate to disallow routine administration of antibiotics to all animals via feed or water, individual animals that are sick should be able to receive therapeutic antibiotic treatment if needed. To deny them necessary veterinary care is inhumane.
- All animals should be provided with free and continuous access to nutritionally complete food and clean water consistent with the animals' natural diets (e.g., grass and hay for cattle
- Crowding of animals should be prohibited.
- Tail docking of pigs, beak trimming of chickens and turkeys and other mutilations necessitated by unnatural environments should be prohibited.
- The use of hormones or other agents, including beta-agonists and ractopamine, to promote growth and increase production should be prohibited.
- Early weaning, before the immune systems of the young are fully developed, should be prohibited.
- Genetic selection for high growth rates and high rates of reproduction that reduce the animals' ability to reproduce naturally and thrive in environments natural to its species should be prohibited. Examples include selection that makes natural birth difficult without human intervention (double muscled cattle) or makes normal reproduction impossible (conventionally bred turkeys).
The Animal Welfare Institute believes that a solid definition of "naturally raised" must be adopted by USDA to serve consumers, farmers and particularly the farm animals by differentiating the practices of farmers who address the physical and behavioral needs of their animals from the factory farms that don't. To contact the Animal Welfare Institute, call (202) 337-2332.
All comments, due by March 3, 2008, should reference docket number LS-07-16.
Comments can be submitted via:
- The AMS web site at http://www.regulations.gov/ (insert "naturally raised" in the search box provided on the site) or click on Comment Form to go directly to the online form: http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=SubmitComment&o=0900006480369411.
- Regular Mail:
Naturally Raised Marketing Claim
Room 2607 S, AMS, USDA,
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250 0254
- By Fax (202) 720 1112.
For over 57 years, AWI has been the leading voice for animals across the country and on Capitol Hill. Please join us in our ongoing campaigns to reduce the sum total of pain and fear inflicted on animals by humans. AWI promotes humane farming practices and fights the growth of animal factories for the benefit of animals, consumers, farm families, rural communities and the environment. Sign up for AWI eAlerts to receive the latest news on what you can do to help us protect all animals.
To this end, AWI's Animal Welfare Approved program provides accreditation for family farms that meet its rigorous standards for animal welfare. Approved farms may use the "Animal Welfare Approved" label on meat, poultry, dairy and egg products.


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Article content
Marc Garneau says he wouldn't go to the controversial Islamic conference Justin Trudeau will address next weekend.
Garneau, a Liberal leadership contender, says he doesn't like one of the sponsors of the Reviving the Islam Spirit conference because of its connection to Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist group.
IRFAN-Canada describes itself as a humanitarian organization, but lost its charitable status in 2010 after the Canada Revenue Agency found it had given $14.6 million in resources to Hamas.
Past participants of the RIS conference have had strong ties to terrorist organizations, including one co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombings.
"As an MP I'm ready to meet with any group at any time to talk about our shared values of peace, tolerance and equality," Garneau said. "In this case, I have concerns. One reason I wouldn't attend myself is because I'm not sure (these people) share those same values."
Garneau wouldn't say Trudeau should cancel his speech but acknowledged there are significant criticisms of it and Trudeau would be well-advised to address those.
In Jonquiere, Que., Trudeau refused to answer any more questions about his decision to speak at the event.
Previously, Trudeau said the conference is an opportunity to mobilize the youth vote and send a message to young Canadian Muslims that this is an open, tolerant country.
Jewish group B'nai Brith is so offended by Trudeau's upcoming speech, it requested a meeting. Trudeau denied the request.
Frank Dimant, the group's CEO, called on interim Liberal leader Bob Rae to intervene.
"Mr. Trudeau's speaking role at this convention alongside speakers who espouse views which are diametrically opposed to Canadian values — including support for wife beating — raises many red flags," he wrote in a statement. "He should not even be hesitating about responding to such legitimate concerns."
The Muslim Canadian Congress also voiced opposition. Its president, Salma Siddiqui, issued a statement calling on Trudeau to "learn how to distinguish between ordinary Canadian Muslims" and "Islamists."
Immigration Minister Jason Kenney told QMI Agency he was taken aback by Trudeau's refusal to meet with B'nai Brith and urged the Liberal leadership hopeful not to "flippantly" dismiss the group's request to meet.
"I would encourage him to respond directly to these credible Canadian organizations who've raised concerns," he said, adding that both B'nai Brith and the MCC have strong records on human rights.
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