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After finishing 1-2 in the one-mile Lecomte, Friesan Fire and Patena kept running, galloping strongly all the way to the usual Fair Grounds finish line.
It was clear that their trainers and jockeys, knowing that the mile-and-a-sixteenth Risen Star Stakes and Louisiana Derby lie ahead, had planned to teach those horses a lesson about running all the way down the stretch.
That's what makes the Fair Grounds special - the run down the long stretch, 1,346 feet, more than a quarter-mile.
At most tracks, the quarter-pole is on the final turn. At the Fair Grounds, that pole is in the straightaway. Entering the stretch, horses running far off the pace still have a chance to make a winning move.
But usually not in a mile race, which ends at the sixteenth pole. In a mile race, the stretch becomes 1,016 feet, and the Fair Grounds becomes like other tracks, where closers are at a disadvantage.
In a mile race, the Fair Grounds isn't the Fair Grounds anymore.
That's a big reason that the mile is by far the worst race at the Fair Grounds.
"There's no common sense for it,'' said trainer Keith Desormeaux. "You're taking away the uniqueness of the Fair Grounds. You've got a quarter-mile stretch. The use of the full stretch - that's where races are played out. The quarter-mile stretch, that's what makes racing fair here. It eliminates the speed bias.''
The mile also takes away the head-on view of the finish for fans in the bleachers, grandstand and clubhouse.
Granted, most people watch the races on television. Most of the betting comes from off-track sites, and even at the track, many fans watch on television.
But shouldn't the people who make the effort to go to the Fair Grounds to enjoy live racing be able to get the best view of the horses crossing the finish line? A card with several mile races detracts from the experience of the fans at the track - the people who deserve the best racing experience.
"I hate the short pole, too,'' said trainer Walter Bindner. "I hate it for the fans. It's confusing to them.''
Undoubtedly, mile races are popular with some trainers.
"I like the short stretch,'' said trainer Merrill Scherer. "It makes it a different race, if you can remind the (jockeys) about it. It's hard to remember, and to be truthful about it, I forget half the time.''
The Fair Grounds began running mile races in the early 1990s, before the 1993 fire destroyed the old grandstand and clubhouse. Fans in the clubhouse then had a direct view of the sixteenth-pole finish.
Also, the Fair Grounds isn't the only track with two finish lines. Oaklawn Park, for example, runs short-stretch mile races, and Keeneland has a finish line used only for mile-and-a-sixteenth races.
Because of the configuration of the Fair Grounds, the mile is the shortest dirt race beyond six furlongs. It's the shortest test for a horse whose trainer wants to learn if the animal is more than sprinter. Because of the short stretch, a sprinter with a touch of stamina might be able to win at a mile at the Fair Grounds but wouldn't have much chance in a two-turn race finishing at the regular line.
A way by which the Fair Grounds could enhance its racing menu is to construct a chute from the six-furlong pole toward Gentilly Boulevard. A chute would allow the track to run 6 1/2-furlong races or perhaps seven-furlong races. Track vice president/general manager of racing Eric Halstrom, not a fan of mile races, said it's unlikely that a chute would be built in the foreseeable future. The Fair Grounds would have to purchase land now used as a parking area for trailers and find a way to build the chute while maintaining an entrance to the barn area. Such a project would be expensive, Halstrom said.
But making the Fair Grounds more appealing to horsemen by giving them more distance options might be worth a significant investment.
Racing secretary Jason Boulet said he's not a fan of mile races, either. "I have the same feeling that Eric has about them,'' Boulet said. "It's not good for the public. It's not a good race to watch.''
There's nothing magical about the mile distance. Mile-and-40 yard races, essentially a mile, are run at the Fair Grounds and use the entire stretch.
"I love the mile-40s, the Fair Grounds stretch,'' Boulet said. "That's what the public wants to watch.''
As racing secretary, Boulet is responsible for presenting the largest fields possible, and he has done a good job this season, particularly in light of the unexpected quarantine. A mile-and-40-yard race, which starts close to the turn, is limited to 10 horses. A mile race can have 12. Larger fields bring more betting.
Still, even without a race distance between six furlongs and a mile, the Fair Grounds wouldn't be hurt by eliminating mile races or, at the least, doing all it can to limit the number of them.
Distances for the Lecomte, Risen Star and Louisiana Derby (as well as the stakes series for 3-year-old fillies - the Tiffany Lass, Silverbulletday and Fair Grounds Oaks) aren't set in stone.
The Lecomte has been run at a mile, a mile and 40 yards, a mile and 70 yards, a mile and a sixteenth, and at a mile and an eighth. The Risen Star, former the Lousiana Derby Trial, has been run at a mile and 40 yards, and a mile and a sixteenth. The Louisiana Derby was a mile-and-and-eighth from 1897 to 1987, before being shortened to a mile and a sixteenth.
The Lecomte, which had eight starters this year, could be run again at a mile and 40 yards. If more than 10 horses are entered, perhaps an exception could be made to the field-size limit.
A mile-and-40 Lecomte, mile-and-a-sixteenth Risen Star and mile-and-a-sixteenth Louisiana Derby would be fine. A much better progression, though, would be a mile-and-40 Lecomte, mile-and-a-sixteenth Risen Star and mile-and-an eighth Louisiana Derby. Or, there would be nothing wrong with making the Lecomte and Risen Star a mile and a sixteenth, then running a mile-and-an-eighth Louisiana Derby.
With so many synthetic surfaces in place, it makes sense to consider lengthening the Louisiana Derby to a mile and an eighth. The mile-and-a-quarter Kentucky Derby is run on dirt. All Derby preps in California as well as the mile-and-an-eighth Lane's End at Turfway Park and the mile-and-an-eighth Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland are run on synthetic tracks. For trainers who, because of the surface, no longer see the Lane's End or Blue Grass as races from which to judge a horse's potential for the Kentucky Derby, a mile-and-an-eighth Louisiana Derby might be especially attractive.
The fan would love it, as well as a few mile-and-an-eighth races, or longer ones, for less accomplished horses. "The perception is that horsemen won't enter, but it would be nice if they offered it every once in a while,'' Desormeaux said.
As long as the horses run all the way down the stretch.


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155 search results for olympics 2014
Sochi Olympics 2014: Closing Ceremony
Type: Event | Date: Sunday, Feb 23, 2014Location: ,The Sochi Olympics wind down with the Closing Ceremonies.
Sochi Olympics 2014: Opening Ceremony
Type: Event | Date: Friday, Feb 7, 2014Location: ,The Opening Ceremony kicks off the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.
Sochi Olympics 2014: Hockey, Snowboarding, and Bobsled
Type: Event | Date: Saturday, Feb 22, 2014Location: ,Other events on tap for today include Cross Country, Biathlon and Figure Skating.
Sochi Olympics 2014: Curling, Hockey and Skiing
Type: Event | Date: Wednesday, Feb 12, 2014Location: ,There is also a bit of Luge and Figure Skating airing in the middle of the day.
Olympic figure skater Ashley Wagner is our new McKayla Maroney and god love her for it
Type: Article | Date: Sunday, Feb 9, 2014A star is born
Best and Worst of the 2014 Winter Olymipcs Opening Ceremonies
Type: Gallery | Date: Saturday, Feb 8, 2014Sure, we got the Sergei Eisenstein-inspired footage, but the really awesome p...
Sochi Problems Roundup: Stray dogs, toilet confusion and the most hellish Olympics ever
Type: Article | Date: Thursday, Feb 6, 2014All the highlights from your new favorite Twitter account
Sochi Olympics 2014: Bobsled, Hockey, and Cross Country
Type: Event | Date: Sunday, Feb 23, 2014Location: ,Today's events will conclude the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games
Sochi Olympics 2014: Speed Skating, Skiing, and Biathlon
Type: Event | Date: Friday, Feb 21, 2014Location: ,There will also be Hockey semi-finals, and Curling.
Sochi Olympics 2014: Hockey, Figure Skating, and Skiing
Type: Event | Date: Thursday, Feb 20, 2014Location: ,Also tune in for more Curling action.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
In the Blawg Directory:
Explore the ABA Journal:
Insight on criminal law cases in the news.
Author: William Ryan Moore practices at Alitowski & Moore in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He also authors South Florida Personal Injury Blog.
Related Categories: States | Criminal Justice | Florida | Solo / Small Firm


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GTA: Medieval Times?
Posted 28 December 2008 - 08:57 AM
Forum Boss-Serious Chat
Posted 28 December 2008 - 10:23 AM
ancient greece?
i didnt even know there was an ancient greece
i thought greece was a made up nation by the brittish
back in the 1800s, "greece" was started, it stole land from Sparta, Illyria, and whatever else was there
then later on it expanded and stole more land, and 51% of Macedonia
Its flag was made up from the East India Trading company, and its history is stolen from all the countries that used to be there
If you look at an ancient map, you wont see greece
you will see Sparta, Athenia, Illyria, Macedonia, Thrace, Hellas, ....no greece
if you wanna be pedantic about it, the americans stole their country from it's original inhabitants, well i say americans back then they were still british, the
I have no problem with people believing what they want, until they think it's right to try and change what I believe.
I'm so happy, I could shit a rainbow!
Posted 29 December 2008 - 01:21 AM
* Steal Horses
* Get Weapons
* Kill people who don't deserve it, just because they looked at you funny
* Beat up Drunks in a Bar
* Get Busted
* Evade Arrest
* Hitmen
* Work for some Jack-ass who is betrays you (Kinda)
Is Vista bad or are you just stupid?
Posted 30 December 2008 - 08:54 AM
Lol anyway pointless post, excuse it, I have to keep threads alive, Im a medic for gods sake!
Pawngame.com: Musle345
Runescape: Musle345
Habbo.com.au: CommanderJamesBond
Commander Bond dot net: Ultraussie
Youtube: Ultraussie
Test Drive Unlimited: TheStormOfRacing
Posted 11 January 2009 - 08:23 PM
I think this could be pretty cool game idea, but honestly i dont want Rockstar games doing it... They should just stick to tradition 80s 90s or current day stuff.
I've been thinking about this, and I think it would be a pretty cool thing. Like, it's set in ancient Greece back in BC. I think it would be cool to freeroam around ancient Greece and do work for criminals of that time. If you think of it, you have most of the things you need for a Grand Theft Auto game. I mean, back in ancient times, alot of stuff went on. You have plenty of weapons, too. You have various forms of bows and crossbows and you have horses to steal for a chase.
Think of it, guys.
Posted 17 March 2009 - 02:11 PM
But i could see this working. Perhaps with some crawling up and down buildings (afterall this is easier with woodenhouses and such)
Posted 17 March 2009 - 02:16 PM
Hello GTA-Grand Theft Auto .R* will have to rename it to Grand Theft Horse GTH .Anyway i don't thing that that is a good idea.Your most powerfull weapon to be a crossbow, and to have only three weapons-Spear, sword crossbow.It will be more like Diablo.
Posted 18 March 2009 - 05:58 AM
GTA Fan and Addict.
I recommend you guys visit the all-new PayneKillers.com!
Posted 08 January 2012 - 07:21 AM
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0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users


text:
What is in this article?:
- Tobacco growers turn to new methods of marketing
- Take it or leave it
• There is a small, but growing trend for tobacco farmers to seek out alternative marketing options when they can't — or don't want — to sell at contract delivery stations.
More About:
Take it or leave it
"The grower just shows up with the tobacco he wants to sell, and Tobacco Rag gives him a grade," said Smith. "He can take it or leave it."
Tobacco Rag has solicited mostly lower quality tobacco in the past.
"But I understand Tobacco Rag has also bought some higher quality tobacco, even some premium tobacco as well," said Smith. "Of course to do this, you have to pay in the contract price range."
The concept has attracted some imitators. This past summer, Whitehall Trading Co. began operating in Seven Springs, N.C. Functioning essentially as a delivery station without contracts, it provides another avenue for tobacco farmers to sell tobacco that doesn't have a home.
"The goal is to give the farmer an alternate method of marketing all grades of tobacco, including the lesser-quality grades," said Mac Grady of Seven Springs, co-owner of Whitehall.
"We didn't get as much tobacco as we hoped, but we did enough business to do this again next year."
In Kentucky, uncontracted delivery stations are operating in Lebanon and in Cynthiana. Both are operated by International Tobacco Trading Group (ITTG) in association with Golden Leaf Tobacco (a sister company to Bailey's Cigarettes).
But this is a temporary arrangement, said Brian Furnish, owner of ITTG.
"Next year we plan to offer contracts, but this season we are accepting leaf that needs a home, for whatever reason," Furnish said.
"I will meet you, weigh and grade your tobacco, and if you are satisfied with the price, give you a check."
The market conditions for burley this year — strong demand developing after the crop was up and growing — would seem to favor the ITTG approach for the moment.
But Furnish insists that he and Bailey's intend to be a factor in Kentucky leaf sales for the foreseeable future.
When an open house was held at the Cynthiana facility, the state's agriculture commissioner — James Comer — attended, and he asked about UTTG's plans. "We told him we are in this for the long haul," Furnish said.
• Conventional auctions ― The legendary method of marketing tobacco fell into near total disuse in this century, but it has made a bit of a comeback in the last few years in Kentucky, North Carolina and Virginia.
There are at least three burley auctions in Kentucky this year, in Mount Sterling, Lexington and Danville.
Two conventional auctions served flue-cured growers this year. One was in Rural Hall, N.C., north of Winston-Salem, and the other was in Danville, Va.
So there are quite a few more marketing venues this season than growers had immediately after the buyout, and there may be more to come, said Smith.
"And that would not be a bad thing. In the leaf market of today, growers simply can't have too many outlets," he said.


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Why was Braun redacted from original report?
The Miami New Times has published a story answering one of the myriad of questions raised by last night's Ryan Braun news:
If Braun's name was listed alongside players like Alex Rodriguez and Melky Cabrera in the logbook of Tony Bosch, the figure at the center of baseball's widening probe into performance-enhancing drugs, why was Braun's name redacted from images of clinic records included in the New Times' original reporting?
The answer, from this morning's report written by the New Times' Chuck Strouse:
Simple: An abundance of caution.
As Yahoo! notes, the records do not clearly associate either Braun, [Francisco] Cervelli or a third player who this morning denied all ties with Bosch (Orioles third baseman Danny Valencia) with use of supplements. Yahoo! apparently obtained copies of just these page of Bosch's notebooks independently of New Times.
The players listed in New Times investigation either clearly appear multiple times in Bosch's records (like Alex Rodriguez), or had evidence in the recent past of PED use, like Bartolo Colon, who was suspended 50 games last year.
So, there's one question answered. There are more, like will Braun's legal team release evidence supporting Braun's alibi, that his team only went to Tony Bosch as a consultant during last winter's appeal? Why would they pick Bosch of all people, a man previously connected to banned substances through slugger Manny Ramirez? Where will MLB's investigation go from here?
Oh, and "thanks" to everyone who pointed out that this MLB.com story from Saturday was ill-timed.
Follow me on Twitter @AdamMcCalvy
1 Comment
In that same story, its noted that Manfred himself along with the VP of PUBLIC RELATIONS went to Miami to try and get the notebooks. Tell me I'm wrong Adam, but I think Braun is just a scalp. PR is what is important.


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Mike Lombardi makes some great points about the Detroit Lions using their No. 1 overall pick to draft a quarterback.
He gives input on what other teams' needs are, what position they'll probably draft and what is likely to be available to the Lions for their No. 20 pick.
NationalFootballPost, March 10: So based on this breakdown, the top 10 will be heavy with offensive and defensive linemen along with quarterbacks. The Lions have the right thought process, and even if they went with a lineman, they will have to move Jeff Backus inside at some point soon. His arms are too short for left tackle and his foot speed is a hindrance to secure the edge. I realize he's played left tackle for some time, but that doesn't mean he's been playing winning-level left tackle. For the Lions to improve and make a playoff run, they must raise their level of play. To do that, you have to raise the talent level.
However, all signs point to quarterback, and if that's the case, the Lions need to make sure they have a plan for developing him. When you're on the clock, you can get a big jump on next year. The Lions need to use this time wisely.
Many thanks to WCWIV for sharing this article with me.


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Duluth, MN (NNCNOW.com)-- The old St. Louis County Jail could be the future home of housing, according to the building's developer.
Grant Carlson is exploring the idea of creating some type of housing for the area's young professionals.
He says in past years, the city has changed, prompting the project direction to shift from office space, to possibly apartments.
Right now, his development company is focusing on design options for this new direction.


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Financing Options
At LVC we empower real people to achieve great things. We don't want money to be an obstacle to your achievement here. If you are wondering how you will pay for the portion of your costs that financial aid doesn't cover, we would like to make you aware of the following financing options.
Sallie Mae, Inc. has created a helpful chart that allows you to compare the Federal PLUS Loan, student alternative/private loans, and parent private loans to assist you in chosing the financing option that is best for your family.
As you consider your financing options, please contact the office if you have any questions. We can be reached toll free at 1-866-LVC-4ADM. We're here to help you!
Lebanon Valley College
101 N. College Avenue
Annville, PA 17003-1400
Financial Aid 717-867-6126 or toll free at 1-866-LVC-4ADM


text:
With Instructables you can share what you make with the world, and tap into an ever-growing community of creative experts.
Quick and easy self watering garden planters. Cheap, reuseable, recycleable. All you need are: milk jug(s) (1 or 2 quart), scissors, planting foam (used for live flower arrangements), ...
Press the top of the jug into the "floral foam" about 1/2 to 3/4". Bend the top half of the jug to one side until the floral foam ...
Inside the jug you'll see a ridge. This will keep the jug top above the bottom of the base, and allow water in and out. Invert the jug ...
Add soil, seeds water to about 1/3 full and grow! Juice jugs work too, as do water bottles (Dasani, Evian, etc), as long as there's a ridge in ...
Front Yard Without Grass - Replace Lawn with an Edible Gardenby jardinier
DIY express : vertical gardenby initiales gg
Pond or Water Garden - How to build a Backyard Pondby jardinier
Join 2 million + to receive instant DIY inspiration in your inbox.
Download our apps!
© 2016 Autodesk, Inc.


text:
High-Efficiency Engine Cooling Fans
Horton has announced a new high-efficiency blade design for its WindShift fans. The WindShift WSE fan has been computer-optimized to provide a combination of increased airflow and reduced operating noise, the company said. With a swept-blade design, the WSE generates greater static pressure at slower speeds and is particularly suitable for agricultural, construction, industrial and power generation equipment equipped with EPA Tier 4 and EU Stage 4 diesel engines, the company said.
The WindShift WSE modular fan is available in diameters of 24 to 41 in. (610 to 1040 mm) and 2.44 to 5.94 in. (62 to 151 mm) pitch widths. The blades incorporate UV-stabilized materials that Horton said contains higher glass content than many conventional designs and provides greater strength and durability through a wider scope of temperatures and operating conditions. The fans are constructed with clamshell knuckles that clamp each blade to a 0.25 in. (6 mm) steel center disk. This allows blades to be set to a specific pitch angle for increased airflow, the company said.Edit Module


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Sheila Bennett of Vergas, MN and Shane Poss of Pelican Rapids, MN were married on June 20, 2009 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Vergas.
Sheila is the daughter of Larry and Vonnie Bennett of Vergas. She is employed at Lakeshirts in Detroit Lakes, MN.
Shane is the son of Diana Poss and the late Jerome Poss of Thief River Falls, MN. He is employed at Asplin Excavating in Fargo, ND.
Maid of honor was JoAnn Maneval (sister of the bride). Bridesmaids were Kris Thon (friend), Kayla Jorgenson (friend), and Mary Jo Reinowski (cousin of bride).
Best man was Wes Pare' (friend). Groomsmen were Jordan Poss (brother), Anthony Soland (friend), and Mitch Maneval (brother-in-law of bride).
Ushers were Jared Lynnes (friend) and Joe Nelson (cousin of bride). Flower girl was Callie Poss (daughter of couple). Ring bearer was Aiden Poss (nephew of groom). Wedding photographer was Kristi Sonnenberg from Kristi's Keepsakes Photography.
The couple will reside in Vergas.


text:
DAYMUNC offers awards to delegates that demonstrate exemplary diplomacy,
negotiation and speaking skills, technical research capabilities,
and facilitate committee. Awards are also presented for the best
position papers submitted prior to the conference. These awards
are for individual delegates only; team awards are not given.
Award Structure:
Each committee will present 1 outstanding delegate award, 1 distinguished
delegate award, and 3 honorable mentions at closing ceremony, as
determined by the individual ratings and deliberations between the
committee director, chair, and rapporteur.
Additionally, each position paper that is submitted prior to DAYMUNC
is reviewed by an independent panel and judged for accuracy of representation,
depth of research, format, and grammar. From each committee, the
panel will present an outstanding position paper award and one distinguished
position paper award. The panel will then award an overall outstanding
postion paper award to recognize the best submitted papers for DAYMUNC. Please
see the position paper guides for information on writing and submitting
a position paper for your assigned country.
Committee Award Guidelines
Each of these aspects are important on their own, but an award-winning
delegate will demonstrate them all, without exception, throughout
the entire conference. Not only will the following guidelines assist
you in receiving an award, but it will also facilitate the conference
in a manner that will promote diplomacy and professionalism, skills
that our conference could not function without.These guidelines
incorporate the criteria that staff members look for in an award-winning
An award-winning delegate is always professional in committee and
upholds the highest of diplomatic standards. Role-playing is a crucial
aspect of your position as a delegate at the conference and it is
important that you act in the same manner as a true diplomat of
the United Nations. DAYMUNC and all other Model UN conferences are simulations of the United Nations, thus it is imperative for delegates to remain in character at all times. Delegates who are not in character are not seen favorable by the dais and ultimately ruins the experience of the committee. It is important for all delegates to remain in character to not only represent their country, but to ensure that all delegates are having a fun experience at DAYMUNC. Diplomats treat each other with respect at all
times, no matter if they agree with their fellow delegate's
country policy or not. Also, diplomats do not leave smaller countries
out of informal debate. Diplomacy involves working to create a consensus
in committee, which is why this is a crucial aspect of awards considerations.
Working hand-in-hand with diplomacy, negotiation is one of the most
important skills you will bring to the conference. The goal is NOT
to get others to violate their policy and go along with your's, but
rather, for the delegates to come together to find a solution that
the entire committee can agree on. Refusing to work with other states
because they do not subscribe to your policy is counterproductive
to the diplomatic process. Rather than bullying others to agree
to your working paper, a winning delegate will find ways to include
as many countries as possible in on the same solution. Again, respect
and diplomacy play an important role in the negotiation process
and a good delegate will remember that point.
Speaking skills
A good speaker will utilize all of his or her speaker's time
and place themselves on the speaker's list frequently. Delegates
should always have something to say on the topic at hand, be it
in favor or against the issue. Delegates should always take their
speeches seriously, as this is the one forum they have to be heard
by the entire committee at once. Laughing, informal language (referring
to delegates as 'you guys'), and not speaking to the
matter at hand are all examples of poor speaking skills. While the
staff understands that public speaking is not easy (and we are
all new at one time or another), you will gain the respect of your
dais quicker if you make an honest effort to make a good speech,
rather than waste your time and the committee's by not taking
your speaker's time seriously. Also, impugning the integrity
of another state or another delegate is not professional, nor is
it a demonstration of good speaking skills.
As important as it is for you to write a solid position paper, it
is even more important that you apply that same policy to your work
in committee. You should act out the policy you write, which requires
extensive research on your part. Your pre-conference preparation
will be very evident during the course of the conference and those
delegates that take the time to do the proper research will be the
delegates that most likely take home awards. Believe it or not,
it is very easy for staff to pick out the delegates that do not
prepare for the conference beforehand.
Facilitation of committee
A good delegate will go out of his or her way to ensure that committee
runs as smoothly as possible. While making repetitive, dilatory
motions (i.e. moving to change the speaker's time over and
over again) will get you attention, it is not the kind of attention
you want. An award-winning delegate will garner support for suspensions, always stays in character,
changing the speaker's time, or any other committee impeding
motions during informal session. Also, a good delegate will include
as much of the committee as possible in his or her negotiations.
By including as much of the committee as you can, you are building
consensus that will make voting procedures transgress much more
smoothly. Finally, the delegate that works with the dais (instead
of against it) will receive much more positive attention that the
delegate that treats the dais with disrespect or contempt.
©2006-2012 Dayton Model United Nations Conference.
All rights reserved. Contact: email@example.com


text:
By W. Dwight Armstrong, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, National FFA Organization
Welcome to the "new" and improved FFA New Horizons magazine!
Your magazine, once called The National Future Farmer, has come a long way since it was created in October 1952 to be the official member magazine of the National FFA Organization. Over a nearly 60-year span, the magazine has evolved and changed with the times. Today it continues to play a vital role in the lives of FFA members.
The magazine has featured more than 300 dynamic covers and thousands of informative articles on agriculture and careers. It has highlighted countless FFA chapters and members. Certainly, it has provided inspiration, advice and humor for generations of FFA students, parents, teachers and supporters.
During the 2010 National FFA Convention, the delegates discussed ways to improve FFA New Horizons. We listened to everything they had to say and, based on their recommendations, we created the magazine that is in the hands of thousands of readers. FFA New Horizons now features more in-depth stories about major issues in agriculture as well as fast facts and statistics about agricultural products. Every page has a new look, and each issue will offer more pages and be printed on thicker, brighter paper. But don't worry; we haven't changed what you like most about the magazine—profiles of FFA members and chapters, stories about life in high school and spotlights on agricultural careers.
Another new, exciting addition to this issue of the magazine: the 2011 Blue Look Book. The look book features the 2010-2011 National FFA Officers in the latest FFA gear and styles for purchase at www.ffa.org/shop. Go back to school showing your FFA pride!
We hope you enjoy your new magazine and all the issues to come. We'd love to hear from you, so please send us a message at firstname.lastname@example.com and tell us what you think of the new look and feel of FFA New Horizons.
As Benjamin Franklin said, "When you're finished changing, you're finished." Well, we're certainly not finished. We're making way for bigger and better things to come!


text:
|Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute
Many teachers find voice a hard concept to teach and an even harder one for students to master. Add a struggling reader into the mix, and it may seem as if voice is too complex a concept and skill to teach. What exactly do we mean by voice? How do we teach it? How do we know when students have found it?
Written for lower-level readers in high school, but applicable to higher levels, the unit consists of four parts: finding the voices we hear as we read, finding the author's voice, finding our voice in the classroom, and finding our voice as writers/creators. Part one focuses on teaching students to interact with texts to comprehend what is happening. Part two centers on teaching students to analyze a text for the author's voice. Part three speaks to teaching students how to have an authentic discussion in class: expressing their prerecorded thoughts clearly and articulately, actively listening, and responding in a way that encourages further thinking, while respecting and appreciating divergent thinking - having the difficult conversations and making our voices heard even when the rest of our peers disagree with our perspective. Part four challenges students to stop "playing school" so they see themselves as real writers doing the things real writers do. Students create a non-print text (documentary, power point, etc.) to voice their perspective on an issue.
(Recommended for English Language Arts, grades 9-11.)


text: Brunswick School gets preliminary approval for new pool Back to Article Comments Need to Register? X Remember Me Forgot your password? Today's Deals Powered by SHOP NOWStack-On Sentinel 10-Gun Security Safe for $82 + free shippingWalmartPosted 1 hr 43 min ago SHOP NOWCAP 20-lb. Neoprene Dumbbell Set with Rack for $17 + pickup at...WalmartPosted 22 hr 16 min ago SHOP NOW2 Cellucor Creatine 11.6-oz. Jars for $24 + $6 s&hBodybuilding.comPosted 2 days 21 hr ago SHOP NOWCap Barbell Vinyl-Coated Dumbbells: from 85 cents + pickup at...WalmartPosted 5 hr 38 min ago


text: Will do my research. I crashed about 830 last night. Slept a bit over 8 hours about 1/2 in deep sleep. I'm home from clinic today (no lifting >10 pounds and nothing that could start bleeding again) so working with kiddos who kick probably not a great idea. Not telling family (parents and kids) until I get biopsy results. Woke up mad at myself for not being more forceful when they were opening a door with lots of foot traffic and my breast was on display. I did cover up and tell them why and one of the docs said, "they are all radiologists, not a big deal." Well it is a big deal - its called patient comfort! Also I wanted to critique their bedside manner, but didn't. Maybe I'm in instructor mode because its more comfortable for me? Okay off to look up ketogenic diet and breast cancer scholarly articles only.


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Located in Osaka (Kita), Osaka Tokyu REI Hotel is minutes from HEP Five Shopping Mall and Umeda Joypolis Sega Fun Park. This hotel is close to Osaka Science Museum and Osaka Castle.
Make yourself at home in one of the 402 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and LCD televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and day beds.
Enjoy a satisfying meal at a restaurant serving guests of Osaka Tokyu REI Hotel.
Business, Other Amenities
Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and laundry facilities. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
I liked the simple efficiency of this hotel. There were no frills, but I had everything I needed, and it is perfectly situated close to JR Osaka station. Nothing really, although I would have appreciated an English channel on the television.
Ver convenient, quiet, comfortable, pleasant staff


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Compared to last week's killer episodes, "Winter Madness" was something of a letdown. Nancy isn't funny enough as a romantic foil for Jack – Edie Falco's Celeste Cunningham, anyone? – and taking the show to Boston without a big Cheers joke just seems off. Still, "Madness" had its moments. These were the 10 best:
"Star, rats, arts, tars.." – Liz, who's the female Kevin McHale (Here's a photo. I'm guessing they don't mean Artie from Glee, although…)
"Nutmeg! Rodeo, rodeo, rodeo!" – Pete, who wants to remind the gentlemen to plan ahead, porn-wise
"I suck? Your Rock & Roll Hall of Fame sucks!" – Tracy, who knows Boston is not going to go well (As an aside, I have been to the R&RHoF, and it's great!)
"They are all named Sean, they are mean, and I hate it here." – Kenneth, who is an inventor
"Are you not using an office replication service?" – Jack, who knows their demo is drunken 11-year-olds
"Trying to have it all…it's wicked hahd!" – Sean, the head writer for Bruins Beat, who knows what it's like
"Ooh, I would…n't!" – Kenneth, who's blaming Liz for winter
"Puuuuurfect, like a cat birthday!" – Tracy, who knows John Hancock blows
"Salem witch trials, the red scare, global warming…" – Jack, who knows the power of a secret enemy
"You marry the butler, and I'll be the gay octomom." – Nancy, who doesn't want to talk about it
Okay, PopWatchers, what was your favorite line last night? No, not Tufts….
Image credit: Ali Goldstein/NBC


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After years of reform, the state's embattled child welfare agency finally seemed to be on the right track. And now, this horror in Irvington.
Christiana Glenn, just 8 years old, is dead from a broken leg left untreated, after being slowly starved. Her two younger siblings were found malnourished and also with broken bones. There had been clear signs that something was wrong. Yet no one said anything.
This wasn't always the case. Several years earlier, four separate allegations of abuse or neglect had been made to the state's Division of Youth and Family Services, all within a span of just three years. At least two different sources — a day care center and the girl's godparents — said they made reports, starting in 2006. One of the four complaints was reportedly made by the mother herself, seeking help.
Yet each time, a caseworker declared the allegations "unfounded," which required no further action by the state Division of Youth and Family Services. The case was closed completely in 2008. After that, the girl's godparents said they tried, but failed, to get custody of Christiana.
Then the children were allowed to just waste away.
Plenty of people failed them. Neighbors were aware of their confinement and their mother's erratic behavior. She was one of several women tightly controlled and ordered to fast by a self-proclaimed preacher. Friends and relatives knew. At least one of the followers made a furtive phone call for help.
Someone should have intervened. But did a sense of futility begin with DYFS? When the agency's hot line is called several times to report abuse, a caseworker shows up to investigate and repeatedly decides it's not a big concern, will people still pick up the phone?
This agency has made significant strides in the past eight years. It was ordered to reform in the wake of 7-year-old Faheem Williams' death in 2003, in which the Newark boy's body was found stuffed into a closet near his two sick, emaciated brothers. The state pumped more than $1 billion into the overhaul. Hundreds of new caseworkers were hired. They're receiving many hours of additional training. Case loads are significantly down, with most staffers handling 15 or fewer. The number of children in foster care has been reduced, often by moving kids to permanent homes, increasing the number of adoptions.
But while the agency has made progress, it's not yet ready to operate without a federal monitor. It's still not fully meeting standards in its handling of cases, and needs to improve the number of visits between caseworkers and families.
Christiana's death may well be an isolated tragedy. But it also raises questions. How many times did a caseworker actually visit the home? Does the mandate to keep case loads down create an incentive to write off more abuse allegations as "unfounded"? Does reducing the use of foster care mean some kids are wrongly left in the custody of their mothers?
The agency is conducting its own internal investigation of this case, and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen), who intends to hold a hearing on DYFS' actions before the Human Services committee in June, is right that the public deserves answers, too.
"I have a hard time believing that the situation turned from 'unfounded' to deadly," she said.


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One of my fondest memories is a trip south to Florida. We stopped at a small cafe in Georgia and had the best breakfast of grits, fruit and biscuits with sausage gravy. There's a lot to be said for tasty Southern cuisine, the kind of food that sticks to your ribs. Its not low calorie but it sure tastes good.
Old Fashion Buttermilk Biscuits With Sausage and Black Pepper Gravy
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1 and 1/4 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup butter, melted and divided
Sausage Gravy
1 pound breakfast sausage (either hot or mild)
3/4 cup flour
4 and 1/2 cups milk
1 tablespoon Louisiana style hot sauce
1/2 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons butter
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In large bowl mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cayenne pepper. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender or two forks until crumbly. Gradually add buttermilk, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Dough should be sticky. Do not overwork dough.
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness with floured rolling pin. Cut 12 biscuits with a 2 and 1/2-inch round biscuit cutter. Place biscuits in cast iron skillet that has been sprayed with non-stick spray, and brush tops with half of melted butter. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until lightly browned. Brush with remaining melted butter before serving.
While biscuits are baking, start gravy. In large saute pan or cast iron skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly. Reduce heat to medium and add flour to sausage; mix thoroughly. Cook until flour browns, about 4 minutes stirring constantly.
Add milk slowly and increase heat to medium-high. Continue to stir. Add hot sauce, pepper and salt. As the gravy comes to a boil, it will thicken. If too thick, add additional milk. After boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and add butter.
To serve, place two of the buttermilk biscuits on each plate and top with sausage gravy and garnish with freshly cracked pepper.


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Final Fantasy IV was the first SNES installment in Square Enix's JRPG series, originally released as "Final Fantasy II" in North America during 1991.
This is the first Final Fantasy game that introduced the famous ATB (active-time battle) system which brings a real-time element to turn-based battles: during the battles, you have a time indicator for each party member that dictates when this character is able to act. Depending on gameplay settings, enemies are also free to act in real-time regardless of whether or not a party member is capable of accepting commands from the player.
The game abandons the job system that was implemented in the first and the third Final Fantasy titles in favor of pre-set character classes (paladin, white mage, ninja, etc.) assigned to each party member.
Final Fantasy IV would see several remakes in the years following its SNES release on future game platforms including the Sony PlayStation, Nintendo DS and Apple iOS.


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September 15, 2013 6:27 pm
Game Thread: Phoenix at Los Angeles
I'm not at Staples Center tonight, but for those at the split squad home game or following along with the audio stream, you can use this post as the game thread.
Listen Live: Coyotes at Kings (US only)
Live Blog: Los Angeles at Phoenix
NHL Scores for Sunday, September 15
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Record book re-written at the Porterfield
ST. CLAIRSVILLE – The Porterfield Invitational is still a relatively new track meet.
However, the meet is quickly becoming one of the most competitive and looked forward to events of the track season.
The third annual meet was held Friday evening at chilly and windy Red Devil Stadium with a solid field of 16 boys and girls squads competing.
The talented and deep John Glenn girls prevailed, scoring 113 points to surge past Martins Ferry, which led much of the evening, by 15.5 points. Thornville Sheridan, meanwhile, repeated on the boys' side of the competition, scoring 93 points in the 17 events. Dresden Tri-Valley was third with 76.
Coach Rich Materkoski's talented Lady Riders, who had won the Bellaire Early Bird and their own invitational on Tuesday, still put forth an impressive showing winning two events.
Junior speedster Sarah Applegarth paced the Lady Riders with a victory in the 400 meter dash. She posted a 63.78 to prevail by better than half a second in the 400. Her time was a new meet record.
Senior standout Courtney Crolley actually got the winning started for the Lady Riders with another victory in the pole vault. She soared over 10-feet to earn the gold medal.
However, the Lady Lil Muskies prevailed in seven of the events for 70 points.
John Glenn was paced by junior standout Haley Gregory. A returning all-Ohioan, Gregory won the high point track award with 32.5 points, meaning she was an individual champion three times and ran on a winning relay. She claimed the 100 meter dash, high hurdles and low hurdle crown.
Steubenville Catholic Central was fifth overall with 62 points. The Lady Crusaders' lone victory came in the final event. The foursome of Michaela Gotta, Kara Kakascik, Monica Rigaud and Taylor Zapolnik posted a 4:18.65 to win the 4×4.
The host Lady Red Devils captured a pair of events en route to a sixth-place finish.
Defending state shot put champion Alyssa Robinson came to the track with a purpose and delivered in a big way. The Penn State signee set a meet and personal record with an impressive throw of 46-ft-6 1/2. Her mark was her second throw of the competition and second that surpassed the 46-foot plateau.
"I was just feeling really good today," Robinson said. "I came to the meet today with the mindset that I was going to put forth a big throw … and I did it. It felt good to get that throw (early in the competition). I needed that for a confidence booster because I had been hitting sort of a plateau, but I knew I was due to pop one."
A short time later, Robinson shifted to the discus circle where she finished second with a twirl of 113-ft-7, which gave her a share of the high-point field award.
St. Clairsville's other victory came in the 1600 meter run where senior Juliana Madzia, an all-Ohioan in cross country, turned in a solid 5:13.36 to set a new meet standard in the 1600 meter run.
All told, on the girls' side of the action, there were 10 new meet records established despite the temperatures hovering in the middle 40s much of the evening.
THE MARTINS FERRY boys were the top finishing area team. The Purple Riders, who were making their debut in the Porterfield Invitational, tallied 67 points, which left them a point out of third.
The Riders once again got off to a good start in the field. Senior all-Ohioan Sean McGee earned the high-point award in the field by virtue of winning the shot put with a meet-record toss of 53-ft-5. He finished second in the discus with a twirl of 147-ft-1.
The Riders posted two victories on the track and the same foursome pulled the trick. The team of Brian Styles, Hunter Hill, Andrew Watts and Jack Fitch posted a 1:33.16 to run away from the field in the 4×2. The same team passed the baton around the oval to a tune of 45.01 to win the 4×1.
The host Red Devils finished fifth overall with 62 points and 40 of those came via a victory.
Junior speedster Jaylon Brown was impressive in sweeping the two short sprints. A fomer all-Ohioan, Brown won the 100 in 11.08, which equaled a meet record and he ran away from the field in the 200 with a solid 22.62 clocking, which set a new Porterfield standard.
Standout middle distance runner Drake Walker broke his own 800 meter meet record. He blazed two laps in 2:00.52, which broke his mark by nearly six full seconds.
In the field, junior Michael Eaton captured the pole vault crown, which stretched well into the evening. Eaton, who was breaking in a new pole, flirted with elimination at every height before soaring over on his final try. His top clearance was 13-ft-6, which broke the meet standard by a foot.
Union Local's Collin Jones earned a piece of the high-point track award by posting two victories. He swept the hurdles, winning the highs in 15.67 and the intermediates in 42.11.
Steubenville's JaQuan Lavender ran a 51.07 to take the 400 meter dash, breaking the meet record by more than a full second.
In the boys' competition, there were a total of 10 records either broken or tied.
Staskey can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com


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Michael Hansen of One Alabama says Birmingham is lagging behind the curve in providing legal protections for LGBT Alabamians.
"I implore those on the sidelines — the residents and workers of this great American city to come out of their own closet to express unqualified public support for embracing the most basic safeguards for our most marginalized: the right to a safe place to live, work and eat. As the great feminist and civil rights activist Audre Lorde famously said, 'Your silence will not protect you.'"
What are your thoughts? Should lawmakers work harder to protect and expand the rights of all Alabamians? Are there other issues at play? Speak out in our comments.
Here are more of today's letters:
-- A Huntsville reader continues the conversation about Ferguson, Mo., saying that mob justice is not true justice: "The protesters are bitter, expressing hate, and have no respect for the police. The slogan they scream, "No Justice, No Peace," says it all. They will tear up the town unless they get what they consider justice - a conviction and the death sentence for Officer Darren Wilson."
-- And speaking of law enforcement, Pat and Patti Henry applaud Vestavia police for their help in retrieving their son's stolen property: "Our boys, our teenagers, often "complain" about the police, believing the cops are out to get them, give them speeding tickets and make their life difficult. That is, until this week. Now our boys understand that the police are there for them, to protect them and help them."
What's on your mind? Submit your letters to the editor and op-eds to us.


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Wine Barrel Pendant
- Overview
True to the wine barrels in Napa Valley, planks of wood are held together with horizontal scoring for this rustic pendant. Metal hardware replicates the rivets found on authentic wine barrels, lending a timeworn appeal.
- Crafted of mango wood with wrought-iron chain and ceiling plate.
- Horizontal scoring on the wood pieces.
- UL-listed.
- Hardwire; professional installation recommended.
- Dimensions & Care
- Overall: 24.5" diameter, 16.5" high
- Canopy: 5" diameter
- Chain: 6' long
- Cord: 7' long
- Bulb (4): 25 watts, type B candelabra (not included)
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Wipe clean using a soft, dry cloth.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasives as they may damage the finish.
- Do not exceed specified wattage.
- Shipping & Return Info
This is a general shipping item.
Shipping Information
Return Policy
At Pottery Barn, we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our products. Attention to design, materials, safety and construction is our priority. We carefully inspect your order prior to shipment. Upon receipt, please inspect your purchase and notify us of any damage; we will arrange for a prompt replacement. If, within 7 days for Quick Ship upholstery and 30 days for all other products, you are dissatisfied for any reason, you may return your purchase for a refund of the merchandise value.
We cannot accept returns on monogrammed, personalized, made to order items, or on items damaged through normal wear and tear. We also cannot accept returns of final-sale items which are identified by a price which ends in .99.
For returns of items purchased from your Pottery Barn registry, we will gladly provide a refund or exchange for the merchandise within 90 days of your event or within 90 days of purchase, whichever date is later.
You may return merchandise through the mail for a refund or replacement. For detailed procedures for returning items through the mail, please contact Customer Service at 1.888.779.5176, 7 days a week, 5:00am - 9:00pm (PT).


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Mark Montgomery has been named head basketball coach at Northern Illinois University after spending 10 seasons as as assistant to Tom Izzo at Michigan State, including the last four as associate head coach.
The announcement was made Wednesday in DeKalb, Ill., where a press conference is scheduled Thursday.
Montgomery, a native of Inkster and a former Michigan State point guard, becomes the eighth former Izzo assistant to become an NCAA Division I head coach, and the fifth currently holding such a job.
The others are Jim Boylen (former Utah coach) Tom Crean (Indiana, formerly Marquette), Mike Garland (former Cleveland State coach, now an MSU assistant), Brian Gregory (Dayton), Stan Heath (South Florida, formerly Arkansas and Kent State), Stan Joplin (former Toledo coach) and Doug Wojcik (Tulsa).
Tuesday, after it became public that Montgomery had interviewed at NIU, Izzo praised him as one of his more efficient assistants.
"X's and O's, scouting reports, teaching the game, I don't think I've had one better than Monty," Izzo said. "That puts him in an elite group."
Montgomery was an assistant at Central Michigan for four seasons, until joining Izzo's staff in 2001.
When his eligibility ended after the 1991-92 season, Montgomery had started four years and played more games than any Spartan in history, 126, and helped MSU to a Big Ten title in 1990. He still ranks third in career steals and fourth in assists.
Montgomery played four years
professionally in Germany, Lithuania and Sweden.


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Pete Vazquez refuses to go away. His Faubourg Marigny restaurant Marisol never reopened following the levee breaches, but the chef continued to cook, stepping behind a mobile burner, often at Bacchanal in the Bywater.
Last year he reemerged at Mimi's, an Italian restaurant in River Ridge, from a mysterious retirement that apparently didn't stick. The unlikely partnership appeared to be going swimmingly until this summer, when the restaurant's owners sold it.
Last Sunday Vazquez was back in itinerant chef mode, cooking a menu of Burmese food at Stein's Market & Deli. He plans to stage what he's calling the Hush Supper Club every Sunday at Stein's, with the menu changing each week.
This week Vazquez is focusing on Latin America. According to the Supper Club's Facebook page, the menu will include Peruvian shrimp chowder, pork and chicken tamales and spiced duck confit with posole chile verde.
Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.


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2 posts tagged with recommendations by elwoodwiles.
Displaying 1 through 2 of 2.
Recommendations for learning web design basics using Mac tools?
Any good online tutorials or books to teach web design basics? I need to know things about tables, layout and inserting/formating text. I'd prefer advice that deals with composer or some other free, mac friendly application. Thanks!
Is The Rabbit wine opener any good?
So I've been struggling with the christmas present issue - What to get for my parents? I've decided on a Rabbit wine opener, but it has mixed reviews. Does anyone have this device or an equivalent wine tool?
Page: 1


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Reputation management and building relationships with customers is foremost in minds of most New Zealand businesses. The recent Fonterra scare lets us all know we need to keep on top of our game at all times. Our customers need to be…» read more
a href="http://www.mobilizemail.com/2013/08/04/reputation-management-what-we-learn-from-fonterra/?utm_source%3Drss%26utm_medium%3Drss%26utm_campaign%3Dreputation-management-what-we-learn-from-fonterra&utm_source=ch&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ps">Read the full article here: <


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• What: Women's College World Series opener.
• Where: ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, Oklahoma City.
• Who: No. 5-seed Michigan Wolverines (46-10) vs. No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide (52-9).
• When: 7 p.m. Thursday.
• Of note: The winner plays the winner of the Florida-Arizona game at 9 p.m. Friday. The Michigan-Alabama loser plays the Florida-Arizona loser at 2 p.m. Saturday.
The University of Michigan softball team had just clinched its first Women's College World Series berth in four years with a 7-1 Super Regional win over Baylor on Saturday, and sophomore slugger Dorian Shaw was about to speak.
After sitting silently for 9 minutes while three teammates and coach Carol Hutchins answered the questions, Shaw, who a night earlier belted a school record-tying three home runs in an 8-1 win over Baylor, needed a mere 20 seconds to make the most pointed statement of the postgame news conference.
"Now that we've reached one milestone, it is one thing to get there - and that is an amazing accomplishment - but at the same time, like, we're a very hungry team," Shaw said, leaning forward in her chair and staring back at her questioner.
"And we have been all year. ... Just knowing that we have a chance to step on that field and prove ourselves one more time is what means the most to us. We are definitely not going to take it for granted."
The No. 7-ranked Wolverines clearly are focused on more than a token appearance at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City this week.
They want to repeat their 2005 feat as the only softball program east of the Mississippi River to win the national championship.
But it won't be easy. The Wolverines (46-10), seeded No. 5 overall, take on No. 4 seed Alabama (52-9), 23-3 in its last 26 games, in their WCWS opener at 7 p.m. Thursday. The winner advances to play the Florida-Arizona winner at 9 p.m. Friday.
While the top-ranked Gators (60-3) appear to be the team to beat - they recorded 17 shutouts during their current 26-game winning streak - the Wolverines might be the second-best team left in the eight-team field.
They've shown consistency: 26 wins in their last 27 games, including all five postseason games.
They've shown moxie: They came back to win 10 times in their last 22 games.
They've shown hot hitting and defense: a .319 batting average and 6.6 runs per game, and 1.4 runs allowed per game in that span.
All of that has Hutchins, the winningest coach in Michigan athletics history, happy with her team's chances.
"They're a very confident group right now, and they know it," Hutchins said. "And a confident team is worth twice as much as a nonconfident team."
Initial itinerary
Michigan flew to Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, just in time for Party at the Park, the official opening ceremonies for the WCWS at the 7,000-seat ASA Hall of Fame Stadium. Before attending the night event, which featured fireworks and activities for fans, the team enjoyed dinner together at a local restaurant. The team had a busy day slated for today: a 30-minute question-and-answer session with media members before 60 minutes of free time. Then one hour devoted to ESPN interviews, followed by one hour each of practice time on a practice field, then on the stadium field.
Relief for the juniors
Hutchins revealed a secret after Saturday's clinching game: She's relieved her talented six-player junior class reached the WCWS this season.
Each of Hutchins' recruiting classes since 1992 has played in at least one World Series. That streak could have ended this year with seniors Teddi Ewing and Megan Gregory.
"Next year, I didn't want my juniors to feel all of the pressure in the world. It's hard when you start having those expectations," she said.
Four juniors start for Michigan: Findlay, third baseman Maggie Viefhaus, pitcher/designated player Nikki Nemitz and catcher Roya St. Clair.
Kevin Ryan can be reached at email@example.com or 734-994-6812.


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AUBURN HILLS -- The Detroit Pistons haven't fared well at home or against the Western Conference this season, so their 126-109 victory Saturday over the Denver Nuggets offered additional evidence that the long-struggling team may not be finished yet.
They played a Western-style game, and played it well.
The Pistons scored their most points in a game this season for their second consecutive victory, amid evidence that the Kyle Singler starting experiment may be working. Detroit starters combined for 107 points, their second consecutive season-high, after scoring 93 in Friday's win over Brooklyn.
Singler has started three games at shooting guard, two of them wins.
Brandon Jennings had 35 points and 12 assists for the Pistons. Josh Smith had 30 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Andre Drummond added 18 points and 15 rebounds.
Rodney Stuckey scored all 19 bench points for the Pistons, including 11 in the fourth quarter.
The Pistons (21-29) hit the 50-game mark a half-game behind eighth-place Charlotte for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, with growing sentiment from a discontented fan base that they would be better off losing the rest of the way and preserving their first-round draft pick.
Pistons coach Maurice Cheeks, asked about that very debate, replied, "It's not a debate for me."
"(The goal is) for us to just play as well as we can, get an eighth seed, seventh seed, sixth seed, whatever that is, because once you get in, you never know what can happen," Cheeks said. "If you get in the playoffs, you just never know. Anything can happen.
"There have been eight seeds have beaten one seeds before -- not often, but it's been done before. If you don't get in, there's no chance at it. So for me, you play as well as you can to see if you can get a chance to get in the playoffs and go from there."
--The Pistons scored 20 fast-break points in the first half, more than they scored in 27 of their first 49 games. They finished with 30 fast-break points.
--The Pistons improved to 3-15 against the West and 11-15 at home.
--Will Bynum clearly has not escaped Cheeks' doghouse after their confrontation Wednesday at Orlando. Bynum didn't play for the second consecutive game, even though Chauncey Billups didn't play the second game of the back-to-back. Cheeks went with Rodney Stuckey as backup point guard.
--Denver jumped to a 14-4 lead on the strength of a 4-of-4 start on 3-point attempts.
--Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson left with 30 seconds remaining in the first half with a lower back strain. He did not return.
-- Download the Detroit Pistons on MLive app for iPhone and Android


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The average cost of carpal tunnel release surgery | livestrong.com, Photo credit laparoscopic surgery image by grzegorz kwolek from fotolia.com as with most surgical procedures, the cost of carpal tunnel release surgery.
Surgery | carpal-tunnel.net, Surgery. surgery has been the mainstay of cts treatment since the 1950s and has received the lions share of scientific attention with endless publications devoted to.
Carpal tunnel surgery – emedtv: health information brought to life, Carpal tunnel surgery, which reduces pressure on the median nerve, can help reduce wrist and hand pain. this emedtv segment describes the two kinds of surgery and.
Carpal tunnel surgery recovery, After carpal tunnel surgery, recovery starts in the hospital and continues at home. this emedtv page discusses recovery from carpal tunnel surgery, including what to.
Carpal tunnel syndrome – wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Carpal tunnel syndrome (cts) is a median entrapment neuropathy that causes paresthesia, pain, numbness, and other symptoms in the distribution of the median nerve due.
Carpal tunnel work comp settlement amounts, facts you should know, What lawyers don't tell you about carpal tunnel work comp settlement amounts.
Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, recovery, complications, and more, Most people with carpal tunnel syndrome are treated without surgery. surgery is considered only when: symptoms have not improved after a long period of.
Carpal tunnel surgery pain | ehow – ehow | how to videos, articles, During carpal tunnel surgery the patient's hand and wrist are numbed with local anesthesia. there is no pain during the carpal tunnel surgery itself..
Carpal tunnel release – carpal tunnel surgery – healthgrades.com, Learn about carpal tunnel release. view risks, prognosis, videos and what to expect when considering this procedure..


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Hoboken City Council is meeting tonight to address the Zoning Board of Adjustment's approval of a 12-story Rey Foods building on 509 Newark St., which was initially proposed by the property owner. The meeting is scheduled for City Hall at 7 p.m.
In a news release, the Skyline board of directors said they want the Council to strike the approval down because of concerns that the development will block all Manhattan and Hudson River views from the south side of the building. The Skyline board expects this will, in turn, decrease its property values.
"We believe the owner did not demonstrate hardship or economic need for 10 additional stories on this property," the Skyline board said.
The public is invited but will not be permitted to speak.


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Katie Melua: Secret Symphony
True originality isn't easy to come by in the music business these days. We've witnessed more than a fair share of artists drowning in a sea of likewise imitators. This makes us appreciate the odd exceptions who, year after year, manage to produce better music with each record that they release. Katie Melua's new album Secret Symphony presents what any fan base would wish for in a new release; the familiar style they have come to love with a fresh twist.
Steady, relaxed vocals and soothing bluesy music are what shaped Melua's previous albums, yet Secret Symphony introduces bolder elements that are foreign to her trademark style. The usual slow guitar and piano melodies have been infused with new sounds, while Melua has included covers that give insight into her own inspirations.
'Moonshine' lifts the record's tempo with a finger-snapping melody and low pitched guitar base after 'The Bit I Don't Get', whose clever rhymes and meaningful lyrics make it the best song on the album: "The bit that I don't get, it's how it changed so fast/How it changed from we will always be together, to it will never last".
The only song written by Melua on her own, except for her two collaborations with established British producer Mike Batt, is 'Forgetting All My Troubles' whose positive tones stand out against the measured ambience of the album.
Though the album contains some covers, you hardly wince, as Melua more than makes them her own. The best of them is the cover of the 1923 song 'Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out', a song covered by countless artists before. It adds a unique edge to the album, especially when listening closely to the cynical lyrics.
Like in previous album The House, Melua cements her position as the go-to artist when it comes to languid, romantic songs - a reputation that, over the years, has attracted as much scorn as it has attracted adoration. Overall, Secret Symphony marks a welcome return of the style that put Melua on the map. More than just regurgitating her old sound though, she has taken a leap into exploring and expanding it.
Album opener 'San Angeles' will get feet moving and booties shaking, but the rest of the album is decidedly more post-rock oriented. The influences of Pink Floyd only really make a grand appearance on psychedelic tune 'Lunar Drift', with its spooky synths and echoing bass line.
'The Eliminator' takes the listener back to the eighties again, as the repetitive electronic beat that is used sounds a lot like the 8-bit sounds that were the backdrop for many early eighties video games. Imagine the aforementioned desert wasteland turning 8-bit coloured.
The eighties also dominate in the strummed intro to 'Martin Rev', evoking memories of Survivor's 'Eye of the Tiger'. You'd almost think the guys of Maserati had wished they were making music a few decades ago.
The legendary Jimi Hendrix once listed Buddy Guy as a major influence, as did Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan. It's not hard to see why; even at the ripe age of 77, this pioneer of Chicago Blues is able to release explosive album, Rhythm & Blues; a record that shot straight to number one on Billboard's Blues Album Chart.
Outside of the fact that this is his 27th release, Buddy is ranked 30th in the Rolling Stone's Greatest Guitarists of All Time, has a song in their Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time, and a guitar in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. He's an old hand, a professional, and it shows; with seemingly effortless ease, he's rattled off 21 songs that range between uncompromising, rampaging rock and roll (as in 'Best In Town') to slow, smooth and screaming blues (check out 'I Go By Feel' or 'Whisky Ghost').
Despite his age, Buddy's voice is just as strong and assertive as ever and indeed has gained a gritty, soulful quality that adds depth and a certain appeal to the album; as if to reaffirm his guitar credentials the album's littered with solos that are by turns mournful or chaotic -wah-wah abounds throughout.
Although the album is dominated by Buddy, to think of it as a one-man show would be a mistake. Aerosmith's Steven Tyler makes a guest appearance on 'Evil Twin', and across the album you'll hear Kid Rock, Keith Urban and Gary Clark Jr; in particular, 'What You Gonna Do About Me' featuring Beth Hart, shows how effectively Buddy can share a stage.
More than these guests, it's the session musicians standing behind Buddy who give the album its tone of power, energy and confidence. The drummer asserts himself with wide, loud fills and rhythms that seem to say "I'm here, and this song is happening now - I hope you've braced yourself." He's also intuitively connected to Buddy, giving the guitarist's solos a flavour and current that could not exist were he a lesser drummer.
The bassist exudes a quiet confidence that strengthens the foundations from which Buddy works; throughout most of the album you don't realise he's there until you listen, but once you do you can't stop. Backup vocalists add depth and variety and his pianist/organist is astonishing. An excellent horns section adds that certain something that pushes this album over the top; talented and versatile, they add swagger to funk and soul to blues, and are the spice that makes this album gourmet.
27 albums in, it's no surprise that Buddy is set in his ways; all his previous releases have been blues albums, and any in the future will also be blues albums. But within that framework, Buddy continues to deliver songs that are sometimes nostalgic, sometimes innovative. He seems to know when to stick to his guns and when to experiment, particularly with new guitar pedals, and has included an array of guests, both young and old, to create an excellent fusion of past and present.


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Playing: Loading...
On Air: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Little Mix just dropped the ultimate girl power music video with 'Shout Out To My Ex'.
Mack Horton has a pretty amazing medical story.
Some of Australia's airports have received high praise in the annual airport awards from the experts over at Sleeping In Airports.
Young Aussies are getting themselves into trouble overseas more than ever before.
Australians searching for a job may soon find that employers are looking for a more diverse background than just impressive school results.
Just don't check it WHILE you're driving
Southern Cross Austereo


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FLINT, MI -- A woman already donning a shower cap decided one cap was not enough.
A worker at W. Atherton Road store told police the woman walked in about 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, wearing a bonnet-style shower cap and asked to see more shower caps.
The worker said he turned to help another customer when the woman snatched a $1 shower cap and sprinted out the door without paying for it.
She was seen leaving in a silver, four-door car. No other information was available.


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Syracuse, NY -- A Skaneateles woman under indictment on charges she stole more than $40,000 from an American Legion post was indicted today on charges she stole from the post's auxiliary, as well.
Linda M. Conner, 48, of 4617 Phillips Road, was indicted on charges of third-degree grand larceny and first-degree falsifying business records, both felonies. She was accused of stealing $4,675 from the American Legion Auxiliary Valentine Meyer Post 317 between January 2006 and November while she was the group's treasurer.
An earlier indictment charges Conner with stealing $42,864.28 from the American Legion Post 317 between April 2007 and November while she was the group's bookkeeper.


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"The sea was angry that day, my friends, like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli." — George Costanza, from the "Seinfeld" episode "The Marine Biologist"
Sunday was supposed to be a special day in Disney Cruise Line history — the launching of the reimagined Disney Magic cruise liner out of Miami, Fla.
The Magic had been in dry-dock in Spain since early September, undergoing an extensive overhaul with the addition of several new and exciting amenities.
The ship left Cadiz, Spain, last week with the plan being to put the finishing touches on the ship before its return to service Oct. 20.
But. as George Costanza famously said, the sea — specifically, the Atlantic Ocean — was angry and just didn't cooperate.
The work that was supposed to be down during the trans-Atlantic crossing couldn't be completed, thanks to the rough seas.
So Disney Cruise Line made the unprecedented move of canceling tomorrow's five-day sailing so the work could be completed.
Guests who were scheduled to sail tomorrow will be compensated. According a memo issued to travel agents from DCL:
"We are truly sorry for disappointing your clients and their traveling party with this news. Therefore, in addition to a full refund of their voyage fare, your clients will also receive a complimentary sailing up to five nights in length on the Disney Magic when sailing from Miami or Port Canaveral, Fla., before May 16, 2014.
"This complimentary sailing is subject to availability, offered in the same category stateroom with the same party mix originally booked aboard the Disney Magic and is non-transferable. Guests who are unable to take advantage of this complimentary cruise offer are invited to sail at a 35% future cruise discount on any Caribbean or Bahamian sailing of up to seven nights in length, taken by Oct. 31, 2015, excluding holiday and select peak sail dates."


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Click the above link for event brochure.
On November 14th 2012, Michael Dippy and IDignity were honored as one of four recipients of the Manhattan Institute's Richard Cornuelle Award for Social Entrepreneurship. This esteemed national designation is awarded each year to individuals whom are leading efforts to solve significant social issues. IDignity and Michael are humbled by this award and hope it will further the mission of IDignity to restore dignity and hope by providing identification.
Click here to view the associated video »
The IDignity portion of the video starts at 15:00
To see the photos from IDignity in NYC click here.


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Magnesite (multi) Round 8mm
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PSE&G plans to begin construction work in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area for its controversial Susquehanna-Roseland power project Tuesday, despite environmentalists' concerns the massive infrastructure upgrade would damage environmentally sensitive areas.
Judge Richard W. Roberts of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia Thursday dismissed a lawsuit by several environmental groups challenging federal permits for the project, according to statements released by PSE&G and some of its opponents in the lawsuit.
The company called the judge's decision "the right decision for millions of people throughout the mid-Atlantic region who will have more reliable electric service because of this project."
A coalition of environmental groups had been trying to halt construction of the new high-voltage power lines — roughly twice the height as power lines currently in place, largely along the same route as those planned for the upgrade. In a recent motion trying to convince the judge to at least delay work until the lawsuit was resolved, they argued the upgrade would "permanently scar the landscape and damage unique geological and ecological resources in three treasured national park units."
The groups argued that the National Park Service unlawfully granted permission for the new power line, and that its environmental review didn't satisfy certain requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. They have also argued the project would keep coal-fired plants open by enabling them to sell power to East Coast customers, as reported by the Star-Ledger.Vegetation clearing and access road construction is set to begin Tuesday. The environmental groups have said that work alone would clear 4.6 acres of mature trees in previously undisturbed public lands.
Starting in October, PSE&G plans begin constructing foundations for 26 new towers for the new line. The installations would involve excavations 15 to 30 feet deep in what the environmental groups described as "rare geologic formations" in their recent motion, Starting in November, PSE&G would then begin dismantling the existing lines.
When complete, the project will consist of a 500,00- volt transmission line from the Berwick area in Pennsylvania to PSE&G's substation in Roseland, running through 16 New Jersey communities in Warren, Sussex, Morris and Essex counties.
"This ruling affirms the position of the companies and the National Park Service that these permits were issued properly and after thorough study," Kim Hanemann, PSE&G Delivery Projects and Construction vice president, said in a company statement Thursday. "We will move forward with construction as planned.""
Other parts of the line are already under construction in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. PSE&G anticipates the line will be in service by June, 2015.
Regional grid operator PJM Interconnection has argued the project is necessary because the existing power line can't keep up with modern electricity demands.
"The issues around Susquehanna-Roseland are upon us now," Steve Herling, vice president of planning for PJM Interconnection, told NJ.com last year. "We are actually concerned that our ability to operate the grid around those issues over the next couple years will be very challenging."
The Sierra Club, one of the groups behind the motion, noted in a statement last month that last year PJM cancelled two similar transmission expansion projects, the Mid Atlantic Power Pathway and the Potomac Appalachian Transmission Highline.
"We are disappointed by the decision," Sierra Club director Jeff Tittel said in a statement his organization released Thursday evening. "We are going to review our case looking for grounds for appeal. We think the court was wrong in its decision and the fight will continue."
Approvals for the power line upgrade were fast-tracked in 2010 under an Obama administration initiative to move electric grid projects forward.
Included among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit were the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions, the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, the National Parks Conservation Association, the New Jersey Highlands Coalition, the New York–New Jersey Trail Conference, Rock the Earth, the Sierra Club and Stop the Lines.


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The students at Penns Grove High School recently participated in an activity promoting safe driving habits.
During the day, a Grim Reaper visited various classes every 20 minutes to take selected students to transform the students into accident casualties to signify people lost in accidents.
After being transformed, the students were returned to class where they were no longer allowed to speak.
Instead each student had a true story on how he/she passed away in a car accident to further educate their classmates. At the end of the day, the students attended an assembly hosted by a young man who lost his sight in a car accident caused by a teenager who was driving recklessly.
The students learned about the young man's life before and after the car accident.
Pictured are students that took part in the program.
Contact the South Jersey Times at 856-935-1500 or at firstname.lastname@example.com. Find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/SouthJerseyTimes or follow us on Twitter @theSJTimes


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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A 20-year-old from Westerleigh who had offered to buy a pair of Air Jordans from a 13-year-old friend grabbed the sneakers and drove off without paying, police allege.
Police say Matthew Cacciamani, 20, of Hawthorne Avenue, met with the teen about 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at the corner of South Railroad and Justin avenues, then plucked the sneakers from the teens' hand and left.
Police arrested Cacciamani on Tuesday, charging him with petit larceny and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.


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Joan Lorring
Born on April 17, 1926
From Hong Kong
Joan Lorring as "Bessie Watty"
Determined to educate the town's illiterate children, spinster schoolteacher L.C. Moffat (Bette Davis) opens a school in the tiny Welsh coal-mining community of Glansarno. Battling the contrary local squire (Nigel Bruce), Miss Moffat becomes increasingly discouraged until she sees extraordinary potential in one of her older students, Morgan Evans (John Dall). When Morgan fathers a child out of wedlock, the teacher fears her pupil's chance at an Oxford education may be destroyed.
|Academy Award (1945)
|Actress in a Supporting Role