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As the Northwestern journalism student, professor and graduate follow the path of Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) east to New York, south to New Orleans and west to San Francisco they will be posting their observations and interviews daily. Read more >>
Follow the Trip
Posts from the Road
Hannibal exhibits 'invisible' black population
In some ways the Hannibal, Mo., that Faye Dant, 62, grew up in no longer exists. Dant remembers when schools in Hannibal were still segregated. Around town, there was an unspoken knowledge of the places where … Read more
Being gay in America's Hometown
What's it like to be gay in Hannibal, Missouri, a town of 17,606 that bills itself as America's hometown? Mary Lou Montgomery, editor of the Hannibal Courier-Post, says sexual orientation is not discussed: "It's pretty quiet—not … Read more
An evening of Twain-inspired bluegrass
On my first night on the trip, I met Mark Twain's spirit at a midnight record release party. Loren and Alyssa, already two days into the project, picked me up at the St. Louis airport. After … Read more
Mississippi Sunset
View from the upper deck of the Mark Twain Riverboat.
Zagat's Missed This Restaurant in Paris—Paris, MO
We visited Paris, Mo., to see a recently restored wall mural in the town's post office titled "The Arrival of the Clemens Family in Florida." The mural, completed by Fred Green Carpenter in 1940, shows the … Read more
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Shaq and Lamar Odom have scored a huge victory over the snake oil salesmen at Power Balance -- the company that duped athletes into believing its hologram bracelets could provide super-strength -- because it just agreed to fork over $287,000 to get the NBA stars off its back.
TMZ broke the story ... Shaq and Odom filed legal docs in PB's bankruptcy case, claiming they were owed money for their involvement in the company. Lamar was an investor. Shaq was a paid spokesperson.
Shaq originally demanded $308,961 and Lamar $133,870 -- but according to new court docs, they both agreed to take a little less after settlement negotiations ... Shaq got $200,310 and Lamar $87,015.
But they could get even more -- under the deal, if PB's bankruptcy estate collects more money than they anticipate from ensuing litigation, Shaq and Lamar could get an additional payout.
FYI, PB has virtually gone belly up in the wake of the $57 million class action lawsuit filed against the company over its bogus scientific claims. The lawsuit forced PB into bankruptcy.
can they make somthing that causes kardashians to flee?
The bracelets that claimed to give you super strength turned out to be fake? I bet their magic beans are fake too!
Holograms DO provide super-strenghth. You losers don't have a PhD like I do so you don't understand the science. Ha ha, just kidding. These idiots got scammed because they're so dumb and gullible. It'll happen again to these flaming retards, just wait....
just what they need. more freakin money
Anyone stupid enough to have believed the claims behind these bracelets deserved to be parted with their money. That said, so too should the snake oil salesman be parted with their profits. It would be nice if the money won in these lawsuits, at least the ones lodged by rich athletes, be donated to appropriate scientific research and/or education of the public in critical thinking skills, to better navigate the world of health fraud.
so shaq was a paid spokesperson for a product that didn't work and he never tested and he wants money from them?????
I guess I'm suprised at how (I don't want to say stupid, but am struggling to find another word) simple these pro athletes are. To believe that a hologram (something printed) can have ANY affect on their performance amazes me. I think it is a shame the guy who sold these to them lost the lawsuit because if these people are so ignorant to believe it, they should lose their money. As the saying goes...."A fool and his money are soon parted".
Well that's nice for Lamar, but Khloe will probably spend the money faster than he gets it. It's costs money to go breaking down doors at the Roosevelt!
OR, if Kim makes her pretend she hasn't seen her nephew, which isn't the big deal. Kim is so nassacistic that she doesn't want her body seen until she is a perfectly slim goddess! She never was before, so why would we expect her to be now!
I know she must be bustin her ass to look "perfect" when she finally emerges. YOU JUST HAD A BABY!!!! It was obvious she hated every minute of pregnancy, but is she NOW going .....nevermind! Why doesn't she just do as Kourtney did. Go through the transition from pregnant to Mommy, and lose the weight slowly and naturally.
Look at Kourtney now! She's beautiful! I don't know if she's where she personally wants to be, but she's perfect at the stage she's at now! One hot mama!!
Maybe Odom will put that money into the charity he created in his mother's name, Cathy's Kids. Oh wait, he has yet to put any of the money he's fundraised into the actual charity? I guess that fake super power bracelet was a little more important.
Lamar invested in a company that sell hologram bracelets AND married a kardasian? He gets my vote for most ignorant human being alive.
Now maybe Odom can understand how it feels to be duped....like he has done to all the people who put thousands, maybe millions in to his phony charity! How stupid can you be? Oh wait he married a Kardashian, never mind.
Lamar will invest any amount if theres a sliver of hope that he will be able to play well again as dislodge from the the Kardashian teat. He bought the beanstalk seeds, investors invest KNOWING the risks. Had they did research, got medical evidence this would never had happened, why they, as investors, were allowed repayment is beyond me. But famous rich people have their own set of laws...douches
Wow. Now they are rich.
Phishie from Philly
Anybody stupid enough to believe the load of crap PB was shoveling does not deserve a dime back. The $$ should go to fitness scholarships to get physical power the smart and right way.
That was chump change to both parties- it was just paid so that these two guys could look like they weren't in on the BS, since they still have images to protect.

subset: commoncrawl


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Jammy and the Smack from Echo Park, CA. They drove through tough ass traffic and would most likely appreciate your views… bros! Thanks all! Website (still …
Well, we didnt win "Artist of the Month" on la.delimagazine, but interesting to note we are 26 in the local charts for Garage. Not sure what that means, but pretty cool!
Please vote for us for Artist of the Month in LA Deli Magazine!
Free in-store show at Burger Records, Feb. 20th


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Cole Range shot a 38 to lead the Lodi Flames to a 220-225 win over the Bear Creek Bruins in boys golf at The Reserve at Spanos Park.
Jacob Coons hit a 41 for Lodi (10-3, 6-1 San Joaquin Athletic Association), Garrett Hanna carded a 45 and Hunter Humphrey and Ken Samson each hit a 48.
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One thing I haven't really talked about here on Ninja-Fitness.com is faith and fitness. Or faith and spirituality. I am a Christian and I believe in Jesus Christ as my savior.
Am a good person or perfect human being?
Far from it.
But I do rest in God's grace.
As a person that loves fitness I struggle with balancing my faith and fitness. I'm into fitness for a few reasons: It keeps me in shape and looking good, I want to get stronger, I love being competitive, and it keeps me healthy. None of those things in itself is bad but when it becomes an idol or a sole source of identity then things can go wrong there. And I struggle with these things all the time. (Our identity is supposed to be anchored in being sons and daughters of God and being comfortable and confident in the personality and experience He gave us.)
You know what's funny is that there are Crossfit Athletes that have a different mindset when it comes to working out. Rich Froning, the Crossfit champion the past two years and has the title "Fittest Man on Earth" has a Galatians 6:14 "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the." tattooed on him. Which shows his mindset of not boasting, bragging, and being prideful of his Crossfit Games accomplishments but in Christ alone.
Chris Spealler is a top ten Crossfit Games Athlete (Special note about him is that he is only 5'5″ and about 140 lbs and he runs with the big dogs at the Games and the average Crossfit athlete is about 5'8″ plus and weight about 185 lbs or more.) and he uses his faith to deal with the stress of competing in the games. Read this excerpt that I found on him on a Crossfit games blog.
"Dealing with the stress of CrossFit can be difficult for many Games competitiors. Chris deals with the stress of competition through his faith. He prays both before and after training. Contrary to what one may expect, though, Chris's faith does not spur him on in a quest for physical and spiritual perfection. Instead, Chris's faith is about "resting in God's grace and the fact that there is nothing I need to do to earn His love for me." This thought allows Chris to disassociate his performance from his self-worth. Instead of his performance, Chris wants his "relationship with Christ to define who I am." Training this way allows Chris to experience the "joy" of training, instead of worrying about how his numbers will stack up.
Finally, while his Christian faith is extremely important to him, Chris wants people to know that no matter "where you are personally," it "doesn't affect my respect for you."'
Wow that's crazy. Most of the time I workout is for selfish and pride reasons. But thank God for His grace. We can still redeem our intentions for His glory. If we worked out for God, we wouldn't slack off or quit but give our best. Even giving our best, enjoying fitness, or taking care of our bodies to be good stewards is glorifying to Him. So lets bring it back!
So how do you balance your fitness and faith?


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December 9, 2012 Debby The Mentalist , TV (1) Comment
Make sure to go to SpoilerTV and vote for Lisbon and Jane as your current favorite TV duo. At the moment they rank #2 with 722 votes. On first place are Beckett and Castle from "Castle". So, keep voting for our beloved "Jisbon"! Click HERE!
Dec 15 Norman T Christenson says:
Best show on TV!!!


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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Remember you are part of a group, that means working together and respecting the other four to twenty four members viewpoints. Your not wrong for wanting to spice things up, but you do risk the other four members efforts should you happen to screw up. Remember if the tank's not 2nd in the threat then the healer is.
Stick with premades if you want to get fancy or try something else. WoW has a few thousand things you can do instead of running instances.


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We've built the world's most comprehensive career test. Our questionnaire measures over 180 traits to match you against 500+ careers. Our mission is to help you find your calling in life.
I worked as a news editor of a student news paper for two years in university. It was thrilling, frustrating, and never boring. The experience taught me the importance of patience and how easy it is to become cynical, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I had a front-row seat to watch history in the making -- from technological innovation to war to the making of a U.S. president.
I went to journalism school and quickly realized I was more interested in magazines than newspapers or broadcast. I was lucky enough to get a job out of school at a magazine focused on photography, which I loved. It gave me the opportunity to learn a ton, talk to all the top people in the field, become friends with many of them, and get a high-level view of the whole industry that then helped me provide insights to our readers and my photographer friends. Of course, journalism is a hard industry right now without a lot of job opportunities and pretty low pay across the board. But if you love it, I think there are lots of opportunities to take the skills of communication, interviewing, summarizing, understanding an audience, etc. and apply them to plenty of in-demand fields, including marketing, PR, branding, etc.
I love the tight deadlines.This job meets all my needs as an extrovert; I'm always meeting amazing and interesting people, and using the meetings to write (which is something I love to do). Great work, and great way to affect society, since people are gaining information from you, and you are a credible source. The only bad thing is that there isn't much forward motion. Once you're a journalist, you can't expand much as an employee apart from getting cooler articles and stories - this sort of limits the impact I can make, and I personally do want to go into more far-reaching media, such as movies or television.
I do better as adWords certificated consultant.
Get to interview interesting people, explore new ideas and get paid for my words
my future is enews so...


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- Woman, two teens arrested following narcotics investigation
- Former county officials charged with theft
- New Zion Baptist participates in National Back to Church Sunday Sept. 21
- Donors celebrate new school health center
- Debris cleanup underway near Fordham Dam
- Some good, some bad in Obama executive order on protecting antibiotics
- Two arrested on cannabis charges after search of detached garage on North Henrietta
- Man guilty of drug charges faces 60 years in prison
- Rockford BBB aware of 'Microsoft' phone scam
- Judge: Chad Grimm will remain on Illinois governor ballot
Bring out the bikes! Bike Safety and Rodeo offered
From press release
NorthPointe Health and Wellness is sponsoring a Spring Bike Rodeo and Safety Check from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 1. With the improved weather, NorthPointe wants to be sure that those who are out riding are doing so safely. This event is free, open to the public and for bikers of all ages.
Shosie's Cyclery of Loves Park will offer the safety check that includes checking the brakes, tire inflation, and other minor mechanical adjustments. The Safety Check is not a full tune-up, but will give your bike a safety update. Also, kids will enjoy the Bike Rodeo offering a fun, challenging route for your enjoyment sponsored by the Roscoe Police Department.
"This is a great time of year to get your bike out and moving," expressed Kristi Lambright, director of NorthPointe Wellness. "This is our first combined Bike Rodeo and Safety Check, and we hope to get a good turnout. This area offers some excellent bike paths for the whole family, and we would like to encourage people to use them."
NorthPointe Health and Wellness is at 5605 E. Rockton Road in Roscoe. For more information, call (815) 525-4900.


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Narrow your search
All the news from the annual Google I/O event, including the latest on Android.
Pandora's easy-to-use interface and massive music library make the app a must-download for music fans with Windows phones.
Pricing not available
The Epson WorkForce 520 isn't ideal for photo printing or graphics-heavy documents, but this all-in-one device delivers office-capable features like an auto document feeder and multiple connection options at an effective price. For light-duty office work, the Epson WorkForce 520 is a solid choice.
Apple's new iWork software is less than a suite, more than an application, but it may become something greatly useful.
If you're looking for a way to get subtle phone alerts on your wrist without busting the budget, it's hard to top the Martian Notifier.
The Epson WorkForce 310 is a cost-efficient all-in-one printer that gives you five separate ink cartridges with an automatic document feeder and a detailed control panel. Combine those features with its lightning-fast print speeds, and the WorkForce 310 is a worthwhile addition to your office arsenal.
Asus hits nearly all the marks in the 1005HA, the latest version of its iconic Eee PC, highlighted by a 6-hour-plus battery life.
At the 2014 Detroit auto show, Lexus tried to show it was serious about performance by launching the RC F, a V-8-powered coupe.
Pricing not available
New 3Doodler promises low-cost, low-maintenance access to 3D printing
Pricing not available
The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is a stunning car that is a thrill to drive fast and a pleasure to drive slow. It's lacking a bit when it comes to interior tech, but with Ferrari's CarPlay partnership, hopefully that will be changing in future iterations.
Samsung reckons the Ativ Tab 3 is the thinnest Windows 8 tablet ever. We went hands-on at Samsung's London launch event.
Pricing not available


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Related Content: Martha Raddatz
U.S. Commander in Afghanistan – "We owe them" the Apology
On The Radar
GENERAL ALLEN: "WE OWE THEM" THE APOLOGY…Martha RADDATZ is the only journalist – print or broadcast – to travel with General John Allen, the Commander of U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan. It's obviously timely – coming in the aftermath of the Koran burnings and killings of six U.S. soldiers.
Afghanistan Protests: U.S. Embassy on Lock Down
On The Radar
An accidental burning of Qurans led to Anti-U.S. protests.
U.S. Forces Burn Old Copies of the Koran
On The Radar
Officials claim it was a misunderstanding when the holy books were discarded.
U.S. General Prepared for Iranian Aggression
On The Radar
Iran accused of plotting car bomb attacks against diplomats in India, Georgia.
Syria in Crisis as Government Attacks Continue
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Martha Raddatz discusses the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.
Iran Threat: Attack on U.S.?
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Intelligence officials see growing risk of Iranian spies and possible attack.
Hostage Rescued in Somalia Raid
On The Radar
Navy SEALs parachuted into one of the world's most dangerous places.
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On The Radar
Defense sec'y Leon Panetta contacts allies in Muslim world to contain damage.
Iranian Nuclear Scientist Allegedly Assassinated
On The Radar
Death similar to recent ones linked to employees of enrichment facilities.


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In October, Tulsa, Oklahoma pop-rockers Stars Go Dim won the Grand Prize in the Subway "Fresh Artists" Competition with their song "Get Over It," which awarded the band the incredible opportunity to open for The Goo Goo Dolls at the Star 103.3 Jingle Ball in San Francisco, CA on December 10, 2010. In addition to the to the performance, SGD will also receive $1,000 cash and a songwriting session with professional songwriter Evan Bogart, famous for writing hits for artists the likes of Beyoncé, Britney Spears and Adam Lambert! The guys in the band got the incredible opportunity to meet the members of the Goo Goo Dolls, as well as share the bill with Hedley and former American Idol winner Kris Allen. Leading up to the show, the band was featured and interviewed on Tulsa's rock radio station KMOD, which also broadcast their winning single "Get Over It" to thousands of listeners. The band later performed at a local Subway in their hometown, drawing a crowd of dedicated local followers. We caught up with Michael Wittig, bassist for Stars Go Dim, after the show to hear all about their experience.
OS: How did your performance go? What kind of increased buzz have you guys seen up to and after the show?
MW: Our performance at the Star 101.3 Jingle Ball with the Goo Goo Dolls and Kris Allen went awesome. We've been told we played very well. I don't know about the other guys, but I rocked the bass that night, ha.
OS: How did the audience respond to your set?
MW: The crowd was very receptive and showed it spending their hard earned money on us after the show. I was surprised by the amount of CDs/shirts we sold. We took pictures with some of them after the show and have kept in touch with some via Facebook since the show.
OS: How did it feel to have the opportunity to open for the Goo Goo Dolls? Did you get to meet them?
MW: We were very excited about the whole thing. The Goo Goo Dolls have had so many hits and great songs. We did get to meet them. They set up a private meeting for us with them and had a photoshoot. The guys were very friendly and encouraging. John even gave us a shout out on stage during their set.
OS: How did you get your fans to come and judge in the competition?
MW: We asked them very nicely :) Many of our fans have become good friends of ours. We made sure that a handful of them were able to attend the show on us. And when that doesn't work blackmailing sometimes helps get those extra votes.
OS: What do you think is the most important way to market yourself as a band?
MW: Be personable with fans and give them your time. You just might get their time in return and win huge contests like this. Oh, having good quality music helps too!
OS: How do you plan to use this opportunity to further your career?
MW: Every time something great like this happens, it just helps build our story. Not many independent artists can say they've played with John Mayer, Chris Daughtry, Jason DeRülo and now the Goo Goo Dolls. Being able to add this to our history just makes it easier to land new opportunities. Being a part of events like this opens doors.
OS: What has been the most exciting aspect of this whole experience?
MW: Being recognized by Clear Channel and the Goo Goo Dolls out of so many other great artists. Also, getting to meet and watch the Goo Goo Dolls perform. It was pretty cool to watch them play "Name" and their other hits live. We travel so much we don't really get a chance to "attend" concerts for fun. We definitely look up to them and their songwriting.
Stars Go Dim is scheduled to be interviewed by local radio stations in and around their hometown in the coming weeks, and their story has been picked up by a local paper who will cover their entire experience in the Subway "Fresh Artists" Competition from start to finish. Stay tuned to the airwaves for word from this up-and-coming band. Click below to check out the video of the band's meet and greet with the Goo Goo Dolls.


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well, mccain/palin are squarely pro-lifers so i'd say the scales tip in the opposite direction of them when it comes to women's issues…
Actually, according to a 2003 CBS-NYT poll, only 37% of women wanted the abortion standard to stay the same or get looser. The others wanted more restrictions, or eliminated.
The "constituency" most likely to reel in the votes with abortion, are single men, who do indeed want women to have easy access to abortions.
The war hurts and kills people (men and women) that have daughters, sisters, mothers etc… The war is tax on America (men and women). The war creates future enemies against Americans (men and women).
Senator Obama would be the most beneficial for all Americans including women.
I think McCain/Palin are much closer to the real issues that women face. With a 4 month old baby with Downs, you can't get more closer than that.
And as far as the war tax goes, don't forget that Obama want to ratchet up the war in Afganistan.
This is a dumb question. Palin is a woman.
A real woman, with a real career, real children, and real family issues….hmmm tough choice..NOT!
Go MCCain/Palin!!
A dumb question? Hardly. I don't know very many women who are card carrying members of the NRA or believe in their heart of hearts that Creationism should be taught in schools.
By the way, as far as Real Family Issues go, I believe it was Republican Dan Quayle who went after a fictitious Murphy Brown for having a child out of wedlock. The Republicans are tremendous spinmasters; the audacity with which they are defending Palin's parenting skills is offensive.
Obama is married to a strong, well-educated woman – I absolutely think he gets it, and he is not forcing 'my way or the highway' down anyone's throats. The fact that McCain selected Palin in an attempt to attract Hillary's followers shows how much he doesn't get it. One woman is not interchangable with another. People weren't supporting Hillary just because she has no Y-chromosome – they were supporting her, the person. Palin is not in Hillary's league, so of course Hillary's supporters won't just switch over. To even think that would have happened is rather galling.
The real issues women face are the issues we all face as Americans and the gravity of this decision and complexities involved can't be reduced to picking the gender that most resembles your own. To assume that it will is to underestimate women entirely.
Well-said, Tammy. I'm Republican, and I find it a sad commentary on any woman who decides who to run this country, based on whether a man or woman is on the ballot. This nation is facing murderous Islamofascists with a convert-or-die mentality (and unlike Nazis, these people want to die for their cause) and their biggest concern is the sex of our leaders?
While there's a lot to like about Sarah, I have to say that the euphoria surrounding her nomination ranks right up there with the euphoria surrounding Obama (albeit, his has almost completely faded out now, as all euphoria eventually does). The jihadis couldn't give a damn about the sex of our leaders. All that matters is whether our leaders are equipped to beat the snot out of them. McCain can do it. Palin, we don't know. Obama and Biden have a track record which shows that they can't — they have consistently been wrong about their predictions about how the war will proceed (e.g., The Surge).
ANYONE who votes based on one issue, is foolish. This nation is a lot more than one issue. If you want to be intelligent, then consider ALL of the big issues of the day, work through the various options of how to best deal with them, and then choose the candidate best suited to it. The sex or color of a candidate will mean absolutely nothing, if this nation declines.
Well, Don, having been an unwanted child, I will never vote for any pro-life candidate no matter what their other positions may be. As long as the Republican platform has a pro-life plank, I will never vote for a Republican. After Palin's selection, I promptly sent a donation to Emily's List.
I anxiously awaited the speech, and it was all I guessed it would be. Superficial. Fleeting. Introductions of family. The job of mayor. The job of governor. Vast, vast, vast, deep in depth experience. Vital, strong, meaningful, requiring brilliance beyond the colors of the Northern Lights. In brief the VP candidate doesn't hold a candle to Hillary Clinton. Hillary's speech was her finest hour. Honor, dignity and yes, vastly experienced. Sarah was pale in comparison. The depths to which McCain, Rove, Cheney, Bush, Wolfowitz, Perle, Rumsfeld and other no account Republicans have stooped these past 8 years is dismal and appalling. All of them should be prosecuted for high crimes and misdemeanors, and above all else impeachment of Bush and Cheney.
The sad reality is that the Republicans represent the billionairs, the Democrats represent those other than the middle class, and in all the years of my life, no one has represented me – a small businessman. Thick, thin, tough, stetched, stressed and strung out – who was there? No one. Just taxes and nonsensical paperwork, whether Republican or Democrat. Now I go to the decision making process: the superwealthy aristocrat with 11 houses or the up and aspiring academic standouts with vision and hope. I know firsthand the attitude of big money – they can carry their own bag. McCain is a survivor of Vietnam but not a hero. The war was immoral. McNamara admitted it. McCain seeks as much mileage as he can get 24-7. The mantra: "America right or wrong, love it or leave it" is ignorant and stupid. Just like "support our troops" claimed by Bush as Republican. I supported the troops but not in a bogus war but to bring them back here forthright.
PS The world is a stage, filled with illusion, smoke & mirrors. Seek the facts, the truth, accountability, integrity and justice. Indeed the way of the future if people can be put on a common course or vision. Gridlock and bickering is absurd – I say no pay for that kind of performance. Also I believe that a vote of no confidence should be held when a crisis in confidence arises. A no account is a no account, whether male or female. Discard window dressing and other superficial and camouflaged performances. No truth, just deceit AGAIN.
I lost my job three times while Bush was president. Employment is the key issue for me. McCain's tax cuts will not stimulate the economy any more than W's did. Those refunds are paying down credit card debt. Last month, Palin persuaded the Alaskan legislature to approve money for all Alaskans to get $1200 to cover higher energy costs. That, too, will inevitably go to pay debts, not pump up the local economy.
We've had eight years of this lower tax nonsense. Time for a new approach with Obama.
Did you know that there are more millionaire Democrats in Congress than Republicans? And how are trial lawyers doing these days? Are they members of the poor? This Democrats-for-the-poor line is about 40-50 years out of date. In this day and age, the Democrats are for destroying our economy, and taxing anyone who succeeds so much that they don't bother working as hard, and therefore we're all poor. Good solution (not).
Actually, if you read the WSJ (do you?) a commentary yesterday detailed that the U.S. has done better than most developed nations in recent years. Quite an accomplishment, given Iraq, Afghanistan, 9/11, Katrina, big-business scandals, etc.
Is this a trick question? Obama of course! Just look at all the issue stances.
Huh? Obama takes a stand on something? Is this something new he's started?
Yesterday I blogged on the WSJ website that as a professional, a Republican, and a female voter, I was deeply concerned about the selection of Gov. Palin as the VP. After her speech, I am disturbed to find that my concerns were not fully addressed. However, I admire the excellent job of her Republican handlers in preparing her for her debut at the convention. Schmidt and company are truly professionals and have done a great "makeover"…but it is only superficial window-dressing…I am not sold.
For Female Harvard MBA – You're not looking in the right places if you don't know any card carrying NRA women members! Come join the people who have to take personal responsibility for the safety of their children and homes, and you'll find lots of pistol-packing Mamas. The 2nd Amendment, the nation's original Homeland Security!
Since Joe Biden sponsored the original Violence Against Women Act, I feel good about voting for the Obama ticket. Most high-level politicians don't lift a finger to stop sexual or domestic violence.
I do not hire based on gender or race, I do not see why I would vote that way. It's about qualification and ability to get things done. It's insulting to me to assume that as a woman i woudl vote for another woman just because she is one.
I agree with HIRING MANAGER. I hope we live in a world where people do not vote based on race/sex.
Unfortunately, we do.
Women are easily manipulated. We've been controlled for thousands of years. Soon we wont be in control of our bodies again and we will start all over with back alley abortions.
Im a little cynical today.
I definitely think that Obama is more in touch with the issues men and women face. Let's not forget that we each as individuals and collectively are in favor of access to health care, freedom to choose the best medical options for ourselves and our loved ones, healthy communites, educated children, clean air, clear water, human rights and international harmony. Yes, I am pleased that the Republicans finally were able to find a qualified female candidate for the presidential ticket. But this campaign is not about gender and never was; it is about issues. McCain is not in touch with on the issues with which most normal people concern themselves.
What an insult to women for McCain to think we are so dumb that we would vote for a woman just because she's a woman, rather than vote for the very best candidate to help lead our country, no matter their sex. And knowing that he/she could be President in a heartbeat. Give me a break, McCain. The 18 Million Hillary votes you seek from intelligent women can't be had just because you picked an inexperienced female who reads great script.
2Bits: I think that comparing Hillary to Palin is an apples and oranges comparison. One is a democrat, an ex-first lady & was also a senator, and a good one, who worked hard to get money for NYC after 9/11. The other is a republican, a mayor and later senator with an entirely different record and an entirely different agenda. There are ways they are similar, however: both are strong, determined, and I think personally, can run this country if they must. As a centrist, I see the strong side of both candidates. Granted, the right-to-life issue sticks in my craw. Badly. But you know what? This isn't a one-issue campaign, & I wasn't always eye-to-eye with Hillary either. Bottom line, neither candidate appeals to me much. But with a democratic house & senate, I think the dynamic tension a republican presidency would cause could create some marvelous compromises that we would never have otherwise. And I think Palin is just what the doctor ordered for McCain, although I think Obama could have made a much better choice than Biden. Lieberman comes to mind here.
You Democrat women (the last five to post here) should try to hide your partisanship a little better than that
This "in a heartbeat" line is really getting old, and is disgusting. For example, what would you think if a financial advisor you were talking with you about your 70 year old mother, continually made reference to how your life might change "in a heartbeat"? Try try try, if you can, to view Republicans as every bit as human as you, and talk to them as you would like them to talk to you, o.k.? We simply have different ideas on how to best to run America. Some Republicans are even ex-Democrats (or as many have said "I didn't leave the Democratic party, the party left me" because of how far Left the DNC has drifted in the past 30 years or so).
NYS: I didn't mean to include you in "the last five to post here" (see the time stamp).
McCain and Barracuda Palin are woefully out of touch with what mainstream women or people stand for. If McCain wins, then America and american women deserve him and this nut-job VP pick. Otherwise, I believe as a woman that we have an opportunity to show that we don't fall for paltry, cynical, insulting pandering to women (vote for a woman because she has a vagina) and instead vote with our heads, for our interests, and for the future of our children and country. No one has a monopoly on country..certainly not the RNC.
We've all got a complicated choice ahead. Gov. Palin is certainly in touch with women, but will she allow others to favor abortion rights and gay marriage rights, even if she does not ?
The Obama/Biden team is voicing support for feminist issues; but they support everything and anything. I'd feel better about Obama if he were linked with Hillary, an extremely competent lady.
I so wish we could rise above the silly Republican/Democrat squabbling and vote for our American future.
It's interesting how getting more and more "abortion rights" is tossed out as a "woman's issue." According to a CBS/NYT poll taken in 2003, women favored stricter standards than they were then, by a ratio of 2:1:
While I do agree that man or woman shouldn't be a factor, were you saying such things (paltry, cynical, insulting pandering, etc.) when Hillary was trying to get the nomination, and playing the "gender card" to the max?
New York Simple – Palin is a governor not a senator.
Also, did it ever occur to anyone that Palin isn't going after Hillary voters. She's going after the women who didn't identify with Hillary. The women with public educations not ivy league educations. Soccer moms(or should I say hockey) not jet-setting moms.
To I Like Sarah: Right — my blunder re governor. True. But I never said that Palin was going after Clinton voters! I was actually answering NBT at 9:56.
Palin has a lot going for her…perhaps the only one with a self-deprecating sense of humor. The debates are going to be key…and likely very entertaining. How that translates iss anyone's guess, but she had better head to study hall over international affairs. How can we wind up with such ineffective and inexperienced people to run this country?
First, I think all politicians should be judged by their stands, accomplishments or failures, young, old, male or female, Governor Palin included. No free passes for gender or race.
That said, I think there's a lot more to this discussion. Women are not a homogeneous group as the mostly over 50 Ivy League, power lawyer, Washington and financial market female elite who has had the grip on "what women care about" wants the world to thing. They've been the power players long enough not to realized that there's an invisible group of 30 to 50 mid-career mid-level professional women with children at home, actually the majority of that generation of women, who couldn't care less of their elitist agenda and that have very little in common with them. I am one of them, and I feel validated by the fact that an outsider of the female power players like Mrs. Palin can be considered as a VP candidate. I don't want the life of the NE elite, and because I don't want it, I am not a pathetic little looser. My life is not the way it is because I am not intelligent enough to make it in the financial market or in Washington. What is all this fear against us or need to control us from the female elite? They are not better that the good old boys of the past. We are college educated, if not Ivy League, we have worked since our teens because we want to and because we have to (what is this with women labor only being worth if you are the powerful one?), we don't aspire to be CEOs or power lawyers, are happy with our choices, our careers as accountants, writers, teachers, software developers, psychologists, nurses, hospital administrators, non-tenure professors, etc., our chaotic households without nannies and personal chefs, our diaper changing and laundry doing mid-professional husbands, proud of the education our kids get in our sometimes inadequate public schools and our rich life full of errors. Even if our resumes are less than perfect, our yards full of weeds, our Target business suits full of baby stains and our bad hair cuts scream from a distance, we may get a chance not to be invisible anymore. The time hiking in my unsophisticated small state with my kids in between crazy project deadlines validate my choices, even if the female power elite doesn't approve of it. Give me my freedom and don't judge me.
I guess New York Simple has the idea, but please, don't call me soccer mom. My life and the life of many women around me is much more than that!
Some indicate this vote isn't about race and sexism. It will be interested in the end to see how people of color vote and the various splits across racial and religious background fall out. If 90% of a group vote as a solid pack for one candidate – it will define a selection criteria that has little to do with country or politics.
A lot of women have mixed feelings on abortion, but few of them support Sarah Palin's stance which is no abortions allowed unless a woman (or girl's) life is in "imminent danger". Yeah, what chance of death do you think you need to have before abortion should be allowed? 10%, 30%, 50%, 75%? And who is going to decide. And what if the pregnancy would just give you a permanent health problem, not kill you: no chance there, you're stuck. Sorry Sarah, you're not a feminist, you're a female misogynist.
Actions speak louder than words, so who chose the woman? Evidence suggests that McCain felt strongly enough to have a woman on his ticket.
Amen, Marta Alehandro. The Democrats sailed off without me, and the Feminist movement is completely out of touch with what "normal" women want. A "it takes a village to raise kids" "fantasized family values" woman does not relate to me; and a universal preschool touting man who wants to spend our way into oblivion over programs that only benefit a FEW (see universal preschool) does not relate to me. (I DO believe low taxes spur growth, and I actually read this paper.) As for the question, Palin is the pick for me; and I am not frightened by her super conservative stances. The radical feminists out there will see to it that her "radical right" agendas never come to fruition.
That depends on which women. I imagine Palin connects with the women who are most like her: mean, abrasive, sarcastic, fundamentalist, beauty queens who do not learn from their own mistakes. (See: her commitment to abstinence only education, even as it fails in her own house.) Or who see her ability to make babies as the presence of a kindred spirit. Anyway, I'm a woman and I'm not voting the ovary ticket. I want a smart person this time, someone capable of critical thought. I can't believe how meanness and cruelty are celebrated with chants like "drill baby drill". How her looks trump her substance. How they can claim to be the party of change. Up is not down, good is not bad, same is not change. And you don't need an Ivy league degree to get that. Enough with the lies. Haven't we all had enough?


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Hello! Despite the fact that I've still been writing for Imprint this term, I haven't been updating this site with recent columns. While it's most likely been because I am criminally lazy, the "official reason" is that the Imprint website wasn't getting updated and as a result, I'd have nothing to link back to, because I like linking back to things!
Now, that reason has been shattered into a billion pieces that I don't particularly care to pick up again!
Imprint's website has had a pretty substantial revamp, looks all sorts of lovely, and is pleasant to read. Better yet, my column is all up there too! Best of all, there's even a specific "series" section for columns, and indeed there is one for You Are Superfantastic! that you can view by clicking on this long hyperlink or on this post's title!
I'll be posting up columns soon-ish. Fun times! Hope you lot out there are doing well, and remember, shooting things to YASF!'s ask box won't result in an answer, it'll result in congratulations! So indeed, shoot things to that ask box if you like congratulations.
[Editor's note: I wrote this a few weeks back, but then opted not to post it because I managed to screw up the domain name of the site for quite some time. I seem to have fixed it now, so that excuse is also out the window! It is also out the wall, and also out the sweat drip down my balls. Basically, posts! Soon! Rejoice!]
#nongrats? #column #imprint #university of waterloo #newspaper #BUTTS
Posted by ronroninabox
[COLUMN] KONY 2012? KONY FOREVER (Misprint)
A disclaimer: this "column" wasn't written for Imprint itself, but rather for Misprint, an insert in the issue closest to April Fool's Day for, well, April Fool's Day. Is it a bit touchier than usual? Possibly! Does someone still get congratulated? Yes! Do I feel like a terrible person after writing this? Absolutely.
You can read Misprint in its entirety here.The column itself is on page 12, and no, my name is not Hanan Chewy.
Jeffrey writes:
I'd like to see Joseph Kony congratulated for being famous.
Congratulations, Joe! Can I call you that now? Joe? I'm just sayin', it's a more marketable name – it's casual, it's relaxed, it's something all the cool kids would like these days, which is important to you, because you're now a world famous celebrity! Rejoice in the spotlight of the world! Everyone's eyes are on you! In fact, you're probably so famous that, if you really wanted to, you could literally have everyone's eyes on you! Gross!
You're a famous man now, and in order to maintain your fame, you need to establish a solid, lasting brand. Sure, KONY 2012 is popular now, but in a year, it's going to be the year 2013, and KONY 2012 is going to be so 2012. You want to be timeless. If you enjoy things like rhyming and rapping, you could change your name to JoKo, which would be conducive to comparisons to Four Loko! If you prefer to be more efficient, you could consider instead JKo! It's kinda like JLo, except I'm not really sure if your love don't cost a thing.
With your level of fame, you could easily spread your reach. People would probably be more than willing to buy merchandise simply adorned with KONY on it! However, with an improved, sleek name like JoKo or JKo, the possibilities expand! You wouldn't just rap about Four Loko, you would be Four Loko, with the all-new limited edition Four JoKo flavour! You could probably release pylons under the name JKone! The licensing doesn't end there: JKo cutlery, JoKo backpacks, JKo stationery – there is so much you could do with your name.
Your namesake might even catch the eye of bootleggers! You could probably scour the city's sketchy sidestreets and find shoddily-manufactured "JoeKoe" keychains and phone cases. Pfft, child labour. You might want to do something about the fake merchandise, but nonetheless, imitation is the highest form of flattery – it just so happens that the highest form of flattery also tends to lend itself to litigation! High five, legal system!
There is, however, one medium that all celebrities flock to, and it is that of the moving picture. Anyone really can get on a television show, but it takes far more clout to actually have your own television show. Why let someone fire you from a fake television job when you could be the one setting contestants on fire? Why let someone break your heart on national television? You're better than that, JoKo – you could totally break millions of hearts and have massive audiences watch in disbelief as you make extremely disagreeable decisions!
However, the most infamous thing you could possibly do – and I mean the most infamous thing ever – is to make a sex tape. Let's face it, there's only so far you can go with television and standard merchandise. Here, you are entering uncharted waters – sexy, sexy uncharted waters. At your level of celebrity, people are clamouring to see some naked JoKo action. They see all those young, hip kids you hang out with, and they can't help but wonder just what you do behind closed doors. Other celebrities like Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian have benefited from releasing a sex tape. Tell me, JoKo, is Paris Hilton more famous than you? Are you no better than a Kardashian? Go on, get busy, and get filming, buddy. You know you crave that fame.
Nonetheless, good job, JoKo! You're indeed quite the famous individual. Hearty congratulations are in order! You're probably famous enough to start a high five club if you wanted to, so I'm not going to high five you! It's kinda crazy how quickly people can explode with fame, but if you play your cards right, you can keep that celebrity status going. Keep it up, JoKo! Just remember, if you ever explode with fame again, make sure you go nuts with it in public, and definitely make sure someone records it, as you frolic across the streets in your naked, famous splendor.
#congrats! #imprint #column #misprint #university of waterloo #uwaterloo #kony 2012 #joseph kony #famous #merchandising #licensing #money #dope #swag
Posted by ronroninabox
[COLUMN] It's not a trap! It's a surprise.
Benjamin writes:
I managed to plan the perfect weekend for my girlfriend's birthday. I planned to bring her to the Maple Syrup Festival on Saturday, March 24th, 2012. Her birthday was just before the weekend so I surprised her by writing the itinerary into the cover of her birthday card. It was perfect – no spelling mistakes. On Saturday, March 24th, we headed down to Elmira to attend the Maple Syrup Festival. When we arrived, we saw a sign that said, "Maple Syrup Festival – March 31st, 2012." It was perfect – for the following weekend.
So to sum it up, I'd like to be congratulated on the perfect surprise birthday for my girlfriend that was actually not perfect, won't be a surprise by the time her birthday comes around, and won't be close to her birthday. Perfect.
Congratulations, Benjamin! You are terrible at planning! If you were a wedding planner, not only would you look nothing like Jennifer Lopez, you would probably be out of a job! If you were an urban planning student, your homework would probably consist of pictures of rappers and hip-hop artists! If I was a cat that spoke in puns, your girlfriend's birthday weekend would not have been purrfect.
I'll give you some credit – you did provide a perfect birthday card, and the surprise was decently implemented. Given your error-free itinerary, I am reasonably certain that you've passed your ELPE, and that you have some level of carefulness! Furthermore, you had some element of surprise on your side, and I'm sure you had a leg up on your girlfriend. I don't know if you'd make Admiral Ackbar shout, "IT'S A TRAP," but I'm sure you'd at least startle his big, fishy face.
However, a strong start means nothing if you drop the ball midway through and don't pick it back up. You seem to be channeling the Toronto Maple Leafs, because you seemed to have done so well, only to neglect finishing the job halfway through. What good is a surprise if there's nothing to actually surprise your girlfriend with? It's like setting up a grand, impressive bar mitzvah, only to realize you've hired a priest instead of a rabbi – it's an extremely awkward letdown.
I am heaping nothing but bad words upon you, Benjamin, so I apologize. If it's any consolation to you, you're like any other dude with the name "Ben," but you're 100% more jammin'! Terrible name-pun aside, you do have a moderately interesting story to retell, assuming you're okay with being the butt of the joke. I have good news for your girlfriend, however, so please kindly stop reading and pass your copy of Imprint over to your girlfriend right meow.
Congratulations, Benjamin's girlfriend! Your boyfriend will never be a warlord, or a successful one, at least. This is probably good news for you! People who aren't warlords have a higher chance of long-term survival than those who are warlords! I don't have any scientific backing for this claim yet, but considering that people who aren't warlords aren't constantly in peril, I'd daresay they'll survive just a wee bit longer than the average warlord!
I know there's a small niche of ladies out there that prefer big, hulking warlords. That's great and all, but in this day and age, most people settle things diplomatically, with words and money! You've seen Benjamin try to be sneaky – can you imagine that in a wartime setting? Clearly, Benjamin would not be the one leading a risky ambush on the Imperial Empire. You'd leave that to the trained Jedi Knights!
But does Benjamin's lack of stealth and surprise put him at a disadvantage? Absolutely not! Look at what he's done for you already: he's given you a birthday card perfect in all respects, he put the effort into planning a surprise weekend, and for all I know, he piggybacked you all the way to Elmira!
The execution may not have been perfect, but in this case, it's the effort that counts. Between the meticulous detail in your birthday card, the piggyback ride, and the audacity to write a friggin' essay asking to be congratulated, your boyfriend Benjamin might not be a warlord, but he's certainly a keeper. Congrats, Benjamin's girlfriend! I hope you two get to enjoy all the maple syrup you want.
Oh, and happy birthday, I guess?
#congrats! #imprint #newspaper #column #university of waterloo #uwaterloo #maple syrup festival #girlfriend #birthday #plan #surprise
Posted by ronroninabox
[COLUMN] E-N-V-S! You can't spell supervillain without E-S!
Some awesome ENV kids won a WESEF grant for $60,000 to improve the ENV coffeeshop and make it exponentially more AWESOME!
Ah, good ol' money. Fact: money makes the world go 'round! I know this to be true from the song cleverly titled "Money" from the musical Cabaret! Thus, we can extrapolate that with more money, one would naturally be able to exert more control over the rate at which the world goes 'round! With this information on the table, I can safely declare the following:
Congratulations! The Environment Student Society is one step closer to gaining control of the Earth's rotations! This may sound dubious and totally supervillain-esque, but I suppose if an organization had to gain control of the Earth's rotations, it'd be best in the hands of an organization that knows what it's doing!
You may brush this off as mere hyperbole, and I don't blame you – it sounds like there's a valid plan in place! These ENV students entered a competition for funding from the Waterloo Environment Students Endowment Fund, emerging victorious among a plethora of candidates. The $60,000 award is set to renovate the coffee shop with sustainable materials and energy-efficient appliances, while also allowing for an expanded menu! On top of all that, if this is a grant, then that $60,000 eventually has to go back to the WESEF! That doesn't sound supervillain-esque at all, right? It's the perfect cover.
I should note that a supervillain is not necessarily a bad businessperson. Sure, you have buffoons like Team Rocket who somehow have the funding to build Pokémon-themed robots for any occasion, but then you have supervillains who actually know how to invest. Lex Luthor comes to mind, though I should clarify that not all supervillains are superbald. There's also Norman Osborn, aka the first Green Goblin, and unlike Lex, his green coloration is somewhat thematically linked to the Faculty of Environment!
But I digress. A good supervillain knows that success does not come overnight. By spending the money on renovations, the ESS can ensure a stronger, sustainable future for their nefarious needs! Not only that, but they can better serve the students that frequent the coffee shop, on the off-chance that the ESS doesn't consist of supervillains! If that's the case, then the ESS coffee shop's renovations might actually benefit the student body loads!
Maybe I'm in the wrong for so quickly accusing the ESS of being supervillains. As far as I know, there are no superheroes in direct opposition to the ESS, so that's a bit of a good sign. The WESEF is also pretty legitimate and proper, especially with the fact that the remainder of the competition's money went to installing bicycle racks and improved water fountains. Everybody knows bicycles are totally innocuous and incapable of heinous crimes!
The facts do point toward these renovations being good-natured and to the benefit of the students. If that is the case, then congratulations! These mystery "ENV kids" have done a great service for the students, and I'm sure this wasn't something that came up over the course of an hour. There likely was a formal proposal, hours of research, and a lot of drumming up support. This is no easy feat, but you lot got the money, and now the ESS coffee shop is going to be better than ever.
Congratulations, you guys! I look forward to continuing to forget to visit the ESS coffeeshop, renovated or not. And if you guys have got me fooled and are actually supervillains? Well, gain control of the Earth's rotations all you want, I really don't know what that can do, unless your wicked, sinister plans include turning the Earth into a giant Beyblade.
#congrats! #column #university of waterloo #uwaterloo #newspaper #imprint #env #es #wesef #grant #coffee shop #money
Posted by ronroninabox


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How has ACT's research informed college and career readiness?
As a national leader in policy research on college and workforce training readiness, ACT has decades of empirical data that have informed the following:
- ACT's College Readiness Standards™
Our College Readiness Standards are detailed, research-based descriptions of the skills and knowledge associated with students' knowledge and abilities as they progress through school.
- ACT's College Readiness Benchmarks
While the College Readiness Standards describe the skills students likely have, ACT's College Readiness Benchmarks empirically establish college readiness as measured by performance on ACT Explore®, ACT Plan®, or the ACT®.
- Common Core State Standards
Our longitudinal data and long-standing commitment to all students becoming college and career ready uniquely established ACT as a valuable partner in—and advocate for—the Common Core State Standards Initiative. ACT's College Readiness Standards, upon which the ACT is based, are aligned with the Common Core State Standards. ACT data were used to develop the Common Core State Standards, which reflect a shared goal of preparing students for credit-bearing college courses and for careers and are consistent with international standards that promote high student performance.
- National Curriculum Survey
The ACT National Curriculum Survey® is a nationwide survey of educational practices and expectations. Conducted every three to five years by ACT, the survey collects data about what entering college students should know and be able to do to be ready for college-level coursework in English, math, reading, and science. The results of the survey are used to inform ongoing efforts to develop, refine, and update common academic standards such as the Common Core State Standards, as well as to inform policymakers and educators. The results are also used to help guide development of ACT's curriculum-based assessments—ACT Explore for 8th and 9th graders, ACT Plan for 10th graders, and the ACT for 11th and 12th graders—and ensure that they meet the needs of college and career readiness.


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A woman jumped from a bridge this week while attempting to flee the police, and the heart-racing video was all caught on a cop car's dashboard camera. While trying to run from the law, an Oregon woman decided to end the police chase by leaping from a high bridge into the water below, surviving the fall but getting caught shortly afterwards. The Epoch Times tells all on this runaway's death-defying decision this Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014.
The woman who jumped from a bridge is 26-year-old Rebecca Humphries. While being chased in a stolen vehicle by a number of police officers in the city of Troutdale, she decided to try the "jump in the river" trick, which really only works in the movies. The female suspect managed to live the fall, only suffering a few minor injuries, but was taken to the hospital after her capture to be certain.
"While the officer was waiting for the vehicle to come to a stop," said the city of Troutdale in its statement earlier this week. "The officer checked the registration and found the vehicle to be stolen."
The young suspect soon sped off, and the pursuit began. Much of the harrowing chase can be caught on one of the Oregon police officer's dashboard cameras before the woman decided to jump from the bridge in a last-ditch attempt to escape. She may have survived the leap, but officers said it was a high jump and might have gone ill.
A spokesman for the Troutdale police noted that an officer attempted to stop the vehicle (a Ford Taurus) and her drive this Wednesday for a routine traffic violation, but when the car's registration was being run through the system, it was discovered to be stolen.
As cited in the press release on the woman jumps from bridge headline:
"Rebecca Humphries, 26, was soon pulled from the river after leaping into the water and taken to a local hospital to be treated for her minor injuries. Law enforcement officials are now citing her as part of an investigation for several traffic crimes."
An investigation into whether Humphries also played a part into thieving the stolen vehicle is also underway.


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Amy Guevara and Sean Weis said they should be ghosts.
Guevara, behind the wheel of her 1998 Mazda, and Weis, in the passenger seat, jumped their out of control car at between 30 to 40 miles per hour.
Police believe Guevara either had a stuck accelerator, or her brakes failed. They're investigating to see what happened.
Both landed in the grassy median of Interstate 81 in the area of mile marker 217 southbound.
Before they bailed out, the car hurtled down Interstate 81, reaching speeds of 110 mph. All the while, Weis was on the phone with a state police emergency dispatcher for around 10 minutes, relaying what they told him to Guevara.
Incredibly, both sustained only minor injuries.
"I was panicking. I was trying really hard not to freak out," Guevara said.
"I knew I had to stay calm if we were going to be okay," Weis said.
The trooper who finally got the car stopped, by essentially ramming it into a guard rail, sustained a slight concussion and a back injury.
"I knew I had to try and stop it. So I started bumping it... the driver's side front end of it. It hit a guard rail and it spun out.," Trooper C.J. Aikens said.
Aikens will be on light duty until he recovers.
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The recent exchange of words between the president of Miami Dade College and some members of the Miami-Dade legislative delegation was unfortunate, but it has focused our community's attention on the critical unmet financial needs of MDC. I'm confident that our legislative leaders will rise above the fray and do what is right for our community.
MDC's classroom-utilization rate is the highest in the state and double the state average. MDC's college-wide percentage of unmet construction need is 67 percent, as determined by Florida's Department of Education.
The college's District Board of Trustees has approved and recommended that MDC needs approximately $941 million in renovation, remodeling, new construction and critical long-deferred maintenance. These capital projects remain unfunded by the state, but this hasn't been the only underfunding of the college.
MDC's annual funding by the state has been cut repeatedly during the past several years. It has lost 14.2 percent in overall state funding per full-time equivalent student since 2006-07, falling from $3,643 to $3,127. The state's share of MDC's operational funds has fallen from 75 percent to less than 50 percent in the last 15 years, raising tuition.
To address this underfunding, the college has sought the passage of a state law to allow a referendum by the voters of Miami-Dade to approve a five-year, half-penny sales tax increase that would raise approximately $1 billion for the college. That money would be used to fund the identified capital needs and to provide financial aid and scholarships to the students.
Most people of Miami-Dade are like me and don't like taxes. But we recognize the importance of a high-quality education for our residents and have said so repeatedly with our votes.
In 2008, 61.2 percent of county voters approved an amendment to the state constitution to allow a local referendum to levy a local option sales tax to supplement funding for the colleges. The amendment, however, received the support of 43.5 percent of voters statewide, falling short of the required 60 percent. Miami-Dade was the only county voting in favor, and we voters did so convincingly.
In 2012, nearly 70 percent of the voters of Miami-Dade approved the issuance of a $1.2 billion General Obligation Bond to meet the critical capital needs of our K-12 education which were not met by state funding.
If someone doesn't like this referendum, they should campaign and vote against it. However, our legislative leaders should allow the referendum to let voters make their own decision.
Bob Martinez, former chair, MDC Board of Trustees, Miami


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KALAMAZOO (WKZO) -- The US Supreme Court on Wednesday struck down the Defense of Marriage Act. In a five to four ruling, the majority of the court found DOMA "unconstitutional as a deprivation of the equal liberty of persons that is protected by the Fifth Amendment."
Zachary Bauer, with the Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Center, says this means gay couples who marry in states where it's legal will now have their marriages recognized by the federal government, allowing them benefits they were previously denied. He applauded the Supreme Court for what he called it's brave decision.
Now, Bauer says work must begin to overturn Michigan's voter approved law against same sex marriage.


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February 2013, Auto Rental News - Feature
by Annie Lubinsky
With auto rental companies constantly buying and selling cars, they have an ongoing need to ship vehicles from the seller's location to the rental office. When the cars they need aren't available locally, shipping can be a challenge since rental companies might not have relationships with auto transportation companies outside their general area — or an understanding of an appropriate price for the service.
Jason DeLorenzo, fleet manager of NextCar and Rent A Wreck of America in Laurel, Md., was looking for a wider network of car transporters as well as ways to save on transportation costs.
"Traditionally, we try to buy as close to home as possible, but sometimes it's hard to buy close to home because the inventory is just not there or because what we need is far away," DeLorenzo says. "In the past, if we bought something in Florida, we'd either try to network with local transporters and ask if anyone is going our way, and maybe make some calls, but even then we still didn't know if we are getting a competitive rate. Then we started using brokers."
While brokers solved the problem of finding transporters, after a while DeLorenzo felt he was paying too much.
"I had a feeling there was something out there the brokers were posting loads on," he says. He began asking questions and searching the Internet until he found his solution: load boards.
Simply put, load boards are systems that match those who have cars they want moved ("shippers") with those who can move them ("carriers"). The concept is similar to eBay's system of bringing buyers and sellers together in an online marketplace.
An auto rental company looking for a carrier to transport its latest shipment of cars can connect with a driver or dispatcher looking to fill an empty truck in a timely, cost-effective way by using a load board. Because thousands of carriers connect to load boards it can be easier to find a carrier even if the location is far away, meaning managers no longer need to make multiple phone calls to find a long-distance carrier.
John Skelton, founder of Seattle-based CarrierRates, released his auto shipping technology in 2005 after working more than three decades in the auto shipping industry. CarrierRates is a no-phones-required system in which shippers, such as car rental companies, post loads and then carriers can bid on them. Shipping costs are lowered by the bid process, and the broker's fee is eliminated. The system also provides online load tracking.
Skelton developed CarrierRates because he believes prices were too high for transport. "Some business owners or employees never pay attention to pricing," he says. "That is a common practice — the employees will take the road of least resistance without any thought of the expense to the business."
CarrierRates has hundreds of carriers on its website that represent tens of thousands of trucks, Skelton says. Some are one-truck owner-operators, while others have more than 2,000 trucks.
Another load board, Austin-based uShip.com, which launched in 2004, has 325,000 registered transporters.
"Load boards have been around a decade or more," says Dean Xeros, vice president for sales and general manager of motors and relocation at uShip.com. "The idea was to connect shippers and brokers with carriers and allow them to negotiate a price."
With load boards, a shipper can send an order out for bid and get a response the same day, all through an automated process.
Shippers can post a description of the load — how many cars, what kind, where they need them shipped and when — and wait for bids to come in from multiple carriers. Or they can enter the price they're willing to pay to have the load shipped, and see if a carrier will take the load at that price.
Load boards have grown to the point where there are hundreds of thousands of transactions happening.
"[Using a load board] has been quite easy," DeLorenzo says. "We have been buying cars from much farther away than we have in the past — as far as Denver or Dallas — which we haven't done before. By posting the load on the board, it gives us access to a lot more transporters."
The cost of using a load board is often less than the cost of using a broker, and some provide free options. Certain load boards charge a per-transaction fee, while others collect a flat monthly fee. CarrierRates offers "blocks" of postings at various rates, starting at $240. The cost of using a load board can be recovered by the money saved over a number of loads.
The basic uShip.com plan costs nothing for auto rental companies to use; there is a transactional fee that is paid by the transporter. If a shipper has more than basic needs, then they might upgrade their participation and pay fees of $3-$7 per shipment, "a relatively small number when looking at the overall cost of moving vehicle," Xeros says. "They pay only when a carrier actually moves something."
The fee structure that is best for a particular auto rental company depends on the number of transactions it makes. If volume is high, auto rental companies can save money using a load board compared with using a broker.
"Brokers provide a needed function," DeLorenzo says. "Sometimes it's easier to use them because it saves me time rather than posting it myself, but if I want to save myself a few bucks, I use the load board." He adds that the billing process can be easier with a broker.
"If I use a broker five times a month, they'll send me one monthly bill," he says. "If I'm using all load boards, I will use five guys and will pay five different guys five different checks. Brokers save time in managing the process."
"Brokers are very popular in the shipping space," Xeros says. "A number of auto rental companies employ a brokerage to find the carriers and negotiate a price. They help facilitate the transaction on behalf of their client."
For auto rental companies looking to eliminate broker's fees, load boards provide significant cost savings.
Not only do load boards eliminate broker's fees, but the competitive bidding process itself helps drive prices down.
"If you have an auto rental company that uses one carrier, a trip can cost $700, but with three or four carriers bidding, now the cost is $550," Xeros says. "Or, if an auto rental company can only spend $600, it can put that offer out."
Xeros says the bidding process gives the shipper more options. "The amount of overhead allocated to managing your transportation gets reduced," he says. "It was a highly inefficient process, and now the process is managed through one system and you can negotiate better transportation rates."
DeLorenzo, who has been using CentralDispatch for about a year, has found that cost savings are about 30% when he uses the load board.
"Before, we didn't consider buying cars from places like Denver, because using a broker would bring the transportation cost to $800 or $1,000 per car," he says. "But using load boards, it's 30% less. Once we realized that, we thought, OK, it's no big deal to buy in Denver."
DeLorenzo uses load boards whether he's buying and transporting a single car or a dozen. He simply posts the load and waits for a carrier to accept.
"Price is always a factor," DeLorenzo says. "I will post a price that I want to pay. CentralDispatch has a guide that shows what previous loads have gone for, so I have an idea of what I should be paying, or from general experience, I have an idea what it would cost."
Once the post is made, DeLorenzo says he typically gets calls within minutes. "I know if my phone doesn't ring for a couple hours, my price is probably too low or I'm just buying in a slightly obscure place, and it might take a day," he says. "But most of the time, I'm getting multiple calls within 20 minutes."
Occasionally a carrier will call to negotiate a slightly higher price. DeLorenzo will accept or reject these counteroffers based on what similar loads in similar locations cost.
Like DeLorenzo, Skelton notes that price savings from using load boards is about 33%.
Skelton recently ran a test load on his site for an auto dealer in New Jersey who wanted to transport cars from Florida. His previous quote was for $600 for a single vehicle load.
"When I put out the test load for him, the bid came back for a three-vehicle load for $1,300, and the first bid came back in one hour and 11 minutes," Skelton says.
Both uShip.com and CarrierRates employ a registration process that aims at protecting users from fly-by-night transportation companies, such as requiring carriers to provide DOT and insurance certificates.
In addition, like eBay, uShip.com and CarrierRates use a rating system to monitor carriers' performance.
"Every transport we have is feedback rated," Xeros says. "You can also see what they have as far as insurance. The system creates transparency."
On CarrierRates, new carriers that don't yet have a rating can provide references to use as a starting point.
Payment for transport takes place between the shipper and the carrier, and load boards help arrange for several payment options, including cash on delivery, check or direct debit.
Load boards are flexible systems accessible to those with limited knowledge or veterans of vehicle transport, and they're just as useful for low-volume shippers as high-volume shippers.
"The smaller companies have the tools and technology that before was only available to the big boys," Xeros says. "It creates a more level playing field."
See more features from the 2013 How-To Issue from Auto Rental News here.
Tags: Vehicle Relocation, carrier service, uShip, Shippers, freight brokers, Load Board, CarrierRates
It gives extraordinary information about what are load boards and how the relationship exists between brokers and load boards and much more,which is nice.
If you are looking to move large volumes at once, rail can be a great option! Rail allows you to ship large quantities coast to coast or anywhere around the country and save up to 30%. And, you get real time tracking at any time.
Online load matching service for car transport in EuropePlease visit auto-loads dot com
shippers market provide best auto shipping services in all over the world.
need to ship a crown vic from Kansas city to fort drum ,NY
i highly recommend autotransportconnect.com ship my car directly with carrier . i did safe 300$
I found out that Auto Load Board is re-lunching http://www.AutoLoadBoard.com in the next couple of months with some new features.
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I have moved to Torie Jayne.com
You can find me in shops...An Angel at my Table
Have a sweet day!
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
An Angel at my Table
Posted by Torie Jayne
Labels: A-Z Shops I love
4 comments:
What a lovely name for a sweet store. I love these birdcages...thank you for sharing my friend. Happy day to you.ReplyDelete
Absolutely love the birdcage notice board. Which size do you have?ReplyDelete
Bird cages are just so romantic. I have no clue way but I love them.ReplyDelete
Thanks for sharing this :O cute, cute , cute!!! I love this type of accesories. To bad I live so far awayReplyDelete
have a nice day.
Princess corner.
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) – Louisville Metro Police are seeking the public's help in the city's latest pair of robberies.
A man is suspected of committing robberies at a Thornton's on Preston Highway and Scott's Food Mart on Berry Boulevard.
Police say the suspect was armed with a handgun and escaped with cash on both occurrences.
He's described as being a black man, in his late 20's, between 5'6" and 5'9" and about 150 pounds.
If you know who he is, you are asked to call 574-LMPD.


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On DVD » Prometheus » Reviews » Comments
"Prometheus" comes off as a really fun movie with knockout effects, a splendid visual design, tense scenes, a playful attitude but ... well, it's a wee bit familiar.
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[ Written by Ginny Corbett, FTL Founder ]
One October morning in 2009, I was reading my bible. I had just transitioned into full-time photography after being an elementary teacher, and every day was a new journey for me. I felt like a pioneer, cutting a path towards my destiny one step at a time. It was hard, and oftentimes, I was unsure of where I was going. There were (and still are) SO many things that were confusing to me. I had so many questions as a beginning full-time photographer. I was overwhelmed; I didn't know where I should go or what I should do next. I felt like the path toward my destiny was covered in shrubs, and I couldn't see past them.
As I was spending time with the Lord that morning, I realized that His view of my life was much clearer than mine. That even though the shrubs of confusion were tall in my mind, God stood much taller than me, and if I just asked, He would lead me down the right path.
It was then that God laid on my heart a vision for a different kind of workshop. A workshop that at its core was rooted in God's love and creativity.
First, this workshop would be nestled in a secluded location in some of the most beautiful places in the United States. I wanted a location where I could look out my window and see mountains, hear rivers, feel oceans, and smell earth. I wanted a place where I could take a walk with my camera and hear only nature. I wanted a location where my soul could find rest. I wanted a place that was far from the hustle and bustle of every day life… a place where I could really concentrate on the Father.
Next, this workshop would provide a safe space for creatives to dream, ask questions, process, and learn from fellow photographers. It seems like by every winter, I am emotionally, creatively drained. I wanted For the Love to be a place where we all come together to get realigned with the Father's heart, recharged for the next busy season. I believe that we can receive the most once we have identified what we need. So, at For the Love, we provide space for you to journal, to process what you need so that when we break out into small groups, you are able to receive what you need the most.
Another benefit would be the relationships built between all those that attend. I have found that one of the most valuable resources I have for my business is my friendships with other photographers. If I ever have a problem or a question, they are the first I contact. I knew that a workshop that interlaced time with God and photography would breed friendships that would last for a lifetime.
Lastly, most importantly, I knew that if we acquire all the knowledge in the world, but don't have guidance from God, then we could still remain lost. All of the above benefits are great – they certainly make for an amazing workshop in and of themselves – but including God in our businesses will help them prosper in ways we can't imagine.
"Walk in all the way that the Lord God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you possess." -Deut. 5:33
So, that's how it happened. I was just a photographer in North Carolina, who caught a vision from God and ran with it.
[ Keep reading about the Workshop and learn about dates, locations, and cost! ]


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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
As mentioned, the trick of being a fire mage is to do as much damage as possible before someone notices you and promptly kills you.
As such in battlegrounds, try to stick in a group, you have very little reason to get caught in a 1-1 deathmatch. Even if you do get caught in a fight, often the best tactic is to polymorph and play for time until you see either allies coming (quick win) or more of the enemy (get out of there). There's no code of conduct in the battlegrounds, you'll live longer this way and actually being doing your team a favour.
In the same vain, your initial primary nuke should be Fireblast and Scorch. The latter is important as it does not draw attention to yourself. As such you'll do more damage this way. After you start to top the damage boards, the enemy will want to hunt you down and kill you regardless. When the surprise element is lost, go for the big hitters. Otherwise, position tactically (high ground, in a bush, behind a tree) and spam away.
Try to time instants for when the enemy is less than 20% for a killing blow. This isn't so you get this on your record sheet, but rather it's because most enemies only bother to heal when at this level and this is when you need to kill them faster.
Finally, you can't talk about fire without talking about knockback. THIS is why you will spec fire for the battlegrounds.
Your main killing zones will be 1) on the top level of the flag rooms in WSG 2) at the AB mill flag 3) towers and bunkers in AV. All of which have tactical advantage and give the beautiful opportunity to send your enemy flying.
Knockback is a bit of an art. Most classes are ready for it now, so you do have to 'lure' them. Usually I position near the ledge, run through them when they approach and blast wave. Obviously hotkey slow fall for when it doesn't pan out...
Enjoy sending your opponents on a ballistic trajectory and don't forget to fireblast and scorch 'em while they shoot through the air.


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Join Date: Feb 2002
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Originally Posted by KristiMetz
I get a "File not accessible" error. I really wanted to see your stash too!
Originally Posted by KristiMetz
I get a "File not accessible" error. I really wanted to see your stash too!
Heather , Jesus Lovin' Homeschoolin' Mama to Noah(9) & Jonah(7), and expecting Patricia Carryl on 8/23/13!!
Heavenly babies: 14wks 10/28/04 and stillborn baby at 17wks 10/18/11
Originally Posted by threeforme2005
I see Kate and I have similiar taste.
Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!
Originally Posted by Butterflymom
Ooooooooh gorgeous stash! Although, now that I've seen your soaker collection, I am dying to find out if you wanna trade me 2 soakers for my BBB pants........
Originally Posted by averymybaby
I just want the pink playsilk :
Originally Posted by spatulagirl
We did fight it out over some of that stuff... and others I got from you too :LOL
Can we say YAAAAY for the TP?
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Back Country Backpack
GREAT BAG but can use some work
September 16th, 2013
I love this backpack, it is perfect for school and I can fit everything, i can also use the strap to fit my skateboard. Yet there is one con, after a while, the top of the bag started tearing but it does not affect the functionality of the backpack. THIS BACKPACK IS THE BEST
BOTTOM LINE YES, I recommend this product
September 3rd, 2013
This bag is perfect for school enough space to hold your books and supplies. The straps for the skateboard really holds tight if you ride your skateboard to school or from you can always have it with yo.
BOTTOM LINE YES, I recommend this product
Features & Highlights
• Front hypalon stow away vertical skate straps
• Back compression horizontal board carry
• Front vertical zip accessory pocket
• Top fleece lined sunglass pocket
• Top zip media pocket with- 3 internal padded no scratch fleece
• Side stash pocket
• Large main compartment includes internal organizer
• Internal removable EVA padded foam divider
• Mesh panelled speaker pockets on straps
• Padded straps, padded removable waist strap with zip pocket
• Mesh padded back,
• Slide to adjust sternum strap


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These casual gloves are made from genuine leather, with a moisture-managing microfleece lining. They feature 40g of Thinsulate (TM) insulation to keep your hands warm and cozy no matter what the weather is like!
Please select a style to show stores near this zip code that carry this product.
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|BYOB: Build Your Own Browser
|RE: XCode please
|2004-01-25 17:23:26
Response to: RE: XCode please
Alright, well let's get back on track. First item, thanks iopossum for your note. No hard feelings :)
Showing messages 1 through 1 of 1.
RE: XCode please
2004-01-25 21:28:40 Andrew Anderson | [View]
(I feel a bit like I am jumping in a little late.. unfortunately I was out of town and off the net the whole weekend... but I feel like i need to add my 2 cents)
I understand that the first article was a little basic and that it was not the most novel concept. the thing is the goal for this topic was always two articles: part one with the basics, part two with more meat. i felt it would be confusing to readers to jump right into the intracies of webkit without having a backgroud article for readers to refer to.
that being said, if there is anything that anyone is specifically looking for in part 2, let me know and I will try my best to include it in the article. i need specifics though, not something like "more technical details of webkit".
as derrick said, it's a team effort, i can't deliver what you want in an article unless i know what it that is.


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How did we go from the Rolling Stones to Fartbarf?
Local label and vintage boutique Tiger Blanket is a pretty knowledgeable resource on what the freshest and boldest statements in vintage sounds and styles from Brooklyn are, and with the upcoming release of new indie group Erin Mary & the West Island's debut singles, Tiger Blanket is keeping up its ... More >>
At 10 years old, Captured Tracks founder and owner Mike Sniper was already doing business at the lunch table. "There was this kid who was really into heavy metal, and my sister gave me all her heavy metal tapes because she was getting into other stuff," he says. "I didn't like heavy metal, and she h ... More >>
Last night, Lisa Loeb stepped out of a cab in front of Highline Ballroom with an orange guitar case slung across her shoulder, her hair pulled into a low ponytail, and her eyes hidden behind her iconic black-framed glasses. She is petite with a somewhat soft voice, and speaks thoughtfully and intell ... More >>
Thanks to Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune, Lollapalooza's headliners have been revealed, and it appears that Perry Farrell & Co. are dipping into the past few years of the Chicago-based festival's lineup history for a little inspiration. Mumford & Sons, Vampire Weekend, Phoenix, and the Killers have ... More >>
Here are the 10 best concerts this weekend, in no particular order.
There's been a repetition about year-end New York rap round-ups for a while now. They usually involve noting how the city isn't the commercial powerhouse of hip-hop it once was (shocker!), and then speculating on whether a few artists might be somehow bringing it back (from precisely which era is ne ... More >>
Crystal Castles work at the intersection of melody and nihilism. The band, made up of Ethan Kath and singer Alice Glass, is famously neglectful of the audience--one is tempted to say abusive, but that implies too much consideration of the audience as individuals with wants and needs. Its music assau ... More >>
Twin Shadow September 27, 2012 Webster Hall Better than: A cardboard cutout of Twin Shadow. Sporting a white-sleeved leather jacket, slicked back mohawk, and carrying what appeared to be a wine bottle, George Lewis Jr. wobbled out onto Webster Hall's stage on Thursday a few minutes late. "Thank yo ... More >>
Consider this six-pack of rock acts: Siouxsie and the Banshees, Big Audio Dynamite, the Psychedelic Furs, U2, R.E.M. and Julian Cope. My dream Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? Not quiteit's a list of the first six artists to go to No. 1 on the chart Billboard launched in the fall of 1988, then call ... More >>
Another band that resides on the early-'90s fascination street we traveled down last week is slippery Gowanus duo Lightouts, who resurrect the melancholy chug and darkly sexy swagger of bands like The Cure, Girls Against Boys, JAMC and Afghan Whigs and impolitely jam it into the drum machine ... More >>
It's almost Halloween, and if you're like me, you've been spending your free time watching scary movies and thinking up costume ideas. These sorts of movies are usually known for blood, boobs, and bad jokes, but the music that accompanies them is important, too. For instance, high-pitched s ... More >>
CMJ, Day Four: Vex Ruffin, The Stepkids, Jonti Better than: Listening to Stones Throw's present rap roster. The day before his first CMJ show, Vex Ruffin sat in a bar called Ontario in Williamsburg, wearing a t-shirt with the Seinfeld logo on it and quietly nerding out by giving the Stones ... More >>
Honda Civic Tour: Blink 182/My Chemical Romance w/Alkaline Trio Nikon At Jones Beach Theater Sunday, August 7 Better than: A five percent chance of rain. On the way to Jones Beach last night, leery of the weather that had cut short the final day of Escape To New York some 70 miles east, I checke ... More >>
Emily Kokal (right) and Jenny Lee Lindberg, pulling you off the floor. Pics by Santiago Felipe, more below.Warpaint Webster Hall Wednesday, December 1 Better Than: Another night trapped in a space the width of your headphones, that's for sure. Warpaint live is a disconcerting experience. Th ... More >>
"Stereogum!" Pics by Rob, more below.Marnie Stern/Dom/Tamaryn/Lower Dens Santos Party House Wednesday, October 20 Better than: Just sitting at home reading ecstatic Tweets about the whole Phoenix/Daft Punk thing. So let's toss a few more ribald Marnie Stern exclamations on the pile. #1: "It ... More >>
A beloved pop star's Body Talk series withers away to treble
White Crosses revels in the suddenly anomalous thrills of power chords
Enjoying American top-10 lists with the hit Brits
Feeling melancholy? Get over it, and dance
The (possibly) next great Scandinavian rock sensation packs for the big city
Critics' polls have evolved and arguably withered lately, but at least we didn't vote for Timbuk 3
Disney superstars and their accessible tales of growl power keep the record biz afloat
Downward-spiral act moves woozily uptown
Brian Molko and his Placebo pals remind their cult to take their meds
Rock stars, dating experts, and cartoon characters talk about Valentine's Day
Fontana's is the new Fat Baby is the new Dark Room is the new Annex is the new Fontana's
Thinning on top, the leaders of the Smashing Pumpkins, Pixies, and Husker Du try to make their aged alt-rock last forever
Yoga-rock bridesmaids lull, meander, and refuse to commit
Sass, radical chic, and the inevitable emanation of shanty house theory, but is that enough?
Conor Oberst supplies aging middlebrows with tote bag, Postal Service tykes with a mess
Fake Finnish goths make fake metal for the love of it and you
Only rainy-day women bleed on the Detroit Dylan's tracks
Comp shows off Japanese composer's Dragnet romanticism
Post-Disco Pervs Get Dicks in the Mix and Treat Cootchies Like a Maze
This Dungeon's for Hire, Even If We're Just Dancing in the Darkwave
Latin Alternative Rock Sets Its Sights on New York
Ultimate Compilation Mania, 1999


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Black XantusDecember 3rd, 2009 by Aaron Goldfarb | No Comments | Filed in Brewer: Nectar Ales, Country: America, Grade: A-, Grade: B-, Style: Amber Ale, Style: Stout
11% ABV bottled
It's always exciting when a new brewery penetrates (huh huh, he said "penetrates") your market and Nectar Ales was no exception. I still don't quite understand what's going on with this brewery despite the fact that they've been a California staple for some twenty years. They seem to be different from but still affiliated with Firestone Walker–the highly acclaimed and still-not-available-in-New York brewery–who seem to own Nectar Ales but not exactly brew Nectar Ales. (Maybe some smarter cookie can elucidate things for me.) Any how, Black Xantus was their first ever limited release "big beer" and was much desired…until it was released and became one of the more hotly debated beers of the year. Pretty much no one thought it was a masterpiece everyone expected it to be, but many still thought it was damn good. Just as many, however, thought it was swill. Everyone, though, pretty much agreed it was way overpriced (some $15 in my neck of the woods–though if everyone still bought said "overpriced" beer then it wasn't overpriced now was it?)
I was still excited to try it, even with tempered expectations, and it certainly didn't disappoint. Yet another bourbon barreled Russian Imperial Stout–the style du jour of this era and thank god for that!–this one has your typical buzzword tastes of bourbon, vanilla, dark roasted coffee, and a bitter chocolate finish. It's a liitle too boozy, a little too thin on the mouth, and lacking a certain richness, but I still enjoyed it a lot. I wouldn't say to rush out to "overpay" for some, but if you see it on tap or want to split a bottle with a hobo, I'd said it's worth trying.
A few days later at The Pony Bar–which has now passed Rattle 'n' Hum on the Hardest NYC Bar At Which To Photograph Taps and Beers list (though dig the artistry in the above shot!)–I had the semi-fortune to get to try Nectar Ales longstanding flagship beer Red Nectar (with it cute-as-a-button hummingbird tap handle). This may be a craft beer "classic" but like many of the forefathers of the industry, most beers that have been around for twenty years just aren't going to intrigue a modern palette that much any more. A nice enough 5.5% amber ale, minimal hops, a little creaminess, incredibly drinkable, easily forgettable, and I'll probably never have another glass for the rest of my life. Looking forward to try some other Nectar Ales though.