text:
Zeeland East High School announces these top scholars for 2013:
Veena Janardan
Parents: Janardan Kortikere and Viji Parthasarathy
Activities and awards: Veena has been a member of the National Honor Society and volunteered at Holland Hospital, Providence Nursing Home, Boys and Girls Club, and Howard Miller Library. Veena was a National Merit Scholar and has won other awards such as the Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award, Harvard Book Award, AP Scholar Award, Outstanding Leadership Award, and has been on the honor roll for all four years.
Plans after graduation: Veena
plans to attend Frederik Meijer Honors College at Grand Valley State University
for pre-med.
Christian Otteman
Parents: Andy and Sabina Otteman
Activities/Awards: Christian participated in swimming (academic all-American), water polo (academic all-state 3 years), golf, National Honor Society, and was on the ZPS Education Foundation Grant review committee.
Plans after graduation: Christian plans to attend Hope College to swim and do research.
Haley Krommendyk
Parents: Bryan and Sue Krommendyk
Activities and awards: Haley
participated in National Honor Society, Dutch
dance, student senate, and in her
high school youth group.
Plans after graduation: Haley plans to
study business management at Hope College.
Hope Van Bronkhorst
Parents: Lee and Catherine Van Bronkhorst
Activities and awards: Hope participated in Vertigo Youth Group (4 years), Vertigo Youth Group mission trips (4 years), National Honor Society (member 2 years, VP 1 year), student senate (total senate 3 years, class delegate 2 years, class secretary 1 year), and Dutch dance (3 years). She was a Vriesland Reformed Church Hope Bus Ministry volunteer (4 years), elementary math tutor (2 years) and involved in other volunteer activities. Hope has been awarded the Outstanding Leadership Award, academic letter, and AP scholar award.
Plans after graduation: Hope will be attending Yale University next fall. She is undecided about her major.
Rebecca Hulst
Parents: Colleen
Maycroft, Mike Hulst and Linda Hulst
Activities and awards: Rebecca was involved with student senate, has been a member of National Honor Society, and also participated in Dutch dance and 4-H. She has been on the honor roll.
Plans after graduation: Rebecca plans to attend the Frederik Meijer Honors College at Grand Valley State University to study diagnostic medical sonography.
Erin Amelia Leestma
Parents: Jamie and Brian Leestma
Activities and awards: Erin was a varsity and academic all-American athlete in swimming and water polo. She played the violin in the Zeeland HS Orchestra and is a member of Zeeland's chapter of the National Honor Society.
Plans after graduation: Erin
plans to attend Michigan State University for genomics and molecular genetics.
Hosanna Uitvlugt
Parents: Dan and Dawn Uitvlugt
Activities and awards: Hosanna was the president of the Zeeland High Players, active in children's ministry at her church, and volunteered at Camp Lake Louise and the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation over the summers.
Plans after graduation: Hosanna plans on attending Grand Rapids Community College for the first two years while staying involved in theater and the community.
Angelica Snyder
Parents: Amber
and Phillip Snyder
Activities and awards: Angel enjoyed being a very active member of the Zeeland High Players, the high school marching band and student senate.
Plans after graduation: Next year, Angel will be attending Michigan State University as a theater major.
Kelly Raterink
Parents: Dennis
and Brenda Raterink
Activities and awards: Kelly participated in basketball, softball (all-conference, all-area, all-district, all-region, all-state honorable mention), National Honor Society, youth group, 4-H (numerous showmanship and grand champion wins), Ottawa County 4-H Teen Club (teen leader of the year), Ottawa County 4-H Council, Michigan Jr. Holstein Association, MSU dairy judging and MSU Dairy Days (top overall junior).
Plans after graduation: Kelly
will attend Michigan State University
to earn her degree in animal science.
Ericka Buitenhuis
Parents: Michael and Jennifer Buitenhuis
Activities and awards: Ericka participated in varsity tennis (all conference in 2012, MVP 2011), Rick Rack Stylist (local non-profit), youth group member (First Baptist Church of Zeeland), National Honor Society member, student senate delegate, and was on the honor roll.
Plans after graduation: Ericka will attend Calvin College to study communication and Spanish.


text:
Nov. 30, Detroit Free Press: The private session was one of the most critical meetings in the city's recent history because the mayor revealed a dire economic report — financed by taxpayers to the tune of $1.7 million — that showed the city was running out of cash to pay for basic services by April. During the meeting, council members and the mayor's administration discussed potential budget cuts that will affect virtually every Detroiter and the possibility of an emergency manager taking over city finances.
Attorneys specializing in open-meeting laws said there are a few special cases that allow for private sessions — to discuss lawsuits or employee discipline — but talking about a budget crisis is not one of them.
The Free Press had requested records from the meeting, but they were denied.
Both the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act only allow denial of access to meetings or materials under specific and narrowly-defined criteria.
The Bing Administration's refusal to turn over information about this meeting doesn't pass the smell test according to Todd Heywood, Senior Reporter for the American Independent News Network. Heywood successfully sued Lansing Community College in the 1990s for Open Meetings violations.
"This case highlights the absolute importance of transparency in government," said Heywood. "This situation dealt with the impending financial insolvency of the city and the public has a critical need to know exactly what was discussed in the meeting and what, if anything, was determined. The city is clearly playing politics with transparency. It is disgusting and anathema to foundation of citizen participation in democracy."
As Federal Judge Damon Keith said: "Democracies die behind closed doors."
Sometimes, apparently, they also go broke behind closed doors.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The 7-foot tall playhouse was donated by Gwen Reynolds, who won the gift in the Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity's Playhouse Giftwrap Raffle at Westwood Mall.
Reynolds, of Somerset Center, has a teenage daughter and wasn't in need of a playhouse. She asked Habitat for Humanity to donate it to an organization with a lot of children.
Habitat for Humanity chose the Torrant Center, which serves more than 200 children.
"I was really glad they were able to donate it to Torrant," Reynolds said. "I'm really pleased that somebody could use it."
The 6-by-8-foot house features a door and windows and is worth about $1,000, said Kevin Clifton, development director for Jackson Habitat.
"For us it's kind of a really big thing, because here's an individual who didn't have to give it back to us," he said. "Those kids are going to have something to play in."
The Giftwrap Raffle was part of Habitat's gift-wrapping fundraiser in November and December. Clifton said the fundraiser raised about $2,500, which goes toward the organization's projects for 2008.
The playhouse will be placed at the east end of the center, said Kathy Miller, early childhood special education supervisor for the Jackson County Intermediate School District, which oversees Torrant. The playhouse will sit in the center's parking lot until the snow clears.
"As of now we don't have anything on that side of the building," Miller said.
ISD Special Education Director Richard Rendell said the playhouse will be put to good use.
"The house is just ideal because it'll be a start for the playground," he said.
Although Reynolds donated the playhouse, she said it was a community effort.
Several area businesses and individuals donated time, money or supplies for the fundraiser.


text:
CLEVELAND, Ohio –The summer heat won't be the only factor steaming things up on Sunday. Little Italy boutique Tre Sorelle will be hosting their annual summer runway show where they are bringing a taste of Miami to Shooters Westbank.
For more videos and news about Cleveland's entertainment scene check out the "Kristel's CLE" blog at cleveland.com/kristel. Follow me on Twitter @Kristel_CLE.
This year's theme, "Miami Vice: A Night in South Beach," will showcase a variety of women's fashion from sexy styles to conservative looks. The night will be paired with a cigar event with proceeds benefiting the Cleveland Heart Walk presented by the American Heart Association. The video above is a preview of Sunday's party and a peek at the rehearsals as they prepare for the show.
The Main Event: "Miami Vice: A Night in South Beach" runway show
The 411: The fashion show will feature 30 models who will be wearing the latest collection of Tre Sorelle's summer styles including colorful prints, bikinis and monokinis. There will be a cash bar, Chinese raffle and a live musical performance by DJ's Nova Soulz. The VIP cigar event will be held from 3 to 7 p.m., which includes four premium cigars, one Glenfiddich Scotch and Tito's Vodka drink, and admission to the summer style show starting at 9 p.m.
More Information: VIP tickets are $60 in advance or $65 at the door. Regular admission will be $10 in advance or $15 the day of the event with doors opening at 8 p.m. to the general public. Tickets can be purchased by emailing Christina Cavotta at email@example.com.


text:
Anthony is approved to conduct lessons through Wyzant Online. Wyzant Online allows students and tutors to work remotely via video, audio, and collaborative whiteboard tools. For more information about how online tutoring works, check out Wyzant Online.
If you're interested in online lessons, message Anthony to get started.
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If you select this option, Wyzant will ask interested tutors to contact you by email if they are able to help. A maximum of five different tutors will email you and none of your personal information, including your email address, will be released.
Binghamton University (English Literature, Psychology)
Hunter College (Master's)
Arizona State University (Master's)
My name is Anthony and I have a Bachelor of Arts with a dual major in English Literature and Psychology, as well as a master's degree in Educational Psychology. Most recently, I've been tutoring students who required preparation and practice for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as well as English in general for non-native speakers. All of my students whom I've tutored for the TOEFL have achieved scores over 100 out of a maximum of 120 on the TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT).
All my tutoring sessions are conducted online, whether it be via Skype and Google Drive (as the format had been before WyzAnt introduced its online platform) or via the new WyzAnt online tutoring application, to allow my students greater flexibility in terms of time and to also allow for relatively lower rates due to the lack of travel required. Study material will be provided for my students and a schedule of sessions is mapped out according to each student's individual goals and needs.
A bit more background: I have attained years of experience in tutoring and teaching at different educational levels. I've taught and mentored elementary students at an enrichment program, tutored middle and high school students within both regular and special education settings, and was a teaching assistant in several capacities at the college level, among other volunteer tutoring work. Each student I tutor is given a unique course of study to accommodate the pace at which that student learns best, and I am committed to continuing that teaching/learning philosophy.
If interested in some tutoring sessions, please e-mail me with your objective or goal (e.g., achieving a TOEFL score of over 100), your time frame for achieving that objective or goal (if any), and what subject area you wish to develop.
Thank you. My name is Anthony and I have a Bachelor of Arts with a dual major in English Literature and Psychology, as well as a master's degree in Educational Psychology.
All rates are scaled to the subject(s) and negotiable.
Anthony is approved to conduct lessons through Wyzant Online. Wyzant Online allows students and tutors to work remotely via video, audio, and collaborative whiteboard tools. For more information about how online tutoring works, check out Wyzant Online.
If you're interested in online lessons, message Anthony to get started.
Approved subjects are in bold.
In most cases, tutors gain approval in a subject by passing a proficiency exam. For some subject areas, like music and art, tutors submit written requests to demonstrate their proficiency to potential students. If a tutor is interested but not yet approved in a subject, the subject will appear in non-bold font. Tutors need to be approved in a subject prior to beginning lessons.
The area of tutoring English as a second language (ESL) involves teaching and aiding the student in all aspects of the English language, including reading, writing, and conversational use. An ESL student's primary native language is one other than English and usually seeks additional tutelage to further understand other material that utilizes the English language. Depending on what each student's native language is, tutoring ESL may have varied paces. Students whose native tongue is a romance language will often have the easiest time in picking up English due to the languages' similarities, whereas students whose native languages are not among the category of romance languages may find more difficulty in reaching proficiency with English.
I have previously tutored ESL students in the areas of reading, writing, and particularly the conversational facet. The students I've tutored in this subject were mostly international college students who needed some help with their English to supplement their college education. However, on a few occasions, I've also tutored elementary ESL students whose parents are recent immigrants to the country (these occasions were mostly voluntary and unpaid).
Effective English, ESL/ESOL, and TOEFL Tutor


text:
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the 27th busiest airport in North America in terms of passenger traffic, which grew 1.9 percent in 2014 to reach 20.7 million. The number of movements decreased in 2014 by 3.2 percent to 283,174. In 2014, American Airlines (and its merger partner US Airways) held the largest share of the average daily operations at the airport, followed by Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines.
All airport information shown above is reported by Calendar Year (CY).
NextGen Capabilities
* The DC Metroplex Project included:
- Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs)
- Area Navigation (RNAV) Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs)
- Optimized Profile Descents (OPD)
This timeline reflects programmatic milestones, and excludes capabilities implemented across the National Airspace System.
Information as of September 29, 2016.
Optimized Profile Descents
What are Optimized Profile Descents?
Conventional arrival procedures — the published routes and instructions that guide aircraft to the runway — are constrained by the availability and proximity of ground-based navigation aids. The advent of more precise Area Navigation (RNAV) technologies based on GPS eliminated this constraint and eased the design of more efficient arrival procedures. Optimized Profile Descents (OPD) are RNAV arrival procedures that aim to reduce step-descents that were commonly flown in the past. OPD procedures can be used by arrival aircraft to facilitate descent from cruise altitude at or near idle power, minimizing changes in the thrust. This allows aircraft to fly longer at more fuel-efficient cruise altitudes before initiating the descent to their final destination. While step-descents may still be required for safe aircraft merging and sequencing, OPDs can reduce the time aircraft spend in level flight and shift them to higher, more fuel efficient altitudes.
How are OPDs used in Washington, D.C.?
Two Area Navigation (RNAV) Optimized Profile Descent (OPD) arrival procedures were implemented and first used at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) on August 6, 2012, as part of the Washington, D.C. Metroplex project. These procedures, named "FRDMM1" and "TRUPS1," replaced an existing RNAV arrival procedure into DCA. A third OPD procedure, "GIBBZ1," replaced an existing RNAV arrival procedure into neighboring Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). The new procedures separated arrival flows approaching DCA and IAD from the west to accommodate the lateral separation needed for more fuel efficient descents into both airports. The placement of the FRDMM1 procedure eased the integration of departures from DCA and IAD, allowing aircraft from both airports to climb unrestricted into en route airspace. Similarly, the placement of the TRUPS1 procedure provided additional airspace for sequencing westbound departures from DCA and IAD. These changes produced more direct routes with fewer interactions between operations at these airports. In addition to shortening flight paths in terminal airspace, the procedures reduced the number of level offs during descent, which are inefficient.
Video: New Arrivals into Washington and Baltimore
How did it impact operations?
Following the implementation of Optimized Profile Descent (OPD) procedures at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), the FAA saw an increase in the use of the west RNAV arrival procedures, rising from 32 percent to 78 percent of DCA arrivals. The average distance and time flown within 250 nautical miles of DCA decreased by 2 miles and 30 seconds, respectively, for flights approaching from the west. The impacts were more pronounced in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), where average distance and time decreased by almost 8 miles (3 percent) and over 2 minutes (5 percent), respectively.
The improvements in vertical flight efficiency were also pronounced. After the implementation of the new OPD procedures, the average number of fuel-sapping level offs during descent decreased 18 percent for DCA arrivals from the west, in all conditions. Similarly, the distance and time in level flight during descent — where fuel consumption is high — decreased almost 14 miles and 2.5 minutes per flight (18 miles and 3.4 minutes for flights in IMC).
The FAA also performed a comprehensive assessment of OPD procedures implemented in FY 2013 which spanned 11 airports (excluding DCA). That study found significant improvement in the efficiency of descents by airport arrivals. Specifically, it observed two significant impacts that indicated improved fuel efficiency:
- Aircraft were 5 percent more likely to perform continuous descents.
- Flights that conducted step-descents did so more efficiently, exhibiting:
- An 8 percent reduction in the average number of level segments. This reflects fewer step-descents, which translates to less fuel usage and fewer communication exchanges between pilots and controllers to safely manage arrival flows.
- A 6 percent reduction in the average time and distance in level flight. This reflects more time in continuous descent, which is more fuel efficient than level flight.
- A 5 percent increase in the average altitude in level flight. Aircraft are generally more fuel efficient at higher altitudes.
Not surprisingly, these improvements tended to be greater at airports where the new OPDs could be used by a higher proportion of arrivals.
Click here for a full description of the NextGen Operational Performance Assessment.
What is the value of this improvement?
While the FAA did not monetize the specific impacts of Optimized Profile Descents (OPD) at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, it estimates the observed efficiency gains from the 41 OPDs at 11 airports implemented in FY 2013 translated into $4 million in fuel cost savings to aircraft operators between 2013 and 2014. These savings, expressed in 2015 dollars, apply only to the share of flights at each of the airports that were in a position to use the newly implemented OPD procedures. FAA monetized the observed reductions in level flight time using fleet-specific cost factors that reflect the lower fuel burn associated with idle descent.
Where else is it implemented?
As of September 15, 2016, there are a total of 240 active Optimized Profile Descent (OPD) procedures at 114 airports in the National Airspace System.
Additional information available on the NextGen Portfolio pages.
ScorecardView as Charts
The following metrics summarize performance over a large set of diverse operations at this location. As such, their purpose is to reflect general trends as experienced by aircraft operators and passengers, without regard to their underlying drivers. For this reason, metric values should not be compared to operational impacts attributed to specific NextGen capabilities, where these are provided.
All Information below is in Fiscal Years (October 1 - September 30).
|Performance Indicator (FY)
Average Gate Arrival Delay
Minutes per Flight
During reportable hours, the yearly average of the difference between the Actual Gate-In Time and the Scheduled Gate-In Time for flights to the selected airport from any of the ASPM airports. The delay for each fiscal year (FY) is calculated based on the 0.5th — 99.5th percentile of the distributions for the year. Flights may depart outside reportable hours, but must arrive during them. The reportable hours vary by airport.
Average Number of Level-offs per Flight
Counts per Flight
The count of level-offs as flights descend from cruise altitudes to the arrival airport, averaged for the fiscal year.
Distance in Level Flight from Top of Descent to Runway Threshold
Nautical Miles per Flight
The distance flown during level-off segments as flights descend from cruise altitudes to the arrival airport, averaged for the fiscal year (FY).
Effective Gate-to-Gate Time
Minutes per Flight
During reportable hours, the difference between the Actual Gate-In Time at the destination (selected) airport and the Scheduled Gate-Out Time at the origin airport. Flights may depart outside reportable hours, but must arrive during them. The reportable hours vary by airport and the results are reported by fiscal year (FY).
Taxi-In Time
Minutes per Flight
During reportable hours, the yearly average of the difference between Wheels-On Time and Gate-In Time for flights arriving at the selected airport from any of the Aviation System Performance Metrics (ASPM) airports. Flights may depart outside reportable hours, but must arrive during them. The reportable hours vary by airport.
Taxi-Out Time
Minutes per Flight
During reportable hours, the yearly average of the difference between Gate-Out Time and Wheels-Off Time for flights from the selected airport to any of the ASPM airports. Flights must depart during reportable hours, but may arrive outside them. The reportable hours vary by airport.
|1 Consistent data for the time period prior to FY 2011 are not available.
As described by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), efficiency addresses the operational and economic cost-effectiveness of gate-to-gate flight operations from a single-flight perspective. In all phases of flight, airspace users want to depart and arrive at the times they select and fly the trajectory they determine to be optimum.
|Performance Indicator (FY)
Average Daily Capacity
Number of Operations
During reportable hours, the average daily sum of the Airport Departure Rate (ADR) and Airport Arrival Rate (AAR) reported by fiscal year (FY). The reportable hours vary by airport.
Average Hourly Capacity During Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC)
Number of Operations
The average hourly capacity reported during IMC weather conditions (as defined by ASPM). Capacity is defined as the sum of Airport Departure Rate (ADR) and Airport Arrival Rate (AAR). It is calculated based on the reportable hours at the destination airport. The reportable hours vary by airport.
As described by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): The global Air Traffic Management (ATM) system should exploit the inherent capacity to meet airspace user demands at peak times and locations while minimizing restrictions on traffic flow. ICAO also notes: The ATM system must be resilient to service disruption and the resulting temporary loss of capacity.


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Being the head coach of three high school teams finally caught up to Dan LaMont.
The long-time area coach resigned as the head coach of the Pennsville Memorial High School wrestling team after 12 seasons, of which six — all in the last seven years, including last season — ended with the Eagles as Tri-County Conference Classic Division champions.
LaMont will remain the head coach of the Pennsville girls tennis team, which he led to two of the last three Group I state titles, and the Woodstown boys tennis team.
LaMont will be replaced by John Denuto, a former head coach at Sayreville and Spotswood. Sayreville was a top-10 team in the state and Greater Middlesex Conference champion during Denuto's tenure there from 2005-2009.
"I've talked to him a couple times and he seems like a good guy," said LaMont. "He did a lot of winning at Sayreville. He had some pretty good teams."
LaMont, 49, has been contemplating giving up wrestling the last few years. After the Eagles saw their run of five straight division titles snapped two years ago, he decided to come back for one more year to put the program back on the right path.
"Well, you know, I've always been thinking of this," said LaMont. "Even going back to the really great teams it was exhausting. In 2010, 2011 and 2012 it was almost driving me nuts. I knew there would come a time ... I'm not a lifer.
"I've been doing three sports and the better you do in all three sports, it's crazy. I would be coaching in the state (individual wrestling) tournament and literally the next day be coaching boys tennis.
"I knew wrestling would be the first thing to go. Last year, I felt like I had another year left, but I knew it was almost time. After last year, I was totally done."
LaMont, who previously coached for five years at Schalick, is 233-152 with eight division titles in 17 seasons.
"The kids were unbelievable, that's one thing I'm going to miss," said LaMont.
The veteran coach said he believes stepping aside will enable the program to thrive in the future.
"I know I can't put in the time other coaches are in the summertime, guys are going non-stop," said LaMont. "We've done a good job competing with the top teams, but I'd like to see this go higher. Wrestling is crazy, the paperwork, the mental part. It's time to let it go and for somebody else to come in and take it over."
Contact Bill Evans at 856-845-9478 or email@example.com


text:
Dear all:
I am new to OpenMx. I have a question non-linear modeling in openMx. I have been trying to utilize a framework that observed measurement variables determine latent variable, and latent variables impact observed outcome variable. The thing is that the way latent variables impact outcome variable is non linear. Is there a way to modify the mxPath command to allow nonlinear estimations?
[1] http://openmx.psyc.virginia.edu/users/linx
[2] http://openmx.psyc.virginia.edu/thread/1831
[3] http://openmx.psyc.virginia.edu/thread/979
[4] http://openmx.psyc.virginia.edu/forums/opensem-forums/general-sem-discussions


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Ambivalent could go in search of further Group One honours in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks after a fantastic all-the-way win in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh.
Placed in the Middleton Stakes at York and the Pinnacle Stakes at Haydock on her first two starts of the campaign, a change of tactics a superbly judged ride from Johnny Murtagh saw her strike Group One gold in Sunday's feature event.
While the Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood over the same 10-furlong distance is an obvious target, trainer Roger Varian feels his four-year-old could be seen in a better light in the mile-and-a-half Yorkshire Oaks on 22 August.
Varian said: "She's fine this morning. She seems to have come out of the race well.
"Johnny gave her a brilliant ride. He's a very good jockey, his confidence is high after Royal Ascot and he knows his way around the Curragh better than anyone, so it was great it all worked out so well.
"It's possible she could go for the Yorkshire Oaks next. The trip wouldn't be a problem as she stays well and she ran well at York in the Middleton earlier in the year.
"The other option is the Nassau, but I do think York would probably suit her better than Goodwood. It's only a tentative plan, but it could be the Yorkshire Oaks next for her."
Varian is not sure whether similarly bold tactics will be employed on her next start.
He said: "I don't think we need to decide now how we would ride her over a mile and a half. I think horses benefit from a change in tactics from time to time.
"Sometimes they get sick of making the running, so we'll see what happens nearer the time, if we decide to go to York."


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The Syracuse men's basketball team returns to its "home away from home" Madison Square Garden tonight to take on St. John's, a Big East team that has shown improvement this season under the direction of new head coach Steve Lavin.
The Red Storm has won five of its last six games, including an upset on January 3rd of the Georgetown Hoyas, who were ranked No. 13 at the time.
But St. John's is coming off of a 76-61 loss at Notre Dame on Saturday, and coach Steve Lavin says unbeaten, No. 4 Syracuse "presents a great challenge" for his team.
"We know we have our hands full," said Lavin in an interview on SNY this week. "Just not many good looks when you play against Syracuse because at the basket, in the paint, at the rim they've got those skyscrapers, the length, and so you have to be able to beat them down the floor some in transition, you have to be patient in your second gear, and be willing to probe or investigate for good looks against that zone defense, not settle for launching three-point shots."
St. John's players say they are ready for the challenge.
"It's a big deal for us. It's been a battle between both teams [as to] who's in control of New York. We feel, this year, our senior year, St. John's is the face of New York," shooting guard D.J. Kennedy told Metro New York. "You look at everything. We see cabs, we see everything with Syracuse's face on it. So a lot of teams look at Syracuse as New York's team. We're trying to get that back."
Point guard Dwight Hardy adds in an interview with the New York Post, "They're undefeated right now, and it would feel good to give them their first loss of the season and get one-up on them."
The Syracuse-St. John's game is scheduled to tip-off at 7 p.m., and is being broadcast on ESPNU.
More Orange basketball links:
» Mike Waters: Orange Scouting Report: St. John's vs. Syracuse
» Donna Ditota: Will the Garden be tinted Orange or Red for tonight's Big East game?
» NY Post: St. John's looks to upend No. 4 Syracuse
» Metro: Turf war: Storm set to retake the state
» nj.com: Syracuse needs to plug up holes at free-throw line before title talk can begin
» Democrat & Chronicle: Syracuse's Jackson a rebounding machine
Find out how you can enter to win courtside seats to the SU-WVU game on Valentine's Day and get complete Orange basketball coverage on syracuse.com.


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Here is the latest Boys Soccer Top 20:
1-Pingry (14-0)
2-Cliffside Park (14-0)
3-Bergen Catholic (18-0-1)
4-Don Bosco Prep (16-1)
5-St. Augustine (17-0)
6-Cranford (18-0-1)
7-Rancocas Valley (14-2-2)
8-Seton Hall Prep (13-2-1)
9-Scotch Plains-Fanwood (16-1-1)
10-Delran (12-2-1)
11-Millburn (9-4-2)
12-Clearview (14-1-2)
13-Union (13-3-2)
14-Ridge (14-4-1)
15-North Hunterdon (15-2)
16-Westfield (12-3-1)
17-Ramsey (13-1)
18-Toms River North (12-1-2)
19-Raritan (12-0-2)
20-Princeton (14-0-3)
Analysis: There really wasn't much change this week as the only team to drop out was #20 Wallington, which suffered its first loss to Ramsey in the quarterfinal round of the Bergen County Tournament last Sunday. I decided to move undefeated Princeton into that spot this week, but I'm sure Wallington will do fine once the state tournament begins next week.
The remaining 19 teams from last week are all present and accounted for although some moved up and some moved down.
The main team that moved up was #13 Union, which defeated #14 Ridge, 4-3, in 2 OTs on Monday. I had to move Union ahead of #16 Westfield in the Union rankings to accomidate the Top 20, but Westfield did suffer a loss to an unranked Summit team this past week.
This coming weekend will see a large chunk of the Top 20 participating in tournaments, threse three big tournaments being the headliners:
#2 Cliffside Park takes on #3 Bergen Catholic and #4 Don Bosco Prep meets #17 Ramsey in the Bergen County semis on Sunday at Ramapo.
Also, in the Union County semis on Saturday, #6 Cranford meets Union and #9 Scotch Plains tangles with Westfield.
The South Jersey Coaches Association final pits #5 St. Augustine against #7 Rancocas Valley on Sunday.
Also in action is #1 Pingry as it aims to win its sixth straight Somerset County title when it meets unranked Bridgewater on Saturday and #15 North Hunterdon, which goes against in Newton in the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex final on saturday morning.
Moving Out: Wallington. Moving in: Princeton.
Taxi Squad: Marlboro, Newton, Christian Brothers.


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FD is worse then it was in melee but in the whole list from bad to good ill take what i can get minus those 8 above and maybe another 1-2 i didnt mention just because i think id be naming too much. most melee and 64 maps put brawl maps to shame.
EDIT: i said 1-2. actually....after reviewing the list again i came up with another 5 not mentioned i got problems with so yea.


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SAGINAW -- Local hockey players age 11-16 will soon have a chance to don the Saginaw Spirit red, white and blue.
The Spirit are launching the inaugural season of the Jr. Saginaw Spirit youth hockey program this spring.
The program will field a Peewee Major (birth year 2000), Bantam Major (1998) and Midget Minor (1996, 1997) team.
Tryouts will take place March 19-21 at The Dow Event Center.
Organizer Brian Kischnick said the program will provide a closer option for area players, who currently have to travel to Detroit or farther to play on AAA teams.
"We're hoping to connect the Saginaw Spirit organization with local youth hockey, giving kids an opportunity to play at a higher level without leaving or going to Detroit," Kischnick said.
The Peewee team will be coached by Heritage coach J.J. Bamberger. The Bantam team will be coached by Bay City Wolves coach Mike Kayner. The Midget Minor team will be by Ken Bayne, a former Saginaw Valley State coach.
The three teams will play primarily out of The Dow for the season, which runs through May. Each teams will play in two tournaments near the end of the season.
If the spring season goes well, organizers will look to forming teams for the fall and winter seasons.
"We wanted to roll this out first, then work toward fall/winter, and see how we can make that happen," Kischnick said.
Peewee tryouts are 7:15-8:30 p.m. Tuesday and 5-6:15 p.m. Wednesday. Bantam tryouts are 6-7:30 p.m. Monday and 6:30-7:45 p.m. Wednesday. Midget Minor tryouts are 8-9:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday.
The cost to try out is $15. Participants can pre-register at www.saginawspirit.com, or register on-site.


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A $100,000 grant can go a long way to improving lives. It did for New Heights Therapeutic Riding in Folsom, which is using money awarded to them last year by the health care company Humana to improve its facilities.
Now Humana is accepting applications to award another $100,000 grant to a deserving nonprofit organization located in St. Tammany or a surrounding parish.
Eligible nonprofits must be focused on improving health or building healthy communities — particularly in the areas of childhood health and education, health literacy and services, or intergenerational health.
"We really want to make a positive impact on the community, and serve Louisiana through giving to one organization where we can provide transformational funding through our grant," said Rhonda Bagby, Humana's Louisiana Commercial Market president.
The Louisville, Ky.-based company has awarded one-time grants to nonprofits in the greater New Orleans area since 2007. Last year, there were 65 applications, Bagby said; those were narrowed down to three finalists.
Those finalists presented their needs before a 10-member judging panel made up of community leaders. New Heights was announced as the 2011 winner at a gala last November, just as the winner of the 2012 grant will be this year.
New Heights, which provides therapeutic horseback riding to children and adults with disabilities, is using the money to make improvements to its horse stalls and ventilation, among other facility upgrades.
"This grant not only provided us with much-needed funding but fostered a sense of pride and respect from the community. I highly encourage other nonprofits in the region to apply for this year's Humana grant," said Sue Cheveallier, New Heights director.
The Humana grant is open to 501(c)3 organizations in St. Tammany, Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes.
The deadline for the application, which is filed electronically, is July 31. For more information on the application and the grant, visit www.Humana.com/HCB or contact Humana by e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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The winning run scored on a bases loaded walk in the ninth, courtesy of Alexander Torres, who allowed three free passes in the frame, which was his MLB debut.
The Yanks can thank the Red Sox for last night's victory. Boston's 1-0 win over Tampa Bay in 16 innings Sunday night left Joe Maddon with an exhausted bullpen.
It was good to see Old Faithful, Kyle Farnsworth, come up short in his attempt to stop the bleeding in the eighth, when the Rays were up 4-2.
Tonight is all about Bartolo Colon (6-5, 3.47 ERA), who is fighting to stay in the rotation.
It would really be great to see Big Bart, who faces righty Jeremy Hellickson (8-7, 3.21 ERA),
throw free and easy and not worry about the hamstring.
Freddy Garcia doesn't translate to the bullpen, so a couple of more stinkers by Colon could mean a move to long relief.
Which is the role lefty Steve Garrison will serve this evening.
To make room for Garrison, Sergio Mitre was placed on the disabled list with shoulder tendonitis.
Why just the DL?
This tomato can should be released.
Even scarier is that Chad "God Awful" Gaudin was released today by the Washington Nationals.
Hopefully, GM Brian Cashman resists the urge to put God Awful back in Pinstripes.
There has been a Rafael Soriano sighting.
Eric Chavez, too.
But skipper Joe Girardi didn't give a timetable as to when either might return.
Reminds me of those Damaso Marte and Pedro Feliciano sightings.Meanwhile, I wonder what Nick Johnson is doing these days.
Probably just well enough to start swinging a bat -- soon.
Here are tonight's lineups:
Johnny Damon, DH; Ben Zobrist, RF; Evan Longoria, 3B; Casey Kotchman, 1B; B.J. Upton, CF; Robinson Chirinos, C; Sean Rodriguez, 2B; Sam Fuld, LF; Reid Brignac SS
Derek Jeter, SS; Curtis Granderson, CF; Mark Teixeira, 1B; Robinson Cano, 2B; Nick Swisher, RF; Jorge Posada, DH; Russell Martin, C; Brett Gardner, LF; Eduardo Nunez 3B
The Yanks (56-37) can go 7 1/2 games up on the Rays (50-44) in the race for the AL wild card. The Bombers remain 1 1/2 game behind Boston (58-36) in the AL East.


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I am tired and I am grumpy. And it's my iPhone's fault! Yes, folks, as if losing an hour's sleep due to daylight savings isn't bad enough, how about losing another hour just for good measure? It seems that Apple have borked something with the alarm clock and despite the clock on my iPhone being correctly set, the alarm I had scheduled for 5:55am went off at 4:55am this morning, which is basically 3:55am until my body clock adjusts. Unfortunately my tired brain didn't spot the critical flaw in the Matrix and now I'm seriously hacked off. But the plot thickens upon further investigation…
At first I thought that there must be a system-wide issue causing all alarms to go off an hour early, so to test the theory at 5:42am this morning I set an alarm for 6:43am expecting it to go off an hour early. 5:43am came and went with no alarm. I then set an alarm for 5:45am and it went off at the right time!
To be completely thorough I then tried the same setup again but this time with it set to repeat daily. This time, the alarm did go off an hour earlier than it was set for. So it seems we can narrow this issue down to repeating alarms only. But for how long? Forever? Until the US comes out of daylight savings? Until iOS 4.2? Until iOS 5?!
In the four years that I have been using an iOS device as an alarm clock, this is the first time that I have seen this happen. Since it happened immediately after daylight savings I can only guess that this somehow involves timezones and Apple's somewhat flippant attitude to how not getting them right affects users outside of the United States. For example, the issue where birthdays entered into contacts appear one day late is well known and has remained unfixed since what seems like the dawn of time.
But then that doesn't explain why it would only affect repeating alarms, so now I am thoroughly confused. I don't know if my alarm will go off at the right time tomorrow and I don't know if I will, in my sleep-induced haze, forget to double-check the time when it goes off tomorrow morning and wake up an hour early yet again, thus falling into a nightmarish unbreakable cycle that slowly eats away at what little of my sanity remains!
If you're thinking "user error" (you cynic!) think again. After I tweeted my annoyance this morning and asked if anybody else had been caught out, I was flooded with replies from others who had also been affected:
And if you're still not convinced or believe in mass stupidity, here's a quick video we threw together showing a recurring alarm set for 8:53am going off at 7:53am:
If anyone knows any more about this than we do (such as how to fix it!) go ahead and share in the comments. Also, let us know if this has affected anybody using an iPod touch, iPad, or any device running iOS 3.x.x.
If this does continue then I would suggest everybody submit feedback to Apple.
Now, where's the coffee…?


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State officials are concerned about the structural integrity of a second stormwater pipe located underneath a coal ash pond at Duke Energy's Dan River plant. The pipe discharges into the Dan River about 100 yards downstream from a 48-inch pipe that spilled an estimated 39,000 tons of coal ash into the river last week.
Steve McEvoy, a dam safety engineer with the N.C. Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources, observed a number of deficiencies with the second, 36-inch pipe after reviewing a Duke Energy video inspection of the pipe interior.
Via the News & Observer:
A state inspector received the video from Duke during a visit to the site Tuesday. Company officials had indicated no serious problems with the second pipe, but when the inspector viewed the video Thursday he observed "infiltration … dripping and flowing" through leaky joints. At three different points, the inspector described what he termed as a "gusher."
News & Observer – NC officials fear 2nd pipe collapse at Duke plant
The second pipe "has the potential by configuration to release ash material in a way similar to the 48-inch conduit," McEvoy said in a letter to Duke Energy.
NC DENR has given Duke Energy ten days to come up with a plan and schedule to repair the second pipe.
"We're concerned about the leaks we see in the 36-inch pipe and want to prevent a second pipe failure," said Tracy Davis, director of the N.C. Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources.
Read the full press release from N.C. DENR here.
Letter from NC DENR to Duke Energy, originally obtained by the Coal Ash Chronicles:
Charlotte Observer – Second pipe at Duke ash-spill site could break
Charlotte Business Journal – NC warns Duke Energy about second storm pipe under Dan River plant
In addition to the damaged pipe, a second possible leak at the Dan River site has been identified by the Waterkeeper Alliance and Yadkin Riverkeeper about a third of a mile upstream from last week's massive spill.
Via the Waterkeeper Alliance:
On Thursday, February 6, Waterkeeper Alliance attorney Pete Harrison patrolled the spill site and noticed an unusual discharge flowing down an embankment at the southwest corner of of the plant's coal ash impoundment.
"This area caught my attention because the rocks were stained bright orange and there was water cascading down, right into the river," Harrison said. "When I paddled closer, I could see that the rocks had a thick, slimy coating, an indication of iron-oxidizing bacteria that is often present where seepage is bleeding out of coal ash pits."
Harrison added, "The discharge concerned me because I'd reviewed the discharge permit for this facility and I knew that there wasn't supposed to be anything coming out of the ash pond right there." His team returned to the area four more times since last Thursday to see if anyone had attempted to stop it, but the discharge was still flowing unabated each time they went.
Waterkeeper Alliance – Ash pond still dumping while Duke begins ash removal from river
The group says that laboratory analysis of the discharge confirms coal ash pollutants well above human health and water quality standards, including high levels of arsenic and chromium.
The alliance has a photo gallery of the discharge site here.
Duke Energy and the EPA are conducting separate analyses of the water, but say the discharge is stormwater runoff flowing from a pipe that is not connected to the coal ash pond.
Via the Charlotte Business Journal:
He says Duke and the EPA decided "out of an abundance of caution" to test a sample from the runoff. The test was taken a couple of days ago, and Duke and the EPA are conducting separate tests on it.
The Waterkeeper Alliance says the water sampled by Duke and the EPA is not from the same site as the leak identified by the environmental group.
Harrison says neither the state or the federal agency was aware of the water discharge the alliance found until he asked officials about it at a public hearing the EPA held on Tuesday.
He contends the discharge he sampled, and has seen on five occasions since, is not the same one Duke is referring to.
Charlotte Business Journal – Feds testing water an environmental group says is a new leak from Duke Energy's Dan River ash pond
Charlotte Observer – EPA to test Dan River for reported ash leak
NC DENR is also investigating a discharge of wastewater from the emergency pipe system installed in response to the Feb. 2 coal ash spill:
Duke Energy reported to DENR and the EPA that less than 1,000 gallons of wastewater reached the Dan River from an emergency piping system the company installed during its response to the coal ash spill. Duke installed the emergency piping system Feb. 9 to divert wastewater away from the coal ash pond that failed and into a separate, working coal ash pond at the Dan River Steam Station.
The company reported that the newly constructed emergency piping system, at one point, did not work as intended and a backflow from the emergency system got into an existing pipe connection at the site and discharged into the Dan River. Duke reported to environmental regulators that the wastewater released from the emergency piping system to the Dan River contained yard drainage water, basement sump water and treated domestic wastewater from sources outside either coal ash lagoon. The company reported that the existing pipe through which the back flow occurred was plugged when the company discovered the problem to avoid further discharges to the river.
The company reported that wastewater from the emergency piping system did not intersect with the coal ash waste and, therefore, the company reports that no coal ash waste made its way into the Dan River during the wastewater spill.
An unpermitted discharge of wastewater into waters of the state, such as the Dan River, is a violation of the Clean Water Act, which is enforced by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. DENR's investigation of this wastewater discharge will be included in the probe the state is conducting of the coal ash spill and any subsequent enforcement actions.
Related stories:
Democracy NC calls for investigators to look at Duke Energy political clout
US launches criminal investigation into Dan River coal ash spill
Coal ash spills into Dan River from broken pipe at closed Duke Energy plant


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Greater Twin Cities United Way is governed by a 53-member volunteer Board of Directors. They guide United Way's senior leadership staff to achieve the strategic goals of the organization.
Committed community volunteers make all critical decisions about how United Way invests your gift:
- Volunteer Committees—Hold United Way accountable for administrative and fundraising costs and efficient operations.
- Campaign Cabinet—Guide the strategy and progression of each year's campaign.


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International Edition
October, 21, 2016
About Us
Contact Us
CWB forecasts weather to remain stormy this week
May 18, 2014, 12:10 am TWN
TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Heavy showers and thunderstorms can be expected in Taiwan for most of this week as a new weather front envelops the island, the Central Weather Bureau said yesterday.
From Monday to Friday, northern, central and eastern Taiwan are likely to experience heavy rains, forecasters said, warning of sudden downpours, which are typical in the plum rain season.
The rainfall may be similar to what was seen over the past few days, when rock falls and flooding were reported in several areas of the country, the bureau said.
Temperatures, meanwhile, are expected to drop slightly during the rainy period, with the mercury hovering between 22 and 30 degrees Celsius in northern Taiwan, 22 and 29 degrees in central Taiwan, and 25 and 30 degrees in southern Taiwan, the bureau said.


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Contact Us
Management of the pharmaceutical supply chain has become one of the top public health concerns with respect to consumer safety. The globalization of distribution for both drug components and finished products has introduced many complications that to date have yet to be resolved. Unethical players and noncompliant companies along the supply chain can introduce counterfeited, adulterated and contaminated materials, often with tragic consequences. Naturally, such incidents lead to a loud and swift reaction from the public, the health authorities and the policy makers.
As regulators, pharmaceutical executives, supplier executives and members of professional organizations, our ultimate mission is to serve patients. Millions of people around the world are treated everyday with the vital medicines that we collectively provide. That is what we do. However, the threats to the supply chain have not only prevented us from treating patients, but have caused the deaths of hundreds if not thousands of the individuals we are trying to serve.
In order to achieve this mission, we require secure and reliable supply chains that deliver the right materials at the right quality so that these vital medicines can be trusted by health care practitioners and patients.
Legislators, regulators, and other organizations around the world are developing and implementing local measures to curtail these activities or mitigate their impact. A global consortium will complement these efforts and deliver a level of consistency and scope world-wide, that local measures cannot achieve.
In support of its mission to develop and implement enhanced global quality systems and processes to help members ensure product quality and authenticity throughout their supply chains, the Consortium may undertake the following activities:
(i) development of voluntary standards for the quality and authenticity of supplies and suppliers;
(ii) development and implementation of audit standards and auditor training and certification regarding the quality and authenticity of supplies and suppliers;
(iii) joint development of technologies to enhance the quality and authenticity of supplies;
(iv) development and implementation of a method for exchanging among members public information regarding the quality and authenticity of supplies and suppliers and non-public information regarding the quality and authenticity of supplies and suppliers that could adversely impact patient health or welfare; and
(v) adoption of a seal for use by members that meet the Consortium's standards.


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''How do you get a person's attention in your introduction?'' asked Lincoln Elementary School third-grade teacher Cindy Bolling. ''You can use a grabber sentence that showcases something you learned about your animal. Sentence A is your grabber sentence. Because we already completed an outline of our report, the introductory paragraph should be easy, as you know the topics in your paper, Now, you need to tell the reader what they will be learning.''
Mrs. Bolling explained that the next sentence in the introduction is the main idea of the entire report. The last sentence tells the reader three things about their animal including: how they look, how they survive and an interesting fact.
''It's that simple to write an introduction. You completed an outline and in the introductory paragraph you briefly tell the reader what will be included in your report.''
Article Photos
Lincoln Elementary School third-graders Karley Kennedy and Lilly Melquist drop water on different materials — clay, construction paper, paper towels and foil — to better understand the vocabulary word, absorption, during a science experiment in Julie Strong's class to coincide with a buoyancy unit.
Lincoln Elementary School third-graders Mystique Gomez and Giovana Calamunci work on research for their ABC book about China in Rhonda Ricker's social studies class. Each letter of the alphabet needed to correspond to a fact about Chinese food, animals, natural resources, landmarks, inventions and culture.
Lincoln Elementary School third-grader Kameron Rhodes works on understanding fractions during math class.
Mrs. Bolling ended a daily English Language Arts block during a typical day in her classroom. Mrs. Bolling's students have English Language Arts everyday from 8:45 to 11 a.m.
''I love spelling,'' said Lincoln third-grader Karley Kennedy. ''It's my favorite thing to do. I think it's fun and it helps me in all my subjects. I hope to become an artist.''
''OK everyone, deep breath. Let's get oxygen to the brain so we can now go from the English Language Arts part of our brain to the math. We are starting a brand new math unit called fractions. What do you know about fractions? How does a fraction look? We all know math people don't use words. They use symbols, correct?''
Mrs. Bolling wrote on the board to show students that fractions have two numbers, one on top and one on the bottom.
''But a fraction can also look like this,'' said Mrs. Bolling as she puts 4 on the board.
''Wow, what's that?''
''You can even have a fraction that looks like this,'' as she wrote 1/578.
Ohhs and ahhs came from the class.
''Awesome, how does that work?''
''Welcome to the third grade! You'll soon know all about how fractions work!''
Mrs. Bolling, using the district's Math Expressions curriculum, began her fractions lesson. Students used individual white boards to visually understand the concept of fractions by creating ''pizzas'' and dividing them up into pieces. Mrs. Bolling's students receive math instruction every day from 11 a.m. to noon.
''We are doing a lot harder math than in second grade,'' said Lincoln third-grader Isabella Palermo. ''We are learning about area and geometric solids. We have to learn a lot of new things but Mrs. Bolling challenges us to do more. We are proud of ourselves when we get good grades. I want to be a doctor because I like helping people. I need good grades in school so I can go to college.''
Next in a Lincoln third-grader's day is a popular pastime called lunch. The students arrive in the cafeteria and chat with their friends for a well-needed break from noon to 12:30 p.m.
After lunch, students break up based on skill levels. Each third-grade teacher provides a group to support reading intervention skills from 12:30 to 1:05 p.m.
From 1:15 to 1:45 p.m., students rotate through Science, Social Studies, Math Enrichment or Health two times a week. Each third-grade teacher - Mrs. Bolling, Julie Strong, Rhonda Ricker and Linda Rhinehart - teaches a subject as students move to different classrooms. A recent health unit focused on discovering the different body systems including skeletal, muscular, respiratory, circulatory, digestive and nervous. As a culminating activity, students cut out of paper, and colored, the different systems to place in a paper ''body.''
''What do you remember most about the body systems?'' asked Mrs. Bolling.
''Your heart pumps blood through the entire body,'' said one student.
''That's correct. Remember, it is important to keep all your body systems healthy. We will learn more about exercise and proper nutrition in future health classes.''
''I liked learning about the body because I want to be a veterinarian and I'll need to know about body systems for animals too,'' said third-grader Cooper Pannes. ''English is actually my favorite subject because I like spelling and writing.''
The final part of a Lincoln third-grader's day is called ''specials.'' Students rotate every four days to Library, Art, Music and Physical Education. In art class, Lincoln third-graders are working with an exciting method of art education. Students were presented with a ''big idea'' like ''My Identity'' or ''My Favorite Place'' and shown samples of the many different ways artists choose to address these themes. Students independently choice how they wanted to create a personal artwork using drawing, painting, collage or three-dimensional centers. The projects helped students work independently through the creative process brainstorming ideas, creating a work plan and reflecting on their completed projects.
''I enjoy watching my students develop thinking and questioning skills. In the third grade you see students starting to put it all together and go to a higher level of thinking,'' said Mrs. Bolling, who has taught for over 25 years. ''One of my main focuses besides teaching the curriculum is to encourage the students to think independently. I want them to take the skills they learn in math and English and apply them to other situations through problem-solving. The difficult part is finding time to satisfy their intense curiosity about all subjects. They are hungry to learn new skills and it can be challenging to keep up with the core curriculum and standards but also stimulate students' own interests and personalities. But, I love teaching third grade.''


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FENTON, Michigan -- The fate of Kasey Caswell, a Fenton girl whose twin sister died in a car accident hours after her mother allegedly used cocaine, is now in the hands of a Genesee County judge.
In court action on Tuesday, Circuit Judge David Newblatt took jurisdiction over Kasey, 8, which grants him power to make decisions about her care including custody.
A trial date has been set to terminate the rights of Kasey's mother, Kelly M. Arthurs, who lost control of the sport utility vehicle she was driving on March 10 and crashed into a utility pole on Fenton Road in Mundy Township. Kelsey Jo died from injuries she sustained in the crash. Kasey was hospitalized.
Arthurs' husband and the twin's father, Roger Caswell, did not contest the state's request for control to be temporarily turned over to the court. Kasey is living with her paternal grandmother.
Caswell agreed to submit to drug tests and attend counseling as recommended by the Department of Human Services.
"I'm here to do whatever it takes to get my daughter back," Caswell said during Tuesday's hearing.
Kelsey, a second-grader at Tomek-Eastern Elementary School in Fenton, was described as an outgoing girl and budding artist who also enjoyed camping and the outdoors.
Her funeral drew 200 people to Fenton High School's auditorium last month.
Police are continuing their investigation into the crash and Arthurs has not been charged with a crime.
In the state's petition to terminate Arthurs' parental rights, it claims she used cocaine hours before the crash and tested positive for cocaine, alcohol and marijuana at the hospital.
Arthurs is expected back in Newblatt's court May 20 for a pretrial in the parental termination case. A bench trial has been set for June 12.
Members of Arthurs' family, who were at Tuesday's hearing, said they'd have no comment. Her attorney, Lynne A. Taft, also declined to comment.
Newblatt on Tuesday granted Caswell supervised visitation with Kasey.
Taft also asked that Arthurs' family, such as her parents and siblings, be allowed visitation with Kasey. Arthurs is not allowed to see her.
Newblatt denied the request following state testimony that previous visits with Arthurs' family left Kasey distraught.
"She should be given equilibrium and the chance to deal with one thing at a time," Newblatt said.


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Fatal Shootings in Herkimer March 13, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013 4:03 PM
Law enforcement officers take cover along Main Street in Herkimer, N.Y., when shots were fired while they were searching for a suspect in two shootings that killed four and injured at least two on, Wednesday, March 13, 2013. Authorities were looking for 64-year-old Kurt Meyers, said Herkimer Police Chief Joseph Malone. Officials say guns and ammunition were found inside his Mohawk apartment after emergency crews were sent to a fire there Wednesday morning. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Related articles
- Herkimer County murder suspect shot and killed by authorities March 14, 2013, 8:20 AM
- Killer of four in Herkimer County hides in building after shooting at police March 14, 2013, 4:57 AM
- FBI, U.S. Marshals agents cleared by Herkimer County DA in fatal shooting of Kurt Myers, 64 June 25, 2014, 3:08 AM
- Downtown Herkimer businesses close as gunman remains on the loose March 13, 2013, 4:04 PM
- Herkimer woman's younger brother kept inside North Main Street apartment as gunman remains on the loose March 13, 2013, 4:37 PM
- North Main Street in Herkimer comes to standstill after shootings March 13, 2013, 7:50 PM
- State police: Herkimer gunman shot at police 'almost immediately' (Update: News conference video) March 14, 2013, 3:55 PM


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We've been pretty impressed by the photos posted by NJ.com users in our cool cars photo contest. You can see all of the photos here.
This week, we've gotten a lot of great photos of muscle cars: Mustang, Charger, Corvette ... you know the names. Some of those muscle car photos are highlighted here along with the stories behind the cars from their proud owners.
This photo contest theme closes May 26, so get your photos of cool cars and motorcycles in to NJ.com. Even if the car isn't yours and you saw it at a car show or out on the road, we'd love to see your photos.
Upload your pictures here. Put them in the Photo Contest gallery and tag them "cool-cars".


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If you have dull blades we can make them better than when they were new. Cook's Saw has over 30yrs. experience in sharpening thin kerf bandsaw blades for the sawmill industry.
We can sharpen most every brand blade out there including Lenox, Simonds, Woodmizer, and Suffolk just to name a few.
Service includes:
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*$5 handling fee is added when sending less than 6 blades
If you need your Cook's Super Sharp™ blades resharpened, we'll sharpen any size, any length for only $6.95 per blade! You bought the best and we're going to offer you our best!
This includes are premium service of sharpening, setting, and flattening your blade which guarantees optimal performance from your Super Sharp blades.
*$5 handling fee is added when sending less than 6 blades


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Published on February 16, 2014
Michael Tavenor, left, of the Bone-Air team, is guarded by Mark Tavenor of Grenfell Warriors', during the final of the WinterFest basketball tournament held at Corner Brook Regional High Sunday. Bone-Air won 106-82.
Geraldine Brophy
Published on February 16, 2014
Jay Warford of Grenfell Warriors', back, manages to pass the ball before Greg Myrden, of the Bone-Air team, could get his hands on it during the final of the WinterFest basketball tournament held at Corner Brook Regional High Sunday. Bone-Air won 106-82.
Geraldine Brophy
CORNER BROOK Michael Tavenor drained 45 points to lead Bone-Air to a 106-82 victory over Grenfell Warriors in the Tier 1 menŌĆÖs final Sunday at the 2014 Winterfest Basketball Tournament.
Steve Buckle poured in 34 points and Jeff Lowe notched a 14-point effort for the winners at the Corner Brook Regional High School gymnasium.
Adam Bursey held the hot hand for the Warriors with a 20-point performance, while Mark Tavenor, MichaelŌĆÖs brother, had a strong outing with 17 and Michael Quigley added 16 to the scoring parade.
On the womenŌĆÖs side, Danielle Wamboldt had 12 points, eight of those coming in overtime, to lead the Grenfell Warriors to a 72-66 overtime victory over the Shooting Stars in the womenŌĆÖs final showdown Saturday afternoon at the G. C. Rowe Junior High School gymnasium.
Danielle Hynes had 12 for the winners, while Chantal Rochon had 11 points for the Warriors.
Sarah Purchase had 24 points to lead the charge for the Shooting Stars, while Taylor Hamlyn supported the offence with 14 points and Jennifer Solo threw in 12.
The showdown for the Tier 2 menŌĆÖs title featuring Elwood High Lakers of Deer Lake and the Corner Brook Regional High School Level 2 Titans was postponed because of a winter storm that hit the region Sunday. The two teams will clash for the title Tuesday 3:30 p.m. at the Corner Brook Regional High School gymnasium.
The following is a look at how things unfolded in both menŌĆÖs and womenŌĆÖs play over the weekend:
Tier 1 Men
Corner Brook Titans 78, Stephenville Men 59
Nathan Barker was the offensive force for the Titans with an 18-point performance, while Mark Rowsell threw in nine points.
Ryan Park, selected MVP for his team, had 20 points for the Stephenville entry.
Grenfell Warriors 108, Corner Brook Titans 77
Mark Tavenor, team MVP for the Warriors, had 29 points to steal the limelight in a high-scoring affair.
Nathan Barker continued his shooting prowess with 17 points for the Titans, while multi-sport athlete Christopher Dobbin added 10 points to the mix.
Bone-Air 82, Stephenville Men 66
Michael Tavenor (27) and Josh Jacobs (13) were the top guns for the winners.
Daniel Drew drained 17 points for the Stephenville entry, while Ryan Park had a good outing with 16 points.
Bone-Air 75, Grenfell Warriors 72
Steve Buckle had a game-high 35 points to dominate the paint in a close round-robin matchup between the two finalists in Tier 1.
Michael Tavenor had 18 for the victors.
Mark Tavenor notched a 27-point game for the Warriors, while Michael Quigley added 11 to the scoring parade.
Bone-Air 86, Corner Brook Titans 73
Aaron Sheppard (30), Brad Roberts (15) and Steve Buckle (11) were the offensive stars for the tournament champions.
Nathan Barker was the top gun for the Titans with 18, while Tyler Wise (16), Brady Cook (10) and Graham Kenney (10) were among the Titans to hit double digits in a losing cause.
Grenfell Warriors 2, Stephenville 0
Warriors won the game by default.
Tier 2 Men
Elwood High Lakers 69, High Performance 40
Andrew Moss (22) and Lucas Hoyles (12) were the big guns for the Lakers from Deer Lake.
Jordan Ryan had 20 for the opposing bench.
CBRH Titans Level 2s 67, Belanger Memorial 46
Corey Hepditch had a game-high 30 points to pave the way for the Titans Level 2 squad.
Donovan OŌĆÖQuinn was the top shooter for the Belanger representatives with 22 points.
Elwood High Lakers 68, Belanger Memorial 61
Jeremy Davis (16), Matthew Hiscock (13) and Andrew Moss (12) were the top guns for the Lakers in a close showdown on the hardwood.
Donovan OŌĆÖQuinn (25) and James Devoe (13) were the big shooters in a losing cause.
Belaanger Memorial 49, High Performance 47
Donovan OŌĆÖQuinn (20) and James Devoe (13) were the top guns for the winners.
Jordan Ryan had 14 points in a losing cause, while benchmate Riley Woodman poured in 13.
CBRHS Titans Level 2s 80, High Performance 47
Corey Hepditch had 23 points to lead the way for the winners, while Justin Dunne threw in 21 and Daniel Sparkes notched 10.
Elwood High Lakers 52, CBRHS Titans Level 2s 36
Jeremy Davis (14) and Lucas Hoyles (12) held the hot hands for the Lakers.
Nick Purchase had nine points to lead all shooters on the Titans Level 2 entry.
Shooting Stars 55, Grenfell Warriors 53
Sarah Purchase paved the way for the winners with a 22-point outing.
Amy Cull had nine points for the Warriors womenŌĆÖs hoops team.
Corner Brook Titans 50, Xavier JuniorŌĆłHigh 18
Jade Regular (10) and Jessica White (9) were the top performers on the hardwood for the Titans.
Heather Janes had 10 for the Deer Lake school.
Shooting Stars 61, Corner Brook Ladies 51
Sarah Purchase (16), Jacqueline Burke (12) and Taylor Hamlyn (11) shared the spotlight for the Shooting Stars.
Brittany Costello and Jess Parsons had 14 points apiece for the opposing bench.
Grenfell Warriors 58, Corner Brook Titans 42
Daniel Hynes (12) and Amy Cull (11) were the top guns for the Warriors.
Emily Flynn (8) and Liz Rowe (6) replied for the Titans.
Corner Brook Ladies 44, Xavier Junior High 34
Brittany Costello (10) and Toni Vardy (7) were the top offensive producers for the winners.
MacKenzie Parsons had a dozen points for the Xavier girls.
Shooting Stars 55, Xavier Junior High 42
Stephanie Specker was the top shooter for the winners with 12 points.
Jordin Burden replied with 11 for the Xavier entry.
Grenfell Warriors 62, Corner Brook Ladies 22
Chantal Rochon (22) and Jess Byrne (12) were the offensive forces for the Warriors.
Jessica Parsons had seven points for the opposing side.
Corner Brook Titans 68, Shooting Stars 54
Jade Regular (20) and Emily Flynn (11) were the top shooters for the winners.
Jennifer McCarthy replied with 11 points for the Shooting Stars.


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NHL teams spend millions of dollars every season scouting the best available talent for the entry draft, yet every year, there are quality players who slip through without hearing their names called on draft day.
The best of these undrafted players have reached elite levels of the game; there's a former MVP, several players who have appeared in All-Star games and many are performing at high levels for their teams.
Here are the 10 best undrafted free agents in the NHL this season.


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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns released the first depth chart today and Brian Hoyer was sitting atop the quarterback spot.
Fedor on the Browns' best option at quarterback (08/05/14)
Hoyer, who started two games last year before his season was cut short due to injury, has taken the majority of the first-team reps at training camp. However, Manziel was running with the No. 1 offense yesterday for the first time in a decision head coach Mike Pettine revealed was the plan all along.
Manziel, the 22nd pick in the draft, has had an eventful offseason. He has been captured outside the state partying on weekends, and has struggled at times on the practice field, but has always shined the most when game action starts. His talent speaks for itself and gives the Browns a different dimension on offense.
I give my thoughts on why I think Manziel is the best option to start the opener.
You can download the MP3 or listen with the player to the right.
Be sure to follow Fedor on Twitter.
Who do you think will win the Browns' quarterback competition? Vote on our poll below and share your reasoning in the comments section.


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Marcelino Ortiz Jr. was the valedictorian and Richard J. Freeo the salutatorian.
As students, family and faculty gathered yesterday at the Francis School, looking forward was as important as realizing the worth of the recent past.
In an auditorium and cafeteria transformed by the school's turqoise, black and white colors, and a large arch of balloons, the graduates grappled with a mix of excitement and intense nostalgia for an intimate and nurturing atmosphere.
"If there was a theme for the day, it was family," said Assistant Principal Sean Walsh. "These are a bunch of good kids; they came here for more individualized attention, and saying goodbye to them was like saying goodbye to members of the family."
The graduates are:
Justin G. Barahona, Craig Buono, Nicholas Caccese, Matthew Coffey, Anthony R. Colacino, Josephine Conigliaro, Erina A. Cooke, Nicholas DeGirolarmo, Nicole DiFato, Richard J. Freeo, Thomas F. Gogarty, Verdon Hadzibrahimovic, Luan Husic, John Janaskie, Gabrielle D. Kane, Jonathan T. McGowan, Teresa A. Neglia, James Nicastro, Marcelino Ortiz Jr., Christopher T. Palladino, Marissa R. Perlstein, Victoria V. Perrotto, Paul J. Pipitone, Sebastian Puglisi, Vincent Puglisi, Richard Ramos, Jamie A. Rogers, Regina E. Romandetti, Irena Roseto, Nicholas R. C. Tronolone, Michael Visciano, Joseph W. Weyershausen.


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Nonetheless, there's a certain dramatic element in all of Chekhov's works that has inspired other writers, including Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and Raymond Carver, to build from his stories. Playwright Michael Hardstark is the latest. His play, The Last Laugh, being performed this month at Jewish Theatre, was influenced by two of Chekhov's works.
Consisting of two one-act plays, the The Last Laugh opens with "In the Cemetery." In this act, a young man brings a rabbi out to say prayers over his father's grave in a Queens cemetery. When the two meet an unemployed actor also out visiting his father's grave, all three men reminisce about life, family, and love. The second act, called "The Cure," is a classic farce, set backstage in a Yiddish theater. The troupe lead is drunk and the troupe needs to sober him up quick. Desperate, they try what its youngest member claims to be a "sure-fire" way to cure him.
For first-time director Teri Kuhlman, The Last Laugh is an exciting production. "The cast consists of five actors who are doubling up on parts," she said. "They're all excellent actors, and it's exciting to work with talented people like them. We're having a lot of fun, and I'm very fortunate to be working with a cast like this."
Kuhlman sees this play as a work that offers a gradient of human emotion. "This show definitely has two very different acts," she said. "In the first, there are some light moments and it has a good message, considering the circumstances. The second act is very funny. But the unifying theme is that they're suggested by Chekhov. I think audiences are going to have a lot of fun watching this."
Jewish Theatre presents The Last Laugh November 7—18. Showtimes are Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Performances are at the Black Box Theatre at Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE. For more information, contact 234-3595 or visit jtgr.org


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WEEHAWKEN — An overhaul of the Lincoln Tunnel helix will force the closing of all its eastbound lanes during off-peak hours for at least a year starting in August, forcing cars, trucks and buses onto Hudson County streets, officials said.
The closings were discussed Tuesday during a meeting of Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's construction committee. The agency's Board of Commissioners later awarded a $56 million contract for repairs and repaving of the tunnel's 74-year-old spiraling access ramp to El Sol Contracting and Construction of Maspeth, N.Y., out of a total cost of $88 million for the overhaul.
Cedric Fulton, the Port Authority's director of bridges, tunnels and terminals, said traffic would be diverted on to local streets, where Port Authority Police would be stationed at key points along detour routes. The closing of all eastbound lanes of the helix will occur during daytime off-peak hours, overnight and on weekends, Fulton said. Eastbound closings are expected to last until sometime in the fourth quarter of 2013, followed by similar westbound closings. Motorists should expect delays as a result, Fulton said.
The mouth of the tunnel is in Weehawken, just east of Union City and north of Hoboken. The tunnel is used by more than 100,000 commuters a day, including 63,000 NJ Transit bus riders, from the New Jersey Turnpike, Interstate 495, New Jersey Routes 3 and 1&9, and local streets.
The overhaul, which is expected to create 470 construction jobs, is intended to insure safe tunnel access for another decade, while the Port Authority plan a complete replacement of the helix, a much costlier and more complex undertaking.
Related coverage:
• Guest editorial: Toll hikes would pay for PA upgrades
• Port Authority budget leaves tolls untouched, offers no plan for canceled ARC tunnel funds
• Govs. Christie, Cuomo announce $1.50 Port Authority toll hike


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We've always been fond of saying, when asked, that despite what the calendar may say, and how teasings of mild weather may make us feel, winter around these parts can still make itself felt all the way through to about March 20 (which only coincidentally is also the date of the vernal equinox).
You'll note that it's not March 20 yet.
By now, we're hoping, you already know about the winter storm warning issued for today. We're looking for a total of 5 to 9 inches of snow to fall here by the time it stops falling sometime early Saturday morning.
The setup couldn't be simpler, and as a result it's pretty easy to call, with a strong cold front moving through yesterday, stalling to our south, and its attendant low pressure center gradually pulling down the cold air that will change the rain over to frozen precipitation.
Forecasts don't vary on this, the chance of precip today is a locked-solid 100 percent, but there are some discrepancies over just how much snow will fall here on Staten Island, and how much will be sleet, freezing rain, rain, or sno-cone slush. Accu-Weather, which often throws caution to the wind in these winter storms, is calling for just 3 to 6 inches of snow for us, the National Weather Service 5 to 9.
We'll surely see a good deal of slush to hold down any accumulations, but we note that the two inches of mostly slush we received on Valentine's Day proved to be a real challenge for the city's road-clearing crews (we never really bought their argument that they were caught off-guard by it).
Although the weather clears on Saturday it will remain cold, with a high temperature of just 34. By Sunday it grows 10 degrees warmer, with mostly sunny skies --- and mind you, this will be a mid-March sun, strong enough to work on however much snow does fall. Enjoy!
Holiday Watch --- Saturday of course is St. Patrick's Day, in honor of the patron saint of Ireland. The big parade in Manhattan may have a slushy go of it!


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Deakin University's new Proof of Concept facility, opened in Geelong this month by the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan, provides local industry with state-of-the-art research facilities and will foster further collaboration between the University and local industry.
Part of a $13 million expansion of the Geelong Technology Precinct and supported by an investment of $6 million under the Victorian Government's Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), the 3500m2 Proof of Concept facility represents a significant increase in research infrastructure and capability at Deakin University's Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds.
It will also, as the Minister noted, allow Deakin to re-invent the wheel.
"One of the greatest innovations to come out of this centre is the world's first single piece carbon fibre composite wheel for use in aerospace and automotive application," she said.
"What we are seeing here at the Deakin Institute for Technology Research and Innovation and partnered up with private company CFusion is the taking of innovation to a whole new level.
"You can genuinely say that coming out of Deakin Geelong is the re-invention of the wheel!"
The Proof of Concept facility provides space for a range of pre-commercial work to occur and for local industry to collaborate with Deakin on the testing of prototypes and the rapid commercialisation of projects.
The facility provides critical infrastructure for the future stages of development of the GTP and is the platform for growth of Deakin's 'smart design', nano-manufacturing, carbon fibre, composites and high-performance light metal capabilities.
It is also the site for research activity of national importance in sectors including defence, automotive and aerospace.
Already housed within the Proof of Concept facility are a number of Deakin's industry partners, including The Victorian Centre for Advanced Materials Manufacturing, The Co-operative Research Centre for Cast Metals Manufacturing, CFusion, HARD Technologies, Quickstep and VR TEK Global.
Deakin University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jane den Hollander said that the new facility was an example of the University's progressive approach to industry collaboration.
"Deakin is a relatively young university but this facility is testament to our commitment to excellence in research both in Victoria and throughout Australia," she said.
"There is great potential in a facility like this for Geelong to benefit from successful partnerships between Deakin and industry participants."
Related information


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WASHINGTON -- Congress sent President Barack Obama legislation Wednesday scaling back across-the-board cuts on programs ranging from the Pentagon to the national park system, adding a late dusting of bipartisanship to a year more likely to be remembered for a partial government shutdown and near-perpetual gridlock.
Obama's signature was assured on the measure, which lawmakers in both parties and at opposite ends of the Capitol said they hoped would curb budget brinkmanship and prevent more shutdowns in the near future.
"It's a good first step away from the shortsighted, crisis-driven decision-making that has only served to act as a drag on our economy," Obama said of the measure in a statement issued after the vote. And yet, he quickly added, "there is much more work to do to ensure our economy works for every working American."
The legislation passed the Democratic-controlled Senate on a vote of 64-36, six days after clearing the Republican-run House by a similarly bipartisan margin of 332-94.
Louisiana's two senators, Democrat Mary Landrieu and Republican David Vitter, split their votes on the budget. Landrieu explained her yes vote this way: "With today's passage of the bipartisan budget agreement, we have made major progress in ending the gridlock that has forced us to govern crisis to crisis. I hope the Senate will now focus on critical issues for Louisiana that still need to be addressed, including making flood insurance affordable, building Morganza to the Gulf, and securing our fair share of offshore energy revenues."
Vitter said he voted no on the budget because the spending cuts are put off. "I'm all for getting a bipartisan budget deal. But this one relies on the same sorts of gimmicks that have gotten us where we are -- like spending more money now and saying that's offset with cuts ten years from now," he said. "Or instead of cutting, grabbing revenue from current military retirees and air travelers. We need real spending reform instead."
The product of intensive year-end talks, the measure met the short-term political needs of Republicans, Democrats and the White House. As a result, there was no suspense about the outcome of the vote in the Senate -- only about fallout in the 2014 elections and, more immediately, its impact on future congressional disputes over spending and the nation's debt limit.
"I'm tired of the gridlock and the American people that I talk to, especially from Arkansas, are tired of it as well," said Sen. Mark Pryor, a Democrat who supported the bill yet will have to defend his vote in next year's campaign for a new term. His likely Republican rival, Rep. Tom Cotton, voted against the measure last week when it cleared the House.
The measure, negotiated by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., averts $63 billion in across-the-board spending cuts that were themselves the result of an earlier inability of lawmakers and the White House to agree on a sweeping deficit reduction plan. That represents about one-third of the cuts originally ticketed for the 2014 and 2015 budget years and known in Washington as sequestration.
Democrats expressed satisfaction that money would be restored for programs like Head Start and education, and lawmakers in both parties and the White House cheered the cancellation of future cuts at the Pentagon.
To offset the added spending, the legislation provides about $85 billion in savings from elsewhere in the budget. Included are increases in the airline ticket tax that helps pay for security at airports and a fee corporations pay to have pensions guaranteed by the government. Most controversial by far was a provision to curtail annual cost of living increases in benefits that go to military retirees under age 62, a savings of $6.3 billion over a decade for the government.
By one estimate, the result would be a reduction of nearly $72,000 in benefits over a lifetime for a sergeant first class who retires at age 42 after 20 years of service. Veterans groups and their allies in Congress objected vociferously to what they said was a singling out of former members of the military, and key lawmakers in both parties said they would take a second look at the provision next year.
But Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said a veteran of identical rank who retired at 38 would still wind up with $1.62 million in retirement pay over a lifetime. He also pointed out that a prominent deficit commission headed by former White House chief of staff Erskine Bowles and former Sen. Alan Simpson had recommended abolishing cost of living increases for military retirement pay as part of a sweeping deficit reduction plan, a far deeper curtailment included in the legislation.
McCain, who was a Vietnam prisoner of war, also asked rhetorically if there were an alternative to the pending legislation that would also "prevent us from shutting down the government again, something that I refuse to inflict on the citizens of my state."
In response, Murray said there was no other legislation to accomplish that. She added that if the bill did not pass, the Pentagon "would take another $20 billion hit" from across-the-board cuts early next year, with some personnel furloughed as a result.
She made one concession, telling Georgians Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss she would work to exclude disabled veterans from the change contained in the legislation.
The longer-term political fallout was harder to calculate.
Tea party organizations lined up to oppose the legislation, arguing that it would raise spending. Deficits are projected to rise slightly for three years because of the bill. Three potential GOP presidential contenders, Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Ted Cruz of Texas, all opposed the bill.
So, too, did the party's top leaders, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and John Cornyn of Texas, and several members of the rank and file who face primary challenges from the right next year.
Even so, the leadership's opposition did not extend to an effort to derail the bill, which advanced over a critical procedural obstacle on Tuesday with the support of a dozen Republican senators. On the final vote Wednesday, all 53 Democrats, two independents and nine Republican voted for the bill. Defeating the measure would have required a fresh round of negotiations with the House, with no guarantee that a partial shutdown could be avoided when current government funding expires on Jan. 15.
Passage of the measure will permit the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to draft a massive, trillion-dollar-plus omnibus measure to run the government through the end of September 2014. Lawmakers are expected to use the opportunity to assert their own priorities rather than defer as frequently to the administration, a tactic that is less possible when short-term bills must be passed with a shutdown looming.
The canceled across-the-board reductions put spending on general government programs at $1.012 trillion for the 12 annual appropriations bills for the budget year that began Oct. 1 and a nearly identical $1.014 for the next.
Agency budgets totaled $986 billion in 2013 after automatic cuts called sequestration were imposed, causing numerous furloughs, harming military readiness and cutting grants to local school districts, health researchers and providers of Head Start preschool care to low-income children, among numerous effects. The next round of automatic cuts would have sent spending down to $967 billion.
The cuts themselves were triggered after lawmakers failed to agree two years ago on a far more sweeping series of deficit reductions.
By David Espo, special correspondent
Associated Press writer Andrew Taylor contributed to this report.


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Click on image below to enlarge
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GRAND RAPIDS – The Coopersville girls soccer team is off to a fast start – on and off the field.
Coopersville, 3-1 overall, has pulled away from the pack in the MLive/Grand Rapids Press Team of the Week Poll. The poll will remain open through noon Friday, so we will find out if the lead holds.
Here's what we do know, though: The team that does win will get the royal treatment next week. The MLive coverage team will take in a game next week and provide extended coverage that will include a column, feature, photo gallery and an inside look at the squad. Coverage will run on MLive and in the Grand Rapids Press.


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get down to interval education as an alternative of cardio
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