text:
Each issue carries an
from the
Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
Reprinting prohibited
by Joseph Grant
Could you have kept up with Jesus? He must have
walked 1,000 miles in three years and worn out more than a
few pairs of sandals! Throughout his travels, his most frequent
invitation to the people that he met, stated 15 times in the
Gospels, was, "Follow me!" Crisscrossing the country, following
in his footsteps as one of his friends, was a real workout!
Those who took up that invitation to follow were
called disciples, a name that means learner, someone
who follows, someone who is going places. Are you considering
21st-century discipleship? You need to ask yourself four questions:
Where are you going? Who are you going with? Whom do you hope
to meet? What do you intend to do when you get there?
Going Places
Travel, new places and different kinds of people
are among my personal favorites. My experiences in different
countries, making connections with different kinds of people,
opened my eyes. These travels had a significant impact on
the way I live my life.
Have you ever paid attention to the journeys Jesus
made and the people he spent time with? If we were to trace
his footprints through the Gospels, we'd be led along major
highways and city back streets, into rural villages and busy
fishing towns. Those footsteps would take us into the homes
of wealthy and poor people, into the open country as well
as synagogues and the Temple. We'd also find ourselves in
the houses of foreigners and public sinners.
Jesus visited with children and poor beggars, sick
people and social outcasts. He often encountered people who
were considered possessed, crazy or evil. He openly welcomed
the hated tax collectors and the enemies of the Jewish people
such as Roman officers and Samaritans. It was into these situations,
and these strange relationships, that Jesus brought his followers,
his disciple-friends.
In this new century, disciples are followers of
a Jesus who is real, alive and among us "in the flesh" today.
As followers, we believe that Christ is risen, alive and present
in our world, present in the lives of all the people we come
across. But we are also expected to follow a Christ who lives
along the edges, the fringes of society. We believe that Christ
is present in a special way among the outcasts, the struggling
and the suffering poor people of our world.
Being a 21st-century follower is much like being
a disciple in Jesus' own time. It means going out of your
way, to out-of-the-way places, to look for Christ present
in our world. To be a disciple today means visiting the kinds
of places that Jesus visited, noticing and listening to the
kinds of people that Jesus spent time with.
Imagine your feet left indelible footprints behind,
footprints that traced all the places you had been over the
course of your life. What kind of journeys would those footprints
recount? Where has "discipling" taken you? How have you gone
out of your way to follow Jesus?
Go It AloneNever
Think over your most memorable travel experiences.
Can you recall the people you traveled with or those you met
along the way? Often the best memories in life have a lot
to do with the company you keep. In life, it's the people
we journey with that make all the difference. So who are you
traveling with?
Jesus seldom journeyed alone. He purposely gathered
a community of friends and followers around him. Together
they brought God's message to the people. In fact, you could
say that by going out and visiting people together, they became
the message: "God has visited you; God's Reign is here among
With his community of disciple-friends at his side,
Jesus brought good news to people. When he sent his followers
out to visit the local towns and villages, they were not sent
out alone but in small groups of two or three. Jesus even
reminded his followers that whenever two or three of them
got together, in his name, he would be there, too.
Being a 21st-century disciple means not traveling
alone. It's impossible to be a disciple all by yourself. Instead,
disciples become a Church that is always going out to meet
and greet and visit God's people. Disciples don't just hang
out together, but together they move out, they are sent, they
have a mission.
Being a 21st-century disciple is all about the company
you keep. Who do you get together with? Do you belong to a
group that you'd call disciple-friends? Are you part of a
family group, a parish youth group, a religion class or school
service group that you could call a community of disciples?
What do you do when you gather? What places and people do
you visit?
Friendship Turned Inside Out
Across three different continents, I have worked
with teenagers. While the challenges and experiences of the
young people in each of these situations are very different,
they all seem to possess the same special ability: the gift
of making friends. What kinds of people do you call your friends?
Jesus befriended a wide assortment of people. He
used the word friend to describe his closest disciples.
These included fishermen, women, a tax collector and an extremist
rebel. He also made friends with the people he encountered
and listened to, people like a Samaritan woman and a woman
facing the death penalty. His friends included the children
who crowded around him, an officer whose servant he healed,
the mother-in-law of his friend Simon and many others.
Those who became friends of Jesus were changed forever
by his friendship. This friendship opened the eyes, the ears
and mouths as well as loosened the limbs of those who were
physically impaired. He also opened the eyes, ears and hearts
of the friends who followed him.
The people to whom Jesus reached out also touched
him. The woman at the well and the Syrophoenician woman (see
Mark 7:24-30) challenged him to be open and he openly cried
at the death of his friend Lazarus. In the final moments of
his life, he even extended friendship to the condemned man
dying at his side.
Being a 21st-century disciple means following Jesus
into friendship with friendless people. He challenged his
followers to avoid becoming an exclusive group or a clique.
Instead, he turned the friendship he built among them inside
In his company, these friends learned to notice
and listen to people in need. They were taught how to heal
and serve, to forgive and feed people. This open-ended friendship
inspired others to become his disciples.
Who are your friends? How have you befriended people
who need your support and presence? How has this kind of open
friendship changed you and the way you look at your life?
Being a follower of Jesus in this 21st century means
finding ways to turn your friendships inside out, becoming
a friend to a world full of friends in need. Disciples can
list hungry and homeless people, refugees and outcasts, misfits
and lonely people among their friends. Disciples are also
available to become friends with people who are addicted or
in prison, who are sick, elderly shut-ins or mentally ill.
Can you imagine the transformation that is waiting
to happen when the millions of Catholic teens in this country
reach out to become the friends of the nameless, unknown people
around them?
Think about what would happen to your life if you
were to become the good friend of someone suffering with HIV/AIDS.
What would it mean if you and your friends were to befriend
someone who is homeless or you become the friends of a teenager
whose family are undocumented immigrants?
How is your life affected by becoming the close
friend of someone who is excluded in school or work because
of skin color, appearance or accent? What would it be like
to be a friend to someone who is unemployed, mentally ill
or dealing with substance abuse? Being a teen disciple means
knowing the names and stories of such people and becoming
connected to them.
When young disciples befriend people that society
would consider least important, they see the world through
different eyes. They become implicated, involved and in touch
with the stories and struggles of people whose lives are very
different from their own. They may find themselves speaking
up or standing up for the rights and needs of the ones they
have chosen to befriend.
In this way, teen disciples become teachers and
leaders in their homes, their schools and their parishes.
They show their parents, teachers, adults and even their ministers
how to enter into disciple-friendships.
People Alert
When my daughter was three years old, she taught
me a memorable lesson about discipleship. We were parked outside
our local cathedral, where sandwiches are given to homeless
and hungry people. A bedraggled homeless man walked in front
of our car. From her car seat, my daughter asked, "Daddy,
why's that man so dirty?"
"He's a homeless man," I replied. "He has nowhere
to live and nowhere to get washed."
"Oh!" she responded. "Just like Jesus was a homeless
I found myself thinking, "Why didn't I recognize
that this homeless person was Christ?"
The truth was that I hadn't really noticed him.
I remembered this passage from the Gospel of Matthew (25:31-46):
"'O Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger
or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?'...I
say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones,
you did not do for me."
Who gets your attention and who is easily overlooked
in your everyday life? How often do you recognize Christ in
the flesh?
Jesus noticed people. He saw the poor widow putting
her meager offering in the Temple treasury. He saw the small
man, Zacchaeus, who climbed a tree to catch a glimpse of him.
He noticed the tax collector, Levi, seated in his office.
He saw Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, yelling out for pity.
He noticed a woman in a crowded street who touched his cloak.
He saw the crowds who followed him like a flock without a
shepherd. He realized that they were hungry.
Jesus also stopped to listen to people and responded
to them, sometimes with the simple questions: "What can I
do for you?" or "What do you want from me?"
Disciples in the 21st century have their eyes wide
open. They notice people. They recognize the Christ standing
in front of them in the lunchroom, the Christ who is made
fun of at recess and the Christ by the roadside with a sign
asking for money. They notice the Christ at the cash register
who is struggling to come up with enough money to pay for
her family's groceries.
Who do you notice and who gets bypassed in your
life? Who are the people you listen to and whose voices do
you drown out?
Disciples Stand Out
Jesus was recognizable. His reputation preceded
him and he often had to sneak away with his friends when the
crowds became too much for them. He was known as a friend
of well-known sinners and the social outcasts that others
avoided. He was also known as a healer of the people who were
sick or broken, and he visited those who were poor and humble.
Jesus challenged his disciple-friends to be servant-friends
with a special care for weak and vulnerable people. When his
friends asked for recognition, to be celebrities, he reminded
them that being a disciple means to choose to serve people.
If disciples are to be recognized it can only be
as those who are servant-friends of poor and needy people.
Who recognizes you, and what are you known for in school or
in your neighborhood? How are you responding to the people
who ask you for assistance? Whom are you helping? When have
you asked the discipleship question: "What can I do for you?"
Being a teen disciple today means practicing the
art of noticing people, all kinds of people. It also means
recognizing the Christ in them, Christ who comes in a variety
of disguises. It means stopping to listen to people's needs
and making time for others.
In the 13th century, Francis and Clare of Assisi
were two young disciples, well-known to the poor people of
Italy. In the 19th century, Frederick Ozanam and his young
friends, founders of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, were
well-known among the hungry people of Paris. In the 20th century,
the young activist Dorothy Day became well-known to New York
City's immigrant workers when she opened Catholic Worker houses
for homeless people.
Becoming a disciple is about who you know and who
knows you. It's about being known as someone who cares and
it's about being known by people in need. Becoming a disciple
means becoming connected to the kinds of people Jesus blesses
in the Beatitudes (check out Matthew 5:3-12).
Growing by Going and Knowing
Disciples grow in faith by going together to the
places Jesus visited and knowing the kinds of people Jesus
knew. So what exactly is a young disciple supposed to be doing?
Teen disciples are asked to do three things: to
follow Christ, to encounter Christ and to become
Christ. Together with your family, your high school friends,
your youth minister and religion teacher, you are invited
to follow Jesus by going places. You are challenged to practice
being a disciple by noticing Christ in the people you encounter.
You are asked to become a friend by listening, asking how
you can help and reaching out to those who need you.
So, where are you going to be a follower? Who are
your disciple companions? Where in your world does Christ
need to be known and befriended?
Joseph Grant is the Consultant for
Youth Ministry for the Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky,
and a published author. A native of Scotland, he has been
involved in ministry in a variety of contexts and cultures
in Europe, Brazil and the United States. He lives in Louisville
with his wife, Anne, and their three young children.
Kenneth Gibson III (15), Chris Jasko (16)
and Kristen Kinnison (16) are members of St. Anthony Parish
in Dayton, Ohio. Parish evangelization coordinator Karen Emmerich
gathered the youth to preview this issue on discipleship,
a.k.a. evangelization.
"To Do" List
for Teen Disciples
Here are a few verbs to practice with your
disciple-friends and some questions to bring to your family,
your youth group or Confirmation class, your service club
or religion class.
You are invited to...
QUESTION: "God, how can we
show that we care?"
GO: "Where do you need us
to go, God, in school, in our neighborhood, town and beyond?"
VISIT: "Who are the friendless,
lonely, outcast people in our lives and how do we connect
with them?"
LISTEN: "Who are the people
that no one pays attention to?"
CARE: "Why, God, are your people
ASK: "What can we do for
needy people near and far?"
REACH OUT: "What do people
need most from us?"
PRAY: "God, open our eyes
and ears and hearts. Who will help us to live for others?"
INVITE: "Who will go with
us? Which adults and teens can we invite to follow, to encounter
and to become Christ today?"
Go therefore and make disciples of all
nations...and behold, I am with you...! (Matthew 28:19-20)
One question Jesus asked was, "What do you
want from me?" If we asked people that question, I think we
would sound disrespectful! What kind of response did Jesus
Often a direct question gets a direct response.
Blind Bartimaeus answered that he wanted to see again. By
asking the direct question, we avoid presuming that we already
know what other people really need from us. Disciples are
people who dare to ask, "How can I help?"
You ask us to imagine the transformation
into teen disciples. I still find that hard. What do you think
will cause it to happen?
Any young person who cares enough to listen
to the stories of people in need, who gets to know the names
and faces of folks in nursing homes, hospitals, shelters or
jails has become a teen disciple. The transformation is already
happening! That so many young people care and are looking
for ways to help is a sign that discipleship is happening
in our world.
If everyone who went out to do Jesus' work
in proclaiming the Kingdom was considered a disciple, why
were only 12 acknowledged in the Bible?
The 12 were Jesus' core team and he also
gave them the name apostles, meaning special messengers.
Look closely at the Gospels and you'll notice many other disciples.
Some of them were namedMary of Magdala, Joanna, Susanna,
Martha and Mary, Nicodemus and the 72 disciples sent out to
preach in the villages.
I want to order
print copies of this Youth Update.
I want to
a 12-month bulk subscription
to hand out in my parish or classroom.


text:
Anessa wasn't able to join us for this episode so Dave and I kick it 'old school' and did the two person show.
Where there's light, there's water... in some cases. At least in the is the case ofTau Botis b. Aliens sometimes do come to the rescue of the Earth, in Hollywood. We found 12 for you to consider. Is Peter Capaldi a 'one hit wonder'? A transitional Doctor, perhaps?
Geoff a listener in California asked us to talk about the Beta Aliens from Defying Gravity.
Our Picks include, The Quartermass Experiment and Star-Crossed.
We'll talk about these items as well as.
By 20th Century Fox (20th Century Fox) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
The Alien Invasion is a part of the Galactic Netcasts Network
Check us out at http://www.galacticnetcasts.com/

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A new survey looks at what makes hackers tick -- and for most, it's not money or glory.
Prior to his sentencing Tuesday, prosecutors say that the hacker-turned-informant has already done his time.
Government agency cautions about the use of cryptocurrencies, saying they're more likely to be used by "fraudsters to perpetrate fraudulent investment schemes."
Nearly $4 million in prize money between Pwnium and Pwn2Own drives more attention than ever to the two hacking contests, as Google crosses the $3 million security award mark.
The day before two annual Google-sponsored hacking contests kick off at a security conference in Vancouver, Google tidies up some of Chrome's loose ends.
The Anonymous hacker busted for allegedly stealing data from the U.S. Army, Lockheed Martin, Bank of America, and more admits to nabbing confidential information and breaking the law.
The social network disclosed that selling trending topics to advertisers doesn't move the needle all that much.
After being accused of selling his stake in Mamma.com based on confidential information, the billionaire investor is cleared of the government's charges.
The technology giant brushed off claims it had the "Holy Grail of tax avoidance" by senior US politicians. Now the US Securities and Exchange Commission has the company's back.
Social network managed to keep its IPO papers under wraps for nearly two months under provisions of the JOBS Act, sources tell AllThingsD's Kara Swisher.


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Follow us on Twitter @AJCBiz
How's this for motivation? A beer cart rolls around on Friday, dispensing your favorite brew while you're still at work and on the clock?
Advanced Medical in Port Orange, Fla., has had "Beer Cart Fridays" for two years and the company's chief executive officer, Jennifer Fuicelli, plans to keep the free suds coming, according to the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
Fuicelli says it's a way to show her 350 employees she appreciates their work. Advanced Medical is a provider of physical, occupational and speech therapists.
"We put our corporate culture before profits, and when you do that, profits will follow," she told the News-Journal. She says she's following the leads of Twitter and Yelp Inc., an online directory service. DPR Construction lets employees drink wine. MillerCoors employees are encouraged to test the company's brews – after hours.
There are limits to the drinking at Advance Medical. Workers can have only one beer, and that's only on Fridays, Fuicelli said.
The idea of allowing workers to drink on the job creates all kinds of issues and arguments. Do the risks outweigh the benefits?
March 8th, 2013
2:22 pm
March 8th, 2013
2:51 pm
(I hate when well thought out and edited responses disappear when clicking "Submit Comment")
March 8th, 2013
6:12 pm
No! However, a LARGER PAYCHECK WOULD!
March 8th, 2013
6:19 pm
If beer is offered, non-alcholic beverages such as soft drinks or bottled water should be offered too. I think it is risky to do offer alcholic beverages during working hours, but I am sure they covered all the liability aspects with their corporate lawyer before they began the program.
March 8th, 2013
6:30 pm
It's 5 oclock somewhere.
March 8th, 2013
6:32 pm
One beer? OMG! How will they ever be productive or get home safely?
March 8th, 2013
6:32 pm
Good stuff, nice to see others that are not uptight….
March 8th, 2013
6:50 pm
I once worked at a factory that once in a while they would wheel in a keg and tell everyone to put down their work and enjoy. That was then.
March 8th, 2013
7:02 pm
I think it is a great motivational tool as long as the beer is not some cheap tasting, industrial grade swill dispersed by the mega-brewers
March 8th, 2013
7:03 pm
Beer of my choice? Give me a Westevrtlven XII!
March 8th, 2013
7:18 pm
Free coffee motivates me to go to work. I am sure beer would do the same for other. I wonder if it would be enough to keep people from slipping out early on Fridays. If so, their is your cost justification.
March 8th, 2013
7:44 pm
They offer sodas and water at work, it's called vending machines and water fountains. Go be sober elsewhere turdlette.
March 8th, 2013
7:50 pm
i fart alot
March 8th, 2013
8:58 pm
I was once employed at a company in Tucker where drinks were provided every Friday after we met our quotas for the week. We often had pizzas, mexican food, sandwiches, you name it. We were eager to make big money not only for the company but for ourselves as well. The weekly Friday after work drink days was inspiring to some and the opportunity to abuse to others. Regardless of all else it was a great incentive at the time and it worked because productivity stayed at its best. Everyone lined their pockets which made everyone happy.
March 8th, 2013
9:03 pm
My company routinely offers beer on Fridays after 4PM. We send someone to the store, pick up a few sixers of good beer (maybe even a growler or two), along with a few bottles of the cheap stuff and everyone enjoys responsibly. Most only have one, but occassionally someone will have a second helping. Been doing it for several years and no issues yet.
March 8th, 2013
9:06 pm
i've never had 1 beer in my entire drankin career
March 8th, 2013
9:07 pm
i've had more than 1 beer for many a year….
March 8th, 2013
9:35 pm
You two drunks above, into my office, pronto!
March 8th, 2013
10:13 pm
I have a vodka and sprite in the afternoon at work once or twice a week.
March 8th, 2013
10:13 pm
Well if Budweiser keeps watering down their beer it's not going to matter if that's what they're drinking. I don't know about this. Somebody is bound to push the limits one day…..
March 9th, 2013
4:28 am
Nice touch, nothing says "I like and respect you" like a cool one at work. Maybe I should stuff the suggestion box with this idea.
March 9th, 2013
8:04 am
WHOM do I send my resume to!!!
March 9th, 2013
9:12 am
I think it's a great idea! As far as offering non-alcoholic beverages they already do, it's called a water fountain! It's not illegal to drink alcohol. I've been to Paris and there people actually bring wine out in public and sit in parks and on church lawns and eat and drink and nobody cares. I think we need to be more like that!
March 9th, 2013
9:41 am
It's great when a company shows that it cares for its employees rather than treating them like a box of replaceable widgets.
March 10th, 2013
10:14 am
"Workers can have only one beer,…"
I've known people who could get a buzz from one beer, it depends on on your metabolic rate and other factors. There's a good reason why most employers prohibit drinking on the job.
March 11th, 2013
8:34 am
I work at an awesome laid back company. We do Beer:30 during business hours on Fridays, and it works out great. It's a nice way to end the work-week. Every company should consider this.
March 11th, 2013
2:55 pm
I also worked at a company years ago that served beer on the last Friday of every month. It was an enjoyable top off after a month of hard work and pretty much everyone came and partook in it. We also had soft drinks for those that are too stuffy to have a beer.
March 12th, 2013
10:09 am
One size does not fit all. Govt offices don't allow drinking. No drinking on taxpayer time.
March 13th, 2013
1:20 pm
Schaefer is the one beer to have when you are having more than one. Unless it is Rheingold that you are drinking. Who in the world gets bombed off one can of beer? Let's all cheer cause the BEER is here!
March 15th, 2013
10:46 am
[...] way to motivate workers: an office beer cart. Motivation can take different forms, and as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution points out, sometimes that comes in the form of an office beer cart. "Advanced Medical in [...]


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Dwayne Johnson Could Join Robert Ludlum's 'The Janson Directive'
Posted on Tuesday, July 8th, 2014 by Germain Lussier
These days, if you're making an action movie, it's a simple process. Step one: try and get Dwayne Johnson. Step two: everything else.
Universal has just about accomplished that first step for the upcoming adaptation of Robert Ludlum's The Janson Directive. Johnson is in talks to star in and produce the film, which is based on a book by the late Bourne series author. This, too, is a potential franchise starter, about a legendary covert agent who starts a private agency and finds himself being hunted by his own people. There's no writer or director yet, but if Johnson is attached, that should change quickly. Read more about The Janson Directive movie here. Read More »


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BMW has been lagging behind other carmakers by not having solid plans for a mass production electric vehicle. There have been auto show concepts and there's the Mini E conversion, but that's about it. The European Federation for Transport and Environment even called out the automaker recently for not doing enough to meet new EU emissions targets (130 grams of supportmichaelocc.ca CO2 per kilometer by 2015).
Well, that's finally changing. BMW has announced that it's investing $560 million by 2013 to develop and produce an EV.
The BMW plant in Leipzig, Germany will be expanded to produce the new vehicle, which is currently being called Megacity. BMW will of course be using its luxury car expertise and materials in this new car. The head of BMW has said that this will be the first production model "with a carbon fiber passenger compartment" to lighten the weight while retaining strength and resistance -- and keep up the buy generic viagra canada cost.
That's about where the details end for now. It is being called a series model, so we'll have to usefull link discount viagra india wait and see where this vehicle falls in the BMW range.
via AFP
written by Asaf Shalgi, November 06, 2010
written by big nasty, November 08, 2010
written by John, November 10, 2010
The only benefit from its use is to reduce weight in a vehicle. It is greener to reduce fuel consumption by reducing the power output of the engine.
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West Virginia became one of the 10 largest U.S. producers of natural gas for the first time in 2012, moving up from the 11th spot a year earlier, according to a report issued Dec. 17 by the Energy Information Administration.
Texas and Louisiana remained in the top two spots, but Pennsylvania moved up from seventh to third in the rankings, mainly because of production in the Marcellus Shale region.
Other regions rounding out the top 10, in order, were: Oklahoma, Wyoming, Colorado, federal offshore, New Mexico and Arkansas.
The EIA said Pennsylvania could pass Louisiana on the list when final numbers from 2013 are available.
Production numbers included natural gas liquids.
West Virginia was a net producer of natural gas last year. It produced about 539.9 trillion cubic feet of gas while consuming about 129.6 Tcf. It also produced about 10.9 Tcf of natural gas liquids.


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Hawaii's Government: Too Big? Too Small?
It may be just right, depending on how you crunch the numbers
|Hawaii's business community is often uncomfortable with the size and power
of local government. National rankings that rate Hawaii low on "business
climate" or as "tax hell" add to the suspicions.
This article tries to clear up some of the red herrings about government size that often divert us from more important questions. In the long run, things such as the size of government payrolls probably matter a lot less than whether regulations are really burdensome or whether government programs get intended results.
However, for now, let's take a look at these issues:
Q: Do we have way too many government workers?
Q: Do our state and county governments spend like drunken sailors?
Q: Are we, in fact, "tax hell?"
Things to Get Straight On
National rankings usually take a bunch of selected statistics, throw them in a blender and come out with a smoothie that grinds up and obliterates key distinctions we ought to remember. Sometimes they get at legitimate business concerns, such as the employee health payment burden. However, often the numbers and techniques that are used are inappropriate for Hawaii:
(1) If the data are for state governments only, ignore them. Our state government takes on functions (particularly public education) that other states leave to cities or counties. So it makes sense to compare only combined state and local government data.
(2) Remember all the tourists we have here. The usual way to compare states is to divide some measure - government workers, revenues, whatever - by the number of residents (only). Results overstate things like Hawaii per-resident taxes, because they ignore all the tourists pumping money into government coffers. On any given day, about 1 in 8 people in Hawaii are visitors. They require some government services and they generate excise tax and other revenues.
The per-resident approach is easy to understand, and we'll use it here for that reason. But we'll also look at dollars flowing to or from government as percentages of (a) personal income and (b) gross state product. Both get at whether the size of government is affordable, given the current size of the economy.
(3) The more detailed any measure is, the less you should use it to compare states. In relation to population or income, most states are pretty similar in the amount of overall revenue they collect for combined county and state governments. However, when you specify taxes, there are more differences among states. Particular types of taxes make all the difference: If you want to make Hawaii look bad, choose sales/excise taxes. If you want us to look good, choose property taxes or corporate income taxes.
Government Workers and Payroll
The major conclusion from all the charts is that Hawaii is pretty close to the 50-state average and has been for the past 10 years - especially when we adjust for inflation and cost of living. Even without those adjustments, only Ohio was consistently closer to the average state than Hawaii for the five measures covered by these four charts. Alaska generally had the biggest and most expensive state/local government.
The number of government workers per resident has been consistently a little higher for Hawaii than for the average state, but that gets back to the point about tourists not being included in that sort of comparison.
What proportion of all government budget spending actually goes to pay public-worker salaries? That question can be answered by another Census dataset, for which the most recent data comes from the fiscal year 2001-2002.
In that year, Hawaii governments spent just 26 percent of all direct expenditures on worker salaries, the lowest percentage of all 50 states. The average state spent 30 percent of its budget on worker salaries. Nebraska, the highest that year, paid 36 percent.
Government Expenditures
The table shows we were a little on the high side on both measures. Every state (and local) government spends money in different ways. For any given category, Hawaii may appear low or high compared to other states.
For example, elementary and secondary education usually accounts for the largest portion of government expenditures - 23 percent for the average state, though just 17 percent for Hawaii in fiscal year 2001-2002. Perhaps because of our private school system, we ranked 41st in the nation based on the per-resident comparison and 50th based on the percentage of government money going to education.
On a per-resident basis, we also ranked dead last in "Libraries and Other Education." ("Other Education" means things like adult education and vocational rehabilitation. We were fairly average for "Higher Education.")
There weren't too many other categories in which we ranked very low. But there were a lot of categories in which we were relative big spenders.
We used four different ways to compare states on expenditures by category: (1) per resident; (2) percent of personal income; (3) percent of gross state product; and (4) percent of all direct general expenditures. By any of these four measures, Hawaii governments were among the top five states for:
o Health, Social Insurance, Veterans' Programs
Taxes and Other Revenues
With this smack-in-the-middle ranking, Hawaii seemed a typical state in fiscal year 2001-2002. However, this was partly due to the economic catastrophe that year following the Sept. 11 attacks. Three years earlier, we had ranked 13th-highest in terms of total revenue per resident.
The economic effects of Sept. 11 also show up in the fact that Hawaii governments took in less revenue ($6,044 per resident) than they spent ($7,626 per resident) in fiscal year 2001-02. Actually, almost every state was in the red that year. But Hawaii governments led the nation in the gap between revenue and expenditures.
As money machines, states are best compared less on total revenue than on "General Revenue from Own Sources," which excludes federal assistance, utility income, etc. "General Revenue" can come from:
o State and local taxes;
Hawaii leans toward taxes as a way to get general revenue. Our governments got 72 percent of their combined general revenues from taxes in fiscal year 2001-2002, whereas the average state's government got just 66 percent from taxes. We were 10th-highest in the country in terms of percentage of general revenues raised from taxes.
Finally, while our local governments do seem to like taxes, the table shows they like certain taxes a whole lot more than others. With the exception of the individual income tax, the clear preference is for taxes that can be shared with visitors - especially those who drink, smoke and shop a lot.
Does Size Matter?
With overburdened infrastructure on all islands mewling for money like a kitten for milk, it's a safe bet Hawaii government will grow again. The question is: Can the business community agree on what constitutes measures of effectiveness, not just size?
Hawaii business to date has developed no clear consensus about what good government performance would really entail. Some sectors want an activist government, courageously promoting growth; some want it serenely letting the market work its will; some hope it has the wisdom to know when to do which.
Another big problem is not lack of performance measures, but too many. The Hawaii State Data Book is filled with numbers about GSP, jobs, income, etc. These can be selectively cherry-picked and mashed into the sort of business-climate index warned about at the beginning of this article.
The state's new Hawaii Tourism Strategic Plan offers one possible template. This plan acknowledges visitor-industry stakeholders truly have dozens of desired results, listing 53 different measures of success for future efforts.
At the same time, it concentrates on four high-level measures - resident attitudes, tourism tax receipts, visitor spending and visitor satisfaction. That sort of two-track approach might help the broader business community get a better fix on both specific and overall government outcomes.
Hugh Hefner used to tell his more insecure readers that size mattered less than performance. That's at least as true about government. Once we can agree upon appropriate measures, then at least the business community here can begin speaking the same language related to government size and performance.
John M. Knox, Ph.D., conducted the sociocultural and public input component of the recent State Sustainable Tourism Study, which preceded the Hawaii Tourism Strategic Plan.
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An influential Chaplain has joined our lineup. Is it possible we are approaching legitimacy in the eyes of Fort Bragg? Let's hope so."One billion people around the world, including over forty million Americans and over one in five Americans age 18 to 25 identify with no religion. Imagine the positive impact these people could have on the world if, in the coming generations, they were to realize that Humanism is what they have in common." - Greg Epstein Greg M. Epstein serves as the Humanist … [Read more...]
Greg Epstein, Harvard's Humanist Chaplain
March 28, 2011 by Leave a Comment


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Student Clubs
There are dozens of student run organizations on campus dedicated to having fun, making friends, and connecting to your education. It doesn't matter if you're just looking for a hobby in between classes, or something that you can put on your resume: there is something for everyone at Bristol.
How can you connect? Well...hopefully, through one or more of these Student Clubs and organizations.
A' La Mode
Open students' eyes to the fashion world, express Individuality. Also raise money for charities, and help the less fortunate.
Advisor: Gayle Salve, ext. 2777
Anime Club (Attleboro Campus)
This club is dedicated to increasing awareness of Japanese animation and to provide a forum for discussion and interaction.
Advisor: Kathy Torpey Garganta, ext. 2334
Bristol CC Gaming Association
To bring together a diverse population of people, to create a more diverse assortment of games, gaming and players at Bristol Community College.
Advisor: Antonio Oliveira, ext. 2509
Bristol Radio Club
To involve students and community via radio.
Advisor: Keith Thibault, ext. 2354
Clinical Lab Science
The club seeks to enhance the College experience by encouraging future Clinical Laboratory Technicians to participate in both social and professional activities. The club members will be encouraged to raise funds to help members participate.
Advisor: Paulette Howarth, ext. 2390
Club Theater
BCC Club Theatre invites students from all majors to share and explore their interest in theatre in its many forms. This club is open to everyone with or without theatre experience. Dedicated to bringing in speakers, performers, and plays, scheduling field trips to shows and theatre events, and promoting campus awareness of our resident theatre company, BCC Theatre Rep, this club is made up of people who wish to join hands in partaking in this lively art.
Advisor: Rylan Brenner, ext. 2440
Comp HC/Massage Club
The Complementary Health Care and Therapeutic Massage Club promotes student success through its members and promotes the ethics and professionalism inherent in the code of ethics.
Advisor: Sharon Tilton, ext. 2262
Criminal Justice Society
The Criminal Justice Society prepares its members for future criminal justice careers and actively participates in and initiates social and community activities. Members often work with local, state and federal criminal justice agencies.
Advisor: Ralph Ezovski, ext. 2428
Deaf Studies
The ASL club focuses on the appreciation, promotion and comprehension of American Sign Language, its culture and history among the members, the college and the community.
Advisor: Sandy Lygren, ext. 2748
Dental Hygiene Club
The Dental Hygiene Club prepares its members for their future role in the profession of dental hygiene through active membership in the student American Dental Hygienists' Association, and raises funds to help club members participate in dental conferences. The Dental Hygiene Club is affiliated with the Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Alpha.
Advisor: Trisha Cloutier, ext. 2328
Engineering Club
The BCC Engineering Club is a group of engineering students at Bristol Community College who came together to change the current perception of engineering. Our main objective is to support all engineering activities on campus.
Advisor: Meghan Abella-Bowen, ext. 2576
Gay/Straight Alliance
The GSA provides a safe, open and sharing environment for members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and straight communities. It strives to welcome individuals of all groups and to celebrate the diversity of the BCC community.
Advisors: Steven Camara, ext. 2391; Sally Cameron, ext. 2174
Music Club
To bring together like minds, in order to create music as well as to bring music to the students of Bristol Community College.
Advisor: Gregory Conroy, ext. 2254
Medical Assisting Club
The Medical Assisting Club provides activities that assist members in enhancing their administrative and clinical office skills. Functions include fundraisers and presentations by guest speakers. Membership is open to students in the Medical Assisting Certificate program as well as those wishing to enter the profession.
Advisor: Lisa Wright, ext. 2629
The student chapter of N.A.L.S…the association for legal professionals allows students to associate with a national professional association that is dedicated to enhancing the competencies and contributions of persons engaged as legal professional. Club membership is open to all interested students.
Advisor: Diana Yohe, ext. 2404
The Nursing Club fosters rapport among students, promotes a strong sense of campus unity, and acts as an aid to aspiring nursing students.
Advisor: June Sanders, ext. 2969
The Observer is the college's student-run newspaper. Students on the Observer staff learn writing, reporting, editing, photojournalism, design, layout techniques and desktop publishing, and can also gain business experience through management and advertising sales.
Advisor: Jack Conway, ext. 2989
Occupational Therapy
The purpose of the Occupational Therapy Assistants Club is to inform members of trends and issues related to students and practitioners in the field. The club hosts the "COTA Forum" professional meeting and encourages attendance at other social and professional activities.
Advisor: Cynthia Brenner, ext. 2331
Office Administration
The organization provides students with an opportunity to develop leadership and organizational skills, as well to enjoy the company of fellow students. Club membership is open to all interested students.
Advisor: Diana Yohe, ext. 2404
Portuguese Club
The Portuguese Club sponsors cultural activities to promote interest in the Portuguese language and culture. The club is open to all students and works closely with Luso Centro.
Advisors: Jose Costa, ext. 2362; Carlos Almeida, ext. 2091
The BCC Rotaract club is a community-based club for young men and women ages 18 to 30 and is sponsored by the Fall River Rotary Club. Our credo is "Service Above Self." Through the Rotaract program, young adults address the physical and social needs of their communities while promoting international understanding and peace through a framework of friendship and service.
Advisors: Meghan Abella-Bowen, ext. 2576.
Skills USA
Professional workforce development
Advisor: Gloria Cabral ext. 2940
Society of Hospitality and Tourism
To obtain experience and fun in traveling.
Advisor: Robert D. Billington, ext.3190
Tutor Club
All Students interested in the field of education can benefit from participation in club activities. Informal social gatherings, field trips, and conference attendance help students develop their skills and explore careers in education.
Advisor: Ron Weisberger, ext. 2444; Sally Gabb, ext. 3106
TV Club
The TV Club provides a creative outlet to students through TV and helps students improve their communication skills.
Advisor: Keith Thibault, ext. 2354
Visual Arts
The Visual Arts Club provides the opportunity to expand the BCC art experience beyond the classroom. Sponsored activities include field trips to Boston and other locations, screenings of art films and film about art.
Advisor: Erik Durant, ext. 2893


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Three marketing experts at Top Producer's Executive Women in Agriculture conference share their opinions on what's moving the market this year.
Panelists include Stewart-Peterson's Naomi Blohm, Ag Investment Service's Sue Martin and Pro Farmer's Julianne Johnson.
For More Information
See full coverage of Top Producer's 2012 Executive Women in Agriculture event. Follow the event on Twitter: #EWA12.
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RockShox Monarch RT3 Rear Shock
|(12 Reviews)
Store PriceBuy Now
Product DescriptionRock Shox Monarch RT3 Air Shock: Lightweight XC/All-Mountain racing oriented rear air shock: 215g. SoloAir spring system: single Schrader valve, dual chamber air spring with self-regulating negative pressure. Hard anodized, 28mm aluminum...
Review Options: Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating
|Reviews 1 - 12 (12 Reviews Total)
User Reviews
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2014
Strengths: Not much pogo bob (when it actually works).
Weaknesses: Failed to hold air, failed to travel, not plush.
Bottom Line:
Expand full review >>
Duration Product Used: 1000 miles
Purchased At: Bikes Direct
Similar Products Used: Fox Alps 5R. Worked almost 10 years before replaced.
Bike Setup: Motobecane Fantom DS Team.
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2013
Strengths: Great platform, plush when it needs to be, solid when it should be.
Weaknesses: Doesn't hold air that well.
Bottom Line:
Expand full review >>
Duration Product Used: 1.5 years
Price Paid: $325.00
Purchased At: Titus
Similar Products Used: Fox RP23, Manitou (cant remember model)
Bike Setup: Titus El Guapo, Heavy Trail/AM setup.
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2013
Strengths: Comes with a pump and new seals for the first rebuild, can be serviced by oneself if one wishes to do that, can also be retuned by oneself if desired, excellent pricing, excellent weight, the 360 degree lever travel with set positions at 120 degree marks
Weaknesses: Some people have reported noise issues with little milage (not clear what year those complaints pertain to), the '13 doesn't appear to be able to be Pushed as of this writing (might be a neg for XC racers).
Bottom Line:
Expand full review >>
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2013
Strengths: Set up, mid-stroke support, platform, rebound
Weaknesses: None yet.
Bottom Line:
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2012
Strengths: Looks, weight, performance, price.
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
Expand full review >>
Price Paid: $250.00
Purchased At: joyride cycles
Similar Products Used: rp23
Bike Setup: bmc trailfox 02
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2012
Strengths: pedal thresh hold,looks nice,easy to set up
Weaknesses: sticky,bottoms out to easy,rebound does not fully work
lots of bad reviews and most are correct
Bottom Line:
Expand full review >>
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Purchased At: na
Similar Products Used: fox rp23, monarch 2.1
Bike Setup: nukeproof mega, rockshox domain 160mm coil,scram x7 mix,nukeproof finnishing kit
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2012
Strengths: Looks nice
Weaknesses: Is anyone else finding that it bottoms out far to easily? Even with nearly 200psi! Any suggestions
Bottom Line:
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2012
Strengths: The platform settings work very well and are quite distinct.
Feels almost as good as the coil DHX 5.0 it replaced.
Feels much better than my Fox Float RL.
Comes in black or white!
Fits my bike.
Weaknesses: Hmm... I've got nothing.
I guess it could be cheaper and come with swag.
Bottom Line:
Expand full review >>
Price Paid: $290.00
Purchased At: Suspension Experts (
Similar Products Used: Fox DHX5.0 coil
Fox Float RL
Fox Float R (Pushed, but broken)
Fox Float R (not Pushed)
Marzocchi Roco R coil
Manitou Swinger 4way
Bike Setup: 2005 Santa Cruz Heckler (large)
Rockshox Lyrik coil u-turn w/ Mission Control on the front
I weigh about 190, and shock has 180 psi with some plastic inside the high volume can to reduce the volume. Rebound is set at 3 clicks from full fast. I usually run the shock with the lowest platform, but I will use the other 2 clicks on roads and climbs. It keeps the back of the bike riding higher, which makes keeping the front end low a bit easier.
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2012
Strengths: light, great value for money so far, bike feels very lively because of reduced weight and firm platform, awesome to pump every ounce of speed out of a flow trail, feels great in medium speed technical terrain riding, linear positive feel (unlike dhxA, which felt like it blew thru travel then piggyback stops a bottomoout), drastically improved climbing due to both weight and platform, and last but not least LOOKS
Weaknesses: its not very plush; just a little too much air and I'm riding a hardtail. I'm not a great basis for comparison on that aspect given the other shocks i ride and my bike setup. even so, I only find it lacking on very chattery stuff at top speed, but not more than i would expect for what it is
Bottom Line:
oh and make sure you get the right tune for your bike's suspension rate
overall im really glad i got this VS. spending to fix my DHXa's rebound damper...its a whole different bike now when i swap between the coil and air shocks so more versatile. i didn't notice the rear der thing other reviewers noted but i ride the fast, tech trails in western NC and had to force myself to stop listening to my rear der slap around like a little b
Expand full review >>
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid: $234.00
Purchased At: ebay
Similar Products Used: fox float, dhx air. now i swap between the RS monarch and an elka stage 5
Bike Setup: 170mm fox float slack'd with an angleset on a banshee rune. 1x9 with chainguide. rs reverb. chromag bars cut to 750, etc...sees a lot of climbing
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2011
Strengths: Great shock that is relatively light weight
Easily to switch positions
Weaknesses: Valve spins if cap is too tight
Sag is a little off in my opinion
Bottom Line:
My initial setup with adjusting the sag seemed way to stiff at 20% and it was almost where I would want the stiffest setting to be. Sag is much better at 30% line indicated on the shock, I personally like just going by the psi. The shock pump which is included is very nice but you loose 10 psi when disconnecting so inflate an extra 10 psi.
As the other reviews I did notice that the shock is quieter and there is less chain slap than before with my float R. The gate adjustment is easy to switch while riding and it gets great wheel contact when set in the medium or high setting. Climbs great and is a smooth shock.
Would definitely recommend this shock.
Expand full review >>
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid: $250.00
Purchased At: Blueskycycleing.com
Similar Products Used: Fox Float R
Bike Setup: DW Link
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2011
Strengths: reasonably priced, solid, light, good features.
Weaknesses: none so far.
Bottom Line:
Expand full review >>
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $380.00
Purchased At: Push
Similar Products Used: fox float r with specialized brain fade
Bike Setup: '06 stumpjumper fsr pro, sram x.0 rd, xtr front, talas rlc fork, sram 9 shifters (most is so old, who cares?)
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2011
Strengths: Plush, wide range of adjustment, strong shock for heavy riders, good bump compliance......
Weaknesses: none as of yet
Bottom Line:
Expand full review >>
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $135.00
Purchased At: Online
Similar Products Used: Fox RP23. Cane Creek Cloud Nine
Bike Setup: K2 Lithium 3.0 with sram xo and x9 drivetrain. manitou super nixon 145...mavic crossmax w/ intense system 4 tires.
|Reviews 1 - 12 (12 Reviews Total)
Review Options: Sorted by Latest Review | Sort by Best Rating
Related Monarch RT3 Forum Posts
another giant trance x to monarch rt3 upgrade Thread
after reading almost all i found on the net about 'giant trance x4 2012' rear shock upgrade to a 'rockshox monarch rt3' i think the only thing i managed to understand is that my current Giant rear shock is a 7.25 x 1.75 which is the same as 184x44mm, but i saw somewhere that 184x44mm is 7.24x1.73?( ... Read More »
RS Monarch RT3 for Bronson - which damping tuning?
Replaced my front fork with the new Pike 150mm and looking to also replace the rear Fox shock with a RS Monarch RT3. I believe the factory Fox shock has a medium compression and a light rebound. I weigh about 220 lbs geared up and ride a little bit of everything. Which Monarch should I get it ... Read More »
Rockshox difference between Monarch 4.2 & Monarch RT3
Can anyone tell me the difference between the RS 4.2 and the RT3? Which one is better spec wise, and which one is better in the long run!? Thanks in advance for you help!Read More »
What Rock Shox Monarch RT3 for a 2013 Anthem X29
I think I am going to upgrade my rear shock from a Monarch RL to a Monarch RT# so I can get the middle platform setting. My RL has lockout but no "pro pedal or platform". Does anyone have access to the size as well as the tune I would need to get?Read More »


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Recipes & Diets
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You're leaving Wedding Paper Divas to see the Deal of the Day at our parent site, Tiny Prints.
You won't be able to dismiss this by usual means (escape or click button), but you can close it programatically based on user choices or actions.
"I customized this program with a custom color to match my wedding colors and chose an edge trim to make it really unique. They turned out perfect!"
"We are using several items from this design collection and I am extremely pleased with every piece I've received thus far! The quality of the paper and the printing is excellent, and the design itself is very elegant. We changed the font on the front for our names to something more blocked and standard because my fiancé has an 'III' at the end of his name and the font looked great! Highly recommended!"
"I ordered these, as well as the matching invitations and name cards. I love the design! I have gotten tons of compliments on my invitation. The simplicity of them is what makes them classy and stand out. I loved that there were no bows, ruffles, glitter, feathers ect. that everyone uses nowadays. These programs will compliment my outdoor fall ceremony perfectly. Good paper quality too. Definitely recommend!"
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"We got a bunch of folks together before the wedding to fold programs, but it was hardly needed as these babies came with a prefold making it a breeze! My only very slight complaint is that we wanted to customize our program a bit with different fonts/sizes but everything other than the titles on each page is in one text box so we had to make a lot of requests to get everything right. But that was a pretty minor complaint in the scheme of things since the designer that worked with us took what we sent and made it better than we could have ever described. We chose this program because it matched our invitations, but on it's own, it's still a beautiful addition to any ceremony."


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Find a Kissimmee, Florida hostel and save money on discount lodging. Hosteling in Kissimmee, Florida offers a different travel experience than staying at traditional accommodations. Youth hostels allow you to meet new people and learn from other international and worldly travelers. Most hostels are conveniently located in the center of the action close to public transportation, including buses and rails. Staying at a Kissimmee, Florida hostel is a great option whether you are backpacking or traveling on a budget . Browse our hostels and plan your Kissimmee, Florida vacation today!
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Kissimmee, Florida Youth Hostels - Welcome to the Knights Inn Maingate. We are just 1 mile from Disney! Make us your home away form home in Kissimme
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Originally, Arts for All was the fundraising committee of the Lawton Arts and Humanities Council (LA&HC), City of Lawton. On October 27, 1977 the Council met and made three decisions:
· Arts for All should be established as a separate corporation from the Lawton Arts and Humanities Council in order to do fundraising within the definitions of the tax laws.
· Arts for All should assume the responsibility for the Fund Drive and for the Festival.
· Lawton Arts and Humanities Council Chair should be elected as moderator for the first AFA meeting and the LA&H Council should be the instrument for setting up the organizational meeting for the purpose of establishing a Board of Directors.
With the express purpose of promoting the fine arts in Southwest Oklahoma, visionary community leaders began planning the organizational structure of Arts for All. On December 2, 1977, Arts for All received its certificate of incorporation, and in March 1978, was granted the 501(c)(3) status. In the spring of 1978, Arts for All took over the duties of hosting the Arts for All Festival.
By national standards, Lawton, Oklahoma is a small community for a united arts funding organization. This is, however, a special community, made of special people, who have a sense of vision about the quality of life for themselves and their neighbors.
The Board of Directors meets the third Monday of the month, with exceptions, at 12 o'clock, noon. The Budget and Allocation Committee has regular quarterly meetings.
Past Presidents of Arts for All
|Revised: July 19, 2014.


text: From a humble beginning in 1991 in Anthikad a small village in Trichur with a meager capital of Rs.2 Lakhs and only one branch office, we travelled a long way to reach the present position. We enjoy a comfortable position among the organization of our class, with 65 branch offices, 400 dedicated employees and Rs.150.00 Crore in advances over 50,000 odd valuable customers and Rs.10.00 Crore capital. More>>


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Price: $13.50
Fabric: Custom
These cheery umbrellas will shelter you from sudden showers, and would be just as welcome for shade in the summer sun. Ideal for outdoor weddings, these wind-proof umbrellas in our signature stripe coordinate with most of our dress colors.
Umbrellas have one button open and close mechanism to spring open even in breezy weather.
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Partner Directory
Partner Product
6U CPCI - CP6000 (Kontron AG)
6U CompactPCI Pentium board
Product Highlights
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Web Links
- www.kontron.com/product/633
More Information
If you are interested in more information on how Wind River partners with this company, click here.


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Search Jim Cramer's "Mad Money" trading recommendations using our exclusive "Mad Money" Stock Screener.
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December 10, 2011 10:07am
I have deep roots in this community and relatives all over the city and county. I did sign the petition because enough is enough. Do we want the Texas Rangers or other government entity to come in and investigate the City of Floresville and have our city officials indicted and sent to jail? Of course not! However, you do have the opportunity to confess that a wrong has been commited and clean it up. But no, you will never agree to that. So on with the petition because we the citizens of Floresville are in control. I am sick and tired of the trash all over town and our streets in need of repair. NO SPORTS COMPLEX UNTIL THIS TOWN IS CLEANED UP!
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FT. WAYNE (WLMI) Kevin Patterson smashed a three-run eighth inning home run to power the Lansing Lugnuts (46-20) to a come-from-behind 5-4 victory over the Fort Wayne TinCaps (31-36) on Thursday night at Parkview Field.
The Lugnuts trailed 4-1 entering the seventh, but Shane Opitz (2-for-3, walk) flipped a two-out, two-strike RBI single into centerfield.
In the three-run eighth inning, Andy Burns and K.C. Hobson singled against Chris Haney (Loss, 0-2) before Patterson whacked his sixth home run of the year to dead center to give Lansing the three-game series victory.
The Lugs scored first against Colin Rea in the second inning when K.C. Hobson smacked an RBI double to score Kevin Pillar.
That was all Rea surrendered in the game, however, as the righty tossed six innings, gave up just four hits, walked none and struck out a career-high eight batters.
The TinCaps capped off a span of four unanswered runs with a three-run fifth against reliever Blake McFarland, but the Lugnuts' bullpen tightened up afterward.
Kramer Champlin (Win, 3-1) threw a scoreless seventh inning before Ajay Meyer threw a perfect eighth and ninth innings to record his Midwest-League best 20th save this season.
Meyer received help to pick up the save; with one out, Casey McElroy made a bid for extra-bases with a liner deep down the left side, but Pillar made a spectacular diving catch to thwart the potential rally.
The Lugnuts All-Star left fielder finished an all-around superb evening with two hits and two runs scored in five at-bats.
Lansing All-Star right fielder Chris Hawkins did his part as well, throwing out TinCaps baserunners at the plate to end the second and fourth innings.
Nuts starter David Rollins worked to a no-decision, putting forth 3 2/3 innings of one run ball in which he gave up five hits, three walks and struck out two.
Manager John Tamargo, Jr. was ejected for the first time this season when he argued a play at first base that ended the top of the sixth inning. It was the first ejection of a Lugnut this season.
The Lugnuts begin their final series of the first half with a three-game set in Midland, Michigan, against the Great Lakes Loons. The series begins on Friday, June 15th at 7:05 p.m., with Marcus Walden (5-1, 2.48) on the mound for the Lugs opposed by Loons righty Arismendy Ozoria (3-3, 4.45).


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Oscars 2013: What we want to see this year
Oscars 2013: What we want to see - Short acceptance speeches
The Oscars ceremony is seriously long and while everyone wants their moment in the sun, the real winners know how to keep it short and sweet. Thank the cast and crew by all means but please don't list them all by name. We can look it up and we'll like you a lot more for not droning on for five minutes.


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Matt Scott is a Senior Development Lead in the Innovation Engineering Group at Microsoft Research Asia. He leads the Microsoft Research "Engkoo" cloud-based linguistics projects that directly led to the creation of two new Microsoft products with millions of users in China: Bing Pinyin IME (http://bing.msn.cn/pinyin) in 2013 and Bing Dictionary (http://cn.bing.com/dict) in 2010. He has been awarded 18 Microsoft Technology Transfer Awards for transferring research technologies into Windows, Office and Bing; co-authored 12 published papers in natural language processing, human-computer interaction, and computer vision; and has received 32 Microsoft patent awards (submitted/granted U.S. patents). Matt is a member of the IEEE.
- Lijuan Wang, Yao Qian, Matthew R. Scott, Gang Chen, Frank Soong. Computer-Assisted Audiovisual Language Learning. IEEE Computer, Vol. 45, No. 6, pp. 38-47, Apr. 2012
- Matthew R. Scott, Xiaohua Liu, Ming Zhou. Towards a Specialized Search Engine for Language Learners. Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol.99, No.9, pp.1462-1465, Sept. 2011
- John J. Magee, Margrit Betke, James Gips, Matthew R. Scott, Benjamin N. Waber. A Human-Computer Interface Using Symmetry Between Eyes to Detect Gaze Direction. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics. Part A: Systems and Humans, Vol. 18, No. 8, pp. 1248-1261, Nov. 2008
- Duo Ding, Xingping Jiang, Matthew R. Scott, Ming Zhou. Tulsa: Web Search for Writing Assistance. In Proceedings of the 34th Annual ACM SIGIR Conference (SIGIR 2011), Beijing, China, July 2011
- Matthew R. Scott, Xiaohua Liu, Ming Zhou, Microsoft Engkoo Team. Engkoo: Mining the Web for Language Learning. In Proceedings of the The 49th Annual Meeting of the Association for Computational Linguistics: Human Language Technologies (ACL HLT 2011), Portland, Oregon, June 2011
- Dechao Liu, Matthew R. Scott, Rongrong Ji, Wei Jiang, Hongxun Yao, Xing Xie. Location Sensitive Indexing for Image-Based Advertising. In Proceedings of the 17th ACM International Conference on Multimedia 2009 (ACM MM 2009), Beijing, China, Oct. 2009
- Gonglue Jiang, Chen Zhao, Matthew R. Scott, Fang Zou. Combinable Tabs: An Interactive Method of Information Comparison using a Combinable Tabbed Document Interface. In Proceedings of the 12th IFIP TC13 Conference in Human-Computer Interaction (INTERACT 2009), Uppsala, Sweden, Aug. 2009
- Matthew R. Scott, Wei Jiang, Xing Xie, Jonathan Tien, Gang Chen, Dong Xiang. VisiAds: A Vision-based Advertising Platform for Camera Phones. In Proceedings of the 2009 IEEE International Conference on Multimedia and Expo (ICME 2009), New York City, USA, Jun. 2009
- Wei Jiang, Dechao Liu, Xing Xie, Matthew R. Scott, Jonathan Tien, Dong Xiang. An Online Advertisement Platform Based on Image Content Bidding. In Proceedings of the 2009 IEEE International Conference on Multimedia and Expo (ICME 2009), New York City, USA, Jun. 2009
- Raman Chandrasekar, Matthew R. Scott, Dean Slawson, A.R.D. Rajan, Daniel Makoski. Measuring Search Experience Satisfaction using Explicit Context-Aware Feedback. In Proceedings of the Second Workshop on Human-Computer Interaction and Information Retrieval (HCIR 2008), Redmond, WA, USA Oct. 2008
- Shuyi Zheng, Matthew R. Scott, Ruihua Song, Ji-Rong Wen. Pictor: An Interactive System for Importing Data from a Website. In Proceedings of the Fourteenth ACM SIGKDD International Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (SIGKDD 2008), Las Vegas, USA, Aug. 2008
- John J. Magee, Matthew R. Scott, Benjamin N. Waber, Margrit Betke. EyeKeys: A Real-Time Vision Interface Based on Gaze Detection from a Low-Grade Video Camera, In Proceedings of the 2004 Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition Workshop (CVPRW 2004), Washington, D.C., USA, June 2004
Book Chapters
- Matthew R. Scott, "Chapter 2: The Chinese Chess Generals Problem" in "The Beauty of Programming," Xin Zou, Electronic Industry Press, 2008, pp. 13-18 (published in Chinese, citation translated)
- John J. Magee, Margrit Betke, Matthew R. Scott, Benjamin N. Waber, "A Real-Time Vision Interface Based on Gaze Detection -- EyeKeys" in "Real-Time Vision for Human-Computer Interaction," Kisacanin, Branislav; Pavlovic, Vladimir; Huang, Thomas S. (Eds.), Springer-Verlag, 2005, pp. 141-157
- Hover Translation of Search Results Captions
United States 8,595,208
Issued November 21, 2013
- Retrieval Using A Generalized Sentence Collocation
United States 8,484,014
Issued July 9, 2013
- User Feedback Correlated To Specific User Interface Or Application Features
United States 8,191,004
Issued May 29, 2012
- Combinable Tabs For A Tabbed Document Interface
United States 8,146,010
Issued March 27, 2012
- Combining Domain-Tuned Search Systems
United States 8,086,591
Issued December 27, 2011
- Utilizing subtitles in multiple languages to facilitate second-language learning
United States 8,620,139
Issued December 31, 2013
- Wild Card Auto Completion
United States 20120143897
Filed December 3, 2010
- Engkoo Pinyin Redefines Chinese Input, Microsoft Research Feature Story, May 13, 2013
- The Story of Microsoft Engkoo Pinyin (in Chinese), Sina Technology, Jan. 25, 2013
- New Oriental School and Microsoft Collaboration on Bing Dictionary (in Chinese), ChinaByte, Jan. 11, 2013
- Big Data Just Ten Years Away (in Chinese), Sept. 26, 2012
- Review On Cloud Input 2.0: Engkoo Pinyin IME Beta, An IME That Understands YOU (in Chinese), Chip Magazine, Sept. 2012
- Combating the Chinglish Scourge, Inside Microsoft Research, Oct. 26, 2011
- Microsoft Uses Karaoke Feature on China's Bing Dictionary, PC World, Jan. 24, 2011
- Software Aids Language Learners, Microsoft Research News, Sept. 27, 2010
- Microsoft Engkoo Helps Teach English to Chinese Internet Users, Microsoft News Center, Aug. 26, 2010
- Microsoft Mines Web to Hone Language Tool, Wall Street Journal, Aug. 4, 2010
- It's a Good Time To Be at Microsoft—A Report from TechFest, Xconomy, Feb. 2009
- Microsoft Teaches English Writing (English translation), China Internet Weekly, Feb. 2009
- Keynote Demo: Engkoo Pinyin Cloud-Based Multimodal IME, 21st Century Computing Conference in Tianjin, China, Oct. 2012
- Computer-Assisted Audiovisual Language Learning, ieeeComputerSociety, May 23, 2012
- Bing Dictionary 'Mouth Model' Competition, KU6 (Chinese), Nov. 15, 2010
- Techfest: Image-Centric Advertising Platform, Channel 10, Feb. 2009
- Application Development using the Open XML File Formats, Channel 9, Nov. 2006
- SCICOM - Introduction to Scientific Communications. Winter/Spring 2011. Instructor. University of Science and Technology of China & Microsoft Research Asia.
Invited Lectures
- Invited lecture "Introduction to Language Assistance Technology" by Professor Bai Xiaojing, Department of Foreign Languages, Tsinghua University, July 2010.
- Annually invited lecturer for computer science undergraduate course Advanced Software Engineering taught by Xin Zou in Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Beihang University, covering software estimation, design, coding practices, and testing. 2007, 2008, 2009.
- Invited lecturer by Microsoft Student Clubs on the topic of differences between university and industrial software development. Tsinghua University, Oct. 2007; Beihang University, Dec. 1 2007; Chinese Academy of Science, Dec. 21 2007.
Selected Public Projects
Engkoo Pinyin IME (Project Lead):
Related Links:
- Try It: bing.msn.cn/pinyin
- Video Demo: http://video.sina.com.cn/v/b/90538165-1286528122.html
- Project Page: http://pinyin.engkoo.com, http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/projects/engkoo/default.aspx
Microsoft Product Impact:
- Bing: Bing Search Box Pinyin IME Auto Suggest (China Market), New Client Product Bing IME (China Market)
Selected Press:
- Engkoo Pinyin Redefines Chinese Input, Microsoft Research Feature Story, May 13, 2013
- The Story of Microsoft Engkoo Pinyin (in Chinese), Sina Technology, Jan. 25, 2013
- New Oriental School and Microsoft Collaboration on Bing Dictionary (in Chinese), ChinaByte, Jan. 11, 2013
- Big Data Just Ten Years Away (in Chinese), Sept. 26, 2012
- Review On Cloud Input 2.0: Engkoo Pinyin IME Beta, An IME That Understands YOU (in Chinese), Chip Magazine, Sept. 2012
Engkoo Language Assistance (Project Lead):
Related Links:
- Try It: dict.bing.com.cn
- Video Demo: http://channel9.msdn.com/posts/Charles/Engkoo-English-Learning-Vertical-Search-from-Bing-and-MS-Research-in-China/
- Project Page: http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/projects/engkoo/default.aspx
- Related: World Expo 2010 Shanghai - 'Chinglish' Data Collection/Correction
Microsoft Product Impact:
- Bing: Dictionary Vertical Search (China Market)
- Office: Bing Dictionary (English) for Office 2013, Bing English Assistance in Office 2013 (built-in for Chinese users, but also downloadable as separate app), IME 2010 English Search
- MSN: Portal, 3G Mobile, and Messenger Dictionary / Translation (China Market)
- Windows: Recommended Windows 7 Gadget
Selected Press:
- Microsoft's Engkoo Scans the Web to Teach Itself How to Teach You Languages, Popular Science, August 4, 2010
- Microsoft Mines Web to Hone Language Tool, Wall Street Journal, August 3, 2010
- Companies Compete for 2010 Prizes for Technological Advances in Asia, Wall Street Journal, June 29, 2010
- Replacing Google's Dictionary with Engkoo Learning Tools (English Translation), PC POP, March 30, 2010
- How Cool is Engkoo? (English Translation), January 8, 2010
- Microsoft Applications from China Mine the Web, Computer World, April 20, 2009
- Microsoft Teaches English Writing (English Translation), Sina, February 19, 2009
Microsoft Excel 2007 Web Data Add-in (Dev):
Related Links:
- Try It: Download
- Walkthrough: http://www.lytebyte.com/2008/06/24/advanced-feature-add-in-to-get-live-data-from-web-in-excel-2007/
- In Book (Chapter 8): http://www.pearsoned.co.uk/Bookshop/detail.asp?item=100000000275906
Microsoft Word Content Control Toolkit (Dev):
- Open Source Project Page: http://dbe.codeplex.com/
- Try It: Download
- In MSDN Article: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb510135.aspx
- In Books:
- Tutorials:
- http://www.sharepointjohn.com/using-content-controls-to-repeat-form-fields-in-microsoft-word-2007-and-word-2010/
- http://blogs.msdn.com/b/acoat/archive/2007/03/01/linking-word-2007-content-controls-to-custom-xml.aspx
- http://www.johnchapman.name/using-content-controls-to-repeat-form-fields-in-microsoft-word-2007-and-word-2010/
Microsoft Word 2007 Version Extraction Tool (Dev):
- Microsoft Research Asia Collaboration Award, 2013
- Microsoft HiPo Leadership Bench Program, 2013, 2014
- 18 Microsoft Research Technology Transfer Awards, 2008 - 2013
- 3 Best Paper Awards, Microsoft ThinkWeek, 2010, 2012
- Microsoft Research Asia Deployed Best Research Project of the Year Award, 2009, 2011, 2012
- Wall Street Journal Asian Innovation Readers' Choice Award, 2010
- Engineering Excellence Asian Regional Award, Microsoft, 2009
- Gold Star Award, Microsoft, 2009
Former Interns
- Fei Tian, now a Research Software Developer at Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Jennie Sue, now a UX Designer at Microsoft Research Asia
- Gao Lu, now a Software Developer at Tencent QQ
- Hang Qi, now a Computer Science Master Candidate at UCLA
- Ada Wang, now a UX Designer at Bing China
- Siyuan Zhou, now a Computer Science Master Candidate at New York University
- Duo Ding, now a Computer Science Master Candidate at Carnegie Mellon University
- Xingping (Sabrina) Jiang, now an Interaction Designer at Lenovo Research
- Jiangyu Liu, now a Research Software Developer at Microsoft Research Asia
- Chao (Alex) Han, now a UX Design Lead at Sina Weibo
- Gonglue (David) Jiang, now a UI Designer at Google
- Dechao Liu, now a Software Developer at Baidu
- Wei Jiang, now a Manager at China Development Bank
- Baokui Yang, now a Software Developer at Google China
- Projects
- Publications
- Journals
- Conferences
- Book Chapters
- Patents
- Press
- Articles
- Videos
- Talks
- Teaching
- Invited Lectures
- Awards
- Former Interns


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San Diego, United States of America
4041 Harney Street, Old Town, San Diego, CA 92110 – Show map
Excellent location – rated 9/10! (score from 171 reviews)
Rated by guests after their stay at Best Western Hacienda Hotel Old Town San Diego.
|Room Type
|King Room - Disability Access
|Standard King Room
|Standard Queen Room with One Queen Bed
|Standard Room with Two Queen Beds
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171 verified reviews
We verify all reviews from guests who have stayed at Best Western Hacienda Hotel Old Town San Diego. Find out more.
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Best Western Hacienda Hotel Old Town San Diego's staff speaks: Spanish, English
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Outdoor Pool
Golf Course (within 2 miles), Fitness Center
Food & Drink
Restaurant, Bar
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed) and costs USD 14 per day.
Room Service, 24-Hour Front Desk, Express Check-in/Check-out, Tour Desk, Meeting/Banquet Facilities
Newspapers, Safe, Non-smoking Rooms, Facilities for Disabled Guests, Family Rooms, Elevator, All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
Spanish, English
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to room type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.
Children and Extra Beds
All children are welcome.
All children under 12 years stay free of charge when using existing beds.
One child under 2 years is charged USD 10 per night in a crib.
One older child or adult is charged USD 10 per night in an extra bed.
The maximum number of extra beds/cribs in a room is 1.
Any type of extra bed or crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
Additional fees are not calculated automatically in the total cost and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.
Pets are not allowed.
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Based on 171 reviews
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Manchester Grand Hyatt San DiegoLatest booking: 1 hour ago There are 3 people looking at this hotel.
In the light industrial Midway area, this hotel is an 8-minute walk from Old Town. It features an outdoor pool and serves a daily expanded continental breakfast. Each spacious room has free Wi-Fi.
Score from 567 reviews Excellent
This hotel offers air-conditioned rooms, an on-site cafe serving Californian cuisines and a well-equipped fitness center. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available. San Diego Zoo is 6 miles...
Score from 52 reviews Good
San Diego International Airport is within a 10-minute drive of this hotel, which offers on-site dining, an outdoor pool and jacuzzi. Every room at Travelodge Mission Valley features cable TV with HBO....
Score from 701 reviews Good
This 100% non-smoking property is 6.5 miles from downtown San Diego and within a 5-minute drive of SeaWorld San Diego. The hotel offers an outdoor pool and suites with free Wi-Fi.
Score from 553 reviews Review score
Convoluted access to room. Never found first room alternative found OKs
The design of the hotel and architecture aspect of it and the location.
Liked everything.
Great service, friendly. Close to Old town village.
Our stay was very nice....clean rooms and we enjoyed it. The pool was very very nice. And we enjoyed the Tequila Factory for our dinner. Overall we liked the Hotel, but not sure we will stay again, because the navigation issues.
Parking is understandibly difficult...and it is very confusing trying to navigate the property...trying to figure out what floor we needed and what elevator. When you have difficulty walking, this is a very huge process.
The room was very pleasant It had 10 foot ceilings. Very quite. Good view. Great breakfast.
Charged for parking but discount for AAA. Lay out was confusing.
pool, restaurants, closeness to old town, entire atmosphere of the place.
price. a little expensive, but worth it.
Liked that the hotel is located close to Old Town and downtown San Diego. Our room was cleaned promptly and competently. Parking was secure and close to our room.
Made a request of staff that was never fulfilled. WiFi connectivity was spotty and slow.
It is a very clean and beautiful hotel.
Roomy clean location is awesome
Lots of stairs Lol
Cleanness, location, courtesy of the personnel.
Garage is often full in Building 6, $14 per night should provide for empty parking spaces in the evening. Poor strength of Wi-Fi.
Pool was small with few chairs
Stay was Great. The staff was friendly and ready to help as soon as I walked in the door. This facility is in walking distance to Old Towne for dining and shopping. The room was clean and spacious.
Old town location, close to many restaurants, the view from the hotel, the swimming pool
Parking fee in addition ($14 per day) Hotel fee in addition ($7 per day) Hard time to get a parking slot close to your building
Breakfast (dirty buffet, no more coffee, butter, etc)
We were in SD for Comic Con. The hotel is a few blocks from the trolley stop and far enough away from the noise and crowds. Even with a sold out hotel, we never heard another person. The staff was ALWAYS friendly and was even able to provide a room with a sofa bed due to a last minute travel change.
Although this didn't affect me personally, I could see clients with disabilities having a more difficult time getting around. There are elevators but they are sprawled out. The property is huge and built on the side of a hill so the floors are multi levels.
Located in Old Town Beautiful hotel Complementary airport transport
We loved everything about the Hacienda Hotel.
We liked the Best Western Hacienda Hotel very much. Very pretty, lovely hotel. The Breakfast buffet was delicious and they gave us tickets to the buffet for the 2 days we were there. That was the only time we could eat without having to eat Spanish food.
We did not like the location of the hotel in Old Town San Diego....it felt like we were in Tijuana, with no choice of where to go within walking distance of our hotel ....we had to eat at the restaurants near our hotel, who only served Spanish food. Eating at the restaurant at our hotel was okay to eat one time...but not every lunch or dinner as Spanish food. I'm sure it was planned this way...but does not work for us. We tried to find a little market to obtain maybe a loaf of bread, cheese, cold cuts, and cans of Diet Pepsi/Coke for our room. The hotel had these in a vending machine, but they cost a lot per bottle. I'm sure a lot of people like to eat out all the time...but we do not...for a lot of reasons..and some of us have to watch what we eat for our health. Needless to say, we will never return to Old Town San Diego again for any reason. I heard comments by other tourists on the street feeling the same way as we did. San Diego needs to improve Old Town, taking into consideration how the tourists actually feel about Old Town, otherwise I don't see it getting repeat business from a lot of the tourists.
As soon as I checked in it seemed like they didn't care Wanted to stay 1 night instead if 2 and at check in they wanted ti charge me $75 for an early cancellation and did not even check in yet. Poor management I have stayed here about 12 times before this stay. This was the worst
Very Spanish style !
Location. Easy walk to old town.
Too many stairs! First hotel I was lost trying to find my room. The buttons on the elevators did not coincide with the floor numbers. My showers faucet was on backwards so almost scalded myself. No free breakfast.
Room service Order was incorrect
The grounds were beautiful!
I didn't like that I had to pay for parking. I think for the price we should get free parking out at least half of the price of parking. Also it took a bit for it to get the temperature comfortable.
It was easy to walk to old town and how quiet it was. The rooms where clean. Love staying there for 3 days. Would come back
The food was not as good as I remember from the last time we where there. The buffet on Monday morning was cold did not eat much of it was not worth what we paid for it.
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