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A silicon micromachined membrane deformable mirror with a diameter of 10 mm, reflectivity of better than 99.8%, and a surface deflection range of has been used for intracavity control of an industrial 200-W cw Nd:YAG laser. When it was placed in the resonator, the mirror demonstrated continuous (more than 40-h) stable operation under an cw optical load, with beam diameters in the range 3–6 mm. Periodic modulation of the curvature of the deformable mirror with a frequency of 250 Hz produced quick switching between stable and unstable resonator configurations, which resulted in pulse-period -switched generation with average power in the range 50–200 W, modulation depth from 95% to 10%, and an parameter of 6.5 to 30.
© 2001 Optical Society of AmericaFull Article | PDF Article


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Welcome to all Old Haltonians
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This network provides a forum to enable all ex-apprentices, who trained at RAF Halton, to communicate. The Old Haltonians social network is open to ALL Apprentices who 'did time' at RAF Halton as a member of one the Entries detailed on the http://www.oldhaltonians.co.uk web site. The Entry listing on that site commences with the 29th Entry and runs through to the 410th Entry. 155th were the last entry to pass out (in 1993). Officially, Richie Waylens is the last brat to pass out of Halton.
The RAF Aircraft Apprentice Scheme was initiated by Lord Trenchard at the No.1 School of Technical Training, RAF Halton in 1922. Lord Trenchard started the 'Aircraft Apprentice Scheme' in 1920 at Halton camp, but the site was not ready to accept apprentices until 1922 (See Tribute). The first few Entries were sent to 'RAF Cranwell' and the first HALTON Entry was the 5th Entry in 1922. Between 1922 and 1993, when the scheme ended, over 40,000 young men known, more or less affectionately as Halton or Trenchard 'Brats', had graduated.
The Government had purchased the Halton estate (previously commandeered during the First World War) on Trenchard's recommendation when Rothschild died in 1918. There were already ample and well-equipped technical shops in existence and it was near to London, a point in its favour since the Chief of the Air Staff believed that the boy trainees should be near enough for friends and parents to visit. On the other hand, Trenchard felt that officer cadets would be better off in the flat countryside of Lincolnshire than anywhere near London.
The badge of No 1 School of Technical Training incorporates a symbolic tree of learning derived from the beech trees typical of the Halton area. The motto "Crescentes Discimus" can be translated to mean 'As we grow, we learn'. In planning the Apprenticeship Scheme, the Air Ministry clearly took their responsibilities towards the young boys seriously and it was considered necessary to provide some insignia to distinguish them from adult airmen "so as to check smoking and the forgathering of boys with men".
The four-bladed propeller within a circlet, to be manufactured in brass, was approved on 17th April 1919 and worn on the sleeve of the left arm, being, of course, highly polished at all times.
See pages 28 - 35 of the pdf file sota_vol1_2 .pdf for a good account of the start of the HAA scheme. The article is written by, Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Armitage KCB CBE (56th entry), who is a member of this Network.
A history of the culture and organisational heritage of the RAF can be found at this link HistoryoftheRAF.pdf
NOTE:- Acrobat Reader is needed to read pdf files. Acrobat Reader can be downloaded free of charge from the SAFE LINK TO ACROBAT READER DOWNLOAD
In July 1952 the uncrowned Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth performed one of her first duties as Soverign by presenting to Number 1 School of Technical Training RAF Halton a colour. The first to be awarded to an apprentice school, and the first ever to be presented to an 'other' rank, when Sergeant Apprentice Hines of the 63rd Entry, received the colour from Her Majesty.
On 31 October 1997 Her Majesty presented RAF Halton with its own colour.
Started by David Triggs Jan 30. 0 Replies 1 Like
The Halton experience was very special to many of 'Trenchard's Brats'. Here is a new poem describing the three years through the eyes of an 82nd. Entry graduate. Remember and enjoy! TRENCHARD'S BRATS: MANY YEARS ON (A glimpse of RAF Halton culture,…Continue
Started by Stuart Morgan Jan 11. 0 Replies 1 Like
"...the Royal Navy officially opened Royal Naval Air Service Cranwell on April 1, 1916, which means that the present day RAF Cranwell will be celebrating a centenary of military flying this year..."…Continue
Tags: RAF, Scampton, Waddington, Cranwell, Halton
Started by Stuart Morgan Aug 17, 2015. 0 Replies 1 Like
Around 40 Spitfires and Hurricanes will take off from Goodwood Aerodrome to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. You can enjoy complimentary access to see this unique sortie unfold simply by registering online.The anniversary…Continue
Started by Stuart Morgan Aug 17, 2015. 0 Replies 0 Likes
How many of you knew that Television personality and Air Cadet Ambassador, Carol Vorderman, holds a PPL, and that she is an Honorary Group Captain? Carol attended the latest graduation parade at RAF Halton as the guest of the Reviewing Officer and…Continue
Started by Stuart Morgan. Last reply by Stephen Hopper Jun 17, 2015. 9 Replies 3 Likes
This article has appeared this week in the Bucks Herald. Do you have any…Continue
Tags: Vulcan
Started by Stuart Morgan May 24, 2015. 0 Replies 0 Likes
For those who wish to contact the RAF Halton Apprentices Association, please note the new address:The official contact address for the RAFHAA is as follows: ROYAL AIR FORCE HALTON APPRENTICES ASSOCIATION Building 412 RAF Halton Aylesbury Bucks HP22…Continue
Added by Stuart Morgan 6 Comments 2 Likes
Posted by Stuart Morgan on May 9, 2015 at 12:55 0 Comments 0 Likes
Following the Sir John Holmes Independent Medal Review, HM Govt has announced the following changes to a number of campaign medal awards and criteria:
Berlin Airlift: The General Service Medal 1918-62 with clasp 'Berlin Airlift' will be awarded for at least one day's service to all aircrew, RAF and civilians who took part in the Berlin Airlift operation from 25 Jun 48 to 6 Oct 49 inclusive. Applications for the new clasp will be assessed from 1 Mar 15…Continue
Posted by Stuart Morgan on November 9, 2014 at 20:16 0 Comments 0 Likes
I have just raised £2.34 for RAF Halton Apprentices Assoc - Old Haltonians by shopping at TheTrainline Loyalty using http://easyfundraising.org.uk/d/3pra43y5
Posted by Stuart Morgan on November 9, 2014 at 14:59 0 Comments 0 Likes
The Queen has led the nation in remembering service personnel who have died during conflicts, as Remembrance Sunday services are held around the UK. This article from the BBC includes a video clip
Posted by David John Smith on July 4, 2014 at 12:54 0 Comments 0 Likes
You lament the absence of 48th. I am "the good shepherd" of the 55th ( for 36 years) & note in the last of the Bill Kelley " Haltonians", that Robin Webb commented on the latest of the 48th's annual reunions at a pub near Baker Street Station ( THAT brings back memories!), so they are out there. I suspect that considerably more read the Haltonian than are on this Web site- especially we oldies who find computing," why make it easy when you can make it difficult"! Dave 55th

subset: commoncrawl


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Situation improving but banks must do more for those behind on payments
Published 05/03/2014 | 02:30
ON the face of it the arrears situation is improving. The numbers of residential mortgage accounts that are three months or more behind on repayments has fallen for the first time since the figures were collected.
This comes after almost four-and-a-half years of relentless rises in the numbers getting into mortgage trouble. So we have reason to cheer the first fall in the arrears figures.
In the three months to the end of December, close to 96,500 mortgage accounts were three months or more in arrears.
The figure had come close to 100,000 recently, and the fear was that we would have breached the psychologically important 100,000 mark before long.
Now it seems that the ongoing rise has been arrested. And there has been a drop in the numbers falling into early arrears – of less than three months.
However, we have gone through enough at this stage to be sceptical of bankers.
Yes, there has been an improvement in the numbers in early arrears and the numbers who are three months or more behind on their repayments.
But the same cannot be said for the numbers in long-term arrears.
Depressingly, the numbers of those who are two years or more behind on their mortgage repayments shot up in the last three months of last year, compared with the previous three months.
This is despite the fact that these are the very homeowners the banks have been ordered by regulators to offer solutions to in a bid to get them out of a mortgage mess.
Banks are taking the easy cases first and dealing with those.
They are offering most people in trouble an interest-only deal or arrears capitalisation – this is where the arrears are added to the overall mortgage principal and repayments are made on the new higher mortgage.
Not surprisingly, four out of 10 of those who opt for arrears capitalisation end up defaulting again.
Yet, the number of split mortgages being handed out is still less than 4,000.
At this stage the banks really could, and should, do a lot better for those in long-term mortgage distress.
Irish Independent


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(NAPSI)—Good news: Teen girls are embracing being active, and athletics is the leading activity they participate in at school. Today, 65 percent of high school girls participate in a school sport. The top 10 are track and field, soccer, tennis, basketball, volleyball, softball, cross-country, swimming, cheerleading and dance team.
Survey Results
A recent survey conducted by Varsity Brands found that a majority of female teens say playing on a sport/spirit team makes them happier (78 percent), builds their overall confidence (73 percent) and helps relieve stress (69 percent). Participating in athletics helps teen girls make new friends (86 percent) and gives them a built-in support system (65 percent).
The survey also found that cheerleaders are more likely than general teens (57 percent vs. 46 percent) to hold a leadership position in/out of school, to be less shy (26 percent vs. 19 percent), and to be more comfortable speaking in public (64 percent vs. 54 percent) and 81 percent have grade point averages of 3.5 or higher.
Other Advantages
"In addition to helping them keep fit, participation in athletics gives teen girls a variety of interpersonal benefits and teaches them to enjoy healthy competition," said Nicole Lauchaire, vice president, Corporate Marketing and Communications for Varsity Brands, the leading resource for cheerleading camps, competitions and apparel. "Team athletics like cheerleading give teens a social outlet, confidence boost and stress relief."
Many good reasons exist for teen girls to participate on a cheer team:
• They become part of a team of school leaders.
• As some of the most visible members of the student body, cheerleaders can have a positive influence on others.
• Girls learn new skills and stay in shape through a mix of conditioning, skills training, dance and cardio.
• Cheerleading builds lifelong character traits such as confidence, leadership, positive energy and motivational skills.
The Parents' Part
Parents can take active roles in selecting the right cheer program for their kids. Here are some questions to ask:
• Is the coach certified through the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) and has the school conducted the appropriate background checks?
• Does the coach adhere to AACCA practice and performance guidelines?
• Does the coach properly balance practice time between athletic training and spirit leadership instruction?
• Does the squad have an emergency plan in place?
Learn More
For more information on cheerleading benefits and results from the Varsity Teen Girl Survey, visit www.varsity.com.


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Now that Cassell bailed from LA he has one more chance to win a championship. (This article from Hoopsworld explains it more.) If he doesn't get it done this season do you think he has enough in him to come back again next year??
IMHO, I think he can make it one more year but expect him to get hurt and miss part of the season. The guy was great for us but at the end he served no purpose even when he was out on the floor. Not sure how well he is doing there but I wish him the best.
Yeah I'm not sure how he's doing either and I guess I don't even find it worth my time to find out. It's not a knock on Sammy but frankly I don't care that much since he's no longer a Clipper by his own accord.
From the times I've looked at the stat lines for Sam with the Celtics, it looks like he's playing better there. I know that cuz he has the weapons there. How can you not do great with Allen, Pierce and most importantly Garnett drawing all the attention. If Boston stays healthy I think they have a great shot at winning it all...but for some reason a lot of people have this feeling like the most talented team will get outsted in the finals. Maybe it's cuz the Patriots blew it in the superbowl, who knows. I'm gonna make the unpopular pick (at least in Clipperland) for NBA champs and say the Lakers. I'd like the Hornets, but my gut says the Lakers.
good choice jlemmen43 i totally agree!


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Head Start no longer available in all counties
CHARLESTON – West Virginia's Head Start preschool program is no longer available in every county due to federal budget cuts, state officials said Tuesday.
The federally funded program helps prepare low-income children for elementary school and also provides them with meals and health care. The programs are a legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson's 1960s war on poverty.
But due to automatic federal spending cuts known as sequestration, 461 classroom spots were eliminated in West Virginia. There were 8,075 children enrolled in Head Start in West Virginia in the 2012 fiscal year, according to federal figures.
The cuts were put in place after Congress and the White House failed to reach agreement two years ago on a plan to cut the federal deficit. Funding for the program is provided in the form of grants to 21 local community organizations.
Traci Dalton, the director of West Virginia's Head Start Collaboration Office, told lawmakers during a legislative interim meeting that the cuts meant that the program had to be eliminated in Tucker County. Previously, all 55 West Virginia counties had Head Start programs in them.
Nationwide, more than 57,000 spots for children were eliminated. Dalton said West Virginia is better off than some other states because it offers a universal preschool program for 4-year-old children, and some of those who would have gone to Head Start likely enrolled in that program.
"We're glad they're being served somewhere; however, there are services that are being lost to those families," she said. "The health component, I mean, we have staff that are driving children to the dentist, taking families and making sure they're getting their immunizations. … Those are the types of services that are being lost."
But Dalton also warned that another round of sequestration would likely mean more cuts. So far, 80 Head Start positions have been eliminated, she said.
West Virginia Head Start programs receive about $55 million, down from $58 million before sequestration.
Dalton did not have an estimate on exactly how many children would be impacted or in which counties if sequestration continues. She said the average cost for each child enrolled in Head Start in West Virginia is about $7,200.
Dalton encouraged lawmakers to contact the state's congressional delegation to get funding restored.


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Posted by quiltguy on December 26, 2002 at 14:05:46:
In Reply to: Getting Rid of Mint posted by Mary on August 14, 2002 at 12:43:31:
: I know only too well about how invasive mint is. It blew in from somewhere and landed under my crabapple tree. Does anyone know how to get rid of it without killing my tree?


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Wegmans and Weis Markets supermarkets have announced they are extending price freeze programs for shoppers.
The Rochester-N.Y. based Wegmans, which operates a store in Silver Spring Township, pledged starting Sunday not to raise prices on more than 50 family favorite store-brand products such as fat-free turkey deli meat, baby carrots, orange juice, club pack chicken and bread through April 28.
Last February, Wegmans introduced the program — called Consistent Low Prices — on about 40 items, which concluded at the end of 2011. The company said the cost for absorbing those price increases was more than $8 million.
The new list includes 25 new items such as navel oranges, canned soups and cold medications Wegmans is advertising as a winter list of seasonal items. Some items that made the list last year such as coffee, peanut butter and canned tuna were eliminated. The cost on those items have risen so much it was no longer prudent for Wegmans to guarantee a price freeze, said Jo Natale, chain spokeswoman.
Meanwhile, Sunbury-based Weis Monday rolled out its eighth price freeze since 2009. Prices on more than 1,700 brand-name and private label items will be held for 90 days through April 2.
"Our 90-day Price Freeze program continues to make sense, particularly with food inflation being a factor in a number of key categories," said Kurt Schertle, Weis Markets Senior Vice President, Sales and Merchandising.
Over the past three years, Weis said the program has saved its customers more than $35 million.


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GRAND RAPIDS, MI. – Erin Kotlarczyk's first trip to a West Michigan Whitecaps game will earn her another visit to Fifth Third Ballpark – this time in a suite.
The 18-year-old from Grand Rapids was the winner in our MLive first-glove story contest. She will receive four tickets to watch the Whitecaps play Fort Wayne on June 7 from a suite.
Kotlarczyk, who was a catcher at Forest Hills Eastern and graduated in 2011, attended her first Whitecaps game in 2009 and brought along her new glove. She got help breaking in the glove from one of the Whitecaps catchers, though she doesn't remember his name.
"I just remember he was pretty cool about it," she said.
Kotlarczyk still has the glove, but is busy as a student at School of Missionary Aviation Technology in Ionia. She plans to be a maintenance technician.
"I still like playing, I just don't have much time anymore," she said.
Here is her winning entry:
"My mother and I were at my first baseball game, WhiteCaps vs. Lugnuts, and I had brought my brand new catcher's mitt to the game. I was sitting on the third base side and asked one of the players how they broke in their new glove.
"One of the catchers had me throw my glove to him and he warmed up one of the pitchers with it until he was ready to go out to pitch. It was so cool because when there was a foul ball he threw me back both my mitt (which was definitely starting to be loosened up) and the ball!
"Overall a great first game! That was my most memorable baseball game and mitt story ever!"
You can follow Pete on Twitter and comment below


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Third-quarter revenues totaled $221.8 million, up 8.0 percent from the same quarter last year. FEI had told investors to expect sales between $210 million and $220 million.
Profits totaled $29.2 million, 71 cents a share. That's above the 63 to 70 cents FEI had forecast.
"We had another good quarter, with revenue growth in spite of a normally weak seasonal period and an uncertain economic environment," chief executive Don Kania said in a written statement.
The company said it enjoyed strong sales in its core electronics business and among clients in the natural resources industry. Kania said bookings were strong in Europe despite the economic slowdown there.
FEI forecast sales between $223 million and $233 million in the current quarter, with profits between 64 and 72 cents a share.
Financial markets remained closed Tuesday in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. FEI's shares finished last week at $50.35. In the past year, the stock has traded between $36.30 and $56.48.
-- Mike Rogoway; twitter: @rogoway; phone: 503-294-7699


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Warren Steel idles production
CHAMPION – Warren Steel Holdings this week idled steel production, blaming a slowdown in the steel market.
The company, which employs about 185 workers, said no layoffs have occurred, with workers being shifted to maintenance and other support work.
"Due to unfavorable market conditions, Warren Steel Holdings is not currently melting steel," said John Scheel, chief operating officer at the mill.
Instead, the company is using the time "to thoroughly evaluate operations and develop a plan designed to adequately address the situation and restart production as soon as possible," Scheel said in a prepared statement released by the company.
This week's slowdown comes after the company in December announced it had returned to full production on three shifts after an earlier slowdown in October due to a reduction in orders. No layoffs occurred at that time; however, some workers were reduced temporarily to 32-hour weeks for a few weeks, company officials have said.
Warren Steel Holdings has operated since 2006 in part of the former Copperweld Steel facility along Mahoning Avenue. The company manufactures billets, or solid tubular products, among other products, that are shipped to other facilities to be hollowed for use in the oil and gas industry, automotive, heavy equipment, rail and other industries.


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It's not the constant time and attention he needs. That's not hard for Gail Owens, although she's on her own, a single mother, trying to keep a job despite frequent absences to care for her son.
Or helping him upstairs because he can't breathe, rubbing his swollen legs at night, getting him his medication, taking him to his baby-sitter so she can work, driving him to prison in Pennsylvania so he can see his father -- "I miss my daddy," he says.
Or even arguing with the local school board to ensure he has a school to attend.
"I can do all that," says Owens, who is 32. "I think I've learned to be tough and brave enough. I can do it all on my own."
No, it all hits her when Billy gives her a hug and says he loves her or when she's about to fall asleep at night or when she gets up in the morning -- that's when it's hard.
"So really hard -- I think of it, and I can't help myself," she says, starting to cry.
Because she knows Billy, who's only 11, is going to die.
He's going to die because he was born with a heart defect.
His life could be saved by a heart transplant. But Billy can't have a heart transplant because he has kidney and spleen problems. And because he's retarded. Developmentally delayed.
So Billy was declared ineligible to receive a heart. Even if he didn't have the kidney and spleen problems, even if they could somehow be fixed, Billy wouldn't be given a heart.
"Not all the standards used to determine who can be eligible for a heart transplant have to do with physical problems," explains Rajiv Verma, Billy's doctor.
Verma is the director of Cardiac Catheterization and Interventional Cardiology Service for the Children's Heart Center at the Children's Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
"Consideration also was given to the fact that he will probably never be able to take care of himself, take his own medication," says Verma, who did not make the decision.
"I am glad I do not have to make those decisions. Those can be brutal decisions, made necessary by the shortage of transplant donors and the chances for survival."
That decision was made by experts at Columbia Presbyterian hospital in New York, where Billy was brought for an evaluation. He was rejected as a candidate.
"We've had lots of discussions," says Verma.
The hospital will not comment on the case and refers questions back to the child's physician and family.
Gail Owens knows she has to live with the transplant decision and hopes Billy will live long enough so technology can catch up with him. New machines that might help his heart stay beating longer. No one is guessing how long he has.
"The medication he takes now is far more than he took just months ago," says Verma. "And, like all medications, it has serious side effects."
Shortly after Billy was born, doctors in New York, where Owens was living, diagnosed his problem and tried surgery to correct it. But the baby was susceptible to infections and, when he was nearly two, he contracted meningitis. That left him with the developmental delays.
Gail separated from Billy's father, and he went to jail on drug charges. She moved to New Jersey five years ago with the hope of a new start. She got a job working for the municipal court in East Orange, where she lives now.
She brought Billy to Verma.
"We tweaked his medication and, with catheterization, helped close a hole in his heart," says Verma. "That helped a while, but then he was steadily dwindling."
By this fall, Billy was very sick. Verma thought he had six months to live.
"We had two options -- do nothing, and he would die, or a heart transplant."
A few days after Thanksgiving, Owens learned Billy would not be eligible for a heart transplant. "I didn't want to hear that," she says.
After nearly seven weeks in the hospital, Billy was able to come home. The hospital staff helped find him a school placement for chronically ill children. Owens was able to go back to work at the court. Verma says Billy is better than he was in the fall, but is still "in a precarious state."
Owens has taken on a second job, selling cosmetics. She brings him along.
"Lots of bills," says the single mother who makes $23,000 a year.
Mother's Day will probably pass without much of a celebration, Owens says. She will go try to church, read the Bible, pray Billy somehow will get better.
Then, her cheeks still wet from tears, she smiles a silly smile, and looks at her little boy.
"Who knows, maybe he'll surprise me and take me out to dinner."


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Sustainable development
'Basic Four' recommit to climate agenda
Setting bold targetsWhile the Copenhagen accord produced political commitments to mitigate climate change by some leaders, rich nations were slammed for their failure to set bold targets on greenhouse gas emissions. The members of the Basic Four group have already announced a series of voluntary mitigation actions for 2020 and have expressed their intention to communicate information on their voluntary mitigation actions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by January 31. They also called for the early flow of the pledged US$10-billion in 2010 with focus on the least developed countries, small island developing states and countries of Africa, as proof of their commitment to urgently address the global challenge of climate change. The four ministers expressed hope of a successful conclusion of ongoing negotiations leading to Mexico.
'Show of commitment'The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) described the group's early lead on continuing climate negotiations as a show of commitment shown by the countries to a fair and effective UN-based outcome to climate change this year. "South Africa is standing by its commitment to negotiate a multilateral agreement as part of the Africa Group and to maintain the two-track process under the UNFCCC," said the organisation's Richard Worthington. SAinfo reporter and BuaNews
Would you like to use this article in your publication or on your website?
See: Using SAinfo material
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Related links
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- Praise for SA's energy policies
- 'Solar park' on the cards for SA
- R100m AfDB boost for clean energy
- 'Plant a tree - save our planet'
- SA adopts 'bold' climate change policy
- Cape Town prepares for rising sea levels
- Norway to step up climate aid
- Joburg, Clinton climate initiatives
- SA tackles climate change
- Govt, business join climate fight


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Meeseva Website Applications ListMee seva Portal, Meeseva Centers are providing so many applications and services to Andhra Pradesh people. For every service we must to apply with an application form. Some of village people don't know much full details of updated applications. Because which was require to download from online only. For them self the ap government has provided an additional option at meeseva official website which was given in meeseva.gov.in website left side end.
So dear visitors you can take a print out of that mentioned services at any time. With out submitting that related application the staff who were working in mee seva portals cannot provide you the certain data. So kindly utilize this great opportunity Sponsored by ap government.
The mentioned mee seva website list Image has given below Just go meeseva official website and follow the below given image there you can see a link to that provided all applications. By clicking up on that link you can able to see the whole services given page. Please select which you want to download . Thanks for visiting meesevaap.in


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CHICAGO -- Well, as predicted, Mark Waid soundly thrashed his opposing fans in a game of Silver Age Comic Trivia at C2E2 in Chicago this afternoon.
But we put up a pretty good fight.
My contributions included knowing who the Doom Patrol teamed up with in an early issue of "The Brave and the Bold" (The Flash;) the first villain fought by The Wasp (Creature From The Kosmos) and Daredevil's first client as lawyer Matt Murdock (The Owl.)
Waid is a freak.
He knows way too much about comic book trivia. It's a little scary. He should be on some kind of government watch list.
But his real superpower is his speed. He squeaked his squeaker before the question was even finished.
HEY, WE ALL KNEW THE SUPER POWER THAT THE FANTASTIC FOUR'S ELDERLY MAILMAN POSSESSED. Waid just hit the squeaker a nano-second faster.
Give up. Willie could wiggle his ears real good.
Well, even if we lost, it was a real blast.
Even if Waid is a mutant.
C2E2 is a great con. Lots of giveaways. Friendly atmosphere. Great bargains on trade paperbacks and comic books.
Many personalities, such as Adam West and Burt Ward (You know them.)


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The event is being held Friday and Saturday and features ten private gardens in Uptown New Orleans, including Exposition Boulevard, Henry Clay and Prytania Street homes near historic Audubon Park. One of the tour stops will be Bird Island, a natural rookery in Audubon Park.
The Secret Gardens Tour is a nonprofit organization. Part of the tour's proceeds benefit the Brain Injury Alliance of Louisiana, Acquired Brain Injury Survivor Support group (ABIS) and St. Andrew's Village. Visitors get to see private gardens designed by renowned national and local landscape architects.
Aside from the intrinsic beauty of nature's bounty, many of this year's gardens feature extensive outdoor art collections including sculpture and metalwork by noted New Orleans and Louisiana artists. Additional attractions include gourmet boxed lunches for sale from Southern Hospitality Catering, live music, and Secret Treasures, an outdoor boutique offering garden accessories, gifts and art by local artists and merchants.
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]-->Advance tickets are available for purchase online at www.secretgardenstour.org. Tickets will also be sold on tour day.


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Event Details
Date(s) & Time(s)::
November 15, 2012 at 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM
Location: Thirsty's Banquet Rm, Binghamton NY
Phone: 607.648.8592
Email: email@example.com
Link: http://www.narfe.org
Event Description
Italian Chicken & Roast Beef dinner for $12. Nov 15 @ 1:00 pm. No business meeting. Activities include auction & raffle to raise money for Alz Research, A 50/50 drawing, and door prizes. All Federal Employees & Retirees are invited and are welcome to bring family & friends. Call Gary Lasky @724.8417 or Mary Pease @648.8592. Reservations must be received by Nov 11.


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Animal Bites Lawyers and Law Firms in Cowpens, SC
Animal Bites Lawyers
Lee Law Offices, PA
North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers(864) 577-0977 or (800) 887-1965
Lee Law Offices, P.A. is a North Carolina and South Carolina injury law firm serving clients in workers' compensation, car accidents, nursing home abuse, and wrongful death.
Law Firm's Overview Free Consultation
Harris & Graves, P.A.Spartanburg, SC - Law Firm near Cowpens
South Carolina Personal Injury Attorneys(800) 786-7785
Harris & Graves PA is dedicated to helping injured victims of South Carolina. If you or a loved one has been injured in South Carolina, contact us for a free case evaluation. ; Areas of Practice: Vehicle Accidents, South Carolina Workers' Compensation, Social Security, Nursing Home Abuse,...
Johnston Law Firm, LLCSpartanburg, SC - Law Firm near Cowpens
South Carolina Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Attorney(864) 591-1093
Solo practice in Spartanburg, SC. Practice areas include: Criminal Defense, DUI, Medical Malpractice, Auto, Truck & Motorcycle Accidents.
Lee Law Offices, P.A.Spartanburg, SC - Law Firm near Cowpens
North and South Carolina Worker's Compensation and Personal Injury Law Firm(864) 577-0977
Lee Law Offices, P.A. represents clients in workers' compensation, car accidents, wrongful death and nursing home abuse.


text: I picked up an old Aladin Sport dive computer at a garage sale recently. The battery was dead so I took it to the Scubapro dealer to get it changed out. He told me it would have to go to the factory to change the battery because it was so old. He told me that it would be about $150-160 to do that. I am curious...is it really that much to get the battery changed on that old computer? I don't mind paying the price for a cheap backup (I dive with an Aeris T3), but that seems a bit excessive.


text: There were many other ways for students to experience school spirit. Student government addressed the concerns of students to the university, supported student clubs, organized a number of social activities and helped give form to the interests and student life of each class. Here we see the freshman class officers of the Class of 1960, who are holding their 50th reunion this June.


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In an effort to promote awareness about organ and tissue donation, Tom Robinson and Susan Dieter-Robinson, along with Donate Life Northwest, hosted an education event on Saturday, May 3, at Forest Grove High School. Approximately 150 attended the event held in the high school cafeteria.
The Dieter-Robinson family created the event to celebrate the lives of their daughters, Abigail and Anna. The girls were killed October 20 when they were run over by an SUV. Abigail's kidneys, liver, cornea and heart valves were donated to the Pacific Northwest Transplant Bank.
The Leader had the opportunity to speak with Aimee Adelmann, Program Specialist for Education Initiatives for Donate Life Northwest and event coordinator, and ask a few questions about the event.
FG Leader: What was the event program?
Adelmann: Mary Jane Hunt, our executive director, opened the event. She talked about the purpose of the event and the mission of our organization. Next, I talked about my story as a two-time kidney recipient and my connection to Tom and Susan. Then Susan and Tom spoke about their girls and their gifts. The performance happened after that (cast members from Theatre in the Grove's production of "Guys and Dolls" performed the song "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat.") Finally, Matt Webber, our program coordinator for community initiatives closed the event and read a beautiful quote called "Lloyd's Story," by Kim Stafford.
FG Leader: Were you able to sign people up to be donors at the event?
Adelmann: I believe Susan says it best: "There is a lot of talk around Forest Grove about organ donation and we got a handful of people to sign up at the theater (Theatre in the Grove). A lot of others showed me that they were already a donor and voiced that they now have a better understanding. Bringing awareness is what it was all about … I think we did that. So proud of my girls!" This day was about creating awareness about donation, and showing the importance.
FG Leader: What were your feelings about the event? Was it successful?
Adelmann: We are the voice for all registered donors and for all who want to be donors. This was a beautiful way to remember all of the gifts that Anna and Abigail brought to the world while educating the public about the life saving gift of organ, eye and tissue donation.
In Oregon, 878 people are on the waiting list for organ donations, according to Donate Life Northwest.


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What is in this article?:
- Demand, interest in hops soaring in North Carolina
- Charmed by people, environment
- Want locally grown hops
• The crop is not native to the Tar Heel state, but has been grown in the past and can be grown now, but just how to do that has proven to be a perplexing challenge.
A HOP YARD at the Mountain Horticultural Research Station in Mills River, N.C.
Three large beer brewers are building their east coast breweries in North Carolina, combined with 60 or so craft beer brewers and a thriving number of amateur brewers and there has grown a significant demand for one of beer's primary ingredients — hops.
The crop is not native to the Tar Heel state, but has been grown in the past and can be grown now, but just how to do that has proven to be a perplexing challenge for North Carolina State University Horticulturist Jeanine Davis.
Davis and her research team at North Carolina State's Mountain Horticultural Research Station in Mills River, N.C., and on the main campus in Raleigh, have taken up the challenge and are making progress in getting hops planted in the western and piedmont sections of North Carolina.
With the financial help of the North Carolina Golden Leaf Foundation, North Carolina State University soil scientists Rob Austin and Scott King, established a short trellis hop yard, which is the terminology used for a planting of hops, at the Lake Wheeler Road Field Laboratory in Raleigh, N.C in 2010.
The experimental hop yard includes 200 total hops plants on one-quarter of an acre. The hop yard contains 10 different U.S. hops varieties replicated four times throughout the experimental site.
The varieties were selected based on their range of alpha acid content (bitterness), yield potential, disease and pest resistance, total U.S. production, and demand by local craft breweries.
In 2011, with financial help from a Specialty Crops Block Grant through the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, Davis established a quarter acre high trellis (20 feet tall) hop yard at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station. It has 10 varieties, eight of them the same as in the Raleigh yard.
Austin, King, and Davis have worked the past three years with a small community of growers with established hop yards in western North Carolina.
Sierra Nevada, a nationally known brewery with some quirkily named, but highly popular beers, recently began construction of a brewery adjacent to the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station in Mills River. "We considered building a zip line across the river direct to the brewery," Davis jokes.


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With temperatures dipping below zero, experts say it's important to take precautions for both yourself and your pets. Here are some tips to keep yourself and your pets warm from the National Weather Service, Humane Society of Huron Valley and Petfinder.com.
Tips to stay warm
• Maintain a room temperature of at least 68 degrees during the day and evening and 63 degrees overnight.
• Wear layers of warm dry clothing including hat and gloves. Wet clothing negates the insulating effect.
• Cover exposed skin surfaces as protection from frostbite. Warm gradually by wrapping or placing next to warm skin. Do not rub affected areas.
• Be aware of hypothermia: stiff muscles, puffy face, slowed breathing, poor physical condition and mental confusion. If these signs are recognized call 911.
• Drink non-alcoholic beverages like tea, coffee, hot chocolate and soup.
• Maintain good nutrition and get plenty of rest.
• Prescription drugs may increase vulnerability to cold. Check with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Be aware of the elderly and disabled living alone. Offer assistance.
• It is dangerous to use an oven as a heating device. All space heaters are a fire risk if used improperly.
• Individuals 65 and older should obtain a flu shot every year.
Tips to keep pets safe from the cold:
• Keep your pets indoors.
• Bang loudly on the car hood of your car before starting the engine to give cats who may have crawled up under the hood to keep warm a chance to escape.
• Never let your dog off the leash in snow or ice; dogs can easily become lost, especially during a snowstorm.
• Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he or she comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice to prevent ingestion of salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals.
• Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter as a longer coat will provide more warmth. Consider getting a coat or sweater with a high collar for shorthhaired dogs.
• Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
• If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors in cold weather, increase his/her supply of food, particularly protein.
• Never use metal water bowls outside. When it is cold, your pet's tongue may stick to the metal. Check water frequently to ensure it has not frozen.


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User Profile for Ezra Klein (eklein)
Ezra Klein
Bio: Ezra Klein is a staff writer at The American Prospect, where he focuses on health care, inequality, and social policy. His work has appeared in the LA Times, The Guardian, The Washington Monthly, The New Republic, Slate, and more. He's a frequent guest on MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews.
Vital Statistics:
Joined: Mar 10 '08
Last login: Mar 10 '08


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This deal has ended.
Through 7/30, FoodSaver.com takes 50% off your purchase of eight or more bags or rolls. Your discount will appear once items are added to your cart. The FoodSaver Freeze 'N Steam Microwave Cooking Bags, which drop from $11.99 to $6 and the Foodsaver Gallon Bags lower by the same amount with the discount . Shipping starts at $8.50 and sales tax is charged in most states.No longer available


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Connect with a free personal office designer
Allow the experts at Executive Furniture Corp. to help create the perfect plan
Welcome to
Proper office furniture sets the stage for a productive work environment and no one knows this better than Executive Furniture Corp. in Mahwah, NJ. Offering fine products from over 200 major manufacturers, we are bound to have the perfect compliment to your workspace.
Whether it's home office furniture, panel workstations, or executive office furniture, our consultants will make every effort to design a space that is conducive to your space and budget constraints. We offer everything from executive suites to conference room furniture to reception areas and all of the seating, filling and storage accessories imaginable.
Business office furniture comes in a variety of styles, colors and concepts. The whole process of filling an entire office or corporate setting can become overwhelming. Allow the experts at Executive Furniture Corp. to help create the perfect plan when you are moving, need to utilize space more effectively, create a space to increase collaboration or when you need to update an executive suite. We offer consultations for large and small businesses alike. Call us today at 201-670-8500 or visit our website for more information, furniture styles and endless possibilities.


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I am crazy for these gorgeous baskets! Made from cotton cords, the baskets are flexible but hold their shape and feature a lovely texture with red and blue stitching. I love the little micro basket! Use these wonderful containers to hold towels, magazines, or i itsy bitsy tacks and change! Buy them at Steven Alan. Prices range from $36-$100.
Chelsea Fuss is a blogger and prop stylist based in Portland who blogs daily at Frolic!
More from Chelsea:
Vintage Children's Clothing: 15 Finds from Etsy!
Colorful Kids Clothing from Australia!
Non-Cheesy Ideas for Valentine's Day!
Instant Spring: 6 Gardening + Floral Ideas for January
New: Peter Rabbit Collection at Gap
15 Flowers to Plant this Spring!
Organize with Baskets: 10 Favorites
15 Charming Ways to Send a Letter!


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Five Guys Burgers and Fries will present a fundraiser, Monday through Thursday, April 8-11, to benefit West Amwell Elemrntary School PTO.
It's an all day event at the restaurant, located at 75 Reaville Ave. in Flemington. Bring a flyer and 100 percent of the profits from your check will be donated to the PTO. Call ahead at 908-237-0783 or order online.


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HomeFurnitureAccent StoolsThe Impressive Set of 3 Metal Galvanized Stool by Woodland Import
Are you sick of stools that have the same old, same old designs? Looking for stools that will add the exceptional to your ambience? Well, here is a trio of stools that will certainly do that. These metal galvanized stools have exceptionally rustic looks. Gray in color and varying in sizes, these stools can be used either outdoors or indoors. Use it in the shed or the barn; or use it in the veranda or even your living room. These stools will add the out of the box to your ambience.
Additionally, these metal stools have been galvanized; this means that they won?t be affect by elements like rain or moisture. Perfect for homes that wish to create a rural effect; the metal galvanized stools are stools one must not overlook.


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What's New: Home
loading more products below
If you're searching for brand new decorations and accessories to reinvigorate your home, you've come to the right place.
This collection of new home ideas is full of beautiful things that will bring your personality to the house in which you live. From the freshest furniture to brand new bathroom accessories, and from contemporary kitchenware to original ornaments, this is where to come if you're looking for the latest additions to our home department. Are you searching for a new sofa or armchair to bring comfort to your living room? Or a fresh set of bed linen to bring your sleeping space together? There are new things appearing here every day so be sure to check back and discover the next big thing for your home.
Are you looking for something for your home that's got your name on it? Take a look at our range of personalised home accessories and be inspired.


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MWP recently did a study on Kickstarter projects, comparing the hopeful projects that used video and the ones that didn't. First off, you should know that 56 percent of the projects don't get funded on Kickstarter and 44 actually achieve funding. MWP looked into 7,196 projects to see if video was a game-changer. If you're a frequent reader of this site or are in the video business in general, you already know the answer to this question. If you're just stumbling on this site for the first time...the answer is yes. Video is a game-changer. Projects with video are 85 percent more likely to be funded.
MWP's Findings: When Projects Use Video on Kickstarter
This infographic says it all:
So, 48 percent of the group that used a video and achieved their funding goals. Only 26 percent achieved their funding goals without one.
MWP also broke down which kinds of projects benefit the most from video. In certain categories, video gave these projects a 120 percent or more increased chance of funding. And you can see that almost every category (except Conceptual Art, by an eyelash) were given improved chances through video:
So there you have it. An engaging video can go a long way to helping achieve your goal. It doesn't mean a 100 percent guarantee, nothing does...but it does increase your chances greatly.


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JACKSON COUNTY, Alabama - The Jackson County
Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit and Section police found items used to manufacture
meth while searching a residence on County Road 48 in Section Wednesday, according to a report from the sheriff's office.
Sandra Darlene Walden, 46, and Tracey Lynn Wade, 39, were arrested and charged with felony possession of drug paraphernalia, according the report.
Officers said Wade was also charged with two outstanding arrest warrants for failure to appear on a charge of negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument.
Officers said Walden faces a possible
probation violation.
Both Walden and Wade were transported to Jackson County Jail and bond has not been set for either woman.


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Story URL: http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=229268
Story Retrieval Date: 4/17/2015 12:32:13 PM CST
Brian Ayala/MEDILL
Neil Buethe (left), U.S. Soccer Director of Communications, Parker Heaps (middle), Co-Founder of World FC, discuss the World Cup and the chances the U.S. men's national team has of advancing.
A few retired players from the US and Mexican national teams were recently reunited with other former players for the "Clash of the All-Stars" game in Villa Park.
©2001 - 2014 Medill Reports - Chicago, Northwestern University. A publication of the Medill School.


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The mixed bag of precipitation is moving across Michigan now. Here's a look at the radar loop.
The snow has changed to freezing rain in Benton Harbor and Kalamazoo as of 8 p.m. Chicago is reporting thunderstorms as of 8 p.m. The changeover from snow to freezing rain will continue to move northeast.
By midnight, the MLive cities should all have freezing rain. There could even be some rumbles of thunder.
But the warmer air will be quick to follow.
The graphic shows times when the surface temperature will warm to 35 degrees. I figure by 35 degrees, the ice should have melted off the side roads.
It's tough to tell when the ice will melt on the roads. It may happen before 35 degrees. I think it may wait until 35 degrees because the ground is so cold from the recent days. So even though the air temperature may say 33 degrees and be above freezing, the road surfaces could still be below freezing.
So don't look at your car thermometer, and think that is the road temperature. Slow down and be careful.
Main roads and highways that are salted should respond quickly to the salt. Side roads and rural roads with packed snow on them could still be treacherous at the same time the main roads are just wet.
The warm surge will continue to blow in on Monday and start a big meltdown. By late morning or early afternoon all areas should be well above freezing. The MLive cities will be heading toward 40 to 45 degrees by Monday afternoon.
If you can have a few more cups of coffee before you leave the house Monday morning, it will give the roads time to melt off. So don't be in a rush Monday if you don't have to.
The rest of the week will have equally wild weather.
Tuesday will see temperatures climb into the 50s in many spots.
Wednesday will see rain changing to snow, as temperatures plunge all day.
Thursday will have frigid temperatures and heavy lake effect developing again.
So the old adage that goes, "If you don't like the weather here in Michigan, wait 5 minutes" will really apply this week.
Of course we will keep you updated on MLive. If you have weather or traffic conditions to report, comment below. You can also email me pictures at firstname.lastname@example.com or tweet them to me @weathermanmark.
Mark Torregrossa has been the Chief Meteorologist for three television news stations in Michigan. A resident of the state for 20 years, he is also a master gardener and avid hunter. Email him at firstname.lastname@example.com and find him on Facebook at facebook.com/mark.torregrossa and Twitter @weathermanmark


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There is something timeless about 90's Basketball sneaker design. Maybe it was the competition from a wealth of brands, maybe it was the abundance of "the next Michael Jordans", or maybe it's just nostalgia. Whatever it is, Fila dipped into their mid 90's Basketball catalog to bring out the Fila Ninety Six, aka Grant Hill 2. The Fila Ninety Six recently dropped in two colorways, the OG colorway in this post and a Black on Black. The OG Fila Ninety Six Retro remains faithful to the original with a White tumbled leather upper, Metallic Navy trim, velcro ankle strap, and the large Fila logo at the ankle, which Fila was known for back in the day.
The Fila Ninety Six aka Grant Hill 2 Retro is available now at select Fila accounts.
All Pics Taken at [Moe's]
More After the Jump


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Second person arrested in Douglas murder
COUPEVILLE — A second person has been charged in the 2003 killing of Russel Douglas, the Island County Prosecutor's Office announced Monday.
Prosecutor Greg Banks said Peggy Thomas, 45, was charged as an accomplice and an arrest warrant with bail at $5 million was set.
Officials said Thomas, a former Langley resident, was arrested Saturday, July 9 by the San Juan County, New Mexico fugitive task force.
Thomas, a former Ms. Washington, was arrested in Navajo Dam, N.M. Police said she has been a "person of interest" in the case since Huden was named as the prime suspect in the murder.
Island County officials said they did not have details on the arrest of Thomas, which came after a five-day search. Officials said it could be several weeks before she returns to Washington to face charges.
"This is a very important case to us, and to the people of Island County," Banks said in a statement to the press. "The premeditated killing of another human being is a wicked act in any community. It is especially shocking in a community such as ours where murders are extremely rare."
"I am gratified that these much delayed proceedings are now underway, and that Russel Douglas and his family may now get the justice they deserve," he added. "I look forward to presenting our case to a jury."
The prosecutor's office said Thomas could face a prison sentence between 25 to 29 years if convicted.
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LISBON – The teenager accusing Anthony Mehno of raping her in 2010 when she was 15 years old, opened testimony Thursday morning, the third day of the jury trial in the Columbiana County Common Pleas Court.
The girl said she babysat for Ashley Goudy's children, a woman she met and became friends with through her own mother. The teen described the relationship she had with Goudy, who married Anthony Mehno less than a week after the alleged sexual assault, as more of a sisterly relationship.
The teen said she babysat the children for Goudy often "so she could go out and have a good time with her friends." She would be paid $20, usually for watching the 2-year-old and an infant.
However, she testified Goudy was not home the night of April 29, 2010. Goudy, she would learn, was in jail and Goudy's boyfriend, Mehno, had called her and asked her to come over to watch Goudy's 2-year-old daughter so he could go out with friends.
The teen said her mother had allowed her to go provided Mehno was not going to be at home. She said she and her mother did not know him well. Believing he may not come home at all, the teen brought her pajamas in case she needed to spend the night, something she testified she had done before when Goudy asked her to babysit and stayed out very late.
The girl testified Mehno picked her up at her house with the 2-year-old in the car, drove them to Circle K to get some pop and dropped her and the child off at Goudy's apartment with the keys. She said she went in, locked the door and watched children's movies with the little girl throughout the evening. At some point, they became tired and went up to Goudy's bed to continue watching the movies.
Testifying that she is a heavy sleeper, the teen claims she awoke between 2 and 3 a.m. to find her pajama bottoms and underwear off and Mehno on top of her having sex. She assured Assistant County Prosecutor Timothy McNicol that she clearly saw the face of Mehno.
"There's no doubt," she said. "I know it was him."
During cross examination, defense attorney Kenneth Lewis asked her if she had ever told anyone else she had not been able to identify who it was or that several people had access to the apartment. The girl responded "no" to both questions.
The girl said she could smell alcohol on Mehno. When he realized she was awake, she said, he placed his hand over her mouth and said "shhhhh." The teen said she reacted by biting his hand, punching him in the mouth and kneeing him in the testicles. She said she then grabbed her Thumper PJ bottoms, named for the Disney character printed on them, and her underwear, which were both laying beside the bed. She ran down the steps putting the clothes on, grabbed a phone belonging to Goudy from the counter and ran from the apartment without her shoes.
Lewis again challenged her story, asking whether Mehno screamed when she hit him or if the child she said was sleeping next to them woke up. He also asked why she did not provide all those details later to police or the doctor who examined her. He asked why she would leave the child behind with the man she claimed sexually assaulted her.
"I didn't want to take her," the girl responded. "I didn't want to get in trouble for taking her."
She testified she ran past about two apartment buildings to a garage area nearby and hid between it and a dumpster while she called her mother's boyfriend for help. The teen said she did not believe her mother had any minutes on her phone, but the boyfriend was able to call the mother and get her to go pick up the teen. When she saw her mother pull up in her grandfather's pickup, the girl said she ran toward her.
Again Lewis questioned the girl's story, asking why she did not run to one of the other apartments and knock on the door for help or why she called her mom's boyfriend instead of 911.
"I didn't want to tell anybody," she said.
Her mother took her home, but asked her to go to the hospital. She wanted to take a shower, but her mother did not want her to.
"I felt like it was my fault," the girl said. "(I felt) very filthy."
She claimed she had pain in her private area which felt "like a million knives stabbing you." She also described a burning sensation and pain when she went to the bathroom. She took ibuprophin. Eventually she went to Salem Community Hospital but learned they do not do sexual assault-related exams on minors. Salem police made arrangements for her to be taken to Akron Children's Hospital.
The doctor who examined her there also testified Thursday. Dr. Paul McPherson, an expert in child abuse, said he was nearing the end of his shift when he learned a 15-year-old girl was on the way complaining of a sexual assault. He stayed because it was his area of expertise, handled the exam, asked her about what had happened and provided her with medications to protect her against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
He testified the injury on her hand was consistent with someone who had been in a fight. Additionally, he said the girl had two tears, one of which healed when he rechecked her three weeks later and one which did not. McPherson attributed that to the girl telling him she had had consensual sex the December before. He believed the one which did not heal may have been old, but the other which healed was consistent with the alleged recent sexual encounter.
McPherson said the girl's mother also told him at an exam three weeks later she was showing issues with anger and sadness, which he said are not unusual behaviors for a teen recently raped. He said he has dealt with about 1,500 sexual abuses through the years, including others where the child was awakened during the assault. He also said it is not unusual for a teen not to want to tell authorities or disclose what happened to anyone.
When questioned by Lewis, McPherson also admitted there have been cases where teens make things up.
"It's uncommon, but on rare occasions it did happen," he said.
McPherson said he did recommend counseling for the teen and noted his records showed she had had some experience with a counselor somewhere in her past.


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A Warm Welcome to Amora Beach Resort Phuket
From the moment you arrive, you'll experience the Amora difference.
Set against a backdrop of the beautiful white sands and blue waters of Bang Tao Beach, Amora Beach Resort Phuket is a unique tropical haven, offering a large range of leisure facilities and sightseeing activies, both on Phuket Island and on the Andaman Sea.
The blending of excellent amenities with the extraordinary beauty of the natural landscape, together with friendly and gracious Thai service, ensures that the Amora Beach Resort Phuket experience really is a sensational indulgence.
With two large pools and absolute beach frontage, water activites at this resort are endless.
The Amora Beach Resort is located on Bang Tao beach. This area is tranquil and surrounded by coconut palms. The beach is only 100 yards away from this hotel, providing easy walking-distance access. Phuket town is the location of the nearest airport to the Amora Beach Resort.
There are just over 250 rooms at the Amora Beach Resort. They are universally-provided with coffeemakers, minibars, refrigerators and in-room safes. There are private balconies which provide a view of the hotel's gardens, pool or the surrounding resort depending upon the room's location.
The Amora Beach Resort contains a lobby and a poolside bar which both serve drinks. There is a restaurant available as well and a café for lighter fare. The staff at the hotel can provide currency exchange services. There is a meeting facility on site suitable for business use or banqueting. Guests may engage in coconut tasting, study Thai cooking or the decidedly more intense art of Thai boxing onsite.
Get Directions
|322 Moo 2, Srisoontorn Road, Bangtao Beach, Cherngtalay, Talang, Phuket 83110 (Get Directions)
|Click to show number
|Click to show number


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The proposal for a Medical Mart in Cleveland has drawn a lot of attention from local bloggers, including these:
Bill Callahan at Callahan's Cleveland Diary (and much more from the same blog):
Could someone explain, please, what the Convention Facilities Authority is going to do with all the extra money?
And while we're on the subject, since county taxpayers are being asked to pay 100% of the center's construction costs and hand the CFA a debt-free building, what's going to happen to the rent the CFA will charge all those conventions to use its world-class facilities? Has anybody seen an operating budget?
Susan Miller at RealNEO:
Is it a good idea? If it is, then why isn't Chris Kennedy just asking for a hunk of the Midtown Corridor on which to construct said medmart? God klnows there is plenty of moribund land along Euclid near the Clinic.
Jill Miller Zimon at Writes Like She Talks:
How on Earth is it reasonable or responsible, then, for our County Commissioners to tell us that they are going to increase our sales tax for this effort about which "much remains unknown"?
And Zimon again:
No one likes to suffer the consequences of poor decision-making and poor planning. But I've yet to see one single element, other than the PR and marketing and media slam over the last few weeks, that makes me think the future of the process for erecting the convention center and medical mart will embrace any better decision-making or planning than this steamroller drive for the sales tax increase has demonstrated.
Kevin Cronin at RealNEO:
At some level, the proposal is an effort to shift some marketing infrastructure, and perhaps some inventory control, expenses of some private companies to the public sector. So what are the current costs for those activities by the affected private sector and why don't we start with that as an amount that the private sector should be required to start with in estimating ways of allocating burdens? Otherwise, this isn't a partnership, it's a bail-out.
Chuck Michaelis at Principled Policy:
Well a quick look at an article from the Cleveland Plain Dealer (PD) should make it clearer. On Saturday July 21, 2007 they ran an article titled Medical Mart sales tax hike would be limited to 20 years.
Let's see who's paying attention. What's wrong with the headline? That's right, it's a "temporary" tax, and will "only" last for 20 years. Now you'll pardon this writer's cynicism about oxymoronically named "temporary" taxes. And you may have something of a point. After all, a temporary telecommunications tax instituted in 1898 to help defray the costs of the Spanish-American War was eventually ended- in 2006.
Wendell Robinson at WenBlog:
Since this is such a brilliant idea, don't you think that some venture capitalist would seize upon the opportunity and run with it?
The simple answer is it's not worth the risk.
Chas Rich at NEO Babble (And there's much more from him at the same blog.):
Here's a simplistic truth. Proponents of the coming sales tax for the new convention center don't want to talk about the convention center. They really just want to focus on the Medical Mart and at worst the new convention center is the cost of making it happen.
(Do you know of a blog item we've missed? Let us know.)


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Muskegon County commissioners Tuesday kicked off a major effort to reduce chronic jail overcrowding when they agreed to allow the county sheriff to create the position of "jail population coordinator."
And more help in the same area could be on its way soon, when the federal government releases more than $300,000 for the county to hire a special inmate screening staff that will work with the new coordinator to determine who belongs in jail and who doesn't.
County officials hope the new inmate screening process will help achieve several important goals: End overcrowding in the county jail, where approximately 280 inmates have been released early since Feb. 11; provide alternative sentencing for offenders with mental and substance abuse problems; and restore respect for the local justice system among minor offenders, who sometimes scoff at the courts and count on early releases.
They also hope to demonstrate to the public that they'r trying to be creative about jail overcrowding, before voters go to the polls in May 2009 to vote on a millage proposal that would provide money for a new county jail and juvenile detention facility.
"This is a critical step to take, prior to (asking voters for) bricks and mortar," said County Commissioner Marvin Engle."It shows we're willing to streamline the syatem.."
Commissioners, meeting as the courts/public safety committee Tuesday, voted to allow the sheriff to begin the process of hiring a jail population coordinator, a civiilain position with a pay scale ranging between $40,385 and $51,095 per year.
The position will be paid for with a $50,000 renewable grant that's expected to be approved very soon by the Michigan Department of Community Corrections, as well as $13,925 from the county's general fund.
Muskegon County Sheriff Dean Roesler said he hopes to complete the hiring process in a matter of weeks, and have someone on the job by the middle of July. He also said the federal money could become available any day, allowing the department to also hire screeners this summer.
The position of jail population coordinator was the recommendation of the new Muskegon County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, a group of officials from the local justice system, who recently joined together to address local incarceration issues.
That group includes the county prosecutor, district and circuit court judges, county commissioners, the county administrator, the prosecutor, probation officers, the sheriff, the community corrections manager, and several others.
According to a job description provided to commissioners, the coordinator will maintain a close watch on the jail population on a daily basis, to help officials determine who might be appropriate for early release if necessary, and who might be better served in a substance abuse or mental health program.
The coordinator will also communicate with judges and other officials about the status of various inmates, and find help for released inmates as they reintegrate into the community, and work on ideas to limit the number of inmates who return to jail..
The coordinator will also provide reports and presentations to county commissioners and other interested parties, and prepare assessments regarding the effectiveness of alternative sentencing efforts.
The new employee will probably have to start slow and learn a very complicated job, Roesler said. And he or she will not provide the final answer to jail overcrowding, because, as the sheriff put it, "most of the people in jail right now belong in jail."
"I'm not necessarily saying (the employee) will be able to reduce the population to a great degree, but (he or she) will help us better manage the population, so we can make better decisions about what to do with people," Roesler said.
But Roesler and other officials acknowledge that jail overcrowding must be eased, at least to some degree, in the near future.
That's because the sheriff and his predecessor, former Sheriff George Jurkas, have combined to declare seven jail overcrowding emergencies since new state guidelines regarding early releases went into effect Feb. 11.
As part of the state-mandated process, Roesler has been forced to release approximately 280 inmates, some of whom had not completed their sentences, and some who have not been able te post bail.
The county jail has a "rated capacity" of 370 beds, but last night had about 380 inmates, he said.
"I'm sure the number of 'failure to appear" warrants is going to go up this year," Roesler said, regarding the inmates who couldn't post bond, but will be released with signature bonds to ease overcrowding.
Jail security is also a concern, according to Roesler. The jail is currently operating with a minimal staff, and only manages to function due to the hard work and dedication of the small staff of corrections ofiicers, he said.
The vast majority of inmates in recent years have been serious, sometimes dangerous offenders, Roesler said. That means maximum space will be needed for them, and at least some less serious offenders will have to go free, he said.
Officials also agree that there are nonviolent inmates whose time would be better spent in some type of recovery or assistance program, rather than behind bars.
County Commissioner John Snider, a member of the criminal justice coordinating council, said there are estimates that approximately 70-80 percent of incarcerated people have mental problems or substance abuse issues. And there are many community-based programs available to help them, he said.
The soon-to-be-hired screeners, who will be paid for with federal grant money, will work with the coordinator and focus intensely on inmates as they first enter the system to determine the nature of their problems and if they might be better served outside jail
"There are a number of things that could be done, in the way of alternative programs, that could result in less incarceration," Snider said,
Officials would also like to restore respect for the local court system, according to Snider. Many minor offenders are no longer afraid of the courts, or threats of incarceration, because they know they will probably be released within a few days, he said.
"There are no consequences for them, the way it is," Snider said.By Steve Gunn


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Seton Hall is on the verge of receiving good news.
According to a person familiar with the thinking of Seton Hall's program, injured senior guard Jeremy Hazell is likely to make his return to the lineup tonight as the Pirates travel to DePaul. The person asked to remain anonymous because all injuries news is supposed to be disseminated by the coaching staff.
When asked what the chances of Hazell finally suiting up were, the person said: "90 percent."
That, though, still leaves open the small window that Hazell's wrist injury could have a late flare-up and keep him out of the game.
Hazell has been out of action since breaking the scaphoid bone in his left (non-shooting) wrist in the third game of the Pirates season on Nov. 19 against Alabama. The senior guard — who began the season in pursuit of Terry Dehere's all-time scoring mark — suffered the injury while going up for a rebound and coming down awkwardly on the wrist.
He underwent surgery on Dec. 2 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan to fix the wrist, which has been in a cast since.
It has been a strange time away from Seton Hall for Hazell since the injury.
On Christmas night, he was shot once in the right armpit during an attempted robbery outside of his home in Harlem. Hazell was not seriously injured and suffered only a flesh wound. He rejoined the team three days later, sitting on the bench for its Big East opener on Dec. 28 against South Florida.
Getting Hazell back should help provide a boost for a Pirate offense which has struggled mightily since he went down in November.
The 6-5 guard was averaging 24 points a game in his first three games of the season and without that in the lineup, Seton Hall has searched high and low for a suitable replacement. In the interim, the Pirates — who are 7-9 and 1-3 in the Big East heading into tonight's game against the Blue Demons in Chicago — have seen their offensive prospects drop.
Seton Hall is averaging just 67.2 points per game this season. But the major dropoff has been most dramatic in the Pirates' 3-point shooting offense. Since Hazell broke the bone, the Pirates are shooting just 28.3 percent from 3-point range, making just 87 of its 307 attempts.


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HBO's "True Detective" has been nominated for 12 Emmys, including best actor nods for Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, but next season will feature an all-new cast and storyline set in California. An insider says Taylor Kitsch and Colin Farrell are in talks for "True Detective" season two. Word is Farrell will play a "rugged and gritty" character, while Kitsch ("The Normal Heart") is rumored to be favored over Garrett Hedlund for the second of four lead roles, one of whom will be female. Series creator Nic Pizzolatto says he's halfway done with writing the new episodes' scripts, and official casting news is expected next week.
» Read more at The Wrap.
"Harry Potter" star Dave Legeno has died, California police say. The 50-year-old actor, who played the werewolf villain Fenrir Greyback in "The Half-Blood Prince" and both "Deathly Hallows" movies, was found by a pair of hikers in a remote part of Death Valley on Sunday. Heat is believed to be a factor in his death, which may have happened three or four days before his body was discovered. Legeno, who also appeared in "Snatch" and was a MMA fighter in the UK, is survived by an adult daughter.
» Read more at TMZ.
Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Kate Upton says she's open to posing for Playboy someday, though she wouldn't specify if she'd do nude photos. "I never like to say never because there are circumstances that I could do pretty much anything if it inspires me and if I think that it's cool at the time," the 22-year-old beauty told British GQ. "But right now, at this point in my career, I'm not doing Playboy." Upton also revealed what she find sexy: "It's all about confidence... anytime someone walks into a room who is just exuding confidence, I think whatever they're doing is amazing."
» Read more at E! News.
And the "Ghostbusters" re-release trailer will make you remember exactly why you love the 1984 comedy. Sony is putting the film, restored in 4K, back in theaters for one week starting August 29 to celebrate its 30th anniversary -- and possibly save a somewhat disappointing summer blockbuster season. Directed by Ivan Reitman and starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, you know the plot -- and the song -- and you know you want to see it on the big screen.
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PM Buzz is a weekday afternoon feature on syracuse.com where we'll post the latest in viral videos, trending topics, celebrity gossip and entertainment news.


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I was literally rolling in the aisle.
And I mean literally.
It was 1972 or '73, maybe even '74, and despite that uncertainty for some reason I can say with absolute assuredness that it was a Tuesday afternoon. The film club at Lawrence Junior High School, just a few blocks outside of New York City, was holding its monthly meeting, in this case a screening of "Duck Soup," the Marx Brothers' surreal 1933 classic.
This was back before cable TV or VCRs, let alone streaming video and Blu-ray. To see a classic movie uncut and uninterrupted by commercials was a chore. You might go years without a chance, particularly if you were too young to travel into Manhattan and see films at revival theaters. So, as a movie-mad 11- or 12-year-old, this was, as I recall, my first taste of "Duck Soup."
Little did I anticipate what a heady broth it was.
The trouble began during a production number in which Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx), the new president of the bankrupt state of Fredonia, declared war on neighboring Sylvania. It came a little ways into the film, and I had already been laughing quite hard by then. In the midst of the mayhem, a line of soldiers with plumes atop their helmets marched solemnly past a rostrum where Harpo Marx met them with giant scissors, cutting the feathers off each man's headgear in turn.
Well, I lost it: complete, helpless hysterics.
I started laughing so hard, in fact, that I rose out of my seat, walked over to the auditorium aisle and lay down on the floor so I could stretch my stomach muscles, which were clenched and in spasm. (Hence the rolling in search of relief.)
To this day, it's one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me in a movie theater.
Since then, I've seen everything the Marxes ever did, of course, and while I deeply admire a couple of films, especially "Horse Feathers" and "A Day at the Races," "Duck Soup" remains near the very top of the list of films I'd want with me on the proverbial desert island. The mad pace, the zingy physical and verbal comedy, even the eerie presage of contemporary political and economic realities: It's something very very close to movie perfection.
But can it still put folks on their backs in the aisles?
"Top Down" film series
What: Northwest Film Center's annual celebration of cinema under the stars
When: Live entertainment at 8 p.m.; screenings begin at dusk (8:45-9:15 p.m.)
Where: On the rooftop of the parking structure at Hotel deLuxe, 729 S.W. 15th Ave.
Cost: $5-$8; all ages
Details: Folding chairs and blankets allowed; no outside food or drink (refreshments, including alcohol, will be sold)
More information: 503-221-1156 or nwfilm.org.
Film schedule
Thursday: "Duck Soup"
July 23: "The Wild One"
July 30: "The Secret of NIMH"
Aug. 6: "Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains"
Aug. 13: "Trafic"
Aug. 20: "Son of Frankenstein"
Aug. 27: "Stunt Rock"
Hard to say, but we'll soon find out: "Duck Soup" is the inaugural film in this summer's "Top Down" film series, the Northwest Film Center's annual celebration of cinema under the stars.
Each year, the film gurus at the film center select a heaping handful of movies that will play well to a crowd that's as interested in making the scene as watching the scenes, and this year they've chosen widely and well.
Along with "Duck Soup," the highlights include "The Wild One," the 1953 Marlon Brando biker movie that presaged the rise of teen culture; "Trafic," the final theatrical film of the great actor/director Jacques Tati; Don Bluth's 1982 kinda-creepy, kinda-cheesy "The Secret of NIMH"; and "Son of Frankenstein," the 1939 horror sequel that teams the terrible triumvirate of Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi and Basil Rathbone.
Especially enticing is "Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains," a semilegendary lost film from 1981 featuring Diane Lane and Laura Dern as members of a hardscrabble punky/new wavey/proto-riot grrl band. Music impresario Lou Adler (the bearded guy who sits beside Jack Nicholson at Laker games) directed the picture from a script by Nancy Dowd ("Coming Home," "Slap Shot"), and never quite gave it a proper release. It's kicked around revival houses over the past few decades, finally appearing on DVD for the first time in late 2008. If it's played in Portland in the last 17 years, nobody told me, so this is a big one.
For all those enticements, nothing, but nothing, looms as large in my mind as "Duck Soup." I don't do very many movies for pure pleasure (a hazard of my profession, alas), but if you see somebody rolling helplessly around atop the parking garage of the Hotel deLuxe on Thursday night, do say hello.


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Fulton , NY -- The State Street United Methodist Church in Fulton has been recommended for addition to the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
The church is a 1894 Romanesque-inspired building and is historically representative of the prominence that the city of Fulton obtained during the late 19th century as a major commercial and manufacturing hub on New York's canal system, according to a news release from the state.
The New York State Board for Historic Preservation has recommended the addition of 25 properties, resources and districts to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The Fulton church is the only one in Central New York on the list.
Once the recommendations are approved by the state historic preservation officer, the properties are listed on the New York State Register of Historic Places and then nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, where they are reviewed and, once approved, entered on the National Register, according to the news release.
The Rev. Joseph Kim, pastor of State Street Methodist, said the congregation voted in the spring to stay in the church and renovate it instead of moving to a new site. He said being on the historic registers could help the church obtain a grant to help with the renovation costs.
The church congregation dates to 1809 and at the beginning included members of the First United Methodist Church. In the spring of 1894, church members voted to build a chapel at the cost of $2,000. It was designed by J.H. Seeber, an Oswego architect. The opening service at the chapel was held Sept. 30, 1894, according to the church history.
The cornerstone for the addition to the chapel was laid in July 1900. "It cost $20,000 to construct the new auditorium which would seat 800 people," according to the church history.
In 1901, the church members decided to add a house for the pastor, which is still in use today.
"Our historic resources help establish New York's distinctive quality, character, and sense of place," said Rose Harvey, Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. "Listing these unique landmarks on the State and National Registers of Historic Places is a first step toward preserving, safeguarding and renewing these irreplaceable assets."


text: The following Press Releases are provided in Portable Document format (PDF) that are read by the Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Acrobat Reader installed in your computer yet, please download and install it first, then come back to this page and open the document you want to read. For more information about how to get a free copy of the Acrobat Reader or have question about how to install it, click here for help.August '13August 09, 2013DOI Investigation Leads to Fraud and Theft Charges Against Former HRA Employee and Three Ineligible Medicaid RecipientsAugust 08, 2013DOI Investigation Leads to Public Benefits Fraud and Theft Charges Against Former HRA Employee and Three Ineligible RecipientsAugust 01, 2013Columbia Law School and New York City's Department of Investigation Announce Center for the Advancement of Public Integrity


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ELIZABETH — Former Elizabeth Board of Education President Marie L. Munn, who is charged with stealing from the district's free and reduced lunch program, was denied an appeal to enter a pre-trial intervention program, an alternative to the formal prosecution process.
Munn, 47, was indicted in May and charged with theft by deception and tampering with public records for allegedly lying about her income to get her children free lunches. If convicted, she faces three to five years in state prison.
As a result of the false applications to the state, the Attorney General's office has said, one or both of her children received benefits totaling $4,549 they were not entitled to over the course of five school years, from 2006-07 to 2010-11.
Last year, Munn said she repaid the district $2,682, an amount calculated by the board to cover the cost of the free meals her two children had received. She also admitted she had filed the applications for the lunch program without including her husband's salary.
In Superior Court in Elizabeth today, Munn's attorney, Michael Baldassare, argued that his client fit the criteria for entry into pre-trial intervention, a program which provides defendants, generally first-time offenders, alternatives to prosecution. The mostly rehabilitative program affords those who complete it no record of conviction, decreased costs associated with a formal court process and early resolution of their case.
The state denied Munn's application to the program, citing her breach of the public trust and apparent lack of remorse for the alleged crimes, according to Deputy Attorney General Veronica Allende's statements in court.
"She violated trust when she stole money from the school lunch program," Allende said. "The message the state is trying to send is you cannot sit on the school board and steal from your own district and then be admitted into a diversionary program."
Judge Stuart Peim denied the defense's appeal, upholding the state's rejection of Munn's application.
• Elizabeth board of education president is indicted for lying about income to get free lunch for her children
• Elizabeth Board of Ed. president arrested on state charges of lying to obtain free federally subsidized lunches for her kids
• Elizabeth school board president: I didn't know my children were receiving free lunches


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- Home
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The secrets of fine dining
An 800-year-old French order devoted to good food is slowly recognising the talent of young Indian chefs
Secret religious and military orders - remember Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code? - attract attention because of their history, mystique and, of course, secrecy. These ancient societies, founded in present-day Europe and West Asia, were brotherhoods that transcended geographical boundaries. In the present day, while many such groups only remain in books, there is one ancient order that continues to keep its secrets.
The Chaine des Rotisseurs, an order that dates back to 1248 and the reign of King Louis IX, is an international gastronomic society, devoted to promoting fine dining, honouring chefs, and preserving the camaraderie and pleasures of the table. The 800-year-old French order has now come to recognise the talent of young chefs in India.
Every year since 1977, Chaine des Rotisseurs, which has 25,000 members across 70 countries, has been holding a global talent hunt, Concours International des Jeunes Chefs R?tisseurs. The competition is open only to chefs under 27 years of age having less than five years of professional experience. They also have to be working in one of the Chaine des Rotisseurs member establishments. The awards include a huge cash prize, funding for higher education and sponsorship.
This year, for the first time, a young chef from India, Hitesh Gautam from Ista Bangalore will be competing in Concours International des Jeunes Chefs Rotisseurs to be held in Istanbul, Turkey, in September.
The selection of Chef Gautam came about after the India chapter, Bailliage de L'Inde, organized Le Concours de l'Inde des Jeunes Chefs R?tisseurs 2013 (National Young Chefs' Competition) at its headquarters in Bangalore. This was first year that Bailliage de L'Inde has held the event since its inception on April 15, 2008.
"From this year, Le Concours de l'Inde des Jeunes Chefs Rotisseurs will be a regular annual event, which will be taken across India, " says Anja Matysik-Kroll, president of Bailliage de L'Inde. The French order has 100 members in India - 60% professional and 40% non-professional. Professional members comprise top hoteliers, restaurateurs and chefs, while non-professional members consist of noted members of society with a passion for good food and wine.
Seventeen young chefs from five-star hotels and stand-alone restaurants participated in the competition. "Each participant had to prepare a three-course meal of appetizer, main course and dessert in three-and-a-half hours, " says Matysik-Kroll. Participants were given a secret black box with various ingredients just half-an-hour before the competition started. Participants had to incorporate ingredients from box and dish out a three-course continental meal.
"A chef must always keep on learning and push himself, " says Jacques Le Divellec, a Michelin twostarred French master chef and owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Divellec. A high-ranking member of Chaine des Rotisseurs, Chef Divellec, who was in Bangalore to judge the competition, says Indian cuisine is unlike anything he's ever tasted. "I always try and adapt the flavours of the different spices you get in India to French cuisine, but somehow not many people in France have a palate for such strong flavours. "
The winning meal by Chef Gautam read: Soy marinated prawn, tangy black pomfret, squid 'flower' and avocado shooter;Duo of Shiraz marinated tenderloin and chicken roulade, eggplant mash, balsamico risotto, garlic wilted arugula and glazed vegetables;Dry fruit sticky cake, chocolate and strawberry mille-feuille and Arborio cake.
The second and third runners up were also from Bangalore - Chef Pushpender Yadav from Vivanta by Taj, M G Road, and Chef P Senthil Kumar from The Leela Palace.
World over and in India, each chapter of La Chaine des Rotisseurs organises several events for its members, from the less formal Diner Amical to the formal Grand/Diner de Gala. The highlight of the year is the annual Chapitre: a black tie event for the induction and promotion of new members.
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7 of the Most hazardous foods around the worldTags: Ackee Plant, Asia, Casu Marzu, Crabs, dangerous foods, eating monkey brains, Food, Fugu, Giant Bullfrog, jamaica, Japan, Korea, latin america, most dangerous cheese, most dangerous food, Namibia, Sardinia, Wriggling Octopus
How far will you go to experiment on things your taste buds can take? Some people travel to explore the gastronomic wonders of different cultures on different lands. But did you know that there are foods that might just be too deadly for your appetite?
We have listed some of these foods. Read on to explore what dangers some foods can bring.
Fugu (Japan)
You might be more familiar to the terms blowfish or puffer fish. Though this creature looks so cute in the ocean, it can kill you when it gets to your plate and it was not properly prepared. In Japan, it takes about three years of training before one can serve this dish. If you are in Japan, you can checkout the stores in Shimonoseki but just make sure you see the papers that the fish is safe to eat. In Mumbai, they have a fugu-trained chef at the Four Seasons.


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After recently renovating my new home, I wanted to really get stuck into the new kitchen. I spend so much time in there cooking, cleaning, chatting, preparing, relaxing, enjoying food, that I really wanted to make it special. I wanted it to be a place I could feel comfortable doing all those things in. I wanted it to be a place my friends and family could also relax, chat, eat and drink in. I love the idea of making it the centre of the home, the heart of home.
So I went about searching for a company that could help me transform my current kitchen into my dream space. I searched the internet and chatted to friends in Melbourne and found a company called All Type Kitchens, who, as you may have guessed, specialised in kitchen renovations in Melbourne.
I checked out their website and spoke with some people on the phone and I was quite pleased with the impression I had of them so far. Their website is so informative, so you can really get a better understanding of what they can do, what they offer, how they go about designing a kitchen space and what products they use.
They also offer a free in-home consultation, and of course have showrooms to see what they can do with a space and how their cabinetry looks.
For kitchen designers in Melbourne, I now only recommend All Type Kitchens. They did such a fantastic job of my space and I really couldn't be happier.
After many chats, discussions, quotes, decisions and more decisions, we came up with a great plan for my kitchen, which I was very excited about. The entire process with All Type Kitchens was easy. It was simply about meeting my needs and wants and them doing all they could to meet them. They were friendly, personable, experienced, qualified and always on time.
The finished product is one I am proud of and one I enjoy every single day. I couldn't recommend them more highly.


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We investigate the evolution of optical pulses in a hollow waveguide filled with noble gas at pulse intensities for which tunnel ionization dominates the nonlinear response of the gas. A numerical analysis reveals that the spectral chirp generated by the plasma nonlinearity is to a good approximation linear over the whole pulse spectrum and can be compensated in a dispersive delay line. Our calculations predict the generation of 3–4-fs optical pulses with energies of a few milijoules. To our knowledge, these energies are an order of magnitude greater than the pulse energies that have been realized to date in hollow-fiber compressors based exclusively on the nonlinear Kerr effect.
© 1998 Optical Society of AmericaFull Article | PDF Article