text:
The forecast for the end of the much-cussed, state-owned liquor store system?
Brighter than ever before, according to many proponents and independent observers.
Since "ever before" consists of a 40-year history of futility in the bid to privatize the liquor stores, all that guarantees is one heck of a fight in Pennsylvania over this issue in the months to come.
Support from Gov. Tom Corbett and Republican majorities in the House and Senate notwithstanding, most observers said House Majority Leader Mike Turzai and his legislative allies have several hurdles to overcome if they are to carry the day this time.
First, Turzai, the self-appointed leader of the latest effort, must write a bill that keeps supporters on board while offering proof to fence-sitters that there is enough of a return to make it a financial winner for the state. He outlined the bill on Wednesday; it will be introduced in the House next week.
Turzai, an Allegheny County Republican, is confident.
He claims license sales could generate $1.5 billion to $2 billion in upfront money that the state could use to attack its shortfalls in pension or transportation funding. Annual liquor taxes, he argues, should at least be maintained at current levels.
Still, keeping a pro-privatization coalition together could be tricky.
As one lobbyist with several business clients who are plowing through the details of Turzai's plan put it this week, "Everybody I know in the liquor industry says: 'What's in it for me? What's it do to my business?'"
Beyond that, there is the race to 102 votes, the majority needed to pass a bill in the House, where this issue will almost certainly go first.
Democrats promise to oppose the bill, in deference to union allies likely to make this their top battle of the year.
"A private liquor store worker is not going to be making $13 an hour, he's probably going to be going to be making $8 an hour with lesser benefits," said Rick Bloomingdale, state AFL-CIO president and one of many labor leaders who vowed a fight. "We see an injury to one as an injury to all."
House Minority Leader Frank Dermody, D-Allegheny County, confirmed Wednesday that he will ask all of his members to oppose the bill on grounds that the system is working as well as it ever has, pays for itself while adding hundreds of millions to state coffers each year, and provides family-supporting jobs that won't be replaced in the private sector.
The state stores themselves employ about 2,200, with clerks averaging about $30,000 in salary plus full state benefits and store managers averaging about $45,000.
If the Democrats hold ranks, that means supporters of privatization might have to build their support from the 112-member Republican caucus that's not necessarily in lockstep on the issue.
The keys are two groups: conservatives, many from the midstate, who believe customer convenience will improve in a private system against the intensity of those against increasing availability and access to alcohol.
Some 24 Republican House members voted against a far less-expansive liberalization of rules — including a loosening of Happy Hours rules at bars and restaurants — just last month.
Among them are Rep. Gordon Denlinger, R-Lancaster County, who lists himself as "firmly undecided" on Turzai's bill because of uncertainty over whether it's a good economic deal for the state, and worries that liquor controls would be weakened.
"The question is, is there a compelling societal interest in limiting these products' availability? For me, and for the district I represent, I think the answer is yes," Denlinger said.
Then, too, there are about 15 Republicans with far larger numbers of union members in their districts than most GOP members, who might feel it's politically dangerous to take on labor over this issue.
One of them, Rep. Dennis O'Brien, R-Philadelphia, declared his opposition to Turzai's plan Wednesday.
Turzai probably can't lose more than a dozen or so votes combined from those groups, and he seemed confident about that Wednesday, asserting "I don't think it's going to be a heavy lift. ... I think this thing is sold."
Indeed, at least four members who voted against the Happy Hour bill attended the rollout of Turzai's bill Wednesday, convinced by his argument that the state should end its conflict of trying to regulate and sell alcohol at the same time.
As Rep. John Baer, R-Lancaster County, put it, "I am totally for strong regulations and strong enforcement, and I think we can have that. But I don't believe we should be in the store fronts with this."
Corbett, who has expressed solid support for privatizing liquor sales, is another X factor.
On Tuesday, Corbett listed liquor privatization as part of a broader fall agenda that will also include a renewed focus on school choice, regulation of Marcellus Shale gas drilling, and transportation funding.
He did not directly endorse Turzai's proposal then, saying he first wants to see the results of an appraisal from Public Financial Management of Philadelphia on the value of privatizing Pennsylvania's system.
"I don't think we should be in the business. That's number one," he said, adding "How you get to that point, and once you privatize it, how much revenue comes in to you, that has to be worked on."
But some lobbyists warned that the governor will likely have to get far more hands-on in his personal lobbying and salesmanship than he did with some issues this spring to see this particular campaign goal achieved.
Finally, there is public opinion, which continues to blow strongly in the direction of ditching the system. In March, a Franklin & Marshall College poll found 64 percent of respondents favored the sale of state stores to private licensees, with just 26 percent opposed.
Even at that, pollster G. Terry Madonna, a longtime observer of Pennsylvania's Legislature, rated Turzai's plan a 40-60 proposition at best because of the competition of interests, the inertia involved and the expected intensity of the fight from unions, anti-DUI groups and other quarters.
"I think this is the best environment to pass a bill to sell those liquor stores probably since they were created in the 1930s," Madonna said. "Having said that, I still think it's an uphill climb that's going to take an all-out push by lawmakers as well as the folks in the interest groups that support it."


text:
Kristin Van Handel, a textile designer, and Dennis Russo, a theatre professor, both structured their vows as promises to each other—but they didn't plan it that way; they actually wrote their vows separately. The couple love how they just happened to express their feelings for each other in the same way.
Dennis to Kristin
As the cliché says, you showed up
when I was least expecting you.
I intend to love you, hold you,
and grow very, very old with you.
These are my promises:
I promise to always be there
when you have troubles, and
to know that sometimes simply
letting you talk about your
problems is enough.
I promise to be the most
dependable person in your life.
I promise you that laughter
will always be commonplace
in our house.
I promise to do my best to age
gracefully in body and soul, and
not to become a cranky old man.
I promise, from this day
forward, to live my life as a
member of a band, and not a
solo artist.
I promise to lead and follow
accordingly, and to keep our
relationship in good balance.
To quote a favorite writer,
"You fill up all those empty
spaces." For that I am grateful,
and every day you will see that
Kristin to Dennis
I am truly blessed to be a part
of your life, which as of today
becomes our life together.
I promise to encourage your
dreams, because that is what
makes you so unique.
I promise to celebrate the joy
of every day with you.
I promise to stand by your side
through life's most joyous
moments and challenging ones.
I promise to be kind, patient
and forgiving.
I promise to always honor
your passion for hockey.
I promise to always remember
that laughter is life's sweetest
creation, and I will never stop
laughing with you.
But most of all, I promise to
be your true companion always.
For one lifetime with you could
never be enough.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Martin L. Shoemaker
strongMartin L. Shoemaker/strong is a software developer with 17 years of experience in the industry. He has worked in the fields of color science, online shopping, databases, material handling, medical imaging, and customer relations management. Martin is also an accomplished speaker, having presented to the Detroit Colour Council, the Ann Arbor Computer Society, the Ann Arbor IT Zone, Rubi-Con Security Conference, VS Live!, UML World Conference, Software Development Conference, and Web Services Edge. His most popular presentation is Richard Hale Shaw's UML BootCamp. He has presented this course both in public settings and for individual clients including Microsoft, Microsoft Great Plains Business Solutions, Intermec, Siemens Dematic-Rapistan Division, Arthur Andersen Consulting, University of Michigan, Target, Syngenta, Silicon Energy, Tyco International, and more.
Martin L. Shoemaker's Books
UML Applied
- Publication Date: March 24, 2004
- Price: $34.99
This book is the first to examine the two worlds of Unified Modeling Language (UML) and .NET concurrently. Learn More …


text:
After a relatively successful set of predictions for 2010, here are our prognostications for 2011. Don't laugh...if history serves as a guide, several will come true...or mostly true.
1. The Apple iPad 2 (or whatever it's called) will be available with a front-facing camera and 4G (LTE), but will have the same screen resolution as the iPad. We should know about April.
2. Nintendo will launch a new Wii console with HD output, DVD playback, and a Kinect-like video camera accessory. I think the first two are a lock, but the third part of that is more wish than expectation.
3. At least one of the smartphone platforms (iOS, Android, Symbian, Blackberry, WP7, MeeGo, webOS, Bada) will go away for good. My money is on Bada.
4. 3D will continue to grow, but not substantially and will mostly be relegated to gaming and in-theater movie experiences.
5. More Android tablets/slates will be sold in 2011 than iOS tablets/slates. That assumes, of course, that the tsunami of Android slates we should see at CES results in products you can actually buy.
6. At least one of the DSLR manufacturers (Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus, Pentax/Samsung, Leica, Panasonic, Sigma) will cease producing DSLRs and/or be acquired by another company. My guess is Sigma, as I really have no idea how they can afford to put out mediocre (read "poorly selling") DSLR after mediocre DSLR.
7. By the end of 2011, Windows Phone will have the third largest app catalog (behind iOS & Android). That shouldn't be too much of a stretch, as its growth curve means it'll surpass Blackberry's 15,000 apps or so in a few months.
8. Google will struggle to establish content licensing agreements for Google TV, ending 2011 with a still-lackluster platform. Unless Google is willing to toss a bunch of cash at the networks, that is...it isn't going to win this on charm alone.
9. Facebook will become the 2nd largest (most trafficked) website in the world (overtaking Microsoft.com). Heck...maybe the largest. A reminder that being successful doesn't mean doing anything to significantly improve the human condition.
10. Twitter will be acquired by another company. Fingers crossed they aren't evil.


text:
Aji Zen Canteen facts...
In 1958, instant noodles were invented by Momofuku Ando, the Taiwanese-Japanese founder and chairman of Nissin Foods, now run by his son Koki Ando. Named the greatest Japanese invention of the 20th century in a Japanese poll,instant ramen allowed anyone to make this dish simply by adding boiling water.
Whether you are visiting one of London's premier attractions, or spending an evening at one of the many bars or theatres, Aji Zen Canteen is the perfect place to relax and grab good tasty no nonsense food.
With its minimalistic décor inspired by Japan's ramen bars Aji serves a variety of authentic Japanese Dishes which have been popular in Japan for many years. At Aji freshness is paramount so your dish will be delivered to your table as soon as it is ready.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7620 6117
Email them Here
Book Online Here


text:
Fifty years ago this weekend: Remembering the Heisman Trophy run of Oregon State quarterback Terry Baker.
Dec. 15, 1962: After the Beavers' 6-0 win over Villanova in the Liberty Bowl, Terry Baker said it was worse than playing on concrete. The field at Philadelphia Municipal Stadium was frozen into a rock-hard, uneven surface as the thermometer reached only 17 degrees at kickoff. That didn't stop Baker from traversing that tundra in one of the most famous plays in OSU history – a 99-yard run for the game's only score.
Baker's line: He completed 9 of 21 passes for 123 yards and no interceptions, along with 13 carries for 137 yards. The 260 yards of offense gave Baker 5,240 on the season, or just 40 yards short of three miles.
They said it: "As for that long run of his, three of our guys had a shot at him in the end zone and none could stop him,'' Villanova coach Alex Bell said. "You have to be great to make an escape like that.''
We wrote it: "Giving his final collegiate grid performance before 17,048 chilled spectators and an unseen national television audience of millions, Baker wiped out any lingering doubt of his greatness and convincingly proved why he earned so many honors as the nation's No. 1 football player this past fall.''
Did you know? There still is no agreement as to who actually called the play on which Baker ran 99 yards. Later, he and coach Tommy Prothro agreed that it was a lousy call – especially considering offensive lineman George Gnoss was injured on the previous play and couldn't block for Baker in his own end zone. "His knee had locked up,'' Baker said. "So he just fell down.'' But Baker broke the tackles and sprinted past the Villanova secondary, wearing tennis shoes (and long underwear) on the icy field.


text:
8th May 2009, 07:37 AM
Hi guys, I have tried the Isonic 94 in Aruba and love it, in great condition. Now I am back home on my favorite spot on the lake and try to figure wich board size i'm gone buy. I am 63 kg, very good technique to go planning. I usually windsurf in 12 to 25 knots. Usually use 5.8 to 7.0 race sails. Just wondering if the 94 is good for me on lake condition. I also tried the 101 , feel great on the staight line but have to go on wider jibe. Do you think i'm gone plane in 15 knots with a 7.0m with the 94?
Thanks, :cool:
Thanks, :cool:


text:
Syracuse, NY -- Syracuse police are seeking information about a stabbing Wednesday afternoon at Hartson and Herriman streets.
Police said Tyrell Spivey, 23, was stabbed in the upper chest about 4:01 p.m. by a skinny man, about 6 feet 2 inches tall, with poofy hair. He was wearing a red shirt and hat.
Spivey was taken to Upstate University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He is not cooperating with the investigation, police said. They asked anyone with information to call them at 442-5222.


text:
Get More: Music Videos, Free Music Videos
"Rob and Kristen were so comfortable with each other," said Wyck. "I've done a lot of sex scenes in movies and the two of them really handled it in such an intimate, creative way. They really connected." Yep, the chemistry between the two stars was one of our favorite things about Breaking Dawn, and it totally comes across when their clothes are off…
© 2016
Powered by
Badges |
Report an Issue |
Terms of Service
Site Created & Designed By:
Please check your browser settings or contact your system administrator.


text:
You have no items in your shopping cart.
This print started out as a baseball card more than twenty years ago. Every aspect of it is designed to preserve the original look and feel of the card, from the printing pattern to the slightly worn edges. In fact, this print started by finding the actual card in our vault and then painstakingly re-mastering it with a team of designers. The authenticity extends to manufacturing; each print is made on high-quality, cotton fine art paper that measures 1/64 inches in thickness. Framed prints feature 2-inch flat wood or metallic frames with high-end, glare-resistant glass. And all prints are officially licensed by MLB and the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
You couldn't hold an All-Star Game from 1960-74 without Baltimore Orioles legend Brooks Robinson. He would struggle at bit at the plate in the 1969 season by hitting .234. He killed the Twins in the ALCS by hitting .500 but struggled mightily in the World Series loss to the Mets, going just 1-for-19.
Intellectual Property Notice: © 2013 All Rights Reserved. Topps is a registered trademark of The Topps Company, Inc.


text:
Coming events can be mailed to Advance Publications, P.O. Box 130, New Bloomfield 17068, or e-mailed to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Saturday, Sept. 10: Join Hands for Jeri charity auction to raise funds for American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, 11 a.m., at Shermanata Grange, Duncannon.
New Bloomfield Fire Company Thursday night bingo starts at 7, Sept. 15. Held every Thursday through April.
Monday night bingo, Duncannon EMS, Shermanata Drive.
Church events
Saturday, Sept. 10: Fall festival, 3:30 p.m., at Pine Grove Church of God, Route 849 between Newport and Duncannon. Nine flavors of homemade ice cream, soups, sandwiches, baked goods.
Sunday, Sept. 11: 9/11 observance at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Millerstown. Message will prayers, readings, scriptures; bring written dreams, thoughts, prayers and wishes for future to be placed on altar and at later date messages will be sent to the Lord as they are burned. Readers may call Rev. Westgate, 444-7354, for details.
Sunday, Sept. 11: "Blessings in the Barn," 1 p.m., at 560 Center Road, Newport. Service theme: Remembering those who perished on 9/11. Lunch follows.
Sunday, Sept. 11: Tribute in remembrance of 9/11 tragedy, 6 p.m., at Snyder's U.M. Church, 1724 New Bloomfield Road, New Bloomfield. Music by Keepin' It Simple. Ice cream social after program.
Sunday, Sept. 18: Documentary presentation, "Appalachian Dawn," 6-8:30 p.m., at Family Life Center, Newport. Sponsored by Central Pennsylvania Prayer Network. Readers may call 834-4603 for information.
Sunday, Sept. 18: "Messy church," 3-5 p.m., at Millerstown U.M.C., corner of High and Greenwood streets, with crafts, worship and light meal. Communion theme. Readers may call 589-3565 for information or to register.
Saturday, Sept. 24: Dads of Daughters workshop at Church of the Living Christ, Route 850, between Loysville and Kistler. Breakfast at 7 a.m.; program 8-12:30. To register or for information, readers may call 789-4290 or go to the website, www.churchofthelivingchrist.cc.
Sunday, Sept. 25: Homemade ice cream social and hymn sing, 6:30 p.m., at Sheaffers Valley Church of God, Landisburg.
Church service for farmers who have no time to attend regular service, 1 p.m. on second Sunday of month, at "Pappy John's" barn, 560 Center Road, Newport. Lunch follows. Sponsored by Holy Cross U.M.C.
GriefShare seminars begin at 3 p.m., Sept. 11, at Wesley U.M.C., 450 Sylvan St., Marysville. Readers may call 957-4573 for information.
Craft fairs
Crafters are needed for a craft and gift fair on Oct. 29 at Family Life Center, Newport. To reserve a table, readers may contact Jennifer at 567-7498 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Benefits Bread of Life food bank.
Artists and crafters needed for holiday arts and crafts fair, Sept. 24, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, New Bloomfield. To reserve space, readers may contact Martha at 789-4109 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
CROP Walk
Sunday, Oct. 16: CROP Walk at Little Buffalo State Park. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m.; walk at 1. Readers may call 582-2654 for details.
Saturday, Sept. 10: New Bloomfield Fire Company Street Fair in the square. Food, music, Perry 5000, arts/crafts, children's activities, cake wheel, car/truck show, bucket brigade, firefighter combat challenge, 9/11 remembrance, cash bash.
Sept. 12 and 19: Free square dance lessons, 6:30 p.m., at Shermanata Grange, Duncannon.
Flea/crafts market
Saturday, Sept. 10: Perry County's Largest Flea Market with more than 300 spaces, 7-3, at Shermans Dale Ambulance Building, Richwine Road off Route 34. Held rain or shine. Information available by calling 582-2288.
Yard sale, crafters, vendors and flea market stands needed for a fall fest on Sept. 24 at Highland United Presbyterian Church, Newport. Indoor spaces, $20; outdoor, $10. Registration required by Sept. 10 by calling Janice, 567-2201, or Melissa, 582-2606.
Friday, Sept. 16: Homemade chicken or ham potpie dinner, 3 p.m., at Salem U.M. Church, Route 850, Marysville. Adult, $7; 12-under, $4.
Saturday, Sept. 17: Soup and bake sale, 9-11 a.m., in the square of Newport. Sponsored by Newport Ambulance League social members.
Saturday, Sept. 24: Roast turkey and beef dinner, 4 p.m., at Perry Valley Grange, two miles east of Millerstown on W. Juniata Parkway at Owl Hollow Road. Adult, $11; ages 6-12, $6; 5-under, free. Readers may call 589-3369 for information.
Thursday, Sept. 8: Duncannon Golden Age Club meeting, noon, at St. Bernadette Church.
Plastic model builders club will meet at 7 p.m., Sept. 28, in the Penn Twp. building. For information, readers may contact Eugene Alex at firstname.lastname@example.com.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), meets Thursdays, 5:30-7 p.m., at First Church of God, East Newport, Fifth Street.
TOPS 1494 meets Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. at Bethel Church, Grier Point Road, Marysville. Readers may call 957-2147 for information.
TOPS meets Tuesdays, 6 p.m., at Family Practice Center (dentist office lobby), Loysville. Readers may call Janet, 582-2497, for information.
TOPS Chapter 743, Duncannon, meets Thursday evenings, 5:30, at St. Bernadette's Church. Weigh-in 6-7. Readers may call Linda, 582-8989, for information.
Memorial service
Sunday, Sept. 11: 9/11 memorial service at Newport Firehouse, 301 Mulberry St. Emergency units display, noon-2; program 2-4. Col. Matthew Brown of Carson Long Military Academy speaking.
Saturday, Sept. 10: Perry 5000 race (5K, one-mile walk, fun and pet runs), 9:30 a.m., square of New Bloomfield. Readers may call Woody Simonton, 582-4876, or Gloria Diehl, 582-7001, for information.
Gentle chair yoga classes, 10-11 a.m., first Saturday of month through Dec. 3 at Church of the Nativity, 159 Second St., Newport. Cost is $10/class. Teacher is Kellie Munns. Readers may contact Rev. Daphne Messersmith at 567-6514 or Munns at firstname.lastname@example.com for information.
Ten-week session of fitness classes at Greenwood Elementary School begin Sept. 12. Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. For details, readers may call Debbi at 582-3583. No registration necessary.
Special Olympics volleyball, 6:30-8 p.m., Mondays, at Newport Family Life Center. Readers may call Des at 444-3655 or 645-8196 for details.
Zumba with Dawn and Marissa: Zumbatomic (children 4-14) on Mondays at New Bloomfield Elementary, 6-6:30 p.m., $3; basic Zumba, Mondays at New Bloomfield Elementary, 7-8 p.m., $5; basic Zumba, Thursdays at Centre Presbyterian Church, Loysville, 6:30-7:30 p.m.,
Zumba class with Hillary at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Liverpool, Mondays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m. (except third Saturday of month). Cost is $4/class; first class free.
Aerobic fitness classes, Sept. 12-Nov. 21, Mondays, 6:30 p.m., at Newport Elementary; Thursdays, 6:30, at Center for Independent Living, Second and Walnut streets, Newport. $5/class drop-in or discounted punch card. Registration not necessary. Readers may call Heidi, 713-1031, for more information.
Saturday, Sept. 10: Jackson Hollow School reunion at Old Country Buffet, Harrisburg Pike, Mechanicsburg, 1 p.m. Readers may call Carl Baer, 582-2648, or James Reisinger, 789-3248, for details.
Sept. 16-18: Fifty-year class reunion of William Penn High School (Harrisburg) Class of 1961. For information about the events planned, readers may call 960-0716 or send e-mail to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Saturday, Sept. 17: Lesh family reunion, noon, pavilion 3 at Little Buffalo State Park. Bring covered dish, sodas, chips, etc.; meats, rolls provided. Readers may call Gene, 732-9851, or Harold, 582-8216, for information.
Sunday, Sept. 18: Green Park Union High School class of 1956 meeting at Old Country Buffet, Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, 4 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 25: Cisney reunion, 12:30 p.m., at Nossville Picnic Grounds, Huntingdon County. Readers may call Ronald Cisney, 436-9493, for information.
Sunday, Oct. 16: Harry Barnes family reunion, 12:30 p.m., at Big Spring State Park. Soup provided; bring covered dish, place settings, drink.
Yard sale
Saturday, Sept. 10: Historical Society of Perry County yard sale, 8-4, at Dromgold's Corner, Routes 850 and 34, Shermans Dale. Donations accepted; spaces are $5 each. Food stand open; raffle tickets for sale. Readers may call Bobbi Armolt, 582-3011, to donate items, reserve space or for information.
Sept. 9-10: East Salem U.M.C. food shack at Schlegel's Groceries and Hardware, three miles east of Thompsontown on Route 333. Friday, 10:30-7; Saturday, 10:30-2.
Saturday, Sept. 10: Country fair, 8-3, at Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Road (off Trindle Road), Mechanicsburg.
Saturday, Sept. 10: Metropolitan Area Dance Club dance and cake night, 7-11 p.m., at PA Dance Sport, 585 E. Main St., Hummelstown. Music by Jay and the Jingos. Readers may call 774-2171 for information.


text:
Progress reports were a nightmare in Beaverton schools this October.
It wasn't that the students performed poorly, it was that the new student information system was eating data. Teachers entered grades only to see them disappear. Others opened the system and found it had consumed their seating charts overnight.
"We were beyond pulling our hair out," said Katie Wilkinson, Southridge High School math teacher.
Beaverton and 11 other districts kicked off Edupoint's Synergy this year. Over the next year or two, it will replace the existing system, eSIS, at most school districts across Oregon.
While Beaverton has had the most trouble getting the program to work smoothly, the district's struggles have been a tremendous asset to other districts across the state.
School technology specialists are watching and learning from the 39,000-student district's trials and errors before incorporating Synergy themselves. They meet regularly to talk about the complications with Beaverton and the other districts that are test-piloting the system this year.
"We wanted to get lessons learned and find out if there is anything we can improve or fix or make better," said Marita Ingalsbe, director, IT Applications Services, Portland Public Schools. "We don't want everyone to experience the problems Beaverton has experienced."
Beaverton and Synergy have since patched the disappearing data problem but it took a few weeks. Other smaller "glitches" continue to arise but progress reports in November were much less frustrating, teachers said.
Most teachers and parents are familiar with eSIS, which allows teachers to type in daily assignments, grades, attendance and other information. Parents can access the data from home with an ID code and password.
That system is being discontinued at the end of this school year, and the company is not offering support for eSIS this final year. Should the system fail, the districts are on their own to find a remedy. Most districts are taking their chances and sticking with eSIS so they can take more time implementing Synergy.
Synergy has the potential to put more student information into the hands of teachers, students and parents. Among the highlights, students can track their graduation requirements, parents can receive emails if their child scores below a certain grade level and they can access their child's information via smartphone.
"I think it's going to be fantastic," said Steve Langford, Beaverton chief information officer. "I can't wait for people to experience it."
Beaverton parents will have access to Synergy in February. Hillsboro, Portland, Tigard-Tualatin, Lake Oswego, Reynolds, Gresham-Barlow and dozens of other districts plan to "go live" with Synergy next school year.
"It's still an aggressive time line, but it's more manageable," said Jim Harrington, Hillsboro chief information officer.
Some districts, including Salem-Kaiser, have systems other than eSIS, and plan to hold out a little longer.
After learning in 2010 about the pending demise of eSIS, school districts across the state formed a consortium called Oregon Student Information System -- OSIS -- to find a replacement.
A steering committee of representatives from five districts and a project manager gathered feedback about what districts liked and found lacking in the systems.
"More than 1,000 people were involved in some aspect of the selection process," said Kristen Duus, Salem-Keizer technology director and a member of the steering committee.
After narrowing down the list of vendors, each had to demonstrate its system and Edupoint's Synergy received the highest rating. According to its website, Edupoint has been involved in student information systems for 30 years.
For the next five years, Oregon districts can choose from a package of modules that meet the needs of their schools. In addition, they also have the option to access Synergy through an education service district (ESD) or to work directly with Edupoint.
It's less expensive to go through an ESD because it will house the servers, provide technical services and hold the license, among other expenses. It cuts the costs to districts from $10 per student to about $2 per student the first two years, said Rick Wahlstrom, chief information officer for the Northwest Regional ESD.
Portland Public is saving $350,000 by going through a consortium of ESDs, called the Cascade Technology Alliance, Wahlstrom said. The consortium also includes the Multnomah, Willamette and Columbia Gorge ESDs.
"There's a cost savings to be had when you consolidate technology," he said.
The Alliance helped nine districts "go live" with Synergy this school year and has 18 more on its list for next fall, including Portland.
While it does save districts money, they have less time working directly with Edupoint and, in the case of a large district like Portland, the pool of services offered to all the districts doesn't quite meet their needs, Ingalsbe said. Portland is working through some challenges with the Alliance to customize the services, she said.
Beaverton and Hillsboro are the only districts in the Portland area that chose not to go through an ESD. The two districts are working directly with Edupoint at $10 per student for the first two years before dropping to about $2 per student.
For Hillsboro, which expects to have Synergy in place next fall, the difference is $167,000. It gives the district more control, Harrington said. "We made the decision as a district that the expenditures were worth it."
In Beaverton, the difference is about $312,000, but Langford said the district's system held additional complications from JavaTA, an out-of-date software system. JavaTA, which Langford said few districts still use, also pushed Beaverton to compress a year's worth of implementation into four months fearing eSIS would fail under the aging program and leave teachers and the district without access to student data.
"With such a short timeframe, we needed to be able to quickly and frequently access EduPoint staff to meet our date," Langford said, in an email.
Beaverton teachers aren't happy about being guinea pigs, especially this year since the district laid off about 100 teachers, which boosted class sizes, and transferred 390 teachers to new classes or grade levels.
Teachers said they don't trust the system.
"I can look up students' grades but I have no way of knowing if the grades I am seeing are accurate," said Ariel Hays, Aloha High math teacher. Some have typed a second set of grades for their nearly 200 students.
Aloha High Principal Ken Yarnell called it a perfect storm for Beaverton teachers.
"When you're in the trenches, it's frustrating," he said.
The article reflects a correction published December 14.
Hillsboro and Beaverton school districts are initially paying four times more than most other districts for the new student information system, Synergy, because they are not going through an ESD. For Hillsboro, the cost is $167,200; for Beaverton it's $312,000. A story in The Oregonian on Dec. 7 was incorrect.
Follow @wowen1


text: Hi all...odd question here. Has anyone had any problems with breasts being more tender/sensitive than usual? Is it normal for them to be this way while producing milk? More specifically, during exercise...I practice martial arts so we have some contact and I feel like when I get hit in the chest it hurts more than it used to. Does anyone know where I can find super padded sports bras and/or protective gear?


text:
Hoisin Chicken
Hoisin chicken – easy chicken stir-fry with vegetables in a savory Hoisin sauce. This recipe takes 20 minutes with easy-to-get store ingredients | rasamalaysia.com
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total Time:
2 tablespoons oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 oz broccoli florets
4 oz chicken breast meat, sliced into thin pieces
4 Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1/4 small carrot, peeled and sliced
Pinch of salt and sugar, to taste
1/2 teaspoon Shaoxing wine or rice wine
1/2 teaspoon starch
1 heaping tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
3 dashes white pepper
1/2 heaping teaspoon corn starch
4 tablespoons water
Heat up a wok with the oil. When the wok is heated, add the garlic and stir-fry until aromatic. Transfer the broccoli into the wok and do a few quick stir. Add the chicken and continue to stir-fry. Add the mushroom, carrot, and the Sauce (stir it before using) and stir to mix well with the other ingredients in the wok.
When the sauce thicken and the chicken is cooked, add a pinch of salt and sugar to taste (optional), dish out and serve immediately with steamed rice.
Hoisin Chicken
Hoisin chicken – easy chicken stir-fry with vegetables in a savory Hoisin sauce. This recipe takes 20 minutes with easy-to-get store ingredients.
Posted in April 13, 2013. Updated with new photos.
When it comes to Chinese cooking, soy sauce and oyster sauce are two of the most used sauces. However, there are other sauces that taste great, but are less common, for example: Hoisin sauce. Hoisin sauce is usually used as a dipping sauce, for example: Peking duck. Hoisin sauce, or in Chinese, 海鲜酱, literally means seafood sauce, but ironically, there is no seafood in the sauce. Hoisin sauce is made of sweet potatoes, soy beans and other flavorings.
The savory, sweet, and umami tasting sauce is actually great for stir-fries, as in this simple Hoisin Chicken that I made a few days ago. Chinese stir-fries are mostly cooked with soy sauce and oyster sauce, so using Hoisin sauce brings a new dimension in taste. I like the slight sweetness that comes with the sauce, and it makes this Hoisin Chicken very appetizing, and especially great with steamed white rice.
For the vegetables, I used the leftover broccoli in my fridge, but leafy greens such as baby bok choy will be a great substitute. I also dressed it up with some Shiitake mushrooms. You can use any mushrooms you like, for example: button mushroom.
Anyway, this Hoisin chicken recipe reminded me of my trip to a Chinese village outside of Beijing a few years ago. I had a very humble home-cooked meal in the village. The villagers cook and eat whatever they raise or have in their farm. That day, we had a simple chicken with leafy green and mushrooms, seasoned with the leftover Hoisin Sauce from the Peking duck that they packed from Beijing. The organic chicken raised in the village was lean and juicy. The fresh greens and the wild mushrooms were absolutely delectable, and the Hoisin sauce pretty much made the dish complete. The best foods are the ones prepared with the simplest and freshest of ingredients. Enjoy!


text:
Enter your Email address:
Wolters Kluwer Health may email you for journal alerts and information, but is committed
to maintaining your privacy and will not share your personal information without
your express consent. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
Zou, Dan; Chen, Ka; Liu, Peng; Chang, Hui; Zhu, Jundong; Mi, Mantian
Purpose: Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is the major bioactive constituent of rattan tea. Our aim was to investigate the possible mechanism and the effect of DHM in counteracting hypobaric hypoxia (HH)-induced exercise intolerance.
Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats were pretreated with three doses of DHM (50, 75, and 100 mg·kg−1) for 7 d and subjected to simulated high-altitude conditions (5000 m with 10.9% oxygen). Physical performance was assessed with the run-to-fatigue model. Mitochondrial morphology in the gastrocnemius muscle was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Protein expression was detected by western blotting. The activity of mitochondrial electron transport chain was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results: DHM administration prolonged the run-to-fatigue time in a dose-dependent manner compared with the control (22.9 ± 2.2, 46.1 ± 4.4, 61.3 ± 3.1 vs 18.4 ± 1.7 min, which represented 50, 75, 100 mg·kg−1, and the control groups, respectively). DHM also reduced serum blood urea nitrogen, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase activity levels. HH-induced mitochondrial injuries, including morphological changes, reduction in mitochondrial density and mitochondrial DNA content, and decrease in respiratory chain complex (I, II, IV, and V) activities were effectively attenuated by DHM. Protein expression of mitochondrial biogenesis markers, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γcoactivator 1α, sirtuin 1, nuclear respiratory factor 1, mitochondrial transcription factor A, AMP-activated protein kinase, and AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, was significantly downregulated in HH, whereas DHM pretreatment significantly restored expression levels. DHM also modulated mitochondrial dynamics of fusion and fission by increasing mitofusins 1 and 2, while decreasing fission-related, dynamin-related protein 1 and mitochondrial fission 1.
Conclusions: DHM improves physical performance under simulated high-altitude conditions via protecting mitochondrial biogenesis and modulating mitochondrial dynamics in skeletal muscle cells.
© 2014 American College of Sports Medicine
Colleague's E-mail is Invalid
Your Name: (optional)
Your Email:
Colleague's Email:
Separate multiple e-mails with a (;).
Thought you might appreciate this item(s) I saw at Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
Send a copy to your email
Your message has been successfully sent to your colleague.
Some error has occurred while processing your request. Please try after some time.
An Existing Folder
A New Folder
Folder Name:
The item(s) has been successfully added to "".
Login with your LWW Journals username and password.
Username or Email:
Forgot Password?
Enter and submit the email address you registered with. An email with instructions to reset your password will be sent to that address.
Link to reset your password has been sent to specified email address.
What does "Remember me" mean?
By checking this box, you'll stay logged in until you logout. You'll get easier access to your articles, collections,
media, and all your other content, even if you close your browser or shut down your
To protect your most sensitive data and activities (like changing your password),
we'll ask you to re-enter your password when you access these services.
What if I'm on a computer that I share with others?
If you're using a public computer or you share this computer with others, we recommend
that you uncheck the "Remember me" box.
Save my selection
Article Level Metrics
Keyword Highlighting
Highlight selected keywords in the article text.
Search for Similar Articles
You may search for similar articles that contain these same keywords or you may
modify the keyword list to augment your search.


text:
Hi, I am of east Indian descent and so far have received 5 treatments for laser hair removal on my face using GentleLase laser. Every time I get the treatment a few days later I start breaking out and continue to breakout for a while. This is quite disturbing as my face (especially cheeks) is now covered with pimple and acne. Is this common? Will this ever stop? Is there anything I can do to prevent it. I'm very concerned
East Indian - Breaking out a Lot After GentleLase Laser Hair Removal
Doctor Answers 2
Indian Skin and Laser Hair Removal
Acne after Laser Hair Removal
Dear Patient
Although it is an unfortunate side effect, breaking out with acne or folliculitis in treatment area for couple weeks after laser hair removal, is not uncommon. Patients with thicker and more coarse hair have higher predisposition for this side effect. As you continue the treatment, the ingrown hair and acne will subside, because the hairs will get thinner and more patchy. Meanwhile, talk to your laser surgeon and see if they can offer you temporary topical or systemic treatments for breakouts. Good luck.
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.


text:
It's a 10
It's a 10 Miracle Hair Mask
- Overview
- Features
- Detangles
- Restores moisture and balance
- Instantly restores elasticity
- Softens
- Smoothes
- Imparts luminous shine
- Enhances natural body
- Nourishes
- Defrizzes
- Improves color vibrancy
- About the brand
It's a 10 Miracle Hair Mask does 10 things instantly!
After shampooing work into hair for 1-3 minutes and rinse. For deeper conditioning work into hair for 5 to 15 minutes, then rinse. For maximum effectiveness, follow with It's a 10 Miracle Leave in Product.
Carolyn Plummer and Scott Scharg created their own professional hair care collection based on their combined 20 years of experience working in salons. After years of research and experimentation they determined "this line is perfect - it's a 10." The It's a 10 hair care collection includes a shampoo, leave-in conditioner, shine spray and a miracle mask each designed to instantly do 10 things for your hair.


text:
A Louisiana Supreme Court order this past week that allows lawyers from foreign countries with work visas to practice law in Louisiana will help the Tulane University Law School, the school's dean said Saturday.
The decision amending rules for admission to the state bar should make it easier for Tulane to recruit international law students, Dean Lawrence Ponoroff said.
The new rule, which was issued Wednesday and takes effect in January, states that an "alien authorized to work lawfully in the United States" may obtain a license to practice law in Louisiana.
The Louisiana Supreme Court establishes the requirements for admission to the bar in the state.
The court said such foreign lawyers must show that their legal education was equivalent to that offered in the United States and must complete at least 14 semester hours of courses at an American law school.
Tulane's law school had filed an "amicus" brief in support of a group of foreign students who challenged the state's restriction on people with work visas.
One of the students, Emily Maw of Britain, obtained her law degree from Tulane. Most of the law school's foreign students, however, already have a law degree from their country of origin. They come to Tulane to acquire a master's degree in law.
Maw was able to practice law in Mississippi after graduating from Tulane, but she could not do so in Louisiana, Ponoroff said.
In the past, some justices have expressed fear that licensing foreign lawyers who are in the United States temporarily would leave clients in the lurch when the lawyers went home or were deported.
The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals embraced the same notion a few years ago, saying "the bar's ability to monitor, regulate and, when necessary, discipline and sanction members of the bar requires that it be able to locate lawyers under its jurisdiction" and that "the easily terminable status of nonimmigrant aliens would impair these interests."
Ponoroff rejected that view.
"I don't see any greater risks in nonresident aliens over residents," he said. "You could also have somebody that grows up in Thibodaux, takes the bar, has a base of clients and then one day leaves the state."
The new ruling does not change the guidelines for non-native lawyers with United States permanent resident cards. People with such "green cards" were already allowed to practice law in Louisiana.
Tulane's law school has a long history and heritage of international graduate education, Ponoroff said.
The previous rule was "detrimental to our ability to continue to recruit international students," he said. "It sent a nonwelcoming message to international students."
Leslie Williams can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com or 504.826.3358.


text:
saves ASEAN's face(Jul 23,
shoal too far in South China Sea (Jul 20,
1. Israel
stirs on the eve of Middle East war2. Syrian
blood etches a new line in the sand3. German
intelligence: al-Qaeda all over Syria4. The
rise and fall of Turkey's Erdogan5. Al-Qaeda
emerges as Bulgaria bomb suspect6. Pakistani
Taliban chief warns Islamabad7. India's
Muslims and Hinduism's moksha8. Titanic
banks hit Libor 'berg9. Yuan
role expands its Africa presence10. Now
for something about nothing ...(24 hours
to 11:59pm ET, Jul 24, 2012)


text:
Business Centre
The latest business news, reviews, features and whitepapers
We'd go so far as to say that the Sony Bravia KDL52Z5500 is the current pinnacle of (non-LED) LCD television technology. Good, natural-looking motion smoothing and a vibrant colour palette make for a television that's very enjoyable to watch.
The Sony Bravia KDL52Z5500 is a 52in LCD television with a 200Hz refresh rate. It's the successor to the Bravia KDL52Z4500, with a new video processor and improved multimedia playback. The TV gives you a lot of control over motion control and picture quality, and its media streaming and minimalist design make it a great all-round LCD television.
It's not as striking as Sony's Bravia KDL40E4500 or Bravia KDL40ZX1, but the Bravia KDL52Z5500's dark, thin bezel and rectangular base make for an LCD television that looks attractive and expensive. The Bravia KDL52Z5500's buttons are mounted on the right side, hidden away from prying eyes and children's roving fingers. Four HDMI ports on the rear are joined by VGA, component and composite analog inputs.
The TVs in the Sony Bravia Z5500 series have a higher quoted dynamic contrast ratio than their predecessors. At 100,000:1 it's very respectable for a CCFL-backlit LCD television, even though its rating doesn't come close to the million-plus numbers bandied around by manufacturers of LED-backlit TVs (Sony included). The end result is a respectable ability to display high-contrast video footage. There was only the smallest amount of black crush visible in the high-contrast scenes during the introduction of The Dark Knight.
Colours are a strong point of the Sony Bravia KDL52Z5500. Even the muted film tones of Pearl Harbor shone vibrantly. Colours seemed accurate and realistic during our testing, and you can adjust them through the on-screen display menus.
Motion handling is something the Bravia KDL52Z5500 LCD TV handles well thanks to Sony's 200Hz frame creation system. Its predecessor was the first LCD on the market with 200Hz support. Motion is smooth without being unrealistic. The inclusion of several increments is useful: you can tune the picture to suit your tastes.
We were also impressed by the Sony Bravia KDL52Z5500's speakers. The two 10W speakers are admittedly underpowered when it comes to getting the best out of Blu-ray movies, but when using Clear Voice sound mode we found them adequate for broadcast television. Don't rely on the speakers too heavily for music, though — they have very little bass extension and lack overall clarity when using the Music surround sound preset.
With an Ethernet connection and a USB host port, the Bravia KDL52Z5500 is also capable when it comes to multimedia playback. As well as the usual JPEG and MP3 file support, the television can stream MPEG2 and AVCHD video files. We would have liked to see a wider range of formats supported including DivX, but this is usually the realm of dedicated media streamers.
Sony's Bravia KDL52Z5500 is a good all-round LCD television. Its CCFL backlight means it may not be as technologically advanced as Samsung's LED TV models, but the implementation of MotionFlow 200Hz and its vibrant image quality make the package just as pleasing.
Follow GoodGearGuide on Twitter: @GoodGearGuide
The latest business news, reviews, features and whitepapers
Visit our shop for the best deals on hot products
Watch our video news and reviews from around the world
Comprehensive buying guides, features, and step-by-step articles
First impression on unpacking the Q702 test unit was the solid feel and clean, minimalist styling.
For work use, Microsoft Word and Excel programs pre-installed on the device are adequate for preparing short documents.
The Fujitsu LifeBook UH574 allowed for great mobility without being obnoxiously heavy or clunky. Its twelve hours of battery life did not disappoint.
The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.
My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.


text:
A 30-year-old man was critically injured yesterday afternoon when he fell off his motorcycle while negotiating a curve heading eastbound on the New Jersey Turnpike Extension in Jersey City, The Jersey Journal reports.
The man was found unconscious but breathing, and was transported to the Jersey City Medical Center, State Police and hospital officials confirmed.
Full story from The Jersey Journal:
30-year-old biker critically injured when spill sends him into guardrail on Turnpike Extension in Jersey City


text:
Flying - The Simple Way!
Current SimpleFly Version: 1.4.7b Be advised, this SimpleFly version is a beta build. If you want the most stable release, download v1.4.5.
SimpleFly is a super simple flying plugin! Simply use /fly and /stopfly to start and stop flying!
- No damage on falling when using /stopfly!
- Super simple /fly and /stopfly commands!
- All permissions plugins supported!
- Permissions plugin is not needed (defaults to OP!)
- Very customizable!
- /fly - Start flying! Double-tap after using the command to start flying! Press shift to go down, WASD to go forwards, left, back, and right, and space to go up!
- /stopfly - Stops flying!
- /fly <playername> - Force a player to fly!
- /stopfly <playername> - Force a player to stop flying!
- /sfinfo - Shows info about this plugin (commands and authors)!
When you run SimpleFly for the first time, a config.yml will be generated inside the SimpleFly folder. Inside the config.yml, you will see two options:
- config-pvp-timer=0
- config-fall-damage=true
config-pvp-timer=0 is the amount of time that it takes (seconds) for a player to be able to use /fly after being damaged. If the value is 0, then it is disabled. config-fall-damage, if set to true, allows a player to not get damaged by falls. If set to false, they will get fall damage.
Permissions Nodes
Works with all permissions plugins!
- SimpleFly.fly - Allows /fly and /stopfly!
- SimpleFly.pvp - Allows a player to PVP while flying!
- SimpleFly.nodamage - Allows a player to not take damage while flying!
- SimpleFly.teleport - Allows flight to persist through teleportation!
- SimpleFly.potion - Allows players to throw/use potions when flying!
This plugin uses a TPL license, courtesy of @tyzoid. If you'd like to see a copy of the license, look here! This plugin is closed-source due to some people who tried to copy my plugins >.>. The changelog for this plugin can be seen when downloading the latest version of SimpleFly.
- Full statistics can be found here.
If you'd like to know when a new update is coming out, please follow me! と(٥ ٥)つ Come now, surely we can be friends. と(٥ ٥)つ
If you'd like to support SimpleFly, put this in your signature:
- If you need the BBCode for it, its here.
Thank you for using SimpleFly! If you enjoy using this plugin, please consider replying to this project with feedback! It's the only thanks we developers get for our plugins.
Todo List
- Add a feature in the config.yml where flying is already enabled in some worlds.
- Fix bugs related to dispenser throwing throwable potions.
- Add a permissions node that controls whether or not people can use bow/arrows while in the air.
- Fix errors activated when you get hit by an arrow, flying or not.
- Add speed modifications
- @ShootToMaim for being the main author for this plugin!
- @tyzoid for helping to update and add new features to this plugin!
mitto98 Aug 11, 2016 at 07:48 UTC - 0 likes
Can you share the source?
senotajs Jun 20, 2014 at 16:53 UTC - 0 likes
Please add translation feature,thanks!
joannou1 Jun 11, 2013 at 02:08 UTC - 0 likes
Got this error spamming me. Could you release that updated version soon?
YepImRobbie Jun 01, 2013 at 13:27 UTC - 0 likes
Can you add: /flylist - shows a full list of who has fly enabled.
CosmicVoyager May 03, 2013 at 13:35 UTC - 0 likes
Is falling death when warping or changing for creative to survival mode fixed? Players die from falling even though they are on the ground.
GuildMasterLelo May 01, 2013 at 00:26 UTC - 0 likes
For some reason, players can throw potions even without "- SimpleFly.potion" Anyone know why?
TanveerGT5 Apr 23, 2013 at 15:32 UTC - 0 likes
progress on multiworld support???
mcredstonepro Apr 15, 2013 at 23:05 UTC - 1 like
Finally... I can now fly because I removed essentials :)
TanveerGT5 Apr 14, 2013 at 16:02 UTC - 0 likes
If you could kindly address this issue.
- Date created
- May 06, 2012
- Categories
- Last update
- Dec 06, 2012
- Development stage
- Release
- Language
- enUS
- License
- Tyzoid Public License
- Curse link
- SimpleFly
- Downloads
- 43,614
- Recent files
- R: SimpleFly v1.4.7b for CB 1.4.5-R0.2 Dec 06, 2012
- R: SimpleFly v1.4.5 for CB 1.3.1-R1.0 Aug 10, 2012
- R: SimpleFly v1.4.3 for CB 1.2.5-R4.0 Jul 10, 2012
- R: SimpleFly v1.4.2 for CB 1.2.5-R1.0 May 15, 2012
- R: SimpleFly v1.3.7 for CB 1.2.5-R1.0 May 08, 2012


text:
There was a war of words between Dale Steyn and Virat Kohli before the second ODI in Durban. While Steyn and other Proteas pacemen backed that up with another stellar performance, Kohli and his team-mates were once again exposed terribly. The result: India lost another contest without putting up a fight by 134 runs, giving the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Quinton de Kock is just 20 years of age but he has already shown enough signs that he is there to represent South Africa for a long haul. His 106 - second hundred on the trot - and Hashim Amla's 100 set up South Africa for another big total, having added 194 for the opening wicket, and their pacers kept the stranglehold on the Indian batsmen, handing another crushing defeat to the visitors.
Needing to chase down a challenging 281, India looked for a good start, but the visitors failed to get one second time in a row. Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli departed without opening their accounts. Rohit Sharma (19) did play some good cut shots but was snaffled brilliantly by Amla. Ajinkya Rahane (8) was unlucky to have been given caught behind and he was quick to express his displeasure at the decision.
It was always going to be a tall order for the rest of the batsmen and although MS Dhoni (19), Suresh Raina (36) and the rest tried their best to fight it out, what all they could achieve was to reduce the margin of defeat as their innings folded for mere 146 in 35.1 overs.
After their humiliating defeat in Johannesburg, it was expected that India would make some changes to their playing eleven. Yuvraj Singh was given a break because of back spasm, with Ajinkya Rahane taking his place. India also decided to enthuse more pace to their attack with Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav replacing Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohit Sharma.
In retrospect, MS Dhoni might be ruing the fact of not batting first on a pitch which was much drier than the one in Johannesburg. Both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja gripped the ball on occasions which also prompted Dhoni to use six overs of Raina and three overs of Kohli.
If only Umesh Yadav had not given 20 runs in the 49th over, India would have restricted South Africa to lesser than 280. De Kock got out to R Ashwin in the 36th over and it was expected that South Africa would once again post a total in excess of 300, with De Villers promoting himself to No. 3.
But India pulled things back thereafter, taking wickets at regular intervals, which eventually put the lid on hosts' scoring rate. De Villiers (3) was stumped off Jadeja, Amla and David Miller (0) were taken by Mohammad Shami and Duminy (26) was run out as South Africa lost five wickets for 55 runs. But some lusty blows from Ryan McLaren (12) and Vernon Philander (14) at the end ensured that India chase a challenging total.


text:
Frank has had to use up five days of timeoff because of his leaky new Maytag fridge that they just can't seem to ever repair correctly. Like when he told them to bring out the UV light since the last tech had installed a dye so you could find leaks. The rep said oh yeah, we'll make a note of that. Then the guy shows up with only a mulitimeter and says, hm, we're going to have to send another guy out here with more tools. No kidding!
Man Gets Freezer Burned On Defective Maytag Fridge
Man Uses Consumerist Tips To Gets Xbox Repaired For Free
Reader Ben was sad. His Xbox was doing the ol' Red Ring of Death. He thought that was quits for his trusted gaming companion but then he started doing some research on Consumerist. Perusing our archives, he realized from some of our old posts that included in the price of the repair to the machine he had done not too long ago was a one-year warranty extension. Huzzah! Here's what he did next:
Toshiba Won't Repair Faulty Hard Drive Because You Sharpied "Faulty" On It
Chris was fixing his neighbor's Toshiba laptop when he discovered that the hard drive was defective. Just like how he does at his job where he is a professional computer technician, he wrote "FAULTY X" on it to indicate it shouldn't be used again. When he sent the computer, which was still under its 1-year warranty period, in to Toshiba, he was dismayed by the reply he got back. They refused to replace the hard drive because "the label was written/torn" and "Toshiba does not cover the cost for this type of damage." Now they $417.58 for the repair.
Wedding Set Returns From China With Unacceptably Crappy Repair
Good news! Reader Jennifer's wedding set has returned from its long voyage to China for repair. The bad news: she writes that the repair work done in China was so terrible that her local store sent it back out to a US repair facility to be fixed. When Jennifer finally went to pick the rings up, she found their repair job unsatisfactory–the word "botched" comes up–and now they've been sent back. Again.
Whirlpool, Free Us From This Fridge's Unholy Buzzing Sound
Justin and his wife saved up and bought a sweet, petite, shiny new Whirlpool refrigerator from Lowe's. They were thrilled with their new purchase for about three weeks, until it began to make an unholy buzzing noise. No one can make the buzzing stop. Not Whirlpool, not Lowe's, not an endless procession of repairmen, and not either company's executive customer service. What now?
EECB Gets HP To Replace Laptop They Tried To Pass Off As Water-Damaged
Charlie sent in his HP Mini for repair after the keyboard and mouse stopped working. They denied his warranty repair by saying that a loose tape was caused by water damage, which, while not only unlikely on the face of it, seemed impossible to Charlie as he babies his computers like they were Fabergé eggs. So he launched his campaign on HP upper management…
ASUS, I Just Want My Computer Back From Warranty Repair Hell
Rob really, really liked his ASUS laptop. He kept it clean, treated it kindly, and loved it very much. Yet the display mysteriously broke…sort of… and it began crying rainbow LCD tears when it was only six months old. He sent it in for repair, and the company first told him that the repair would take three business days…then fourteen. Rob would really, really like his computer back.
Charter To Customer With Five Failed Service Calls: "You Haven't Bugged Us Enough To Resolve Your Problem"
Charter tells it like it is: the problem with Eric's incorrectly installed Internet service is that he hasn't been trying hard enough to fix it. Here's a copy of an email that Eric tried to send to Charter's CEO last week, but it bounced back. Maybe someone at Charter can read it here?
Best Buy Repairs Laptop With Fried Motherboard By Replacing Hard Drive, Removing Operating System
The Geek Squad service timeline for Stephen's $1300 Asus laptop went something like this: ship it off for repairs, get it back in an even more broken state and missing all data, be forced to buy a $35 disk from Asus to prove to Best Buy that the problem is their responsibility, then finally find that something went missing during the first repair. Stephen eventually just asked for his money back on his ruined laptop, but the best he could get was store credit.
Sprint Customer Finds Naked Pictures On Her Repaired Cellphone
A woman in Colorado had her eyes burned out by images of "nude women and male genitals" on her cellphone's new(ish) memory card, reports KRDO.com. She says the Sprint employees who worked on her phone must have known it was there, since they're the ones who swapped in the new card. She's pretty upset: "If [young family members] had seen those pictures, it could have ruined them for life."
GM Voids Warranty On Used Truck, Blames It On Chip Owner Didn't Know Was Installed
Ken is facing a $13,000 repair bill on his 2007 Chevy 2500 diesel truck, because the full factory warranty the dealership assured him it had was voided by GM. The reason: GM says at some point in the past, someone put a chip in the truck that doesn't match the info GM has, so they don't have to service it. The problem for Ken is that the dealership didn't check for this chip before it sold the truck to Ken, and Ken didn't know about this loophole when he bought it. In fact, he says he bought it about a year and a half before GM implemented this rule.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing Job Quoted At $300 But Ends Up Costing $25,000
Dave and his wife came into some money and decided it was time to get a professional out to solve their slow draining toilet problems once and for all. Mr. Rooter showed up, and in less than a week the company managed to also solve Dave's "I just came into some money" problem, by taking all of it. The problem is, Dave isn't sure that any of the expensive extra work was necessary now that he can see the pipes.
Luxottica Customer Service Is Just As Broken As Your Sunglasses
As we noted last week, Luxottica is the company behind pretty much all eyewear on the market these days, and you know what that means when it comes to customer service: if you don't have to compete to keep your customers happy, why bother? That's why Patricia is facing a ridiculously high repair fee, but can't get through on the provided phone number to tell Luxottica to cancel the repair. In fact, every time she calls she's put on hold and then disconnected.
Apple Offering Free Repair Or Replacement On Some Time Capsules
If you were one of the early adopters for the Apple Time Capsule back in 2008 and yours won't power up, you might be able to get it repaired or replaced for free, or get a refund for repairs you already paid for, reports TUAW. To see if you've got a recalled model, look for a serial number between XX807XXXXXX and XX814XXXXXX.
What Are The Best Smartphone Apps For Motorists?
Maybe I can't play Plants vs. Zombies while I drive (or maybe I can!*), but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of useful apps for the average driver. In its August issue, Consumer Reports reviews a bunch of apps for motorists, both free and paid, that promise to help you remember maintenance dates, get the correct info after an accident, or find your car in a big parking lot.
How To Polish A Scratched iPhone
Replacing an iPhone is expensive, which is why this guy decided to buy a heavily used and damaged one and clean it up himself. You might find the screen replacement side too daunting, but the procedure for turning a dull, scratched case into a glossy smooth one is something pretty much anyone can do.
Chicago Is Worst Place To Get Your Car Repaired, Memphis Is Best
The website AutoMD.com sent mystery shoppers to 600 auto repair shops in 50 different market areas to ask how much it would cost to replace the front brakes on a Ford Focus. They found that on average, repair shops in Memphis were among the most affordable shops tested, and they tended to consistently quote their prices to customers. The worst was the Chicago area, where shops quoted anywhere from $425 to $150, and where every shop tested changed its quote depending on what information the mystery shopper presented.
Learn To Love Your Messed Up Toyota With This Parody
Funny or Die wants to help Toyota out of this awkward situation it's found itself in, so the site has posted a helpful video of a cheerfully steely spokeswoman who likes to point with both hands. It's like she's shooting good news in your face! Pow pow! And really, it's true that you can have an awesome garage party without ever needing to take your Toyota on the road, so maybe you should stop being so pessimistic. Video below.


text:
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Birmingham City Schools officials have proposed cancelling a plan to build a new school in the low-income Ensley community and conduct a $7 million renovation of the community's Bush K-8 School instead.
[Related: Birmingham school officials pitch $7 million renovation instead of rebuilding Bush K-8 School]
School officials say they have no choice but to cancel construction plans for the new school that were approved by a previous Birmingham Board of Education administration because there are too few capital funds available to meet the needs of the 44-school system.
Click here for the latest details on the issue.
Editor's note: The poll on this story was removed. Upon further consideration, we decided the poll was inappropriate.


text:
ROSALIE, Alabama - A Rosalie woman was arrested Monday on various drug charges after authorities found 1.35 pounds of marijuana and prescription drugs in her home, a Jackson County Sheriff Department news release said.
Helen Hartline, 61, was charged with first-degree possession of marijuana, three counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal possession of a pistol, the news release said. She was booked into Jackson County Jail with bond set at $15,000.
Deputies served a search warrant at Hartline's home off Jackson County 358 on Monday and found 1.35 pounds of marijuana, three types of prescription drugs, two guns and $1,268, the news release said.


text:
It's a critical Game 2, and the Celtics need a win or else they're pretty screwed. We'll talk about how things are going at the half with you in the only interactive halftime show around. Your comments and questions power the whole show.
There are 3 ways to join:
- Tweet us with the #RedsArmy tag. You don't even have to mention anyone, we'll see it with the tag.
- Submit a comment or question via the embedded chat.
- Turn on your web cam and talk to us directly.
It's totally your show. The stream below goes live right at the buzzer… and it doesn't stop until the ball is inbounded in the third quarter.


text:
Our annual Outlook section looks at how growth in North Alabama is affecting how we live, work and play. Pick up your copy of the 40-page special section in today's Huntsville Times.
HUNTSVILLE, AL -- So we've all heard for five years how thousands of well-paying defense and contractor jobs are coming to Redstone Arsenal through the Base Realignment and Closure Commission.
Here's the question so many Madison County workers want answered: How do you actually get one of those jobs? Job-hunting within the federal government is a bit more complicated than the private sector, so you've got to be prepared for more complex paperwork.
The first crucial thing to do is to go to usajobs.com. Type in a keyword of the kind of job - say, engineer or financial analyst - plus the city you're looking for.
On Friday, a usajobs.gov search hit on 31 engineering jobs in Huntsville, ranging in pay from $44,000 to $115,000. There were four hits on financial analysts, with pay ranging from $83,000 to $98,000.
After clicking on a button to apply for the job, myriad blanks await you.
To read tips on federal job interviews, résumé development and job search techniques, go to usajobs.gov/infocenter.
Another helpful place to look for private- and public-sector jobs is the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce's site, asmartplace.com. Then click on the "work" button, and then click on the "Team Redstone" button that's in the bottom right corner of the photo collage.
The "find a job" button in the middle of the collage links to all sorts of private-sector jobs.
"You won't find every BRAC job on either www.asmartplace.com or usajobs.com," said John Southerland, communications director for the chamber. "Not all jobs have to be posted. It is up to the commander. Some jobs may just be open to people already working in the command or civil servants."
For those truly interested in becoming a federal worker, Southerland recommends they read an informative white paper "how to apply" at asmartplace.com on the "Team Redstone" page.
"This paper was written by human resources professionals with many years in government services," Southerland said. "You must be very specific when you're filling out your application.
"You want your online résumé to contain the same words as the major duties on the job listing. Most of these (job applications) are automated, so it's software that's looking for consistencies between your résumé and the job requirements listing."
But don't fib, he said.
"Of course, your application has to make sense and be accurate, " he said. "But you've got to get those key words in your résumé, or you won't make it out of the gate."
Find federal job listings for the Huntsville area:
For defense and non-defense jobs: usajobs.gov
For Army jobs: cpol.army.mil
For Missile Defense Agency jobs: mda.mil/careers
For NASA jobs: nasa.gov/centers/marshall/about/career.html


text:
HOWELL – A Howell Township Municipal Court administrator accused of sexually harassing female employees was removed from town hall by police last week and had his certification suspended, reports say.
Mayor William Gotto told Patch.com on Tuesday that Court Administrator Dominick Pondaco was escorted from town hall by police on April 15.
Gotto told Patch that he did not have specific details, other than being told last week that "an action was being taken."
"The Township of Howell does not have any authority over the courts," Gotto explained. "It's an action being taken by the administrative law judge, who oversees the municipal courts.''
Patch also reported that Pondaco's certification as a municipal court administrator was temporarily suspended.
Gotto told Patch that the municipal court is still functioning normally and Deputy Court Administrator Janet Upton has been appointed as the acting court administrator.
Four township employees filed suit with Monmouth County Superior Court in September seeking an undetermined amount of money and demanding a jury trial.
The employees accused Pondaco of referring to them as "monkeys" and using other profane and abusive language.
The suit, which also names the township as a defendant, says the women sought help from township officials, filed a complaint with the police department, and that Pondaco was put on administrative leave pending an investigation.
Pondaco was later reinstated and the women were transferred to different departments, according to Patch.
In September, Township Manager Helene Schlegel called the allegations in the suit "unfounded.''
"Our lawyers will vigorously defend these unfounded allegations," Schlegal told Patch.


text:
As a kid growing up in Royal Oak, Michigan, James Caverly was always putting on mini-skits for his family. It's safe to say that he hasn't stepped out of the spotlight just yet.
Now a third year student at Gallaudet, majoring in Theatre Arts with a focus on production and performance, James is about to step into a different role: directing. With this fall's production of Noises Off looming, James, along with another student, is beginning preparations.
It's fortunate that James has racked up enough experience under his belt to be able to take on this role. Sinc his arrival in 2007, James has been involved with every production here at Gallaudet - Goya: en la Quinta del Sordo, Agamemnon, Fences, Urinetown, Spoon River Anthology and Charlotte's Web. James also worked in the scene shop, helping construct sets for the performances.
Last summer, James worked at the Theatre Lab in Chinatown. He found the internship through the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Gallaudet's Career Center. James was supposed to take on the role of the assistant technical director. "But," says James, "since they had no technical director... guess who was promoted?"
" I worked on shows such as The Laramie Project, Jane Eyre, The Secret Garden and Side Show. My tasks involved constructing sets, maintaining order in the work space (which was crucial since the Theatre Lab was co-joined with a church so space was limited for working), supervising students working under me, handling purchases of lumber and hardware, and collaborating with directors. I got to experience first-hand the true working-class of a theatre company. The Theatre Lab doesn't earn much money to support a large set, but the experience that the young thespians receive is rewarding so it kept me working hard to give them the experience they deserve."
That internship last summer led to the opportunity to direct here at Gallaudet. James was talking with a friend about which plays could translate well for a deaf audience here at Gallaudet, and they came across a play called Noises Off, a comedy.
To earn the right to direct the production James had to participate in the Student Director Showcase. James directed a one-act play, Philadelphia, in February. It was well received and that was all Willy Conley, the chairperson of the Theatre Department, needed. Originally slated to open next spring, Noises Off will now open this fall.
And what role will James take on after this? "I do know that I want to work in theatre," he says. "I want to be able to acquire more skills in theatre arts...there's a lot more that I haven't learned and am itching to know." A Master of Fine Arts degree is a possibility. And what's more? James wants to help deaf theatres, of which there are only two remaining, grow and prosper.


text:
Existence is difficult enough for startups no matter what business they're in, but it's even harder for small companies that aim to change the world in fundamental ways. Welcome to the roller-coaster reality of a handful of ambitious entrepreneurs who intend to make the planet smarter. Today, at IBM's SmartCamp New York City, five startups from the United States and Europe compete for prizes and mentoring sessions from venture capitalists and business leaders. The winner will be invited to a world championship event this fall. Follow this live blog today for a string of insights and video clips that capture the flavor of the competition.
IBM's Mike Riegel, vice president of Startups, ISVs & Academic Programs, explains why IBM is interested in startups.
Mentor sessions: The setup is that each entrepreneur sits down in succession with business people at five tables. I'm following one CEO through the process from beginning to end. I choose Raj Aggarwal, CEO of Localytics, the mobile applications analytics firm.
Mentor Group 5:
Q: Omniture is doing Web analytics. And they're getting into mobile apps. How do you stack up?
Aggarwal: "IBM, with Unica and Coremetrics, is a big competitor to Omniture now. We're the mobile apps front end for Unica. They're selling our products."
Q: There are hundreds of thousands of apps but only 1000 matter. You have them. How do you grow your business?
Aggarwal: "We have our new mid-market product and we're providing them with a lot of deep analytics they didn't have before. We can graduate our free users into paid users."
Q: You follow 65 million users. Why don't you create an ad network or feed into ad networks?
Aggarwal: "We're focusing on publishers and their applications for now, but we'll follow them where their needs go."
Mentor group 4:
Q: What are your products?
Aggarwal: "We have three versions. One is free, and we have about 3500 apps on it. There's an enterprise version. The big companies use it. It costs thousands per month. The new mid-tier version costs about $100 per month. It's new but it's taking off. We're focusing a lot on spreading out."
Q: Which is most interesting to you, the geospatial data?
Aggarwal: "People in the mobile apps space were flying blind, initially. So we could get the basic info for them, and that's what they wanted. Now we're focusing on helping them get insights that help them retain users. We're focusing on interaction. Where are they losing people in the interactions? We can tell them about that."
"We're now collecting data on 65 million users, and it's rich data."
Q: You're about physical targeting in space and time…
Aggarwal: "Eventually."
Q: Do you have patented technology?
Aggarwal: "We're protecting some of our intellectual property, but the main thing we're doing is moving very fast and keeping out ahead."
Q: What's your secret sauce?
Aggarwal: Our secret sauce is knowledge of what customers in different segments think is important, and feeding their needs. The technology is important and we'll struggle to stay on the forefront, but more important is being the trusted partner who understands the customer and gives them what they want."
Mentor Group 3:
Q: This is such a big friggin opportunity. How is it that you have no competition?
Aggarwal: "There are some free services out there, but there aren't any companies that offer really deep analytics, like we do. The market is just so new."
"We came up with the number that 26% of smartphone users use an application only once. So people want to know how to hook them better. We can provide that kind of data."
The other company that people keep mentioning is Flurry. Aggarwal says his company's capabilities are much deeper, and that Flurry is marketing to the long tail of app developers, while Localytics is targeting enterprises and big media companies. Might we worth looking into.
During a break, Aggarwal explains that he was a little bit late for the session because his Amtrak train was delayed. He said he usually takes the Bolt bus from Boston, because it's so cheap, but, this time, he wanted to make sure he'd make it on time, so he took Amtrak. Track repairs in Stamford threw a wrench into those plans.
My advice to him: Always travel the night before the meeting.
Mentor group 2:
Q: Do you have to think a lot about privacy?
Aggarwal: "Piracy is a big issue. We don't take any personal data off the phone. And we give publishers the opportunity to offer opt-out to their end users."
Q: Who do you want to be when you grow up?
Aggarwal: "We want to be the premier app analytics company out there."
Mobile advertising is a small thing right now. But he predicts it will be big in the future.
"We can help publishers evaluate to their advertisers how many users they get to. We'll provide audited results."
Q: What do you consider to be your big challenges?
Aggarwal: Selling to large enterprises is expensive. So to help deal with that we're selling through Unica and the telecom carriers.
Mentor group 1:
He says Unica, the online marketing management company owned by IBM, decided not to create its own mobile analytics capability, and instead partnered with Localytics.
He says he believes that with the arrival of HTML5 and other new technologies, more and more mobile functionality will happen on Web pages, as opposed to applications–as is happening now. This will happen in the next couple of years. He says: "For our big media company clients, we're building HTML5 libraries and SDKs."
2:10 p.m. Raj Aggarwal, CEO of Localytics, a mobile application analytics firm in Cambridge, Mass., explains his real-time analytics service–which helps the makers of mobile phone and tablet applications better understand their clients. By analyzing data on user preferences and tendencies–such as the amount of time spent in an application, errors and crashes–businesses can build more successful mobile applications.
It takes just 10 minutes and requires only a few lines of code to integrate an application into the service. Then you can track all standard metrics such as platform, device type, sessions and unique users. Custom event tracking is used to analyze feature usage, content access, advertising performance.
The system works for apps on Android, BlackBerry, iPad, iPhone and Windows Phone 7. Customers include Kayak, Skype and AT&T.
2 p.m. Patrick Leslie, CEO of Envirolytics, explains how the company's software makes it easy for individuals to perform home energy audits by using smartphones. The software then markets energy efficient products and services to homeowners.
It costs about $350 to get a home energy audit by a professional, he says.
By taking advantage of the modern technology and sensors found in smartphones, much of the energy audit data can be gathered automatically. The iPhone's camera, accelerometer and GPS allow for tools that are more natural and user friendly then are available on other home energy analysis platforms. The company has created algorithms, for instance, that can size up photos you take of your windows and evaluate your windows' energy dynamics.
There's a social networking aspect, as well. Users can share their results, savings and ecological footprint with friends and family. "We have a sharing layer to help people talk about their environmental stewardship. They can tell their friends what they're doing," he says.
1:50 p.m. Andreas Wilkens, cofounder of MediaFunnel, a social media management company, explains that the company offers a social media dashboard for the businesses, making it easy for them to manage brand monitoring, scheduling, and multiple Twitter and Facebook accounts.
The company's clients include ESPN, Kaiser Permanente, and Andersen windows.
A new version is coming soon. It will include a redesigned UI that makes for easier navigation and workflow, additional social media integrations including LinkedIn, Yammer and Chatter, and an API for integration with other products and mobile clients.
"If something goes wrong with a company's brand online, they'll know about it in minutes," he says.
1:40 p.m. Marco Brini,CEO of EnvEve, a company from Bioggio, Switzerland, explains how his company offers wireless sensor network technology aimed at providing low-cost solutions in three areas: natural hazards detection, smart cities and industry safety.
The company sells a variety of ultra low power wireless sensors that monitor and send alerts to phones or computers. It has projects in Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Brazil and France.
"Remember when you were a child and you thought that nature could talk to you? The trees, the wind, the water. We think you're right. You just need to have a system to translate what nature is saying and deliver it to you."
1:30 p.m. Nilanjan Sen, CEO of Examville.com, talks about his company, which is a global online education platform where teachers, tutors, test preparation outfits and education publishers can connect with students around the world; and where students can custom-design the learning program that's right for them.
"We have created a recommendation engine that's contributed to by millions of people around the world," he says. Learners can find out this way if the information and services being offered to t hem are reliable and useful.
"Social learning isn't about making friends and following somebody," he says. "It's about harnessing all of the information and the knowledge of people from around the world."
9:01 pm
companies. How can we make sure the individuals involved will not burn-up with the demands of their daily grind and
Posted by: ゴヤール
1:12 pm
Startups with values and potentials are bought until their first anniversary by biggest companies.
How exist for the others?
Posted by: Allie Ward
1:19 am
These start-ups and their ideas are great. I am sure they will find funding and go on to become very successful companies. How can we make sure the individuals involved will not burn-up with the demands of their daily grind and loose their momentum? and how can they remain innovators for the rest of their lives?
Posted by: Bala Subramanian
1:28 pm
[...] Today, the event kicks off with a panel of seven venture capitalists trading ideas with the CEOs. Here's yesterday's live blog.1:30 p.m. Introductions: The VCs are Neeraj Agrawal of Battery Ventures, Phin Barnes of First Round [...]
Posted by: Smarter Startups: Live Blogging from IBM SmartCamp New York City, Day 2 | A Smarter Planet Blog


text:
Among the revolutionary founders, none has been as overlooked and undervalued as Tom Paine.
Although basic textbooks of American history mention the author of the fiery pamphlet "Common Sense" and its impact on the dramatic events of 1776, Paine's contribution is usually only briefly mentioned - receiving little more attention than a descriptive footnote.
In retrospect, the arrival of Paine on American soil and, shortly afterward, his becoming a key figure in the struggle for independence was remarkably fortuitous.
Article Photos
Thomas Paine
(By Auguste Milliere, 1876, after an engraving by William Sharp, after George Romney, 1792)
Paine - an English Quaker and a dismal failure at nearly everything in his native land, ranging from corset maker to teacher - came to the colonies in 1774 thanks to an invitation from Benjamin Franklin.
Franklin never imagined that the British expatriate, who he expected to write an historical account of a decade-long stormy relationship between the colonies and their mother country, would instead pen what arguably became the most famous political pamphlet in our history.
At the time of Paine's passionate tract advocating America's separation from England, there was an overwhelming consensus of opinion throughout the colonies that the crisis called for reconciliation rather than separation.
How could it be that Paine's inflammatory pamphlet seized the public imagination and so rapidly swayed opinion to embrace the idea of complete independence from Great Britain?
According to historian Bernard Bailyn, "One had to be a fool or a fanatic" at the beginning of 1776 to enthusiastically and boldly advocate severing ties with Mother England. Paine, however, proceeded to do just that with language compellingly shrill as well as uncompromisingly aggressive. That tone, along with its blatantly emotional appeal to colonists who were not yet decided about such a momentous decision, was audacious in the extreme.
Paine's skillful blend of persuasive argument has led more than one historian to call this Quaker firebrand a true genius in crafting such a clever work.
Paine wasted no time in singling out the English monarch as the primary villain and proper target for the wrath of Americans, referring to George III as "the royal Brute of Britain." Paine pushed his assault on the crown to the point of denigrating the idea of hereditary right to rule by claiming that nature frequently gives "mankind an ass for a lion."
In much the same manner which Paine caused loyal colonists to re-examine their fealty to George III, he also forced them to rethink their apprehension over the prospect of surviving without the protective shield of Britain's military and naval power.
Paine argued that Americans were already capable of their own self-defense and easily possessed the manpower necessary to maintain a formidable military force.
He further emphasized that now was the perfect time to strike out for independence because delay would be foolish and the opportunity lost forever.
With dazzling prose Paine mocked what to him was the illogical situation: "There is something absurd," he wrote, "in supposing a continent to be ... governed by an island."
Paine's masterpiece was a runaway best-seller throughout the colonies. In the words of scholar Henry Steele Commager, "The impact of 'Common Sense' on the American Revolution was comparable to that of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' on the Civil War."
Within a month, the pamphlet had been read by or to almost every white American.
As historian Craig Nelson pointed out, "Paine was both a celebrity and a sage."
Harvard's Bernard Bailyn, eminent historian and dean of Revolutionary War studies at that institution, has stated that "not only does the pamphlet voice some of the deepest aspirations of the American people on the eve of the Revolution, but it also evokes, with superb vigor and with perfect intonation, longing ... that have remained part of American democracy and culture to this day."
Paine has greatly influenced the political philosophy of several American presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, FDR and Ronald Reagan. Lincoln, who read Paine's "The Age of Reason" and "The Rights of Man," considered the propagandist of the American Revolution one of his favorites. Our 16th president once remarked, "I never tire of reading Paine."
Even John Adams, one of Paine's severest critics, was moved to pay tribute to the radical Quaker a few years prior to Paine's death: "I know not whether any man In the world has had more influence on its inhabitants or affairs for the last thirty years than Tom Paine," adding, "call it then the Age of Paine."
Tom Paine's political radicalism intensified in the years following America's successful struggle for independence. In the words of one commentator, "He became so exhilarated by agitation that he adopted it as a profession."
When he later returned to Europe, Paine became embroiled in the bloody French Revolution and nearly lost his head to the guillotine in 1793.
After 15 years abroad, Paine sailed for the United States in 1802. Much had changed, including his own diminished popularity with many of his fellow revolutionaries. The famous author's health was also in decline due to a lengthy time spent in a French prison and his lifelong fondness for alcoholic spirits.
Although not an atheist, Paine's controversial "Age of Reason" was studded with sharp criticism of both the Bible and organized religion, all of which went against the grain of conventional beliefs and proved offensive to many Christians.
In a few years, Paine's health steadily worsened, and the aged agitator died shortly after rebuffing two clergymen who visited him in hope of discussing religion.
After being denied burial in a Quaker cemetery because of his past attacks on Christianity, Paine was interred on the grounds of his farm at New Rochelle, N.Y.
In contrast to the estimated 20,000 who attended his mentor Franklin's funeral, there were only six mourners present when Paine was laid to rest.
According to Paine's instructions, his simple headstone bore the inscription: "Thomas Paine, Author of 'Common Sense,' died the eighth of June 1809, aged 74 years."
The democratic ideals contained in Tom Paine's writings remain inspirational and are pillars of the American cultural and political tradition.
Paine died on June 8, 1809, 204 years ago tomorrow, at the age of 72.
Bruce Dudley lives in McColloms and Camden, Del.
Bailyn, Bernard, "Common Sense," "Fundamental Testaments of the American Revolution," ed. Julian Boyd
Collins, Paul, "The Trouble With Tom: The Strange Afterlife"
Commager, Henry Steele, and Morison, Samuel Eliot, "The Growth of the American Republic, Vol. 1"
Cousins, Norman, "In God We Trust: The Religious Beliefs and Ideas of the American Founding Fathers"
Dos Passos, John, "The Living Thoughts of Tom Paine"
Hitchens, Christopher, "Thomas Paine's Rights of Man"
Kaye, Harvey J., "Thomas Paine and the Promise of America"
Nelson, Craig, "Thomas Paine: Enlightenment, Revolution, and the Birth of Modern Nations"
Tietjen, Gregory, "Introduction to Thomas Paine's Common Sense"


text:
Jeffrey Taylor scored 18 points and John Jenkins and Festus Ezeli added 17 apiece as Vanderbilt upset No. 1 Kentucky 71-64 to win its first SEC title since 1951.
"I hope it doesn't take us as long to get the next one," said Vanderbilt coach Kevin Stallings, whose team improved to 24-10.
"I thought we were the team that had the best chance to beat them," Stallings added of Kentucky (32-2), which had won 24 straight and hadn't lost to an SEC opponent all year. "I thought that all season long."
Kentucky led 62-55 after a free throw by Anthony Davis with 5:23 to play. Vanderbilt scored the next 10 points, however, taking a 65-62 lead on a 3-point play by Kedren Johnson, and Kentucky never answered. The Wildcats did not make a field goal in the final 8:04.
"We missed every shot down the stretch," said Kentucky coach John Calipari., whose team shot 35 percent from the floor and was 6-of-28 from the 3-point line. "That's what we haven't done all year. ... If I had to do it over again, I'd go inside more."
Jenkins, the tournament MVP, said Stallings' use of zone defense was a "game-changer" for a Vandy team that lost two regular-season games to Kentucky by a total of 15 points.
"I thought if we could get the game at the end, we could go to the zone because they do a lot of lobbing and things against zones and those lob passes get a little more tense in the last three minutes of the game," Stallings said. "Those 3-point shots get a little tougher to make right there at the end.
"We have talked for a long time about wanting those last three or four minutes again. We wanted one more shot to see if we could do it. And today, we played better than them in the last few minutes."
Darius Miller led Kentucky with 16 points. Terrence Jones and Anthony Davis added 12 apiece and Doron Lamb had 11.
Calipari said the loss may ultimately help his team as it prepares for an NCAA tournament, where it'll be the top seed in the South Region.
"Maybe now everybody will realize we're not invincible," he said. "We're just like everybody else. We're going to have to execute. We're going to have to play hard. We're going to have to play with some aggressiveness and intensity or we will get beat."


text:
The NDP kicked off its convention in St. John's this weekend with red meat for the party faithful -- plenty of talk about how governments are attacking left wing ideals at home and in Ottawa.
NDP President Kathleen Connors opens the party's convention in St. John's Friday evening. -- Photo by James McLeod/The Telegram
Party president Kathleen Connors welcomed members of the party to the Holiday Inn, acknowledging that people were skipping a long weekend at the cabin to be there.
"What better things do we really have to do than spend some quality time together?" she said, with a smile.
It's a smaller crowd than the NDP's last convention in 2012. Friday night there were 140 registered delegates compared to 170 at the last convention a couple of years ago.
But for the people in the room, Friday night was focused on organizing for the next election, and hearing combative speeches about party principles.
"Together, we will say that if governments are taking away our rights, then it will be at their peril," said Mary Shortall, president of the NL Federation of Labour. "Governments can legislate away our rights, but they can never legislate away our anger, our determination and our solidarity. Only we can give that away, and I don't know about you, but I'm not prepared to let that happen without a fight."
New Democrat MP Jack Harris talked about how Prime Minister Stephen Harper is attacking public services.
A representative from the party's election planning committee gave a lengthy, detailed update -- the party has 10 subcommittees getting ready for the election, and 22 confirmed candidates. They've also decided that the party colour will remain orange.
But Friday evening's meeting was just a precursor; the main focus of the weekend convention will come on Saturday, when delegates will cast secret ballots to decide the fate of Leader Lorraine Michael.
After a messy and public caucus revolt in October, the party scrambled to hold a convention and a leadership review as soon as possible.
MHA Gerry Rogers signed a letter asking for Michael's resignation back in October, but on Friday night, Rogers said that she'll be voting to support Michael's leadership.
Rogers said she believes the weekend convention is a chance for the regular members to say where they want things to go.
"It's undeniable we took a hit, and so I think there are people here who regardless of what happened in October, it's their party," she said. "They are committed New Democrats regardless of what caucus may have done, and I think that's what's really important, that sense of ownership of the party, and people gathering from all over the province and saying this is our party, this is what we want, and we're going to move forward."
The party will also debate an amendment to the party constitution which would require a leadership review and a minimum two-thirds support at future conventions.