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Many women have been planning their weddings since they were little girls, even dressing Barbie and Ken in their gowns and tuxedos. A big part of the wedding includes the flowers, which Joanna Von Rhein, owner and designer of Joanna's Floral Creations and Gifts, is ready to help a bride-to-be with the planning of that aspect of her wedding day.
Von Rhein, who has had her store at 213 N. Mill St. in Pontiac since 2007, runs a full service floral shop, ranging from not only fresh flowers for weddings, but also artificial arrangements, special occasions, funerals and school dances. The shop also delivers to the towns surrounding Pontiac and in Livingston County.
When it comes to planning for a wedding, she has a few guidelines she asks her brides-to-be to follow.
"Normally, I do my wedding consultations by appointment only. Everything we do is custom, so I really don't have any set package rates, because prices always fluctuate with flowers," she explained. "Usually, I try to have brides come in at least six months before their wedding, because I like to plan just one wedding per date so they can get my full attention. We do everything from bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres, all the way to ceremony flowers and flowers for the reception."
On average, a bride-to-be will visit Von Rhein twice, and sometimes three times, to make final decisions on the flowers and designs.
"The first initial appointment would be to go over ideas. I have them show me styles they like and then I take notes and see what they like and then once I have an idea, I work through different recipes and different styles and get prices that way. I usually e-mail the bride back with pictures and prices and go from there so they can look over it and if they're interested and want to meet again to go over everything or if they're okay with it, then I write up the contract and have them come in and go over the contract. If they want to see a sample, I'll make a sample bouquet so they can see what they will kind of look like. It all just depends on how much designing we're going to be doing," she said, adding that there is a deposit that needs to be paid at the time the contract is signed.
While Von Rhein says that all weddings are different, she still tries to take the time to find out what the bride-to-be wants for her wedding and tries to make her vision happen.
"What I like to do is meet with the bride and get some ideas, like what kind of style of wedding they're having, if it's going to be traditional or whatnot. It all depends on what colors they're looking at for the wedding, because they'll try to do everything to coordinate," she said.
Popular flowers for recent weddings include hydrangeas, roses, calla lilies, gerbera daisies, lilies, peonies and spray roses.
"It also depends on the season, too. For the fall, sunflowers and fall-type flowers are popular," she added. "A lot of brides like carnations mixed in. It varies."
Some brides really shoot for more uncommon flowers, like orchids.
"Some brides like those. There are some flowers that brides request that are hard to get, like stefanos, lily of the valley and other flowers," she said.
But that doesn't mean she can't get them.
"I can pretty much get any flower that a bride asks for. For some of them, it depends on the season. For example, tulips are a spring flower, so that's not something that would be available in the fall or late summer. Your most common flowers, like roses, hydrangeas and different fillers, like alstromeria, are available year around," she said.
Bridal bouquet styles have varied throughout the years, but the trend now is the hand-held, wrapped and hand-tied bouquets.
"There are also cascading bouquets and arm bouquets, but the most popular are the hand-tied. It seems like for the last couple of years, the more popular is the wild-looking, rustic bouquets," Von Rhein said.
As she stated, the wild and rustic look has come into style, and those styles have changed a lot throughout her 10 years as a florist.
"What I see that has gotten more popular again is that girls like the rustic look, like with burlap. That seems to be really popular last year and again this year, I still see the trend. Girls like just baby's breath, like the Victorian rustic style. I see colors like mint green starting to be popular again. All the bright colors were really popular awhile ago. When I first started, lime greens and bright pinks were popular and it seems to be going back to all of the Victorian style. They're into the light pink and light green and really natural look," she said, adding, "It seems like brown and light pink are a really popular color combination for weddings. A lot of girls like rhinestones and sparkles and brooches and things like that incorporated in their flowers."
Flowers can be a large part of a wedding budget, depending on how much each bride decides to incorporate it into the ceremony and reception.
"It's really hard to give an average number (on how much brides spend on flowers for their wedding) because it depends on what the bride wants. It's hard to throw prices out there, but I would say for a bride bouquet, the average is between $60 to $100 for just the bouquet. For the entire wedding, again it depends on everything they want. If it's going to be a full wedding, reception and altar pieces, along with flowers for tables for the reception and people in the wedding, the average would be between $2,000 to $6,000," she said. "Everything's gone up in price. It's the same with flowers. Everything adds up. It seems like a lot of brides just get the flowers for the bridesmaids, their bouquet, boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen. If they just did that, the average would be $500 to $700, which is just for the wedding party. Again, it could be less and it could be more, depending on the flowers. That's why we do everything custom."
Von Rhein and her staff can handle weddings of any size, also.
"I'm game for anything. There's myself and another designer, also. We're full-service, so we'll set up the wedding and if they need us to pin on corsages or boutonnieres, we can do all that. We can set up reception flowers or ceremony flowers," she said.
The don't only offer floral arrangements, either.
"We also do rent out vases and things like that, which helps brides save money. I have an arch they can rent out. We can also get aisle runners. We do pew bows and things like that as well," she said. "I'm also more than willing to travel for a wedding. I'll travel anywhere as long as they are willing to pay the delivery fee."
One wedding that they traveled for was documented for a television show.
"We did a wedding that was part of TLCs "Four Weddings" that was up at Navy Pier. It was in the spring a few years ago. Our bride came in second. We were pretty excited about it," she said.
Although fresh flowers are popular at the moment, silk or artificial arrangements are also available at her store.
"It's not as popular as fresh. A lot of brides think they're saving money by doing artificial, but honestly, it's about the same. Depending on the quality of silks, there are some that look so realistic," she said.
Von Rhein uses wholesale outlets to get the flowers that brides request, and those flowers can come from all over the world.
"The wholesalers I use can get flowers from growers all over the world. It just depends on if I have it available (out of season) from the grower. There's certain times they'll say it is available then at the last second, they'll say it's not available. I try to tell brides that I'm not going to use something that isn't quality, so I always put that in my contract that we'll substitute it for something similar," she said. "South America is a big place flowers come from. Also, Costa Rica, all of the tropical countries, California and Florida. In the fall, there are some flowers that are locally grown, like gladiolas."
One of her biggest pet peeves is when brides expect things that are nearly impossible.
"What drives me crazy is when a bride comes in with a Martha Stewart magazine or something like that and there will be bouquets from all these garden flowers that you just can't get from a wholesaler. I do my best to get what they want, but a lot of times, I do things as similar as I can to make them happy. We do whatever we can to please our brides," she said.
One thing that Von Rhein hasn't had to deal with much is the dreaded Bridezilla.
"I haven't had any since I've been here in Pontiac, but when I lived up north, I had to deal with a few. I would have to say the mothers are a little more hostile than the brides. There are a lot of picky mothers, which is okay. We know how to deal with them," she said.
Von Rhein, who grew up in the Minooka/Joliet area and moved to Pontiac when her parents did, said she made the move because she "saw that it was a perfect town to open a flower shop."
Flowers brighten special day
Many women have been planning their weddings since they were little girls, even dressing Barbie and Ken in their gowns and tuxedos. A big part of the wedding includes the flowers, which Joanna Von Rhein, owner and designer of Joanna's Floral Creations and Gifts, is ready to help a bride-to-be with the planning of that aspect of her wedding day.


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A June 1 wedding is being planned by Shanna Stone and Seth Shumaker, both of Hampton, Va.
The bride-to-be is the daughter of Pam Williams of Hampton. Parents of the prospective bridegroom are Steven and Patricia (Patsy) Shumaker of Williamsburg, Va., formerly of East Brady.
The bride-elect is a 2003 graduate of Kecoughtan High School and attended George Mason University.
She is employed as a background investigator with Innovative Enterprises in Newport News, Va.
Her fiance graduated in 1998 from Kecoughtan High School and in 2012 from Old Dominion University with a bachelor's in engineering technology.
He is employed at Continental in Newport News.

subset: commoncrawl


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Lafourche Parish's student councils are on a roll.
Lafourche Parish's student councils are on a roll.
At the school system's quarterly awards ceremony Wednesday, central office staff rattled off a list of achievements long enough to delay the scheduled start of that night's School Board meeting.
"We made the School Board meeting a little late, but we're OK with that," Superintendent Jo Ann Matthews said. "Going too long because you have too many great things to recognize is a good problem to have."
Thibodaux High School's council, for example, is collectively serving as president of the district-level council. One of its members, Peyton Chiasson, represents students statewide on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Six of the Thibodaux High Student Council's members have been named "certified leaders" by the National Association of Student Councils. To earn that honor, a student most complete a rigorous application process of interviews and essays and have a strong grade-point average and a long list of community activities.
Thibodaux High student Kalin Larousse has racked up honors on his own. He was named a student chairman of the National Association of Student Councils advisory board, the highest student council rank a high school student can attain.
Larousse said he sees his council work as training for becoming a community leader after he graduates.
"We want people to be involved in our community. The Student Council is the way to do that here at school," he said. "We want people to know that there are things they can do to change things and fix problems they might have."
The council's achievements have earned them friends in high places. State Rep. Dee Richard, a Thibodaux lawmaker with no affiliation and an alumnus of Thibodaux High's student council, has proposed a ceremonial resolution in the state House of Representatives honoring the group for its achievements.
"Thibodaux High's Student Council has been great in this state for a long time," Richard told the group Thursday night. "And this group is keeping up that great tradition."
South Lafourche High's Student Council has made a name for itself as well. Member Caroline Guidry was named Student Council Member of the Year by the state association.
South Lafourche has students in several state leadership positions, including District IV Vice President Rene Chiasson and State Vice President James Rousse.
Rousse is taking over from fellow Tarpons Brayeah Alleman and Katelyn Reding, who were last year's co-vice presidents.
Richard said he hopes the students continue to get involved long into adulthood.
"This state needs more leaders. It needs more people who are willing to be a part of something," Richard said. "Get involved and stay involved, even when you get out of school."
Larousse said he plans to run for political office in the future, though he hasn't decided which one.
"I know a lot of people are down on politics and public service right now," Larousse said. "But I think it's important for people to know that there are people out there who are honestly out to be fair and do what's best for them."
Staff Writer Matthew Albright can be reached at 448-7635 or at matthew.albright@


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We have some further detail on which hair/skin colors will result in which forms for the druids in the upcoming patch. With the possible exception of the change to shaman totems, this is really the 3.2 change that I am most looking forward to. This change is completely full of win on an epic scale.
The source of this information is EpicWins.com. You can check the link there for information on where to find your nearest barbers to getting the job done.
Also, here are some links to the image charts you can use to determine which changes you need to make for the form that best suits your taste. Clicking the image will direct you back to EpicWins's website.
[EDIT: Alright, EpicWins.com took down their pictures and deleted the post that they were in as well as everything else Warcraft related. As such, I've looked for some other pictures to use here instead. These I'm borrowing from MMO-Champion instead. The small images here I host in my photo-bucket account, but clicking them will link you to MMO Champ instead.]


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Denver-area stores filled up Friday morning with shoppers who were a bit less ravenous than the Thursday night crowd but were still hungry for deals.
At the Sephora store in the Cherry Creek Mall in Denver, a crowd of young women and girls gathered well before the 8 a.m. opening to take advantage of an offer of beauty products for $10.
There was a mad dash into the store when the doors opened.
Some store in the mall offered 25 percent off while others were offering as much as 60 percent off. Many of the early bird sales were scheduled to end at noon.
Black Friday Extras
Across town, some Best Buy shoppers weren't impressed by the discounts being offered Friday morning.
"Usually, we find some pretty good deals. This year, not so much," said Christopher Schikowsky, who started shopping at 7:30.
One deal he found was the Assassins Creed 3 video game for $35, nearly half the regular price of $60.
Disappointed by last year's doorbuster sales, Aurora resident Mike Huber started shopping later Friday morning.
"I did the early morning last year hoping to come across some steals and everything I was looking for was the same price," Huber said. "Seems like the stores have half a dozen really good prices to get you in the door, and everything else is the same price."
He said the hope of saving a buck or two pushes him to brave the crowds on Black Friday, which is so named because it's when retailers say their operations begin to turn a profit.
Stacie Staats went shopping Thanksgiving evening at Target and scored a Nook, regularly priced at $100, for $49. Back at it Friday morning at Best Buy, she said she was doing more self-giving shopping than Christmas shopping.
Despite the deals offered, Denver resident Deanna Foote avoided Thanksgiving shopping on purpose.
"There's no way we're going to do that," said Foote. "Those people need the day off. We didn't care what kind of sales there were."
She started shopping Friday at 6 a.m. at Gordmans, where she stood in line for an hour just to check out. Foote then headed to Target to look for a new set of Legos for girls.
Though Toys "R" Us was on the agenda next, Foote said she planned to cut her Christmas shopping in half this year.
"We're spending less. I don't have a job this year, so we're on my husband's income," Foote said.
People who normally don't shop on Black Friday found themselves among the crowd of faithful at Cherry Creek.
Montana resident Corky Smith was at the Apple store before the 8 a.m. opening because on Thanksgiving Day her phone broke while visiting family in Denver.
Since they don't have an Apple store in Montana, she had to get to the mall to get a new phone.
"I call it Black Luck. This is the first time I've ever set foot in a store on a Black Friday," said Smith. "And I hope it is the last."
Olga Rose had been at the Apple store since 5 a.m. with her fiance Robert Isaacs because her phone had been stolen when she left it at a bank.
"I have never done this before and I never want to do it again," said Isaacs.
Unfortunately, they weren't able to replace the phone, they said, because the offer they had seen applied to only new Apple customers.
Lyz Anton, who works at Urban Outfitters in the Mall, had a unique perspective.
Anton had arrived at work one minute late — 12:01 a.m. — and as she entered she found a scene of bedlam.
"People were going crazy and (the sales area) was already trashed," said Anton.
Anton said Urban Outfitters only offered 50 percent off, "but you couldn't even walk in the sale area it was so packed."
The line in Urban Outfitters was from the cash register to the back of the store.
Anton has worked in retail three years.
"I think it is more of a hype than really good sales," she said of Black Friday.
But Anton said she really enjoys it.
"Some people think I'm crazy, but I enjoy all the energy that people bring. I like it. It is fun," she said. She estimated 150 people had crammed into the Urban Outfitters store when it opened.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939, firstname.lastname@example.com or twitter.com/


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LS Oak Canopy is built with an oak veneer top and its body is solid oak. Canopy lid opens fully, hinges at rear and has rounded edges and lip.
Sizes listed are based on footprint of aquarium. Available in natural, light, medium, dark, whitewashed and black oak ( see choices in Finish drop-down window ).


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Through the years, this site has led to many friendships and great times. I've never asked for anything from the membership and appreciate all that you contribute to make this site an enjoyable place for Chiefs fans to visit.
Now I need your help. One of the long time members of this site, Connie Jo, needs our help. Please take a minute to read the story below and do what you can. She's a Chiefs fanatic, but more importantly, she's a great human being that needs our help.


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Did a CNN Anchor Suppress Story Outing Anderson Cooper?
CNN's host of "Reliable Sources," Howie Kurtz, denies accusations that he had a hand in killing a story that would have outed Anderson Cooper a year before the actual announcement, Politico reports.
In an interview with the Capital New York, BuzzFeed Editor Kate Arthur, in a discussion about Jodie Foster's "coming out" Golden Globe speech, happened to mention that in 2011, Kurtz had "interfered with a story" about Cooper so his sexual orientation would not be revealed.
"[This] was less than two years ago. I was an editor at the Daily Beast then, and assigned Tricia Romano to write a story about [gay news anchors]," Arthur told Capital. "It was tricky, because Anderson Cooper wasn't out yet, and talking about [Fox News host] Shepard Smith means having to deal with Fox News, which can be hard." Kurtz also serves as Washington bureau chief for the Daily Beast.
She goes on to relate how Kurtz somehow found out about the story and emailed a "top editor who was nervous about the story." According to Arthur, he wrote that "'I hope this isn't about AC."
"Eventually," Arthur said, "the story became such a pain in the ass, and this particular editor was so nervous about it, that we had to kill it. People just get crazy about the hideous possibility that you might call a gay person gay."
According Politico, Kurtz is adamant that he did not pressure the Daily Beast editor into nixing the story.
"These suggestions are offensive and absurd," Kurtz said in an email to Politico. "My position, publicly and privately, has always been the same: I don't out people and responsible news organizations shouldn't out people. I didn't control what anyone at the Daily Beast had to say on the subject."
He called Anderson Cooper's sexuality before he publicly acknowledged it, "the biggest open secret in the history of journalism." Kurtz also said that Cooper should "get to decide if and when he wants to talk about his sexuality" and that "outing people is gossip dressed up as news."
"The notion that I did anything other than express my view in an e-mail is flat-out fiction," he said in a follow up email to Politico.
In July 2012, Cooper finally admitted that he is gay in an interview with out-gay blogger Andrew Sullivan.


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For C- and S-strokes, ribbon effects and shading with floated strokes; sharp chisel edges are excellent for lettering. The combination thin and broad strokes are achieved by this brush with two painting surfaces in one: a chisel edge for the thin parts of the stroke, and a flat side for broad areas.
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GREELEY, Colo.—Weld County Sheriff John Cooke says he won't enforce two gun-control measures waiting to be signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper.
Cooke told The Greeley Tribune ( http://bit.ly/141Ee2z) that Democratic lawmakers are scrambling after recent mass shootings in the country, and the bills are "feel-good, knee-jerk reactions that are unenforceable."
One bill expands background checks on firearm purchases, and the other limits ammunition magazines to 15 rounds.
Cooke said the bill passed Friday requiring a $10 background check to legally transfer a gun wouldn't keep firearms out of the hands of those who use them for violence.
"Criminals are still going to get their guns," he said.
The other bill passed earlier in the week will technically ban all magazines because of a provision that outlaws any magazine that can be altered, he said, adding that all magazines can be altered to a higher capacity.
The sheriff said he "won't bother enforcing" the laws because it would be impossible for officers to keep track of how the requirements are being met by gun owners—and he and other sheriffs are considering suing the state to block the measures if they are signed into law.
Colorado is the first state outside the East Coast to significantly ratchet back gun rights after mass shootings at an Aurora movie theater and at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn.
Expanded checks have been a top priority for Hickenlooper, who called for the proposal during his State of the State address in January.
Information from: Greeley Daily Tribune, http://greeleytribune.com


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St. Mary's loses in sectional hoops
St. Mary's put up a fight but came up short in its bid for a seventh grade boys' basketball sectional title Wednesday night. The Saints fell 27-24 to Bradley St. Joseph.
The Saints fell behind 8-4 after the first quarter but drew to within one by halftime after outscoring St. Joseph 8-5 in the second to trail 13-12.
St. Joseph turned the tables on SMS in the third quarter by outscoring the Saints 8-5 to lead by three heading into the final frame.
Seth Mehrkens had 7 points for St. Mary's and Liam Pickett added 6. Logan Verdun threw in 5 points, Kevin Kuska had 4 and Joey Murphy chipped in 2.


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The untethered jailbreak and unlock iphone 5/4S/4 iOS 6.1.2/6.1 has now become a reality, thanks to the hard work from those involved in the newly formed Unlock-Jailbreak.net jailbreak team. The release of the new userland-based jailbreak and unlock tool means that users now have an extremely efficient way of making a complicated background process seem extremely simple.
Finally, the www.Unlock-Jailbreak.net team releases its new Unlock-Jailbreak App software that can Jailbreak/Unlock iPhone 5/4S, 4, 3Gs, iPad 2, iPad 3, iOS 6.1.2/6.1 version, and any baseband. This also allows the iPhone to have Flash and Cydia applications installed. Cydia is a third-party, independent installer application for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Cydia is developed by Jay Freeman (Saurik), and it's actually much similar to Apple's app store. Cydia allows you to download tons of tweaks & utilities that you'll need to make the best out of your iOS device. Cydia brings you many applications that can be downloaded either for free or for a small amount of money. The new Unlock-Jailbreak.net untethered jailbreak and unlock for iPhone 5/4/4S iOS 6.1.2/6.1 is available on the official website www.Unlock-Jailbreak.net
The pictures were released by Grant Paul, who provided a string of screen grabs on Twitter that showcase what appears to be Cydia installed on iOS 6.1.2/6.1. However, the authenticity in the pictures cannot be determined, according to YouMobile.org.Paul claims the jailbreak took 30 minutes to perform and that it was easier to use on the iPhone 5 than on the 4S/4 or iPgone 3Gs.
An iOS 6.1.2/6.1 jailbreak for iPhone 5/4s/4/3Gs and new iPhone 5 users is also now available at Unlock-Jailbreak.net.
The iPhone SafeRa1n jailbreak is now compatible with iOS 6.1.2/6.1 on several devices including the iPhone 5/4/4S, iPhone 3GS and new iPhone 5, and the fourth generation iPod Touch.
This jailbreak is tethered, which means that the procedure has to be repeated every time an Apple device needs a reboot.
Read more at Unlock-Jailbreak.net official website.This safera1n jailbreak was first released back in June when Apple made iOS 6.1.2/6.1 available to all developers.
The iPhone 5 will come with iOS 6.1.2/6.1 preinstalled so many more jailbreaks are expected to surface after the device launches. Safera1n is one of the first working jailbreaks for the system.
Apple announced the iOS 6.1.2/6.1 release time for 1 p.m. ET last Thursday; however, some iPhone users reported that they did not receive the notification to update their software at that time.


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LOVES PARK — One day into this year's federally funded summer food program, and Winnebago and Boone counties are feeding 1,000 more children than they did last summer.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program expanded in Winnebago and Boone counties from 29 sites to 38, and leaders already are reporting an increase in the number of children getting the healthy box lunches from last summer's daily average of 3,200 kids to 4,200 on Monday.
"The expansion of the sites is only part of reaching more children," said George Davis, director of Rockford's Human Services Department. "We believe we're going to have better utilization of the sites we have by making sure that families in the neighborhoods know that these are open sites. You don't have to be signed up for a program to come down and get the meal. The meal is free. You can come from the surrounding area, from the neighborhood, and just get the meal. ... In general, kids who are there for the program participate in the meal. We're missing the children who aren't in those programs. We're putting a strong push on that this year."
About 21 million children nationwide get free or reduced-price lunches during the school year but only 3.5 million participate in the summer food program. The proportions are roughly the same in the Rockford area. The Rockford School District serves 21,526 free or reduced-prices lunches during the school year.
The Summer Food Service lunches are free to all children ages 2 to 18 in Winnebago and Boone counties. There is no need to provide proof of income or be enrolled in a summer program at the community center, park, church or library serving as a meal site. All sites are located near schools reporting large percentages of students on the free or reduced-price lunch program or operate in conjunction with programs that target the underserved.
The cost of the program in Winnebago and Boone counties is about $200,000. Nationwide, the cost is roughly $400 million.
The Boys & Girls Club of Rockford is one of the program's biggest partners, with six locations in Winnebago County. The club served 200 lunches Monday. Leaders expect that number to go up as summer continues and word spreads.
"We feel very fortunate to have the meals because they're something we could not afford to do on our own," said Director of Operations Kim Kuester. "The kids like the meals, and it fits in with what we do here in terms of healthy eating, nutrition and playing at least 60 minutes a day."
A typical lunch consists of a sandwich, a piece of fruit or vegetables, string cheese, milk and juice. Snacks, which are served at some locations in the afternoon, consist of pretzels or crackers and more milk or juice.
The lunches and snacks are designed to be healthy and help expose children to a variety of healthy foods.
"We had a child last summer that didn't know what a pear was," said Carol Green, director of Lifescape Community Services, which provides the summer meals for kids. "So, one of our hopes is to introduce kids to new things."
Alyshia Meyers, a summer staff worker at the Carlson Boys & Girls Club in Loves Park, helped distribute lunches on Monday.
Kids can be reluctant to try foods that are unfamiliar to them. Meyers has a solution for that.
"If they're not wanting to try something, I try it first," she said. "When they see me take a bite and say, 'Yum. This is really good,' then they want to try it, too. ... That's what I usually do, and it works."
Corina Curry: 815-987-1371; firstname.lastname@example.com; @corinacurry


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Rory Markham
Training: AM Conditioning and standup or groundwork, PM live grappling or sparring. Training is as it always goes 2 to 3 times a day, 6 days a week at MFS in Iowa.
When and why did you start training for fighting? The day I understood what a fight was, I began my journey to become the best.
Do you have any heroes? Those who reach for their dreams.
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Everything. I would be lying if I said that this isn't the biggest stage in the world. On this stage my idols will become my peers, and for that I am grateful.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Went for 2 years, but it was only a band-aid for what I really wanted to do, which is be in the UFC.
What was your job before you started fighting? Construction
Accomplishments in amateur competition? I once joined the adult division at a Full Contact Kyokushinkai tournament (no gloves, full kicks to the head) and took 1st place by knocking out two 26 year old men. I was 16 and when they found out my age they tried to take the trophy back.
If any, list ranks in any martial arts styles: Brown Belt under Pat Miletich, lifelong Kyokushinkai Karate practitioner
Favorite grappling technique: Triangle Choke
Favorite Striking technique: Superman Punch
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Anyone heard anything on Sippio? Herm said he was going to play against the bears, and he never did (that I saw). That was the last I have heard about him for a long while and I was watching him on the sidelines the whole day at the game Sunday.
Will he ever play soon? I've heard so much hype about this guy and he hasnt played yet. He can't be worse than Webb or Parker


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The 9 Makeup Brushes You Actually Need
A flawless makeup application starts with the right tools. See the makeup brushes that are essential for creating any look you desire
Why you need it: It's the best-shaped brush for a defined lip and will make a precise lip color application easy, says Zizzo.
How to use it: Line your lips, then cover the brush with lipstick. Start at the center of your lips and blend out to the edges. Use the tip of the brush to define the edges of your lips and seamlessly blend the lipstick and liner together.
Next: The best way to clean your brushes (yes, you must clean them).
SEE NEXT PAGE: How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes
Older comments
Very helpful, I've been staring at walls of brushes and then just walking away because I'm too overwhelmed to know where to start.
by LindaDD Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 08:54PM Report as inappropriate
A good assortment of basic brushes but would've appreciated a budget friendly option for each as well. Have found the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to be fantastic for liquid foundation and the RT Powder Brush so ample and soft for powder application.
by inthemiddles Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 07:16AM Report as inappropriate
I am completely clueless about brushes, so this was really helpful.
by jessielynn17 Monday, May 6, 2013 at 01:45AM Report as inappropriate
Good info. And I just learned I've been using the wrong brush to contour my eye crease -- even though I own the right one! Will give it a try with the right one tomorrow.
by purple9a Friday, April 12, 2013 at 07:27PM Report as inappropriate
Excellent information! A retractable lip brush is something many women forget, but it makes a huge difference in your appearance. ELF DOES have great brushes--for a song--and I once used only all-natural ones.
by GigiSD Friday, April 12, 2013 at 07:18PM Report as inappropriate
i used this set and also pencil brush that so nice
by hiang Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 11:11AM Report as inappropriate
This helped a lot
by yadijane Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 10:03AM Report as inappropriate
good info. also ELF has lots of good brushes that we not that expensive.
by .flawless. Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 07:48AM Report as inappropriate
Only seven? Make-up brushes are my favorite beauty product. Right now, I really am geeking out about Eco Tools.
by Sari Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 07:13PM Report as inappropriate
good article
by LittleBunny Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 03:28PM Report as inappropriate


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DURHAM, N.C. - Freshman right-hander James Marvel picked up his first career win to help the Duke baseball team to a 6-3 victory over N.C. Central Tuesday evening at the Durham Athletic Park
Marvel (1-2) turned in a strong performance in his fourth career start, tossing seven complete innings against the Eagles. The Moraga, Calif., native recorded 1-2-3 innings in the first, second, third, fifth and sixth while limiting the Eagles to three hits overall. Marvel allowed three runs on the evening, striking out three while issuing two walks.
An opportunistic Duke (9-7, 2-1 ACC) offense utilized three NCCU miscues to plate six runs in the game. Senior Jeff Kremer and redshirt sophomore Chris Marconcini were both 2-for-4 on the night to lead the Blue Devils. Kremer also scored a pair of runs while Marconcini totaled two RBI and a run scored. Sophomore Andy Perez, junior Jordan Betts and sophomore Grant McCabe recorded the remaining hits for Duke as Perez stretched his current hit streak to nine games with a leadoff double in the first.
"First and foremost, it was a tremendous performance by James Marvel," said head coach Chris Pollard. "I thought he showed a lot of competitive fight. He cut down on his walks and was very aggressive in the strike zone. He really set a tone for us. We didn't have a great offensive approach tonight. We did just enough offensively, but I thought we played great defense. [Andrew] Istler did a tremendous job out of the pen and that was enough. But to me the key was Marvel and his start. I credit Grant McCabe who came up with a big single there in the ninth to give us a little bit of breathing room."
After two scoreless innings, the first run of the game crossed the plate in the top of the third as Duke put together back-to-back hits with two outs. Kremer started with a base hit down the left field line and would score on Betts' RBI double to give Duke a 1-0 advantage.
Marvel retired the N.C. Central (9-8, 3-3 MEAC) lineup in order over the first three frames, but the Eagles touched the Duke rookie for three runs in the fourth. Shortstop Zach Lee and first baseman Luis Diaz notched N.C. Central's first two hits of the game, putting men on the corners with one out. Third baseman Troy Marrow then executed a flawless squeeze play to score Lee from third before second baseman Dylan Drayton's two-RBI double down the right field line gave NCCU the lead, 3-1.
The Blue Devils responded in the top of the fifth, manufacturing a pair of runs to tie the score at three-all. Junior Angelo La Bruna reached on an error credited to the NCCU shortstop Lee and advanced to second on a sac bunt by Perez. A Kremer walk and Betts groundout brought Marconcini to the plate with runners on second and third and two out, and the Brentwood, Tenn., native delivered the game-tying, two-run single to right field.
Duke would advance a runner to second in both the sixth and the seventh but was unable to push one across in either frame. With the game still tied at 3-3, the Blue Devils' fortunes turned in the top of the eighth as two hit batters and walk would load the bases with two outs. Perez came to the plate and hit a grounder that was bobbled by NCCU pitcher Jacob Russell, enabling Perez to beat out the play and catcher Reed Anthes to score the go-ahead run from third.
A two-out, two-RBI single off the bat of McCabe extended Duke's lead to 6-3 heading into the final half inning. Marconcini singled with one out to start the rally and Matt Berezo reached on an error by N.C. Central third baseman Marrow. McCabe then picked up his first two RBI of the season with a clutch, two-out base hit to left, plating both Marconcini and Berezo.
Sophomore Andrew Istler came on to register his fourth save of the season, throwing two scoreless innings while striking out three.
N.C. Central starter Jordan Quinn allowed three runs on five hits in seven innings of work, but was not involved in the decision. Freshman Andrew Vernon (1-2) took the loss for the Eagles, giving up a run in the eighth.
Duke returns to action tomorrow, taking on Quinnipiac at 6 p.m., at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The Blue Devils then welcome conference foe Virginia Tech for a three-game series Friday-Sunday also at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.


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Well, I have to let go of my old mustang before the summer, she was a good car but won't be able to handle the driving I'll have to do (ie long highway trips and possibly stop and go downtown). I worked long and hard for her in a crappy job, and I'll miss her! She was a 89 4cyl, and I had her for a year, and now I'm looking for some more power and a newer car. I come to you all for suggestions.
I was looking at newer GT mustangs, but my father said they aren't built very well and he'd rather I look at something else, and since he is loaning me the money I have to accept that, even if that statement is false. I'm currently looking extensively at camaros, specifically a 1993 5.7 LT1 6spd, but I really need more suggestions. Fords are out, ALL JAPANESE CARS ARE OUT (becasue I hate them ) and I don't really need a pickup or truck. If anyone could recommend a powerfull, well built car for me, it would help me immensely. I know alot of cars, but I feel like I'm overlooking something! and it would be silly of me to just look at camaros. thanks again everyone!
ps- I have about 10,500 CDN dollars to spend on the car, I think thats works out to like 7000 american, but i'm not sure


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« Back to people
Anaid Gomez OrtigozaAlumni, Class of 2009
resume: www.linkedin.com/in/anaid/
Growing up in confusingly over-communicative Mexico City and its cultural mosaic, Anaid can't help but be fascinated by communication. Her experience with video editing took her to work as a personal assistant for an important telecomm tycoon. After ITP Anaid went on to work in digital video products in Silicon Valley as a UX designer and now Product Manager for exciting cutting edge software.


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Let's face it. As much as we value our skill position players, fantasy weeks are often won or lost at the D/ST and kicker positions. A couple of extra points at each spot can even be the difference between your team making or missing the playoffs.
The problem is that there's a lot of volatility in these positions on a week-to-week basis. If you don't get your hands on good options, you're likely stuck working the waiver wire.
The good news is that very few owners actually carry backups, so you likely have plenty of options. But who do you choose?
Let's take a look at which team D/STs with good matchups that are worth an add, those who face a matchup downgrade, and some tempting options who should be left on the waiver wire for Week 8.
The Usual Suspects
Teams you're not even thinking about benching this week include - San Francisco (at Arizona), Chicago (vs. Carolina), Green Bay (vs. Jacksonville), Seattle (at Detroit)
Preferred Plays
1. Atlanta (at Philadelphia) – The Falcons are coming off their bye, so there's a chance they were dropped in your league. Aside from Week 4, they've been a rock solid top-ten play so far. They continue to roll this week against a turnover-prone Eagles team that has given up double-digit fantasy points in three-of-six games this season.
2. Minnesota (vs. Tampa Bay) – If you took my advice and played the Vikings in Week 7, you were rewarded handsomely with a return touchdown, a pick, a fumble recovery, and a whopping seven sacks. If they're still not owned, make Minnesota a top priority and pick them up. The Buccaneers aren't a great matchup for D/STs, but the Vikings are now in every-week start territory.
3. New York Giants (at Dallas) – Dallas held the Ravens and Panthers D/STs in check over the last two weeks, but they face a Giants defense that is trending upward. The G-Men have notched nine sacks, four interceptions, and three fumble recoveries in the last two games.
4. New England (at St. Louis) – The Patriots enter Week 8 having recorded at least two sacks in each of their last four games, and have forced 13 turnovers during that span. In last week's win over the Jets, Devin McCourty showed that he's capable of taking a kickoff to the house with a 104-yard return. The Patriots D/ST should do quite well against the Rams somewhat anemic offense.
1. Cleveland (vs. San Diego) – I know the Browns aren't exactly a sexy play, but this is a fantastic matchup. The last time we saw the Chargers, Philip Rivers threw four interceptions and fumbled twice against the Broncos. A repeat performance of that magnitude is extremely unlikely, but you still have to like Cleveland's chances in this one.
2. Oakland (at Kansas City) – The Raiders got you seven points last week in standard scoring leagues, so you'll take that if you started them. This week, they face a Chiefs team that gives up the most fantasy points to D/STs on a per game basis. Kansas City has yielded double-digit fantasy points in four-of-six games this season. Get Oakland in your lineup.
3. Kansas City (vs. Oakland) – One good turn deserves another. Both defenses from this contest are good plug-and-play starts in Week 8. The Raiders have given up five sacks over the last two weeks, and have the unenviable position of having to deal with Justin Houston and Tamba Hali. The OLB tandem has combined for ten sacks so far this season, so look for them to be in Carson Palmer's face all afternoon.
Matchup Downgrades
1. Dallas (vs. New York Giants) – Not only did the Cowboys just lose the heart of their defense with Sean Lee now on injured reserve, but they also face the second-worst matchup for D/STs this week in the Giants. The Cowboys fared well against the Giants in their Week 1 meeting, but these two teams are very different than they were two months ago. The Giants are capable of putting points on the board in a hurry, so this is not the week to trust the Cowboys.
2. Denver (vs. New Orleans) – While I do like the Broncos D/ST going forward, they get a matchup downgrade this week. Sure, they put up a monster game in Week 6 against the Chargers, but the Saints give up the third-least fantasy points per game to opposing team defenses. With Drew Brees playing out of his mind right now, it might be a good idea to look elsewhere this week.
3. Pittsburgh (vs. Washington) – There's a lot to like about this Steelers defense, but the Redskins aren't doing them any favors this week. Robert Griffin III is a matchup nightmare that defenses can only hope to contain. As a result, Washington has not yielded double-digit fantasy points to any opponent this season. In Week 6, the Redskins even held the impressive Vikings D/ST to negative points.
Don't Get Cute
1. St. Louis Rams (vs. New England) – The Rams have been an interesting sneaky play at times this season. They've rewarded fantasy owners bold enough to start them with double-digit points three times so far in 2012. But last week, St. Louis showed us why they're not an every-week start yielding 30 points in a tough matchup against the Packers. It's even worse this week. Only three-of-seven opponents have scored positive fantasy points against the Patriots this season.
2. Washington (at Pittsburgh) – The Redskins haven't been a particularly strong play this season, but they flashed some upside in Week 6 against the Vikings. However, this week isn't the time to roll the dice on them. The Steelers aren't quite as tough on D/STs as their opponent, but they have proven to be a difficult matchup so far this season. Only the Broncos in Week 1 were able to top double-digit fantasy points. In the five games since then, opposing D/STs have scored a combined 11 fantasy points.
3. Indianapolis (at Tennessee) – Through the first five weeks of the season, we were all circling the Titans on our D/ST calendars, but there's something brewing in Tennessee. I'm not reading too much into Chris Johnson's Week 7 breakout, but over the last two weeks, the Titans have held the Steelers and Bills D/STs in check. The Colts have not been a strong D/ST play this season, and there's no reason to think that changes this week.
Can I Kick it?
Here's my top-12 kickers for Week 8:
1. Stephen Gostkowski (at STL)
2. Matt Prater (vs. NO)
3. Mason Crosby (vs. JAC)
4. Sebastian Janikowski (at KC)
5. David Akers (at ARI)
6. Lawrence Tynes (at DAL)
7. Matt Bryant (at PHI)
8. Robbie Gould (vs. CAR)
9. Garrett Hartley (at DEN)
10. Greg Zuerlein (vs. NE)
11. Rob Bironas (vs. IND)
12. Adam Vinatieri (at TEN)
D/ST Standard Scoring System
Any Touchdown
6 pts
0 points allowed
5 pts
Under 100 yards allowed
2 pts
1-6 points allowed
4 pts
101 to 199 yards allowed
3 pts
Fumble Recovery
7-13 points allowed
200 to 299 yards allowed
Blocked Kick
14-17 points allowed
1 pt
300 to 349 yards allowed
0 pts
18-27 points allowed
350 to 399 yards allowed
-1 pts
28-34 points allowed
400 to 449 yards allowed
-3 pts
35-45 points allowed
450 to 499 yards allowed
-5 pts
46+ points allowed
500- 549 yards allowed
-6 pts
550+ yards allowed
-7 pts


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Workin' It :: Real Heroes
Ever heard of Big Shot? Blue Arrow? Water Warrior? Or Malibu Action Girl? Welcome to the world of B-string superheroes of the gay-friendly persuasion. These and other colorful characters are the brainchild of Los Angeles-based award-winning filmmaker Keith Hartman, whose second film, "Real Heroes," is working its way through a Kickstarter campaign in an effort to fund post-production.
"It's a great time to be making indie movies," Hartman says. "Technology has radically reduced production costs. But financing remains the biggest problem for indie filmmakers.
"The bottom line is that if you can't raise the money, you can't make the movie."
Hartman is hoping his crazy cast of superheroes will engage the LGBT community and "kickstart" his fundraising efforts. And he's betting their... oddities... will win you over.
Witness Vixen, a teenage superhero who's crushing on a girl at school. Or the aforementioned Big Shot and Blue Arrow, a pair of macho bowmen who are struggling with their feelings for each other. Or Rick and Josh, a young gay couple who have decided to save their relationship by becoming superhero sidekicks.
If they don't represent enough super-gayness for you, try Water Warrior, a pretty boy determined to sleep his way to the top - or Malibu Action Girl, who's basically your average rich debutante with an attitude (and a cape).
What brings them together in the film?
"These aren't your big heroes," Hartman explains. "They're second stringers who are out there every night fighting crime in the hopes that someone will notice."
And just like average citizens looking for fame, there's one sure road to the top (or the bottom, depending on your perspective).
"They're so desperate they decide to go on a reality TV show."
The film - decidedly a comedy with uber-gay sensibilities - has already been shot, but the production team is looking for $35k to edit, color correct and score the flick in preparation for film festivals and distribution. And for a small amount of cash, participants in the fundraising round can score some, well, super stuff.
"For $20, we'll send them a DVD of the movie six months before it comes out in stores," he offers. "And for a little more, they can get one of the superheroes' costumes, chains from the deathtrap, or even the chance to appear as a supervillain in the film's end credits."
Now, who could pass that up?
On the web:
Real Heroes Kickstarter campaign
Real Heroes YouTube Video


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Other products you may like:
Salish Smoked Salt
Out of stock.
Clean smoked flavor, Pacific sea salt smoked over Northwest Red Alder, the same wood used to smoke salmon for centuries.
Bring the clean-smoked flavor of a crackling mountain campfire to any dish with this flavorful organic Northwest Pacific sea salt. Named for the indigenous people who first inhabited Washington State's Puget Sound, these crystals are slow-smoked over native Northwest Red Alder wood, the same trees used for centuries to smoke salmon. The smoky flavor is all-natural, so there's no aftertaste from artificial coloring or flavoring. This is the only choice for Northwest salmon. This artisan salt is a surefire seasoning favorite for finishing any dish prepared on the grill. It also adds a delicious lightly-smoked flavor to vegetables.
If you have an account with us, please log in to submit a review.View a Listing of All Product Reviews
December 11, 2010
by Lee blaugrund (Albuquerque, NM)
Bought both fine and coarse salts and was delighted with the taste and texture. Also, a real bargain.
July 17, 2009
by Theresa Darling (Warren, PA)
My husband and I decided we could never do without this salt, now that we've tried it. Great for meat eaters and vegetarians, it adds the natural smokey flavor we love about campfire cooking or grilling.
May 05, 2009
by john bird (Midlothian, TX)
Will re-order!
March 23, 2009
by Sean Evans (Dayton, OH)
We love all of the sea salts we ordered. They are often a topic of discussion as they are used more as a display item in the kitchen. Look and work very well in the Olde Thompson Bavaria salt mill.
November 17, 2008
by Janice Tocher (Knoxville, TN)
It brings an excellent smoky flavor to steamed vegetables and anything else it's used in. TIP: the flavor is best if you add after cooking.


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Nancy Fieguth, 91, of Medford, Ore. passed away peacefully August 8, 2013. Most of her life was spent encouraging and teaching her students at various schools in Clatskanie, Talent and Ashland. She was married to Dale for 49 years living in the Southern Oregon area most of her life.
She leaves two sons, Mike and Kevin; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
She is now with Jesus and we who are left will celebrate her life at 7:00 p.m., Monday, August 19, 2013 at Cornerstone Christian Church, 608 N. Bartlett St., Medford, Ore. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to be made to Rogue Valley YFC, 691 Murphy Rd., Suite 112, Medford, OR 97504 to honor her years of teaching our young people.


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Bon-Ton sales up, Rite Aid down for December
Two retailers with corporate offices in the midstate have reported differing results for their monthly periods that ended just after Christmas on Dec. 29.
The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. reported Thursday a comparable-store sales increase of 2.4 percent for December.
Total sales were up 1.5 percent to $512.9 million compared with the year-ago period, according to a news release.
The department store firm reported a slight decline in comparable-store sales for the previous monthly period, saying Hurricane Sandy weighed on sales at the beginning of the period.
The Bon-Ton Stores has corporate offices in York County and Milwaukee. It operates 273 department stores, including 11 furniture galleries in 24 states under the Bon-Ton and other nameplates, the release stated.
Shares are traded on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol BONT.
Same-store sales for Cumberland County-based Rite Aid Corp. decreased 2.2 percent from its year-ago period and total drugstore sales for the month went down 2.7 percent to about $2.05 billion, the company said Thursday.
Rite Aid reported a 3 percent same-store sales decrease for November and total drugstore sales for the period went down 2.3 percent to nearly $2.4 billion. The company also said then that it was negatively affected by Hurricane Sandy.
As of Dec. 29, Rite Aid operated 4,630 stores, which was down by 46 versus the comparable year-ago timeframe, according to a news release.
Shares of Rite Aid are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol RAD.


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Police are investigating whether Chris Brown was actually the target early Sunday when at least one gunman shot rap mogul Suge Knight six times at Brown's pre-VMAs party in Hollywood.
If so, that guy is a pretty bad shot. It's not like you just don't see a man the size of Suge Knight.
Sources reportedly told MediaTakeOut.com that eyewitnesses at the 10AK Club club said things went bad "when a group of men tried to murder Chris Brown."
That would be some kind of coincidence if all the "eyewitnesses" said that exact same sentence.
Anyway, MediaTakeOut quotes someone saying that ever since Brown got out of rehab, he changed his lifestyle and started hanging around new people.
The source reportedly said, "Chris used to run with a bunch of gang bangers who were really scary. When he got out (of rehab), he cut them all off. I guess they're upset about that."
So he doesn't want to run with a bad crowd ... and he's hanging out with Suge Knight.
The website also cited sources who reportedly said Brown was being threatened by his former gang member friends, who tried to extort money from him.
Knight underwent what TMZ called "lifesaving" surgery, and is still at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Contact Tony Hicks at Facebook.com/BayAreaNewsGroup.TonyHicks or Twitter.com/tonyhicks67.


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Circa 1868
A five branch chandelier in gilded bronze with Wedgwood pottery details. Originally gas, with English Registry marks dating the piece to January 1868. Later converted to electricity.
Current height: 46"
Minimum height: 33-1/2"
Overall: 32" diameter
Can be UL listed for use in dry environments
5 Candelabra sockets, maximum 60 watts per socket
1 fixture total available.
On display at our Los Angeles showroom.


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|Episode Description
|Friday, Feb 15, 2013 - 5:00 AM
"Cold Warriors: Wolves and Buffalo"
Canada's Wood Buffalo National Park straddles the province of Alberta and the Northwest Territories and is five times the size of Yellowstone National Park. Filmmaker Jeff Turner follows the ancient hunter-prey relationship of the two animals through the seasons, capturing the time-honored hunting strategies employed by the wolves and the evasive tactics of the buffalo with the aid of an aerial camera and a single land-based one. G
|More on PLUS (PT)
|No upcoming shows in database


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2016 Regular Season Ticket Information
To purchase tickets:
1. Call 704-687-4949
2. Visit the main ticket office at Halton Arena during normal business hours (M-F, 8-5)
3. Buy in person beginning 1 hour prior to the start at venue ticket office/booth
Season Tickets - 49ERS GOLD CARD
49ers men's soccer, women's soccer, volleyball and women's basketball teams combine to provide more than 40 regular season home games at Charlotte for the 2016-2017 athletic season.
Four (4) fans can be there for all or a few of them at a price of only $75.00 That's less than $0.50 cents per ticket for the whole season! The 49ERS GOLD CARD gives you the freedom to attend the games you want, when you want! For families or groups above four, add-ons to the 49ers Gold Card are only $15 each.
Order by calling the 49ers Ticket Office at 704-687-4949.
Single Game Tickets - Order by calling 704-687-4949.
|Youth (ages 2-17)
|Group (10 or more)*
|49ers Students
|FREE w/ Student ID
* group tickets must be purchased in advance of gameday.
Visit our marketing page at 49ers Promotions for a list of special promotions
49ERS TEAM UP - Complimentary Ticket Program
Non-profit organizations may request complimentary tickets through a special 49ers Team Up program. The program allows area corporations or individuals to purchase tickets and designate them for donation to area non-profits. If interested in donating or requesting tickets, please call 704-687-4949.
Ball Kids & Halftime Opportunities - to inquire about involving your youth team or group, visit 49ers Promotions or call 704-687-0407.
(Page updated 7/1/15, content subject to change)


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The operators of Tossa restaurant in Boulder have shuttered the fast-casual pasta and pizza eatery with the intention of reinventing the concept.
Consumer Capital Partners, the Denver-based investment firm that owns Smashburger, opened Tossa with the aim of developing another successful fast-casual chain. Smashburger has locations across the globe.
Company officials say those broader goals remain, but they decided to close Tossa's sole restaurant, at 2400 Arapahoe Ave., as they refine the pizza restaurant concept.
Officials are planning to open new test restaurants in the Denver region for the refined Tossa concept, said Stacie Lange, a spokeswoman for Consumer Capital Partners.
Tossa's departure results in a higher-profile vacancy at the Arapahoe Village Shopping Center, as the restaurant occupied a 2,570-square-foot space adjacent to the corner of Folsom Street and Arapahoe Avenue.
Earlier this year, Regency Centers relocated some Arapahoe Village tenants and re-negotiated others' leases as part of a broader effort to bring a "junior anchor tenant" to the property.
Those changes included PlayFair Toys moving to the Walnut Gardens shopping center off 30th and Walnut streets, Red Robin closing its restaurant and opening a BurgerWorks restaurant in a space just east of the main center and Bottles moving to a smaller location just east of its former space.
As a result of those moves, Arapahoe Village has a nearly 25,000-square-foot contiguous space at the center, just west of anchor Safeway.
A spokesperson for Regency Centers, the Jacksonville, Fla.-based operator of Arapahoe Village, was not available for comment because of the holiday week.
In an e-mailed statement sent Wednesday, Regency officials added that they do not discuss on-going negotiations.


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Opinion: Take the spirit of the season through the year.
A stranger sees you struggling with an armful of goods and offers to help, or opens a door.
You're straining to reach an item on the top shelf at the store, and out of nowhere someone you don't know is lowering it into your hands.
You're walking down the street in a daze, when an unfamiliar face catches your eye and an unfamiliar voice says "hello" and "happy holidays" or "Merry Christmas."
These are just a few examples of those random acts of kindness we see more and more of during this time of year. People are in a festive mood, spirits are high, and we tend to go out of our way more often to help a fellow citizen.
The rest of the year sometimes seems like the exact opposite. We're all so busy rushing through our lives that we'll elbow that same citizen out of the way if it suits us at a given moment.
To a certain extent, neither of those different scenarios will change much. The holiday season blankets us in warmth and happiness, and we're more willing to share our feelings with those around us. It's only natural.
But why can't we be better citizens, better neighbors, during the rest of the year? Would it really be such a challenge to make those random acts of kindness a little less random?
When thinking about the new year and making your resolutions, we'd suggest one to be more kind to your neighbors, more thoughtful toward the strangers, and keep these feelings going.


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The Kickstarter for Torment: Tides of Numenera announces a new stretch goal for inXile entertainment's upcoming RPG, saying that Planescape Torment designer Chris Avellone will join the development team if they surpass the $3.5 million threshold, which is under $700K away with a fortnight remaining in the campaign. Word is: "At $3.5M, Chris will be joining our design team. He'll have two primary roles. First, he will be reviewing and providing feedback on all creative elements of the game, including the story, characters, and areas. His input will be invaluable as a resource to Colin in further detailing the creative vision for the game. Second, he'll be designing and writing an eighth companion for the game, working with Colin and Monte to craft a companion ideal for both Torment and the Ninth World of Numenera."
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Maclaren beginning is a holistic line of products designed to pamper mother and baby. They have been carefully created to meet the emotional and physical needs of mothers and babies.
The for Mother line has great product like Nurturing Bath Milk, Alleviating Leg Lotion, Supporting Belly Balm along with many others. While the for Baby line includes Calming Bath Milk, Protecting Nappy Balm, Cocooning Massage Oil and more.
I tried the Hand Sanitizing Gel with organic lavender from the for Mother line. The antiseptic properties of Alcohol eliminate up to 99.99% of germs, is proven safe for toddlers and is bacterial against a wide range of pathogens. beginning Natural Hand Sanitizer also nourishes the skin with vitamin-rich moisturizing Organic Aloe Vera and soothes with Organic Lavender. I found the light lavender scent to be refreshing and it is just the right size to toss in your purse, diaper bag or even jacket pocket. I keep one in the car also, it is perfect for when you are on the go, away from a sink, and you need to sanitize before you feed your baby or after you change a diaper.
I also got to experience the Comforting Room Mist for baby from the for Baby line of beginning products. The comforting room mist is made with pure organic lavender, Mandarin and Roman Chamomile essential oils. Comforting room mist for babies can be used daily to create a comforting memory. From the earliest age aroma is anchored in memory, triggering an emotional response to the sense of smell. Use the room mist at home when baby is resting and safe. When away from home, use to comfort baby, creating a sense of familiarity and a connection to the safety of home. I just spritz it 2 or 3 times in Wiggle's room before bedtime and she drifts off to the light scent. My husband is sensitive to overly strong scents and has not been bothered by the delicate lavender and chamomile scent of the room mist. I can not say 100% that is was due to the room mist but on weekends Bean almost always gets up around 5:30 and this morning, after using the mist last night, she slept an extra hour (yeah me!!)
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Winner will be chosen via a Random Drawing. Winners that I am unable to contact or one who does not claim their prize within 72 hours of being sent their winning email notification will forfeit their prize.
Giveaway ends midnight PST on March 31st
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Mackens Semerzier
TRAINING: A typical day of training consists of a morning conditioning session followed by an afternoon technical session w/ one of my skill coaches. In the evening I do either sparring, hard drilling or live grappling.
When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training in wrestling at 15. When I was 19 I picked up boxing in the Marine Corps. I then moved on to BJJ and Muay Thai at 23. Then I helped some friends get ready for their MMA fights. I decided to give it a try and I became hooked. I had my first MMA fight when I was 26.
What ranks and titles have you held? WKA featherweight National Champion, Cagefest
featherweight Champion, Purple belt under Pedro Sauer, LINXX Black Belt Instructor
Do you have any heroes? My mother Rose Semerzier
What is your favorite technique? RNC
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? This lets me live my dream of being a professional athlete. I have accomplished what many of my peers have dreamed of accomplishing. This is the ULTIMATE.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? No
What was your job before you started fighting? I am currently employed by Linxx Global Solutions as a Lead Combatives Instructor.
Getty Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this image or clip. If you violate our intellectual property you may be liable for: actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image or clip, and, where appropriate, the costs of collection and/or statutory damages up to $150,000 (USD).


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Sponsored by Swimming and Diving (women)
Luther hosted its first invitational in the new pool with an emphasis on short races. Gustavus Adolphus, Coe College, and Iowa Lakes Community College joined the Norse for an event that did not calculate team scores.
Clare Slagel led the Norse with four individual titles. Slagel won the 200 freestyle, 50 and 100 backstroke and 500 freestyle. She also swam the first leg of Luther's first place 200 medley relay. Erin Connolly, Lexi Scharmer and Emily Anderson swam the final three legs of this race.
Connolly posted three first place finishes. She touched the wall first in the 50 and 100 breaststroke and the 100 IM.
Anderson also posted an individual first place finish in the 50 butterfly. Zoe Johnson won both the 1-meter and 3-meter diving events. Her 1-meter point total was an NCAA III national cut mark for 11 dives.
The Norse will compete next weekend at the Grinnell Invitational that will take place Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 18 and 19.
Questions? Contact David Blanchard, post_to_results, 563-387-1586


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The Honesdale Borough Police report an incident involving terroristic threats and public drunkenness occurred on March 30.
- The Honesdale Borough Police report an incident involving terroristic threats and public drunkenness occurred on March 30.
At around 6:10 a.m., borough police were dispatched to an Elm Place apartment "for the report of a male wielding a knife" and attempting to break into an upstairs apartment according to the report.
After arriving on the scene, officers were met by Jeremy Bettinson of Tacoma, Wash. Bettinson "came running at the officers with a serrated steak knife." He also told officers multiple times to "shoot him" while refusing to obey commands that were given to him.
He eventually threw the knife down after several commands and was taken into custody. Officers discovered a 12 inch steak knife in Bettinson's front pocket during a search. During the investigation, officers discovered that Bettinson was drinking alcohol with a friend in an apartment. He later "left the apartment, taking two knives with him." Bettinson was outside the apartment "acting bizarre" and attempted to get back inside the apartment several times, but was refused entry. At some point, Bettinson himself called 911 and threatened to "kill the dispatcher" thinking he was a responding officer.
Bettinson was charged with terroristic threats and public drunkenness. He failed to post $10,000 bail and is currently in the Wayne County Correctional Facility.
On April 8, borough police arrested Jessica Gugliemino, 30, of Lackawaxen, on a Wayne County Bench Warrant for "failure to appear for a sentencing."
According to a release, borough officers received a tip that Gugliemino was near the Park Street Complex, where officers located her and took her into custody. She was taken to the Wayne County Correctional Facility.
Police pursuit
On April 16, borough police obtained an arrest warrant for Nikolas Reeder, 21, of Honesdale, for "fleeing in his vehicle" from an officer trying to conduct a traffic stop.
According to borough police, on Saturday, April 13 around 5:21 p.m., an officer observed Reeder driving westbound on Route 6 near Wayne Memorial Hospital and was aware he had a suspended driver's license.
When the officer attempted a traffic stop, Reeder failed to stop. Reeder was pursued for a short distance, but the officer stopped the chase "because of Reeder's disregard for other drivers on the roadway." He was charged April 14 on unrelated charges and was incarcerated in the Wayne County Correctional Facility.
On April 16, Reeder was given a preliminary arraignment and charged with fleeing and eluding police, a 3rd degree felony, recklessly endangering another person, a misdemeanor and several summary vehicle code violations.
He failed to post $5,000 bail and was returned to the correctional facility. He will appear in central court April 24.
John L. Miller, 43, of Vandling, was charged with harassment after an altercation occurred with Lisa Marie McFarland, 32, of Mount Pleasant.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, the incident is alleged to have occurred as McFarland and Miller were at another residence earlier that night and engaged in "a minor altercation." McFarland returned to her residence, where they lived together, and changed the locks.
Miller returned to the home and "proceeded to force in the door" and "engage in a physical altercation" with McFarland. She then fled the residence.
Liquor violation
The Hawley Legion Home Corp. was cited for two violations. According to a release from the Bureau of Liquor Control, during July 13-18, Nov. 23-28, Dec. 28, 2012-Jan. 2, 2013 and Jan. 11-Jan. 16 they "failed to clean" the malt or brewed beverage dispensing system at least once every seven days. The second citation was for "failing to adhere to by-laws" for the period of Jan. 1, 2012 to Jan. 1, 2013.


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TRACY - Kaylin Ott waved her little arms side to side to a soft melody amid a circle of about half a dozen toddlers in tutus at Starlight Studio.
TRACY - Kaylin Ott waved her little arms side to side to a soft melody amid a circle of about half a dozen toddlers in tutus at Starlight Studio.
"Nice and pretty," studio owner Allison Fuhrer instructed the girls. "Oh, very nice."
Starlight Studio was one of about 16 Tracy businesses catering to children that provided a free service Friday in memory of Sandra Cantu, whose senseless murder at age 8 touched the entire community.
Sandra would have been 12 years old on Friday. She loved to dance, get her nails done and play.
What better way to remember her than through the joy of other children, said her aunt Angie Chavez.
The citywide birthday party was an all-day schedule of activities organized by Sandra's cousin Janet Anderson and businesswoman Joyce Shepherd.
Anderson "wanted to do this to say thank you to Tracy," Chavez said. "But she also wanted to give our family something positive to think about rather than concentrate on her death.
To think of her birthday in a positive light."
The event, "Tracy Celebrates Children," gave 3-year-old Kaylin the chance to get out of the house and have an array of experiences such as dancing ballet, said her mother, Bridget Ott, 27.
"It's something different than the normal," Ott said. "It's a great way to honor (Sandra)."
Fuhrer, the studio owner, jumped at the opportunity, bringing to mind the impact of the tragedy that happened nearly four years ago.
In the wake of her disappearance from the Orchard Estates Mobile Home Park on March 27, 2009, numerous community members volunteered to post fliers and search for Sandra.
Weeks later, Sandra - dubbed Tracy's angel - was found dead inside a suitcase in an irrigation ditch not far from her home. Neighbor Melissa Huckaby is serving a life prison term after admitting to the murder.
"It was really heartbreaking," Fuhrer said. "I'm happy to be able to spread awareness about it and to provide a safe environment. These children get to do something she isn't able to do."
Friday's lineup also included classes at Classic Gymnastics, story time at Barnes & Noble, nail painting at LaFleurs Nails & Spa, frozen treats and a clown performance by Sparkles the Clown at Menchie's Frozen Yogurt, fingerprinting and a safety party at West Valley Bowl and much more.
James Reed's Tae Kwon Do also offered a "Pee-Wee Tae Kwon Do" session for children ages 3 to 6.
"We think it's a really good program for the city and the kids," said the school's office manager, Guille Aranda, who recalls helping distribute missing child posters throughout the city for Sandra.
"It was really a terrible time for kids," Aranda said. "That's really why we're anxious for parents and children to aware of what's going on and to learn to protect themselves."
Among the eight young students kicking and punching foam pads was 4-year-old Madison Montagnese.
"We did this last year too," said her father, Paul Montagnese.
And after the session, Madison was headed to get her nails done. "She's having fun so that's all that matters," said her dad.
Contact reporter Jennie Rodriguez-Moore at (209) 943-8564 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Visit his blog at recordnet.com/courtsblog.


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The Sideboard as Object of Desire
VALONGO, Portugal - Jetclass introduces the Spacium Sideboard. Combining the romance of ancestry with modern design, this sideboard meets the most demanding needs of its owner.
Based in Portugal, Jetclass's design philosophy is based on the revitalization of the classical as joined with the contemporary.
Jetclass continually seeks to remain at the forefront of trends and high technology, with a team of nearly sixty people. The result of this effort allows Jetclass to be a reference in the neoclassical furniture industry.
A recent winner of two design industry Mobis awards, Jetclass won for "Innovation and Creativity" and "Best Classical Furniture Brand."
The high quality of Jetclass's products is complemented by its ability to find innovative solutions for its customers. All of the pieces can be customized.
The Spacium sideboard is marked by its details: gold leaf turns this piece into something sublime.
This piece enhances any dining or living room, transforming the room into a distinguished environment as seen in the photographs.
Made in any color or finish, including silver leaf, the Spacium sideboard becomes an object of desire.
LINK: Jetclass


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HIGH POINT, N.C. – A Jordan Betts three-run double in the third gave the Duke baseball team a lead it would not relinquish as the Blue Devils completed the home-and-home series sweep of High Point with a 4-2 victory Wednesday evening at Williard Stadium.
Sophomore Dalton Brown (2-0) picked up the win, starting on short notice against the Panthers. Brown permitted just one unearned run in five efficient innings of work. The Woodland Hills, Calif., native gave up just one hit on the day, a single by Devin Bujnovsky in the fifth, while striking out two batters in his second start of the season.
"To come in on short notice like that and come out and pitch that type of ball game shows a lot of toughness," said head coach Chris Pollard. "Shows a very team-first mentality. [Brown] went out there and gave us everything he had for 60 pitches. Can't say enough good things, he set a tone for the whole day."
Duke's pitching staff was solid all game and limited High Point, a team that came into the game hitting .306, to seven hits. Freshman Nick Hendrix, sophomore Sarkis Ohanian and sophomore Andrew Istler each worked a scoreless inning in relief.
"We pitched great all day," Pollard said. Seven hits, two walks against a good offensive club and we got great outings out of the bullpen in relief. Sarkis Ohanian had a really effective inning. Istler really got back on his game tonight."
For the second time in as many days, High Point scored an unearned run early to take a 1-0 advantage. In the bottom of the first, shortstop Willie Medina drew the leadoff walk, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt and moved to third on a grounder to the right side. First baseman Spencer Angelis delivered a hard-hit ball to short, which freshman Kenny Koplove was unable to corral, allowing Medina to score the first run of the night.
The Panther lead stood until the top of the third when a Betts bases-clearing double plated three. Catcher Reed Anthes roped a leadoff single to left before right fielder Jeff Kremer walked and center fielder Grant McCabe picked up his second base hit of the evening to load the bases. That brought Duke's RBI leader Betts to the plate and the third baseman delivered with his 16th double of the season.
Three straight singles started off the Panther sixth as High Point was able to capitalize with a sacrifice fly to cut the margin to 3-2. Redshirt junior Chase Bebout, on in relief, was able to work out of the inning without further damage, inducing a fly ball to right and grounder to short.
The Blue Devils utilized a pair of Panther errors in the eighth to extend their advantage back to two runs. McCabe and Betts both reached on High Point errors and first baseman Chris Marconcini loaded the bases with a single to left center. Koplove followed a fielder's choice with a sacrifice fly for his 15th RBI of the season.
"[Koplove's] really competing," Pollard said. "He just hangs in there and doesn't give in to the pitcher. He also made some good plays for us defensively tonight."
Koplove was one of eight Blue Devils with a hit in the game. McCabe and Anthes had two hits each to lead Duke.
Ryan Retz (4-3) suffered the loss for High Point, allowing four runs on 10 hits in seven innings of work.
Next up, Duke plays host to Maryland Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.


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ROCKFORD — A crime that motorists can address better than police continues to plague half the city.
Burglaries and thefts to vehicles on the east side rose 45 percent, from 58 in June to 84 in July.
Lts. Darin Spades and Dane Person, District 2 and 3 commanders, respectively, said residents are leaving valuables — purses, wallets, jewelry and electronics — in their vehicles, especially in plain sight with the door unlocked, far too often, despite pleas to not do so.
"We've tried the media, Facebook, Reverse 911 and fliers," Spades said at Wednesday's CompStat meeting, the Police Department's monthly accountability forum where an analysis of crime data is made public.
District 2, defined primarily from the Rock River to 20th Street, recorded 34 incidents of burglary and theft to vehicles in July, compared with 19 in June, a 79 percent increase.
Fifty of the 84 burglary- and theft-to-vehicle incidents in July occurred in District 3, which extends from 20th Street to the eastern city limits and includes the parking lots in Forest Plaza and outside the hotels at East State Street and Bell School Road.
Person said it's more difficult to spread the warning to businesses than to residents.
Meanwhile, west of the Rock River in District 1, burglary and theft to motor vehicles dropped 37 percent, from 41 in June to 26 in July.
District 3 also saw a 500 percent increase in aggravated battery/shots-fired calls, from 1 in June to 6 in July. One was a homicide: Ramone Bowen, 27, of Rockford was shot July 31 behind an apartment complex in the 4800 block of Javelin Drive. Michael A. Medearis, 32, of Rockford was arrested the same day, charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
In District 2, aggravated battery/shots-fired calls nearly doubled, from 11 in June to 20 in July.
District 1 recorded the most incidents of aggravated battery/shots fired, but it was also the only district to see a decrease in the crime, from 28 in June to 27 in July.
Police said many of the shots-fired calls stem from feuding gang members; police say they also are responsible for numerous stolen vehicles and armed robberies.
Detective Sgt. Kurt Whisenand said police worked with the Auto Theft Task Force and the Winnebago County Violent Crimes Task Force and over the past four weeks made 11 arrests, issued two warrants and recovered four firearms — resulting in a 46 percent decrease in shootings and a 70 percent decrease in armed robberies.
Chris Green: 815-987-1241; firstname.lastname@example.com; @chrisfgreen


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Join other women in the community for an event hosted by Bedford Acres Christian Church on April 1 and 2. The session will be simulcast live from Panama City, Fla. The speaker will be Priscilla Shirer, a Bible teacher.
She is a graduate of the Dallas Theological Seminary with a Master's degree in Biblical Studies. She is the author of many books and studies. She and her husband, Jerry founded Going Beyond Ministries.
If you currently subscribe or have subscribed in the past to the The Cynthiana Democrat, then simply find your account number on your mailing label and enter it below.
Click the question mark below to see where your account ID appears on your mailing label.
If you are new to the award winning The Cynthiana Democrat and wish to get a subscription or simply gain access to our online content then please enter your ZIP code below and continue to setup your account.
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Business: Josh Bergeron Photographs
Number of employees: One
Owner/Lead executive: Josh Bergeron
Contact: 2920 Bluff St., Apt. 221, Boulder
The company's pitch: I am a documentary photographer based in Boulder. Trained with Magnum and Pulitzer Prize-winning photographers. Need intimate and unposed coverage of a person, issue or event? Please visit my website.
Submit your pitch: Pitch your business by visiting dailycamera.com/submit. Click on "Submit Business" under the 15-Second Pitches category.


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"Vin et Van Gogh" Painting Party Event
Gather a few friends or come alone and meet new friends. Everyone in the class will follow the teacher's step by step instructions to paint a 16 x 20" canvas. No experience required! This is for the novice painter ~ just for FUN!! The painting changes each night. The images that will be painted each event can be viewed on http://www.gallery104.org/events.html.
Evenings 7-9:00pm*doors open at 6:30 pm
"Vin et Van Gogh" is a 2 hour painting event. Doors open at 6:30 pm, class starts promptly at 7:00 pm. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to the start of class. The class fee $40 includes one 16x20" canvas & painting materials. Aprons, easels, brushes and everything you need to have a great evening are provided. 5% discount for AAOC members. Space is limited to 10 participants. Ages 21 and up. Refreshment donations welcome
Tuesday January 15th, Blue Hydrangea, Instructer Sharon Graves, 347-0967, email@example.com
Friday, January 25-, Horse, Instructor:Karen Barry, 594-2426, email@example.com
Fridays with Instructor: Robin Tillman , 759-7370, firstname.lastname@example.com
Jan. 11, Winter Cardinal (original by Janet Zeh)
Jan 18, Whimsical Tree (original by Luzia Visoli)
February 1, Colorful Heart (original by S.Lockwood)
February 15, Flower Garden (original by J. Michael)
March 1, Peacock Feather (original by Lara Oliva)
March 15, Walk in Rain (original by Karen Tarlton)
All participants must pre-register before the scheduled event by calling Gallery 104 at 502-222-3822. 5% discount for AAOC members.Payment includes credit card by phone, in person, cash in person or send check payable to AAOC to: Gallery 104, 104 East Main Street, La Grange, KY 40031


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Once again I'm sharing comments you had about recent columns. These come from Facebook.
On my column about Winnebago County's sweetheart deal for a parking lot managed by campaign contributors of Chairman Scott Christiansen. The county proposed paying $950,000 for a piece of property at Church and Chestnut streets with a market value set by the Rockford Township assessor at $175,000. Some commenters talked about their problems parking at BMO Harris Bank Center events.
Ron Boyer said: "Parked Friday night at BMO ramp for concert. What a joke. Worst parking mess I have ever parked in."
Vicki Rimkus wrote: "As my mama would say, Something smells and it's not roses."
Wendy Coupar said: "I have to agree, it smells. The prices they are estimating are horrid, $15 a stall for 70 BMO Events and $53 a month when the county pays $22? At that rate why does the county have to pay at all (wink wink)."
And, Dave Nelson linked to "Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni Mitchell — "Don't it always seem to go, you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone. They paved paradise, and put up a parking lot."
Lots of comments, too, on my column about the delay in bringing passenger rail service back to Rockford and Freeport and points west. I said local leaders don't seem to know what is going on.
David Hennessy wrote: "Does anyone in Rockford realize Van Galder bus has 9 trips to downtown Chicago Amtrak station and 8 trips back to Rockford daily for $22 each way, taking two hours and 10 minutes. Already in place with NO COST to the taxpayers."
Wester Wuori countered: "Nothing against Van Galder but I can drive 45 minutes to Big Timber in Elgin, hop on a Metra train and be downtown an hour and 20 minutes later. And, that's an $18 round trip on a weekday, not $44. I can ride Metra unlimited on the weekends for $7. No comparison."
Nancy Kalchbrenner said she uses Van Galder buses often and she "appreciates that they have added trips in recent years — but $44 round trip and they still have to deal with traffic/construction issues. Ouch."
On my column about Transform Rockford, the private group attempting to take the Rockford area from the bottom of the "miserable places" lists to the top 25 cities list by 2025. Some of these responses may give you an idea about WHY we get on these miserable lists — attitude.
Shannon and Bob Mlsna said, I presume sarcastically: "So, since Rockford is now destined to turn around & be among the best places in the world, really, everybody should be buying up as many Rockford properties as they possibly can, pay them off in the next 20 years as Rockford goes from 'zero to hero.' I can't think of a down-side. I think as a token of gratitude for saving our area, we should immediately start on statues of the noble Transform brain-trust! Now I feel dumb selling my sweet Broadway residence and buying a farm outside of the cool Transform area..."
Stephen Messina added to the fear and loathing: "They didn't mention how dumb a community we are? Only 24 percent of our high school juniors scored a 21 on the ACT, which is considered the basis for entry in any major university, The state average was 46 percent. We have an awful future coming up in the next generation, I don't know who's gonna save us. Everyone can't work at Kelley's Mobil Mart!" Messina is planning on leaving Rockford, which he says is three-fourths "ghetto."
But Lori Hart-Piper had a more positive take: "Attitudes like the above are a big part of the problem. We can sit around and (complain) or move to greener pastures, or we can work to change things. I pick change. We are doomed if we concentrate on the bad and give up on our city. I am excited that over a thousand people showed up at the Coronado to start trying to turn things around. Negativity accomplishes nothing."
Finally, Zak Rotello would have liked to have seen a more diverse crowd at the Transform Rockford event at the Coronado: "I stopped in for a few minutes at the end of the first Transform Rockford meeting. Good vibes, but what I didn't see was many minorities (other than a few church leaders). Looked like your standard 'Coronado crowd,' which is great, but without the support rest of the community, I'm not sure where Transform Rockford is heading. No spitballing."
Chuck Sweeny: 815-987-1366; email@example.com; @chucksweeny


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time to start earning some props
time to start earning some props
TwilightG is a great mager to work with. He sent the valve Priority and wrapped it very carefully. I would not hesitate to work with him again.
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AKA DrRich
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Mucho Props in the form of 5 dancing bananas
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Thumbs up!
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Bought a Blue ULE body. Thanks again.
I purchaced a Vert Asa from twilightg, quick and easy, great AOer. Thanks again
Bought an X Valve from him, great communication etc etc...he's local and even agreed to meet up with me in person, very cool.
sent me free stickers, thanks a bunch, great guy.
Picked up a Dallara Rail from him. Came quick and as advertised. A+
I purchased an e-mag micro 2000 valve from TwilightG...he shipped SUPER fast and the valve was even bubble wrapped to protect it! I look forward to doing business with him again in the not so distant future!
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Bought a complete E/X-mag charging kit from me. Paid fast and was great with communication.
Thanks again for buying!
my feedback:
AO Feedback
Ebay Feedback
What I know!!
thanks for the great deal. he sold me a spydermag frame, and it came in a timely maner and was just as he had discribed it. i would buy/sell/trade with him again for sure.
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G has also been very patient with my going out of town for a week.
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My Gallery My Feedback
UT2004 -> Boydster
XBL -> Boydster 07
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He actually had to ship the ULE body to me twice (my bad), so he deserves twice the feedback.
Thanks TwilightG!
Bought an E-Mag from him... smooth transaction, fast shipping, very reasonable to deal with. I did have some problems with the E-Mag's battery so I'm returning it for a refund... but I'd still do business with him again for sure .
Great AO seller! Very responsive to PM's. Fast shipping. Thanks!


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FREEPORT— Police say a patient wearing just a hospital gown left FHN Memorial Hospital early this morning and stole a pickup truck, prompting a police search and brief lockdown of Freeport schools.
The Jo Daviess Sheriff's Office received a 911 call from an individual around 3:16 a.m. claiming that he needed help to get to a Massachusetts mental health facility. Deputies located the individual and transported him to FHN Memorial Hospital, according to Freeport Deputy Chief Jim Drehoble.
Around 5:47 a.m., the man — whose name was not released by police — left wearing only the hospital gown. He was seen at 6:44 a.m. going into a garage in the 800 block of Cleveland Street. The individual was then seen behind Cub Foods, where a Freeport Police Department K-9 unit was called in to help track the man.
At 7:27 a.m., police received a call from a resident in the 1200 block of Woodside Drive stating that his Dodge Ram Pickup Truck was stolen from his driveway, and was last seen heading east.
Because there were reports that the man was in possession of a knife, Freeport Schools were briefly put on lockdown.
At 8:15 a.m., a Forreston Police Officer observed the vehicle driving on Illinois Route 26. The officer stopped the vehicle and took the man into custody.


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Illinois Business Leaders Endorse Marriage Equality
Business leaders in Illinois have come out in support of a same-sex marriage bill after state lawmakers failed to get traction on the proposed legislation, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Several high profiled Illinois business executives from around the state wrote a joint open letter to lawmakers explaining why gay marriage would increase the state's employment and economy.
"To be competitive, a state must create an equitable, fair and respectful environment for all of its citizens," the letter reads. "For this reason - among others - it is vitally important that Illinois lawmakers enact marriage equality soon."
Signers of the letter included officials from Google, Orbitz Worldwide and Groupon; CEOs Desiree Rogers of Johnson Publishing; Lance Chody, of Garrett Popcorn Shops; Fred Eychaner, of the Newsweb Corp.; and Laura Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs. The Tribune notes that Eychaner and Ricketts are both out business leaders.
"States with the metro areas of New York City, Seattle, Boston, and Baltimore have already legalized marriage equality," the letter reads. "Here in the Midwest, Iowa has granted full marriage equality, while Minnesota is poised to do the same later this year. Illinois simply cannot afford to be less competitive than other states."
The proposed marriage-equality bill has been slammed by Chicago's Cardinal Francis George, the archbishop of Chicago. "The state has no power to create something that nature itself tells us is impossible," he said.
Additionally, as the Tribune notes, Muslim, Mormon, Missouri Synod Lutheran and conservative Anglican groups have come together to urge politicians not to pass the proposed bill, even though is takes pains to exempt religious institutions from being forced to perform same-sex marriages.
On the other side, 260 Illinois clergy members released a letter strongly urging passage of the bill. Most signers are members of more liberal denominations such as Unitarians, Reform Jews and Episcopalians.
The criticism from religious leaders in the state did not stop John Rowe, chairman emeritus of energy producer Exelon from signing the letter. He cited having attended a friend's same-sex wedding in New York last year as having convinced him to endorse marriage equality.
"We saw how moving it was for them, and I suppose that's part of what caused me to say 'Why deny one group this moment of faith and hope and celebration that everybody else has?'" Rowe said.
In a surprising development, Pat Brady, the chairman of Illinois' Republican Party, has also endorsed marriage equality. The conservative politician has unsurprisingly come under fire from fellow Republicans. Some are even calling for his resignation.