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KINGSTON, Ont. — With the official installation of both a new rabbi and a new shul board on Jan. 25, Beth Israel Congregation, Kingston's oldest shul, has completed its transition from an Orthodox synagogue to a Conservative one.
For 14 years, under the leadership of Rabbi Daniel Elkin, the 102-year-old synagogue maintained an active and engaged community, said Richard Kizell, Beth Israel's treasurer as well as a longtime member.
However, after Rabbi Elkin retired in 2012, congregants decided the time had come for a change.
"Our community has changed in terms of its philosophy and demographic over the years," said Michael Springer, the newly installed president of Beth Israel.
"In the beginning, our shul was made up of immigrants, primarily Ashkenazi, who weren't necessarily Orthodox, but believed in a strong Orthodox ritual. [But] over the last 30 or 40 years, most of the congregants had begun to align with the Conservative movement. Certainly, that's the case today."
The change in religious affiliation better suits the needs of the synagogue's members, such as their desire for more liberal and egalitarian values, Kizell said.
Many young Jewish families who have recently come to Kingston have voiced some of these ideas, he added.
"I think seating was the No. 1 issue. There were more and more people that had quit our synagogue because they found separate seating offensive to them," he said. "There were always people that wanted more women's participation in the synagogue, and over time, that desire grew."
Indeed, there has been a complete change in women's roles and participation in Beth Israel's liturgy, such as counting women as part of a minyan and allowing them to be have Torah aliyot.
Women are encouraged to participate in the congregation's religious and spiritual services, said the shul's new spiritual leader, Rabbi Shalom Plotkin.
Springer said the transition to a Conservative synagogue has been very well received by a majority of the Kingston Jewish community, which numbers about 1,100 people.
"Since this transition, we haven't looked back," said Rabbi Plotkin, who arrived in July. "We've had a minyan every single weekend, every Shabbat, and we're proud of that. People are coming to read, to pray, and to sing together, and also to learn Torah together."
Not surprisingly, the recent change has not been well received by everyone, and the synagogue has lost some members as a result, while others are at odds with the transition, but remain members because they can still connect with the shul's programming, Springer said.
But he stressed that members can expect great things under Rabbi Plotkin's leadership.
By drawing on significant experience from previous pulpits in the southern and eastern United States, Rabbi Plotkin said he hopes to bring new energy and members into the growing congregation, which currenly has 130 member families.
After completing his degree in ancient history and business management at the University of Maryland, Rabbi Plotkin received his ordination at the Jewish Theological Seminary.
He said he and his wife, Elise, and his two daughters, Hannah and Elyana, have received a warm welcome from the Beth Israel congregation and the Kingston Jewish community.
"The families and members of the synagogue have invited us into their homes," he said.
Alongside his responsibilities at Beth Israel, Rabbi Plotkin has become involved in many parts of the Kingston community, particularly with staff and student leaders of Hillel at Queen's University, building on the relationship Rabbi Elkin established.
"One of the most significant changes apart from the transition of the synagogue has been that the Hillel at Queen's has grown exponentially," Rabbi Plotkin said. "There seems to be a connection between some of the students and the local Jewish community, and I'd like to see even more connection."
The relationship between Hillel and the shul is mutually beneficial, said Josh Freedman, president of Queen's Hillel.
"Beth Israel offers us the infrastructure to cater to the needs of Jewish students. Moreover, we try to advertise to their events as much as possible in an attempt to foster a broader sense of community," he said.
Both Springer and Rabbi Plotkin said they're optimistic about the future of Beth Israel.
"Over the next 100 years, I'd like to see us strengthen our ties to Israel, and also, strengthen our ties within the community," Rabbi Plotkin said. "My vision is to build community and bring people together. I'd like to see the synagogue meet as many of the spiritual needs of the members as we can."


text: Save This Event For Later Queen City Century Staunton, VA, Sun Jun 16, 2013 Contact Event | Event Website | Google Calendar Start line address: Staunton, VA 24401 Presented by Queen City Cycling Club This is a past event. If you wish to see the details for this event click, "Continue" below. If you are looking for a current event, please search the event calendar .

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In order to make progress, one must leave the door to the unknown ajar – ajar only.
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The next time you find yourself squirming at the thought of going to the dentist or having an injection, just remember how lucky you are to live in an age of anaesthetics, decent sanitation, and all-round high levels of medical expertise. This certainly has not always been the case – a fact revealed in all its gruesome glory by these gut-wrenching images of 19th-century medical procedures.
Philip Nitschke announces conference on 'rational suicide' in Melbourne | Australia news | The Guardian
Victoria's Secret models weren't the pinnacle of sexy at the turn of the century; here's how body image in the U.S. has changed over time.
The passivity of politicians has simply enabled mass shootings. It's time for a new approach to gun violence.
When we think about the surveillance state we think of books like Nineteen Eighty Four. But the idea of being watched has moved on—today we are not just victims, but often active participants.
Scientists and BBC presenter travelled to the Dominican Republic to meet the 'Guevedoce' males who do not grow a penis until puberty
Small fish could be the simple solution to chronic malnutrition and stunting in Bangladeshi women and children.
July was the hottest month on Earth since records began in 1880, according to US scientists.
Researchers Who Provided Key Evidence For Gluten Sensitivity Have Thoroughly Shown That It Doesn't Exist
Go ahead and smell your bread and eat it too.
Health of Australians suffering as government again fails to address climate change – Opinion – ABC Environment (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
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We live in a world run by algorithms, computer programs that make decisions or solve problems for us. In this riveting, funny talk, Kevin Slavin shows how modern algorithms determine stock prices, espionage tactics, even the movies you watch. But, he asks: If we depend on complex algorithms to manage our daily decisions -- when do we start to lose control?
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Death Notice: Randall D. Barnes
Randall D. Barnes, 56, Centralia, MO, passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at the Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 16, 2013, at the Oliver Funeral Home in Centralia. Interment will be in the Centralia City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, February 15, 2013, at the funeral home with a Masonic Service at 7:30 p.m.


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LITTLETON -- The town has just refinanced $4.5 million of debt at an interest rate of 1.12 percent after Standard & Poor's gave a positive outlook on the town's finances.
Standard & Poor's Rating Services recently upgraded its view on Littleton's financial standings to "strong" from "good," citing the management team's adherence to policies and implementation of a detailed capital-improvement plan.
The town has a goal of maintaining at least 2.5 percent of expenditures in its undesignated fund balance and to keep "nondedicated revenue-supported debt" -- or debt that is neither self-supporting or excluded from Proposition 2 1/2 levy limits -- to 10 percent or less of the total budget, according to Standard and Poor's.
Littleton also maintained S&P AA Underlying Rating on the town's existing general-obligation debt. S&P Underlying Rating (SPUR) measures the ability of a municipal government to pay back its debt without using additional collateral or other credit enhancements attached to the bonds. The AA rating is given to municipalities that S&P believes has the "very strong capacity to meet financial commitments," according to the New York-based financial institution.
In April 2011, the town borrowed $7 million at an interest rate of 3.49 percent. The debtrefinancing will save the town $200,000 this fiscal year, according to Town Administrator Keith Bergman.
Bergman said he will not know how much of the drop in the interest rates came from the favorable S&P rating and how much of it can be attributed to the overall state of the economy until he compares the rates to those of bonds issued by other Massachusetts communities.
S&P uses its own assessment methodology to measure the health of municipal financial management. "Strong" indicates that "practices are strong, well embedded, and likely sustainable," according to the company.
Management uses historical data and five-year revenue-and-expenditure projections, among other information, to compile its spending plans, and the town has a long-term financial plan through 2018 with a goal of maintaining at least 2.5 percent of expenditures in its undesignated fund balance and limit debt, S&P said.
For the AA rating, S&P cited Littleton's access to major transportation infrastructures -- such as Routes 2 and 495 and the commuter-rail service to Boston -- as some of the factors. The town budgets conservatively while property taxes remain the town's primary revenue source, accounting for 71 percent of general-fund revenue, S&P said.
"We view Littleton's financial position as strong as the town historically maintains available fund balance above 8 percent of expenditures," S&P said in its Rating Report, adding that free cash from fiscal 2012 increased the fund balance to $2 million.


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Are you happy? That's the question contemplated in this National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere comedy by Robert Caisley at the New Jersey Repertory Company, 179 Broadway, Long Branch, from May 30 June 30, 2013. Alfred is happy with his life, happy with his job, happy with his 14-year marriage to Melinda. But when his best friend Eduardo invites him to dinner to meet the new woman in his life, Eva, a sexy 22-year old artist with a dark soul, it becomes clear that misery loves company as truths get twisted, secrets get revealed and what starts out as a sophisticated dinner party among friends, becomes an evening that spins wildly out of control. This is a dinner party not to be missed! NJ Rep Artistic Director, SuzAnne Barabas, directs this sleek production that explores the quintessential question - are we truly happy? Playwright Robert Caisley is Associate Professor of Theatre & Film, and Head of the Dramatic Writing Program at the University of Idaho. He was named the 2011 Blaine Quarnstrom Visiting Playwright at the University of Southern Mississippi. His play Happy, presented at the 2011 National New Play Network Annual Showcase of New Plays, was a Finalist for both the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center's New Play Conference and the Woodward/Newman Award for Drama. Happy began its Rolling World Premiere at Montana Rep, followed by performances at New Theatre 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa, California, and is now coming to New Jersey Rep in Long Branch May 30 June 30, starring Mark Light-Orr as Eduardo, Susan Maris as Eva, Wendy Peace as Melinda, and Michael Irvin Pollard as Alfred. Tickets are $40 for adults; Previews are $35; Opening night with reception is $50. Performances are Thursdays; Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays 3pm & 8pm; Sundays at 2pm. Discount group tickets, subscriptions and gift certificates are available. Discounts are available to seniors 65+, full time students ages 13-25, and groups of 10 or more. Extra performances can be added for groups of 40 or more. For tickets, contact 732-229-3166 or visit www.njrep.org to reserve online. Find NJ Rep on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Thursday - May 30, 2013
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When Adam Kinzinger, a freshman Republican from the south suburban area, was confronted with a new congressional map in 2012 that put him in a Democratic-leaning district, he opted instead to run in the nearby 16th District, home for 20 years to Rep. Don Manzullo of Egan.
The 16th District, which stretches from South Beloit, south nearly to Hoopeston and east to the Indiana border, is safely Republican. The 2012 GOP primary marked the first real challenge Manzullo had faced since being elected two decades earlier.
Kinzinger was backed by powerful House leaders in Washington who wanted to replace Manzullo with a younger Republican who could be a mover and shaker in the party.
Kinzinger, campaigning to Manzullo's right, won with surprising strength, then defeated Democrat Wanda Rohl in the general election.
Since then, he has voted as a moderate conservative, which hasn't endeared him to the conservative Heritage Action for America, which gives the man from Channahon a 48 percent score on key votes the group cares about.
As a comparison, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, gets a 100 percent; 17th District Democratic Rep. Cheri Bustos of East Moline is rated at 12 percent.
Kinzinger admits he's "taken some tough votes, not always the most popular, but ones I think were right for people in my district." He is running this year on the slogan "servant leadership." I asked him what the Christian leadership model means in political terms.
"It means doing what's right for the people, not always what's right for me," he said. "It meant me being kind of 'out there' on Syria. It wasn't popular, but I'm being vindicated."
In 2013, the Air National Guard pilot and former Air Force pilot advocated limited military action against President Bashar al-Assad, who has used chemical weapons against his countrymen in the Syrian civil war.
"Another tough vote was for the (Rep. Paul) Ryan, (Sen. Patty) Murray compromise budget, the best we could do in a divided government," he said. The budget raises spending $45 billion in 2014 over what the now-abolished sequester would have allowed.
On the crisis in Ukraine and Crimea, Kinzinger isn't calling for military action. "It's not in America's interest to be involved militarily, at this time." Other tough measures can show Russia there will be consequences for annexing Crimea.
"We're going to aid the Ukraine with $1 billion, the European Union is providing $15 billion. We have to make a united stand against Russia and make them a pariah state.
"We're not going to solve this by April. By 2020 we're going to be the world's leading provider of energy. How about, when we start exporting natural gas, we contract with our allies who have to rely on Russian gas. If we can take the energy weapon away from Russia, all they are is a pariah state with a declining population and where people die much too young."
Speaking of energy production, Kinzinger advocates approval of the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, and he said congressional Democrats calling for a carbon tax on fossil fuels, and the Obama administration's activist EPA, are misguided; they are hurting the economy's sluggish recovery.
"There's this belief on the left that carbon-based fuel is evil, that we're destroying the environment. Technology will get us off fossil fuel eventually. But the war against coal and gas is causing great uncertainty." Companies "just hold back" on making decisions about expanding in the U.S.
Kinzinger and fellow Republicans would replace the Affordable Care Act with a GOP health plan that relies on market expansion and consumer choice.
"There would be (state-based) funding exchanges for catastrophic coverage, cross-state competition among insurance companies; lawsuit reform so doctors can practice medicine without worrying about being sued; truth-in-pricing so that when you go to the doctor you know what a procedure is going to cost; and health savings accounts, so you can use that money to competitively shop among doctors.
"I'd keep kids on their parents' plan until they're 26."
Kinzinger also wants to simplify the income tax; a rate of 25 to 28 percent for corporations, and two personal rates, 25 percent and 10 percent. "I'd keep home-mortgage and charitable-giving deductions.
"And for everyone we can take off government assistance by having a job, it's a win-win."
Chuck Sweeny: 815-987-1366; email@example.com; @chucksweeny


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FITCHBURG -- Chris Camire, Statehouse bureau chief for the Sentinel & Enterprise, The Sun of Lowell and the Nashoba Publishing weeklies, has been promoted to city editor of the Sentinel & Enterprise and sentinelandenterprise.com.
Camire, a Dracut native and lifelong Massachusetts resident, succeeds Marisa Donelan, who left the newspaper in October to take a position with the state Ethics Commission. He began his duties Monday.
"Chris has the energy, experience and passion to help the Sentinel & Enterprise and sentinelandenterprise.com achieve our core mission of being the primary source for breaking news, enterprise reporting and community engagement in our coverage area," Editor Charles St. Amand said in a memo to his colleagues announcing the promotion Friday.
In his new role, Camire, 29, will be responsible for directing the news reporters and photographer/videographers in day-to-day coverage of North Central Massachusetts. He will also contribute news and feature articles.
After graduating from Boston University, Camire in 2006 joined The Sun as a staff reporter, covering the towns of Pelham, N.H., Billerica and Tyngsboro before being promoted to Statehouse bureau chief in 2010. He also contributed to the Pols and Politics blog on sentinelandenterprise.com.
St. Amand said Camire's work at the Statehouse stands out for its sharp focus on explaining how the decisions on Beacon Hill affect readers while also connecting the political dots.
Camire covered the 2012 U.S. Senate race between Elizabeth Warren and Scott Brown, as well as the 3rd Congressional District race between U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas and Jon Golnik.
"I am honored to be given this opportunity," Camire said. "I look forward to working with a talented staff of journalists to develop news coverage that will engage readers and shed light on what's going on in North Central Massachusetts."


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Bette's Column: "A Living Lady Worthington Decendants Subscriber"[i]
Capt. Grace Hopper, is the Navy's oldest active officer. She is 76 and says she is something of a character, and has spent years getting to be one. She was on "60 minutes" and said, "Why would I want to be an admiral?" I'd have to be dignified and that wouldn't be any fun. She now has a public relations assignment from her superiors in Washington. She is a wonderful image figure for our young people, speaks of the potential of young people, the joys of learning, the need for risk-taking. Capt. Hopper says she's already received the highest award I could ever want. That has been the privilege and responsibility of serving very proudly in the United States Navy. She taught at Vassar for 12 years, and was an assistant professor of math at Barnard College when she left in December, 1943, to enlist in the Naval Reserves as a WAVE. We are mighty proud to have you with us Capt. Hopper.
[i] A photo of "Capt. Grace Hopper, the Navy's oldest active officer" was included


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If Magpul Industries follows through on its threat to leave Colorado, it could harm more than a dozen Front Range firms specializing in plastic injection molding and reduce the region's capacity in that manufacturing process.
The Erie company, which makes weapons components and high-capacity ammunition magazines, has threatened to leave if the state bans individuals from owning magazines with more than 15 rounds.
"It is an if/then statement at this point. We don't have a choice," said Duane Liptak, the company's director of product management and marketing.
Magpul employs 200 people directly, ranging from basic assembly workers to product designers and other professionals specializing in weapons-related components, Liptak said.
As much as possible, the company tries to contract with Colorado vendors, who represent about 90 percent of its supply chain, he said. Those suppliers received about $46 million last year from Magpul, with the company projecting that number to reach $85 million for 2013, Liptak said.
A large share of those dollars goes to manufacturers that mold the company's mostly plastic components, including the controversial cases that can hold more than 15 rounds.
North Denver's Alfred Manufacturing Co. has grown from 40 employees in 2008 to 150 largely because of the work provided by Magpul, said the company's third-generation chief executive, Greg Alfred.
"If House Bill 1224 passes, we will relocate part or all of our operations out of state," Alfred warned Gov. John Hickenlooper and members of the state legislature in a letter Friday.
Alfred said plans for a $1 million expansion to add another 15,000-square-foot building to the 60,000 square feet the company has at West 44th Avenue and Elati Street are on hold.
The companies say they are actively scouting locations in other states, including Wyoming and Montana.
"We are in this together," he said.
Neither Alfred Manufacturing nor Magpul, both privately owned, would disclose the wage range for the jobs they provide or the size of their overall payroll.
The 65-year-old Alfred Manufacturing has seen its ups and downs over the years but has survived the U.S. manufacturing exodus in part because it added plastic injection molding, which creates parts by pushing melted plastics into metal molds.
Longmont and metro Denver became a hub for that process, thanks to such companies as Case Logic and Otter Box, which make cases for computers and other technology devices.
Case makers last decade took much of their manufacturing work to cheaper overseas providers, leaving local plastics firms struggling.
Liptak said Magpul's timing was good, in that it found spare capacity available as its products were catching on.
Blaine Dacus, molding-division manager at Alfred, said Magpul contracts support more than a dozen plastic-injection- molding firms.
"They have kept molders in business," Dacus said.
Alfred Manufacturing's legacy metal stamping and machining business runs on four 10-hour shifts a week, while Magpul contracts have kept the plastics side going 24/7, Alfred said.
Although House Bill 1224 has been amended to accommodate manufacturers, Liptak said the company couldn't in principle stay in a state where a core product is illegal to purchase.
Depending on what contracts it has, 20 percent to half of its sales are to law enforcement, military and other government buyers exempt from the proposed state ban.
The company's retail buyers are likely to reject products made in states they perceive as anti-gun, Liptak said.
"We are going to end up losing jobs in Colorado either way (if the bill passes)," Liptak said.


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The Senate passed several bills last week. Of these bills, three education bills are of particular importance.
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A Hawaii woman with a 36-character last name finally has the whole name on her driver's license.
Janice "Lokelani" Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele has a surname made up of of 35 letters and an okina, a mark used in the Hawaiian alphabet that resembles a single quotation mark, but previously, Hawaiian IDs could only fit 35 characters.
Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele's old driver's license removed the last letter of her last name, KHON2 reported in September. It omitted her first name entirely.
"Now, in the state of Hawaii, we are no longer second class citizens because of the length of our name," she told the Associated Press.
Her campaign to get her full name on her license prompted the Department of Transportation to expand the number of characters allowed on an ID. Under the new rules, which became policy last month, a license allows 40 characters for last names, 40 for first names and 35 for middle names.
Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele got her lengthy name when she married her husband in 1992.
He used only the single name, which his grandfather gave him when it came to him in a dream, the AP reports.
But Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele's ID problems aren't over. Next, she hopes the Social Security Administration will make similar policy changes.
Now, 26 spaces are provided for first and middle names on Social Security cards. A second line supports 26 spaces for a last name and suffix.
The Associated Press contributed to this report


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AGAINST ALL FLAGS: A British naval officer (Errol Flynn) is unjustly condemned for desertion and finds redemption with a rascally pirate captain (Anthony Quinn) and a beautiful buccaneer (Maureen O'Hara).
BUCCANEER'S GIRL: Love walks the plank when an ambitious New Orleans entertainer (Yvonne DeCarlo) discovers that the aristocratic playboy she's fallen for has a secret identity as a legendary pirate.
YANKEE BUCCANEER: "X" marks the spot where a U.S. commander (Jeff Chandler) must secretly infiltrate and stop a Caribbean colony of pirates and privateers before they send him plummeting to the depths of Davy Jones's locker.
DOUBLE CROSSBONES: When a bumbling shopkeeper's apprentice (Donald O'Connor) finds himself unfairly accused of a crime, he joins a motley crew of pirates and finds his true calling on the South Seas.


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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Each week during the 2013-14 season a Maryland student-athlete, who has shown excellence on and off the playing field, will be selected as the Solomon Eye Associates Terp of the Week. This week's Solomon Eye Associates Terp of the Week is senior Ali McEvoy, from the field hockey team.
McEvoy's leadership with the Terrapins' defense has helped the Terps to a 8-0 start. She scored against No. 18 Wake Forest and against Michigan last weekend to help Maryland secure two hard-fought wins.
By Rose DiPaula
Senior Ali McEvoy of Maryland anchored the Terps' defense through two gritty wins over No. 18 Wake Forest and Michigan last weekend.
Against the Demon Deacons, McEvoy and the Terrapins' defensive unit did not allow a penalty corner until the final 20 seconds of the game. Against the Wolverines, the Terrapins were down a player for 10 minutes in the second half, yet McEvoy and the Terps were able to hold off Michigan's seven shots to keep them scoreless.
She scored two goals on the weekend – both off penalty corner plays to help the Terrapins seal both wins. Her two scores led the Terps offensively.
"I just think we are really gelling well as a group," McEvoy said. "We just get along really well and are just reading each other well. We are playing our game and so far, it's been working out for us, even in tough games like last weekend."


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Superman was created the same way "God Bless America" and "White Christmas" were: Immigrants and sons of immigrants, mostly Jewish, wanted to convince the world and themselves that they were well-assimilated, patriotic Americans. Irving Berlin did it through song, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the creators of Superman, did it through comic books.
The geeks and nerds who were accustomed to being shunned or beaten by the tougher guys at school envisioned larger-than-life, stronger-than-strong characters who were unquestionably American and beyond bullying. Whether as wish fulfillment or idealized fantasies, they ended up creating pop culture icons who remain beloved standard bearers.
At least that's how comic book historians and chroniclers of Hollywood see it. A film by Laurence Maslon and Michael Kantor (who wrote and directed "Broadway: The American Musical," also on PBS) examines the cultural significance of comic book superheroes across 75 years.
The caped crusaders get a three-part deconstruction on PBS with "Superheroes: A Never-Ending Battle," premiering Oct. 15.
Talk about revenge! From the June 1938 edition of Action Comics, in which two Jewish boys from Cleveland invented a super-Samson in tights and cape, through the latest TV and video-game adaptations, the film sifts the rise of comic book culture, while also noting the "origin myths" of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, et al.
The publishers of disposable pulp books were "a pretty shady bunch," specializing in pornography, until the Sunday funnies gave way to science fiction stories in cartoons. From there, geek culture took hold.
High-school friends Siegel and Shuster got $130 for 13 pages of "Superman." None of the early artists/writers managed to hold onto copyrights for their material. An original edition Superman Action Comics from June 1938 recently sold for $2.1 million.
The tone ranges from fun to scholarly as colorful drawings enliven the film.
Stan Lee, born Stanley Martin Lieber, co-creator of most of the Marvel stable (Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Thor, and the Avengers) offers amusing, clear-eyed views of the industry. Author Michael Chabon, artist Jules Feiffer, Adam West (TV's "Batman") and Lynda Carter (TV's "Wonder Woman") contribute deep thoughts.
Footage of WWII soldiers poring over comic books in the field sums up the morale-boosting importance of the tales at the time. A congressional subcommittee on juvenile delinquency in 1954 couldn't stop the nation's love of comics or need for superheroes.
The creators recall with mixed emotions the fetish-y quality of "Wonder Woman" and the proliferation of bondage in early installments, banned by the Catholic Church. Feiffer in particular issues a mea culpa for the racist portraits of Japanese that he, and the entire industry, created.
"If it's a good idea, funny and thrilling, it's OK to do it at least eight times,' says Joe Simon (originally Hymie Simon), co-creator of "Captain America," reading a vintage panel and laughing.
The comics are shown evolving to reflect the culture: superheroes fought Nazis in the war years, George Reeves starred as TV's Superman in the Eisenhower era, Stan Lee allowed superheroes to have problems in the 1960s. Marvel turned to the psychedelic, surreal and pop art with Jim Steranko (" Nick Fury: Agent of "S.H.I.E.L.D.") hailed as "the Jimi Hendrix of comic book art" in the later '60s.
The 1978 "Superman" movie with Christopher Reeve, which successfully made a 1930s image relevant for the post-Watergate era, is credited with giving heart and heft to the idea so that it, and superheroes in general, would be taken seriously. (At last, with the movie making a fortune, a settlement with Warner Communications gave the struggling Siegel and Schuster, both then 61, a pension and restored their names to the product.)
Artists and creators weigh in on the importance of "changing without breaking" the characters over time. Frank Miller explains his decision to age Batman in "The Dark Knight;" Stan Lee talks about "The X-Men" being, essentially, an anti-bigotry story. Alan Moore discusses his intention to have his "Watchmen" explore moral ambiguity. Christopher Nolan's post-9/11 "Batman" trilogy is studied as America's response to terrorism. Todd MacFarlane, creator of the R-rated Spawn, makes a case for the seriousness of superheroes: "We've gotten into pop culture now and none of it is silly anymore."
New codes of ethics, evolving depictions of sexuality, and the resurgence of superheroes in times of trouble — from the Great Depression and the dawn of the atomic age to the current fight against terrorism — it's all noted with a rather worshipful tone. Superheroes, it turns out, represent "our better angels."
Who would dare argue? When news photos capture kids in Superman costumes in the middle of the Arab Spring, the profound and enduring effect of these creations is undeniable.


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New Lions hope to continue success from 2012
Team: Lansing boys' tennis
Last year's top finishes:
* second place overall at regional meet
* second place overall at state meet
* Anil Patel won first at regional and state meets
* Alberto Buogo won second at regional and state meets
Coach: Edward Fenton
Key returnees:
* senior Bailey Miller
Newcomers to watch:
* junior Thomas Bremser
* junior Andrew Fodness
* junior Jered Gatson
* junior Joe Lorenzen
* junior Tristan McMahon
Team Outlook: STRENGTHS ― Though the Lions did lose four seniors, including a state champ and runner-up from last year's squad, the team does have seven returning players from 2012.
"The returning players had an opportunity to see the kind of work and commitment it takes to be the best in state after watching Anil and Albert at practice," Fenton said.
WEAKNESSES ― Varsity experience will be the biggest deficit facing Lansing. Bailey Miller is the only returning letter winner, meaning the other six Lions coming back from last year's team will have a large learning curve to deal with.
Big meets: At Mill Valley Tournament March 27; At Baldwin Invitational April 13; At Leavenworth Tournament April 24; At DeSoto Wildcat Invitational April 27
Coach says: "We have a nice group of experienced JV players looking to make the move to varsity.
"I'm expecting our returning players to continue to work hard and build on what they learned last year practicing with the top two players in the state every day.
"As a team we have the goals of increasing our medal count at tournaments and getting a singles player and doubles team to state this year."


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After their trouncing at the polls in November, several Colorado Republicans said the party needed to take a hard look at itself.
The party should broaden its tent and try not to anger certain groups such as women, immigrants and supporters of gay rights, some said. Some GOP leaders said that ignorant-sounding comments about rape and social issues, even several states away, hurt candidates everywhere.
So it has come as a surprise to see GOP legislation at the state Capitol that is taking an even sharper turn to the right than in recent years.
"In hearing and reading about some of the bills, it struck me as a video of 'Legislators Gone Wild,' " said former Rep. B.J. Nikkel, a Loveland Republican. "Some of these things that I see these guys doing, I think it does hurt Republicans and help us lose credibility in the eyes of many voters in Colorado."
The Spot Blog
- Read the inside scoop on Colorado politics and policies at blogs.denverpost.com/thespot/.
- Track state legislation with our Colorado Bill Tracker.
- Full political news coverage at denverpost.com/politics.
But some Republicans say Democrats are the ones pushing social issues, including a measure to allow same-sex couples to form civil unions. With Democrats in control of both chambers and the governor's office, their measures stand a good chance of passing.
A few GOP bills that have raised eyebrows among veteran Republicans inside and outside the Capitol would:
• Ban abortions even in cases of rape or incest, allowing exceptions to save the life of the mother.
• Prohibit abortions based on the gender of a fetus, a practice that bill supporters said exists in some cultures and should be outlawed in Colorado.
• Allow teachers to present alternate views on evolution and global warming, a bill that critics said was aimed at allowing religious ideas such as creationism in schools.
Some Republican lawmakers have complained privately that bills that tack hard on social issues detract from the GOP's efforts to focus the public's attention on jobs and the economy, the issues that overwhelmingly are the top concerns for Coloradans.
House Minority Leader Mark Waller, R-Colorado Springs, has maintained that party leaders can't dictate what bills lawmakers introduce.
"We're not going to be the kind of caucus that puts our thumbs on people and says, 'This is what you get to do, and this is what you don't get to do,' " he said. "Everyone is elected independently by their own districts."
Unapologetic about bill
Rep. Steve Humphrey, a freshman Republican from Severance, introduced the bill allowing alternate views on evolution and global warming and the bill banning abortion in all cases except to save the mother's life. He was unapologetic in talking about his abortion bill.
"I ran as a pro-life candidate. I understand it's very controversial, but I'm not going to back away from it," he said.
But some Republicans say GOP lawmakers have to think about the repercussions of their bills for their party.
"Every bill you run is going to define your party, so the question every legislator needs to ask to ask is, 'Am I making it easier or harder for my party to win a majority in the next election cycle?' " said former state Rep. Rob Witwer, R-Genesee.
Witwer and former state Sen. Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, wrote a guest column for The Denver Post after the election saying Republicans needed to stop alienating women, Latinos, gays and others.
Jon Caldara, president of the conservative-libertarian Independence Institute in Denver, pointed out that nearly one-third of lawmakers are new.
"It's going to take them a while to learn that those (social issue) bills will never see the light of day. I hope they get wiser and stop wasting their bill titles," he said. "It's all a distraction. The sentiment of people in Colorado has changed dramatically on social issues."
He said November's election might be the catalyst for social conservatives and fiscal conservatives to finally find common ground.
"The No. 1 priority is going to have to be the budget," Caldara said.
But Democratic strategist Laura Chapin was skeptical that Republicans would change.
"I think at some point (that Republicans') leadership needs to look at the issues that cost them seats and say, 'We're not running bills on this,' " Chapin said. "The creationism thing is the one where I just went, 'What?' This is Colorado. This is a highly educated state."
Separation from two issues
A few Republicans are bolting from conservative orthodoxy on two issues. Three Senate Republicans are supporting allowing illegal immigrants to attend state colleges at the in-state tuition rate, including Sen. Greg Brophy of Wray, who once fought it.
And unlike past sessions, there have been virtually no bills to crack down on illegal immigrants.
But even some Republicans who have veered left on issues have found themselves in the cross hairs of the Republican right.
After freshman Sen. Owen Hill, R-Colorado Springs, indicated he would support a bill allowing in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, he was savaged by conservatives in El Paso County.
And when Nikkel voted yes on a civil-unions bill in committee in 2012, she got calls, e-mails and even criticism at her church.
Sen. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, a staunch opponent of abortion and civil unions, believes Democrats are the ones pushing social issues.
"There's more push on the left to ram their social agenda down the throats of the people of Colorado," Lundberg said. "They've got a clean shot to do it, too. Nobody's here to stop them."
Democrats are definitely pushing hard on civil unions, but polling shows Coloradans — even many Republicans — now overwhelmingly support legal recognition of same-sex unions.
Other issues that Democrats support include a bill that would give grants to school districts that offer "comprehensive" sex education that is "culturally sensitive" and takes into account "lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities."
Conservatives said the bill, which requires that students opt out of the sex-ed curriculum instead of opting in, is a subtle attempt to teach children about gay sex.
Tim Hoover: 303-954-1626, email@example.com or twitter.com/timhoover


text:
Again, the rumour is spread that there are 13 astrological signs and that
astrology is therefore invalid. If you want to know how astrology really works,
read these two articles by Deborah Houlding and Dieter Koch.
Western astrology mostly uses the tropical zodiac, in which 0° Aries is fixed at the vernal point. The vernal point is the point where the Sun is located at the spring equinox. By contrast, sidereal astrology uses a sidereal zodiac whose initial point is defined relative to the fixed stars. Sidereal astrologers unfortunately disagree about where exactly in the sky the initial point of the sidereal zodiac should be assumed...
short online introduction can help make you familiar with most of the astrological
techniques and give you a basic understanding of how it's all done. Topics: The Planets, Elements, the Signs, the House System,
Houses and Aspects.
This introduction into the basic ideas of astrology
is taken from the children's book "Looking at Astrology" by Liz Greene. Although
once written for children, the text is very interesting for everyone who wants
to take first steps in astrology.


text:
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Jun 8 2012, 09:16 PM
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Apr 3 2013, 06:08 AM
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Great job i like it.
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text:
All of AO,
Time to get things cooking again and give some stuff away. This time you have to work for it. We need a name for our new 2x trigger frame and we want YOU to come up with a great one for us. If we decide to use the name you come up with you will win an RT Pro with the new 2x frame and Warp Feed. Second and third runners up will get a 2x frame and Warp Feed.
Because this is subjective I'm sure we are going to get complaints about why we picked the name we did. In order NOT to get everyone upset (see I'm learning from Fight Club) we will also do a random drawing for three more prize packages of 2x frame and Warp Feeds ( that's three more winners get a frame and warp each). Just to be clear there are three prizes for the name contest and three more just to keep everyone happy.
By entering this contest you agree to give up all rights to the name in exchange for the prizes. Once again to enter you have to post something nice here in this thread. You can either suggest a name or just post. Winners in the name contest are not eligible to win in the random drawing. This means you can't win twice. If two of the same names are suggested by different people the first post takes priority. The first poster takes the prize, second guy is out of luck.
This one is going to go fast we need a name before Am Open. Next Sunday night we will post the winners here and if I can get Rob and the guys together we will parallel post in the chat room.
At any time AGD reserves the right to change the rules for any reason, because we are new at this and probably doing something wrong.
All right guys put those thinking caps on and lets hear some ideas!


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Vermont Contractor Program Turns It Up when Temperatures Drop
In an area of the country where cold weather dominates for more than half the year, one program knows how to turn up the heat to help contractors manage the influx of customers looking to improve their comfort and energy efficiency over the winter.
Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partner NeighborWorks of Western Vermont (NWWVT) created the NeighborWorks Home Energy Assistance Team (H.E.A.T.) Squad in 2010 to help Rutland County, Vermont, homeowners connect with qualified contractors who could evaluate and upgrade their homes. One year into the H.E.A.T. Squad's launch, weatherization contractors were struggling to keep pace with the fluctuating demand for home energy efficiency upgrades. Demand for weatherization in Vermont is cyclical, typically peaking in fall and winter while ebbing in spring and summer.
"When demand is low, contractors may not have enough incoming work to keep their staff busy; at other times, there might so much work that contractors are forced to delay projects, and upgrades get bottlenecked," said H.E.A.T. Squad Coordinator Melanie Paskevich.
To assist H.E.A.T. Squad contracting firms during busier periods, NWWVT established a nonprofit temporary labor pool called LaborWorks@NeighborWorks. The program leveraged its connections at the Vermont Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and a statewide green jobs training initiative to recruit qualified workers. LaborWorks also conducts interviews, runs background checks, contacts references, and pays temporary employees; contractors just pay a per-hour fee.
More than 10 employees of various ages and backgrounds have worked in the temporary pool since the LaborWorks started, and about three to five workers are in the pool at any given time. LaborWorks also surveys employers about each temp, compiles the results, and tracks each employee's ratings. "We think the ultimate success of this program is achieved when a contractor hires a trained temporary worker on a full-time basis, which has happened on two occasions since we started," Paskevich said.
For other programs considering a similar workforce approach, Paskevich shared the following advice:
- Work with contractors up front to design the program and explain its benefits.
- Establish a program coordinator, at least part-time, to administer the temporary labor pool.
- Get started early and plan ahead! It takes longer than you think to set up the administrative framework, including insurance and legal documentation.
- Make sure that prospective temps understand the nature of weatherization work and ensure they can work in those conditions (e.g., crawling into tight spaces).
- Consider opening up your temporary pool to a variety of trades (e.g., insulators, masons, landscapers) to accommodate a diversified project pipeline.
To learn more about LaborWorks@NeighborWorks, read the full interview with Paskevich.
Danielle Sass Byrnett is the manager of the Better Buildings Neighborhood Program.
This story originally appeared as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Better Buildings Neighborhood Progam Focus Series of interviews about lessons learned by its state and local energy efficiency program partners across the country. Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners are helping consumers reduce energy use, save money, and support the development of local jobs.
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Watch The ::God Is Imaginary Videos On YouTube ::
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Yes, we want that. And prove it will require more than bible quotes since we atheists don't consider those to be the best evidence.
Quote from: bahramthered on March 14, 2010, 11:34:31 PMYes, we want that. And prove it will require more than bible quotes since we atheists don't consider those to be the best evidence.Ok.Jesus convinced many people that he was divine. Consensus forms a type of evidence, and therefore there is evidence that Jesus is divine.
LOL1; Consensus is not evidence. People once believed the earth was flat. Does this mean that every cult who ever existed is correct because there was a consensuses of their members?2; There is not historical evidence of any one that is claimed to have ever meet jebus. How do fictional people count for consensus?
Yea but that consensus is based on evidence
No, modern science stands on being testable.
By anyone who has the skills, regardless of their religion. The fact that their are over 5 billion people who do not believe your religion should be compelling evidence under your rules. Or the fact that there's 40,000 different sects fighting about what the true faith is..
The bible has no historical evidence
Quote from: Amatacchiero on March 14, 2010, 11:47:48 PMYea but that consensus is based on evidence The consensus of belief in Jesus was also based on evidence.
Which was?
Quote from: Amatacchiero on March 14, 2010, 11:52:23 PMWhich was?They believed that he had done wonders that no ordinary man could do.
Seriously, that's not evidence.
They believed that he had done wonders that no ordinary man could do.
That's what the stories said. We don't know for sure that the 12 disciples existed, and if they experienced what the Gospels said they experienced. It's strongly suspected that the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and John were not actually written by Matthew, Mark or John, but written some decades later and attributed to them.
Well, do you have evidence that the 12 disciples did not exist? Do you have evidence that the Gospels were not written by people in a position to speak about the events?
The historical evidence of people having met Jesus are the Gospels of the New Testament, and the references to persons in other parts of the New Testament. It would be extraordinary for people to agree as a group to write about a person claimed to be real if that person was not actually real.
Being a Christian, I've made my decision. That decision offers no compromise; therefore, I'm closed to anything else.
Let's start with the Gospel of Mark. The text itself does not indicate that it was written by Mark; in fact, it was not attributed to Mark until sometime in the 2nd century.
There are also suggestions in the texts that the stories were written after the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE.
If Jesus supposedly died circa 30 CE, then the authors were probably not eye witnesses.
There's also the heavy supernatural element of the stories. I'm simply not inclined to take as gospel truth
Do you really not see the circular logic here? You're just saying that Jesus is real because he's in the bible.
Quote from: dmnemaine on March 14, 2010, 10:01:35 PMActually my point is very relevant. I assumed that since you were talking about your favorite fictional character, I could talk about mine.Oh, then it was a simple mistake. I'm not talking about a fictional character.Do you see now how your point was irrelevant to this thread?
Actually my point is very relevant. I assumed that since you were talking about your favorite fictional character, I could talk about mine.
Jesus, was a fictional character and you are talking about him. Thus you are talking about a fictional character. Unless, you have some proof thousands of archeologists, geologists, and linguists have missed....
Quote from: ReasonIsOutToLunch on March 15, 2010, 01:05:48 AMJesus, was a fictional character and you are talking about him. Thus you are talking about a fictional character. Unless, you have some proof thousands of archeologists, geologists, and linguists have missed....Well you speak of scientists, so I'm sure you know that to prove something takes lots of time and energy. Since this conversation has only been going on for a few hours, how do you expect me to have proved Jesus already?It's going to take time, and attention, and lots of clarifications and discourse along the way. If you're not up for finding the truth about Jesus with me, then feel free to withhold your comments. I don't mind.
feel free to withhold your comments. I don't mind
I guess if you had actually affected me emotionally then I might feel some aggression, but you have not and I do not. So I'll stick to being civil and you can stick to being unnecessarily aggressive. After all, if you have no reason to use your brain, use your mouth or fists!
Don't argue with a fool. The spectators can't tell the difference.Every absurdity has a champion who will defend it, this one is well named.
Did Jesus wear sandals?
That seems reasonable, sandals were common for the time and place. John the Baptist talked about his sandals too.


text: Quarterback Alex Smith had a perfect passer rating of 158.3 on 17-for-20 passing, for 287 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions. Chiefs are now 11-3 and in the playoffs with him at the helm. (sarcasum starts here) But - he stinks, we payed to much for him, we should have drafted Geno, he is Cassel 2.0, etc. (end sarcasum) I had no prediction before the season started because I had no clue how he would do, but now, I am quite happy we have him.


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With a week to go before a close election, the New York Times continues to move beyond Democratic cocooning (though it does some of that too) in the direction of flat-out misrepresentation.Yes, I'm getting a bad feeling from the New York Times this week. The whole front page seems designed to orchestrate a sense of destiny and entitlement about the election.
Of course, it's not just the NYT. Anyway, if the Democrats don't win, everyone's going to wake up on Wednesday and wonder how that could have happened. I remember sitting down to watch the election returns in '04, entirely resigned to watching the news of the Kerry victory accumulate through the evening. At one point, I muted the TV to talk on the phone for about an hour and hardly noticed as the real outcome started registering.


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In 1976, college dropout Steve Jobs heralded a revolution within the confines of his parents' garage. Jobs, along with friend and technical wizard Steve Wozniak, unleashed the homebrew Apple 1 personal computer kit onto an unsuspecting public, producing 200 units by hand and shipping each one themselves. Apple Inc. was born, and the...
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In 1976, college dropout Steve Jobs heralded a revolution within the confines of his parents' garage. Jobs, along with friend and technical wizard Steve Wozniak, unleashed the homebrew Apple 1 personal computer kit onto an unsuspecting public, producing 200 units by hand and shipping each one themselves. Apple Inc. was born, and the world would never be the same. Today hundreds of millions of users around the world remain tethered to the remarkable products that Jobs championed - his impact on the world of technology was undoubtedly colossal, but his effect on our culture was simply immeasurable.
To get showtimes, select a county to find cinemas showing this movie in your area.
Open Road Films
What separates a biopic from any other character piece is that a ''true story'' isn't necessarily expected to resolve or redeem its central characters. Unlike their fictional counterparts, real people often stay bastards throughout adulthood, submitting in the end to the same fatal flaws that carried with them through their earlier acts. It is the charge of the filmmaker, as such, to extrapolate some meaning from the heap of misanthropy that is, in essence, his or her subject. Be it the wonder, the progress, or even the horror of the featured individual's journey, something must be pinpointed as a reason to remember the biographical story in question. What Jobs does, instead of working toward a reason for us to be enamored with or at least intrigued by the fascinating character that Steve Jobs was, is bank on the simple likelihood that we already know that.
Anyone going into a Jobs biopic has, presumably, an established interest in and familiarity with the founder of Apple, who died of cancer in 2011. But that shouldn't absolve the movie of its duty to prove to its audiences that Steve Jobs is a subject matter worth their while. It doesn't absolve Ashton Kutcher of his responsibility to build a real character, as opposed to just yelling when he's in an angry scene and sobbing when he's in a sad scene. But Jobs seemes unconcerned with its own obligations toward this story. It just wants to tell it.
As such, what we have is two hours of a Steve Jobs seminar. Director Joshua Michael Stern and star Kutcher chatting about Jobs' life and career, joking about his off-putting quirks and offensive hygiene, pulling no punches in discussing his less admirable choices (like abandoning his baby daughter, and firing Apple employees for voicing disagreement). Lucky for Stern, the story Is an interesting one. Jobs, for all his flaws, is a guy you'll enjoy hearing about. But all that is accomplished by JOBS could have been earned by picking up a textbook about his life. And those who have already done so, those who know Jobs' story well enough (those who are the most likely to check out this movie, in fact), will find themselves experiencing nothing new.
But an even better problem with this method is that it results in an incomplete film. Some of the better biopics that do handle flawed characters like Steve Jobs manage to pull some sense of significance from their tales, affirming that we didn't just spend two hours watching some son of a bitch get away with being just that. Even in the darkest, saddest, most unsettling stories, it is necessary to leave the viewer with something. Something learned, changed, accomplished, earned. The director cannot help if it if the Jobs of the 2000s was the same self-driven man who used people and dismissed ideas in the '70s and '80s. But he can and must do something to work around that. To turn this collection of anecdotes into a comprehensive account, which warrants an ending that is different from its beginning. That's not just cinema, it's storytelling.
And without this effort put in to conform Jobs' life to the demands of the narrative medium, nor the effort to build him into an independently interesting character by Kutcher, we're left with a moreover dull time at the theater. Steve Jobs might be an interesting guy, and his story might be worth telling - that benefit of the doubt is probably the only thing keeping this movie afloat. In company with an external fixation on the man at its center, Jobs might work just around sea level as a piece of entertainment. But what we're looking at, here, is a standalone movie, and one that hasn't put in quite enough work to pay tribute to the man in question.
Follow Michael Arbeiter on Twitter @MichaelArbeiter
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SEPTA defers budget, approves fare increasesWritten by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Board has approved a proposal to increase fares and simplify the payment process for customers in preparation for next year's move to a modernized fare system under the New Payment Technology (NPT) project.
The Board also deferred votes on SEPTA's operating and capital budgets, due to uncertainties in state funding levels.
The board plans to revisit the spending plans for Fiscal Year 2014, which begins July 1, 2013, at a meeting later this year. The agency is hoping that state lawmakers will soon reach an agreement for funding transportation throughout the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
SEPTA's proposed Fiscal Year 2014 Operating Budget of approximately $1.3 billion represents an increase of less than three percent compared to Fiscal Year 2013, but is projected to have a $38-million shortfall. In addition, the proposed Capital Budget would remain at approximately $300 million for the fourth consecutive year, a 25 percent decrease compared to Fiscal Year 2010 levels.
Overall, SEPTA's capital budget is at a 15-year low. A recent independent report by the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia found SEPTA has made efficient use of the state and federal capital dollars it receives, but would require more than $450 million in additional funds each year during the next two decades to address state-of-good-repair needs. At current projected funding levels for the Fiscal Year 2014 Capital Budget, SEPTA will have no money for a number of vital projects, such as repairs to 1930s-era electrical substations or upgrades to aging bridges.
SEPTA continues to follow state recommendations designed to raise additional revenue through periodic fare increases and bolster efforts to generate new revenues through methods such as an expanded advertising program, which has grown significantly in recent years and is projected to bring in $14 million during Fiscal Year 2014. The fare increase approved by the SEPTA board today is also in keeping with this strategy, as SEPTA has adopted a policy of enacting cost-of-living priced fare increases every three years. This helps SEPTA ensure fare revenue will continue to increase and also helps customers prepare their personal budgets for these regular adjustments.
The fare plan approved by the board, is effective July 1 and includes freezing CCT Paratransit fares at the current level of $4, rather than an increase to $4.50; lowering increases to weekly and monthly TransPasses, which will go from $22 to $24 and $83 to $91; raising ride limits on weekly and monthly passes to 56 and 240 and continuing to accept TransPasses on the Airport Regional Rail Line to accommodate Philadelphia International Airport employees until the NPT system is in place on Regional Rail.
The new fare plan includes the first increase since 2001 to the base cash fare for buses, subways and trolleys. The cash fare will increase from $2 to $2.25 on July 1 and then to $2.50 with the implementation of NPT mid-next year. Discounted single-trip fares of $1.80 will be available with tokens and this price reduction will remain in effect under NPT with use of new smart media options.
As part of the effort to simplify fares and introduce an "open" fare payment and collection system under NPT, extra-fare zone charges will be eliminated on dozens of transit routes and there will be some consolidation of zones on regional rail.


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Barry University is participating in the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). Barry receives a report on all feedback that is provided by our students, so we want to hear from you! Look for the "Barry University Wants Your Feedback" email in your student email account.
To thank you for your time, all Barry students who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to win a new Apple iPad Mini or one of four gift cards with a value of $50 each. The drawing will be held on April 30, 2013, and the winner will be notified through their student email account.


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Out of friends, out of luck, and out of time, Ulysses is resigned to spending the last remaining weeks of his life in solitude with his ungrateful dog and his relentless do-gooder neighbor. That is, until Emma walks in much as she walked out on him twenty years ago. An East Coast Premiere by Sharr White. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays @ 8PM; Saturdays @ 3PM; Sundays @ 2PM thru 11/18/12; Preview performances 10/11/12 @ 2PM & 8PM, 10/12/12 @ 8PM & 10/13/12 @ 3PM; Opening Night w reception 10/13/12. Tickets are $25 (FT Students); $36 (Seniors); $40 (Adults); $60 (Opening Night); Discounts available for groups of 10 or more. For tickets call 732-229-3166 or visit www.njrep.org for online ticketing. NJ Rep is a non-profit professional boutique theater at 179 Broadway in Long Branch, NJ.
Saturday - October 20, 2012
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Phone: 732-229-3166
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Fall 2012
5411 Health Law Externship I - BONADERO- 12589
Erma Bonadero (DEPARTED)
Credits: 4
Course Areas: Practice Skills - Clinics and Externships
Time: Students arrange their own work schedules directly Location:
Course Outline:
Course Syllabus: Will be emailed to accepted students prior to the start of the semester.
Course Notes: This is the clinical component of the program. First-time, non-llm health law externship students must also take the public interest workplace course (the classroom component) during the same semester they're working.
Well in advance of the semester during which they want to work, students secure their own field placements at health-law-related institution, such as a hospital. Once a position has been secured, students need to apply to the program at www.law.uh.edu/clinic/ for approval. (Students working at law firms, even on a volunteer basis, cannot receive credit under aba accreditation regulations.)
Students should not attempt to enroll themselves in these courses via peoplesoft: the instructor will enroll you via the office of student services.
Prerequisites: Yes ; completion of 30 hours, a minimum gpa of 2.7, and approval of the instructor. The instructor will review students' online applications, then will contact you.
First Day Assignments: Goals memo. See details on prof. Bonadero's faculty webpage.
Final Exam Schedule:
This course will have:
Satisfies Skills Course Requirement: No
Satisfies Senior Upper Level Writing Requirement: No
Experiential Course Type:
Bar Course:


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The Music Department of the School of Arts and Communication presents
Performances by SWC Samba/Bossa Ensemble, SWC Jazz Improv & SWC Big Band
Directed by Jorge Pastrana and Tim Nunnink
Friday, May 7, 2013
7:30 pm, Mayan Hall Theatre
Tickets: $10 General Admission; $7 Students/Seniors/SWC Staff
Free parking in Lot O.
Box office opens one hour before this performance.
For more information (619) 421-6700 ext.5895
Southwestern College is an equal opportunity educator and employer | Non-Discrimination Policy |
Disclaimer | Directions to SWC
© 2011 Southwestern College, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, CA 91910. (619) 421-6700
The Southwestern College is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Thank you for visiting the Southwestern College website.


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VALLECITO — Dylan Redwine's father said he was "blindsided" Thursday by the news that his 13-year-old son's remains were found about 10 miles from his home north of Vallecito Lake.
"I cannot wrap my head around it. You can never be prepared for something like this," Mark Redwine said after the La Plata County Sheriff's Office announced that remains found during a search this week were positively identified as Dylan's.
The boy disappeared while spending a court-ordered, Thanksgiving-week visit with his father last year.
Mark Redwine, who fought a long, contentious divorce and custody battle with Dylan's mother, Elaine Redwine, said his focus now is on trying to contact her to make arrangements for the burial of their child.
"I am reaching out to his mom so he can have a proper burial. Making sure he gets a proper burial and the respect he deserves is what I have to focus on," he said.
The recovery of their son's remains has not eased either parent's suspicion or animosity. They have blamed each other for Dylan's disappearance, even exchanging accusations on the "Dr. Phil Show."
Mark Redwine said that after Thursday's announcement, his ex-wife was driving on a street in Durango when she spotted him, rolled down her window and shouted, "Murderer!"
The community had held out hope for Dylan's return. The sandy-haired boy's image still peers from fliers and posters taped up in shop windows and stapled to tree trunks and fence posts in the region.
At Vallecito Country Market, near Mark Redwine's home, a cashier broke down at the news.
"She (the cashier) had been holding out hope. There's a lot of people who had been holding out hope," said store owner Rolland Healy, who kept a flier in the window.
As the news spread, customers milled about the grocery, asking him questions in hushed tones. "There's a lot of sadness," he said. "This is the last thing anyone up here wanted to happen."
About 45 law enforcement and search and rescue workers discovered Dylan's remains and other items while searching along 12 miles of Middle Mountain Road, said sheriff's department spokesman Dan Bender.
They worked more than 1,600 man-hours during the five-day search on the rugged, unpaved road, which runs parallel to the road Mark Redwine lives on.
Mark Redwine said investigators told him they had found only four or five of his son's bones and that they would continue searching. He said authorities told him his son was ravaged by wildlife.
Investigators also found a piece of the boy's shirt, one sock and his shoestrings but not the backpack or other items he had when he went missing, Redwine said.
"Ninety-eight percent of Dylan is scattered about the countryside," said Redwine, his voice trembling in an interview Thursday night.
Bender said the Colorado Bureau of Investigation positively identified bones as Dylan's on Thursday and notified Dylan's family.
Bender said Dylan's disappearance is being treated as a criminal matter, and he said the boy's parents are cooperating in the investigation.
Searches for the boy, which had been called off during the winter months, resumed in the spring.
The latest searches, through deep canyons, dense forest and extensive ground cover, were not the result of new information, Bender said. They were part of a series of follow-up searches conducted after the snow melted.
Dylan disappeared while spending a visit with his father in Vallecito, which is near Durango. He lived near Colorado Springs with his mother and her boyfriend.
Mark Redwine said he left Dylan at home alone while he was out running errands, and when he returned, his son was gone.
Although tears were shed in Vallecito and nearby communities on Thursday, the news wasn't entirely a shock. Those who work at the Schank House restaurant had been watching search crews in hiking gear venture in and out of the mountain all week. When sheriff's cars — but no firetrucks — came down the road late Wednesday, they sensed a grim development.
"Everyone was in anticipation and hoping they'd find something," said Lisa Crombie, who works at the restaurant where Dylan's mother and brother, Cory, dined earlier in the week. Their body language told her something was wrong, Crombie said.
Crombie remembered the quiet but troubled Dylan coming through her lunch line when she worked for Bayfield School District.
"It stares you in the face," Crombie said. "By putting up posters and keeping his face around, it very well made it to the point that no one ever did give up hope. I don't think anyone really ever stopped thinking of him.
"Being a mom myself, at least you have closure. You've found him, you can lay him to rest. There are a lot of parents that don't get that."
But for others, the discovery only prompted more questions.
"Everyone is curious to know if they can figure out what happened," said Kaitlyn Vervaet, who works at Pura Vida cafe, where tourists for months have asked questions about what happened to the missing boy. "Living in the mountains, there's so many things that could have happened. We were all hoping (he had) run away and maybe we'd see him again."
Residents plan a candlelight memorial for Dylan at 8:30 p.m. Saturday in nearby Bayfield.
Sadie Gurman: 303-954-1661, email@example.com or twitter.com/sgurman


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Alcoholics Anonymous - Keep It Simple, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, SR 24 and 5th Street (open/no smoking) - Cedar Key Step Meeting, Mondays, 7 p.m., Cedar Key Library, upstairs meeting room (open/no smoking)
Chamber of Commerce Meeting - Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meets monthly on the third Thursday at 8:30 a.m. All Chamber members and those interested in becoming members are encouraged to attend. Please call 543-5600 to confirm the location.
City Commission - The City of Cedar Key Commission meets at 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at City Hall.
CRA Meeting - The Cedar Key Community Redevelopment Agency Board meets at 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at City Hall.
Historical Society - The Cedar Key Historical Society meets the third Thursday of the month at 5 p.m., at the second floor meeting room of the Andrews house behind the museum. Anyone interested in joining the Historical Society is encouraged to attend.
Horse Club - The Levy County Horse Club meets at 7:30 p.m., the second Thursday of each month, at Deke's Steakhouse Restaurant in Chiefland on Highway 346, just east of Highway 19. Visit levyycountyhorseclub.com or email email@example.com with any questions.
Lions Club - The Cedar Key Lions Club meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Community Center, with a social beginning at 6:30 p.m. Anyone interested in becoming a member is encouraged to attend.
Pet spaying clinic - low cost - Operation PETSNIP, a non-profit spay/neuter clinic is now available to Levy County. The cost is $40 for cats and $60 for dogs. Got to www.nmhp.net or call 352-376-6647 for details.
Senior Lunch - Join Cedar Key's seasoned population for lunch, where laughter, fun and stories of yesteryear abound. Senior lunch is every Monday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church at the corner of SR 24 and 5th Street. Lunch is free and all are welcome.
Water District Board Meeting - The Cedar Key Water and Sewer District Board meets at 5 p.m. the second Monday of each month at the district's offices on Third Street.
Yoga Opportunities in Cedar Key: Gentle Yoga - instructed by Kathy Fotterall. Tuesday and Thursday, 3 p.m. at the library
Intermediate Yoga - Audio CD, no instructor, some experience necessary. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 a.m. at the library.
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Maui, Maui, Maui, I knew wherever my family went I would hear this word and any trip would constantly be compared to our family vacations in Maui -- but I wanted to try something different. I suggested Mexico again to my wife. We had previously holidayed in Puerto Vallarta, but had unfortunately picked July and the rainy season. Very hot and humid! I had heard the warning to the brides-to-be that unless you want to sweat like a Sumo wrestler don't plan a wedding on the West Coast of Mexico in the summer.
I knew the only way I could get my wife and my family back to Mexico was to find the perfect beach and the promise of good weather. I was a little familiar with Cancun but thought this would be somewhat akin to Waikiki -- too busy -- and I wanted something a little off the beaten track.
I longed for a place that the children would enjoy and that would offer great snorkeling for me and a relaxing vacation for my wife. How about an all-inclusive, I suggested. This would satisfy my son, the pickiest eater of the bunch, my wife who could relax without worrying what we would have for dinner, and for me, I liked the open bar concept. My low-maintenance daughter was always happy with any vacation.
With the aid of the Internet, I Googled "best beaches in Mexico." Akumal Bay, just south of Cancun on the Caribbean, kept coming up. I did some more searching and found the little town of Akumal, with only one all-inclusive resort. Unfortunately I had left this a little late and this resort was full.
A couple of bays over, but with a similar name, was the Oasis Akumal. The property looked like a modest three-star, but I was more concerned with the beach. The beach pictures looked spectacular and it was these pictures that convinced me to book this resort.
Rather than heading to the desk when we arrived, I wanted to see the beach. I really don't know what the point was, as we certainly could not head off to another resort if it was not to my liking.
After my first glimpse, I knew I had picked the perfect spot. The beach was stunning. The gentle blue waters of the Caribbean lapped at white sand. I returned to the front desk to be assigned to our room. Unfortunately we were headed to the dreaded "E" building at the back of the resort. Two days later after my wife spoke to Anna at the front desk we were able to move to the front of the resort to rooms that had spectacular views of the Caribbean.
My daughter and I took the snorkeling tour with one of the staff. It lasted about 30 minutes and took us to the outer reaches of the reef and back to shore. I now knew we had arrived at the perfect snorkeling location. The reef protected us from the waves and it was as though we were in an aquarium, as I had never seen such a concentration of marine life. The rest of my trip was going to be spent in the water!
I did want to see the little town of Akumal and met a letter carrier from Dallas who told me all about it. He had been to this resort about 12 times before and seemed to know his way around. We agreed we would meet the next morning at 9 a.m. He finally showed up at the beach bar at 9:30 sipping on his fortified coffee.
We agreed we would split the cab fare, he looking after the trip there and I paying for the return. I knew enough abut Mexico to know to agree on a cost before getting into the cab. The fare for the ride to Akumal was $10.
In 15 minutes we arrived at Yalku Lagoon for a morning's snorkel. The snorkeling entailed long narrow channels and the neat part was that many channels had long ropes so that you could pull yourself along. After the snorkeling we embarked on a short walk back to the small town of Akumal. My companion was more interested in having a beer rather than the walking.
We stopped at a bar that had three skeletons parked at the end of the long counter. We opted for the beach bar and the faster service. I thought the $4 cost for a beer a little steep for Mexico, but where on else could you enjoy this view, with Akumal Bay at your feet. I negotiated a $4 fare back to the resort and added a $2 tip.
The family trip the next day was a 20-minute cab ride to Playa del Carmen and the shops along 5th Ave., which predominately displayed copied designer goods. This was an enjoyable day that allowed the ladies to do a little shopping. On the way home I pleaded with cab driver to slow down in exchange for more money.
All and all it was a great adventure and probably the most stress-free, relaxing vacation ever.


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On Dec. 15, the Delaware Wing Civil Air Patrol will conduct the Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Delaware Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Bear, honoring those who have served.
Trucks carrying wreaths to the Arlington National Cemetery will be stopping off in the M.O.T. area.
On Dec. 15, the Delaware Wing Civil Air Patrol will conduct the Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Delaware Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Bear, honoring those who have served.
The trucks will also make a stop at the Middletown High School, as done in previous years.
Across the country on Dec. 15, similar ceremonies will be conducted at more than 400 cemeteries nation wide, including at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
During the ceremony in Bear, which will begin at noon, seven ceremonial wreaths will be placed to remember those who have served, their sacrifices, and to teach younger generations about the cost of freedom.
Last year, a 2003 Middletown graduate was honored during the ceremony at the high school Dec. 9.
Marine Lance Corporal Anthony P. Roberts, of Bear, was killed by hostile fire in Iraq in 2004, less than a year after graduating high school.
Specially designated wreaths for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and POW/MIA will be placed on memorials at the cemeteries for each branch of the armed forces.
After the local ceremony, about 600 wreaths will be placed at the graves of fallen veterans all around the cemetery. Anyone who attends is welcome to place these wreaths.
Members of the armed forces, the Girl Scouts, the Delaware Patriot Guard Riders, and other military and veteran groups will be attending.
Wreaths Across America is a national, non-profit organization based in Maine that has been supplying wreaths for the graves of veterans at the Arlington National Cemetery and other cemeteries around the country for more than 20 years.
This year, more than 160,000 volunteers are expected to participate in the group's mission, which is, "Remember; Honor; and Teach."
Anyone interested in participating in the local ceremony can contact coordinator John Lierenz at (302) 838-7887 or at firstname.lastname@example.com .


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Hey there everyone! I hope you all are having a wonderful week =)
Today feel like a dream come true day for me. Ever since I started my UF and PNR addiction, there are some author that have just become the pinnacle of these genres for me and are an absolute immediate buy for me.
Jeaniene Frost is one of them. Her Night Huntress Series is ranked on my top favorites and it's so brilliant I keep reaching for word to express my love for it.
Who doesn't LOVE Bones? I mean, I find hilarious that whenever someone starts this series after a million people recommended it, the reaction process is always the same. That person starts by hating Bones, thinking he is an absolute A**hole, and he is. After a while, they get to understand him better and I GUARANTEE that at least by the middle of Book 2 in the series (probably even before) you will LOVE him to death!
That is the power of Jeaniene Frost and I have the pleasure of having her here today at Larissa's Life **squeeeeeee* excuse me for the fan girl moment hehe =)
Aaaaaaand she is giving away a SIGNED copy of First Drop of Crimson… How freaking amazing is that??? (Giveaway deets at the end of this post =])
You can check out my review of First Drop of Crimson HERE!
Enjoy the interview…
1. When did you first start writing?
I've written poetry and short stories since I was twelve, but I didn't start to write a novel until I was almost thirty. I'd always wanted to write a book, but I kept putting off doing it, and when I was almost at that milestone birthday I had a "now or never" moment.
2. Have you always been interested in Romance?
I've been a fan of romance novels since twelve (yes, I started reading them young J). The first romance I ever read was SKYE O'MALLEY by Bertrice Small and it addicted me to the genre. I used to measure my allowance by how many books it could buy.
3. What about in the Paranormal?
I've been a fan of horror movies since before I began reading romance novels, so you can guess that I was very young when I got hooked on those. As a kid, my parents used to take my and my sisters to the Chiller feature at the drive in ("That's all you girls wanted to see!" is my mother's defense for the "What were you thinking??" question I've since asked her, lol). Anyway, it was horror movies that got me hooked on the paranormal, because most of them had supernatural elements in them (Michael Meyers couldn't die, Freddy Krueger attacked through dreams, etc etc).
4. Why writing Paranormal Romance?
Given my love of romance novels and horror movies, it's no surprise that I gravitated toward paranormal romance when writing. It has all my favorite elements; a strong love story, supernatural intrigue, danger, action, and excitement.
5. Were there any Books, Movies or Writers that have inspired you?
Dean Koontz, Diana Gabaldon, Laurell K Hamilton, and Charlaine Harris were authors that really inspired me when I was first trying to get published. Not that I'd ever spoken to any of them at the time – I just took inspiration from their success. Books that were inspiring – too many to list. If I love a novel, it inspires me, and I love a lot of books. Movies, hmm. Probably Dracula and any vampire-themed movie. I've loved vampires from as far back as I can remember.
6. What is your favorite subject in the Paranormal Romance Realm?
I think I answered that one with the previous question – vampires are my number one love. After that would probably be shapeshifters, faeries, and magic.
7. The sex scenes in your books are amazingly hot. Specially Chapter 32 in the 2nd Cat & Bones book, which has become a staple to all UF and PNR fans. Where do you get your inspiration?
Not from where most people think *wink* It makes me giggle when I get letters from readers asking if I "try out" all the aspects of sex scenes with my husband before writing them. Um, it doesn't work that way. Just like I don't go out stalking people before writing about Cat hunting vampires, or I don't drink blood before writing a scene where Bones bites someone, I'm not a "method writer" when it comes to sex scenes – much to my husband's dismay, lol.
As for inspiration when writing them, they're a reflection of my character's emotions, so what they're feeling is what I draw on for inspiration. Sex is a part of most people's lives and it's a part of my characters lives, too, thus I don't skimp on showing those parts in my books. Sometimes the scenes are fade-to-black, and sometimes, like Chapter 32, they're very detailed and involved. But it's really all about the characters. I'm just the vehicle to deliver those parts of their lives to readers.
8. Do you find it hard to write them?
I take them very seriously, just like I do fight scenes or dramatic emotional scenes. They're challenging to write because I gravitate toward certain phrases and I have to go back and check through several books to make sure I'm not saying the same thing twice. Also, like with fight scenes, I'm balancing emotions along with physical reactions along with choreographed movements (no, that's not a joke, heh). But if I'm describing an action by character A, I need to have character B's reaction physically, mentally, and emotionally. Sex scenes have layers that dialog and internal monologue doesn't, so they can be trickier to write.
9. Favorite Paranormal themed Movie?
Might have to say Underworld, Rise of the Lycans, but I change my mind a lot.
10. Favorite Paranormal themed TV Show?
American Gothic. Loved it with a mad, mad love.
11. Favorite Paranormal themed Book?
Too many to name. Almost everything I read has a paranormal aspect.
12. Favorite Author?
Also too many to name one, but you can see a list of my favorites here: http://jeanienefrost.com/links/
13. Favorite Paranormal Romance Author?
Same answer as above, and the authors on that list are broken down by genre :).
14. Favorite one of your Books?
Whatever one I'm writing at the moment. I did tell you I was fickle, right??
15. Favorite of your own characters? Why?
I love different characters for different reasons. Of course I'm most attached to my heroines and heroes, but out of those, I don't see one being more special than the others, so I don't have a favorite. I think I know my readers favorite, though - Bones, if emails are any indication *grin*
16. Which book was the hardest to write? Why?
Probably Destined for an Early Grave. So much happened to Cat and she kept trying to do what was best while having those good intentions backfire every time. I felt really bad for her in that book, plus, the pivotal fight between her and Bones was very emotional to write.
17. What would you be if not a writer? Why?
I can't imagine not writing now. Really. I might not always be published (writers don't always have control over that), but I'll always write. Just like I'll always read. I love both those things too much to give them up.
- Coffee or Tea?
Coffee. It's like crack to me.
- Up or Down?
Up. Like to be on my feet.
- Virtual or Real?
Real. If it's not real, I don't want to waste my time on it.
- Right or Left?
- Vampires or Ghouls?
Vampires. Love my ghouls, but my fang peeps come first.
- Angels or Demons?
Angels. Demons scare me.
- Reading or Writing?
When I'm stressed from a deadline, I'd say reading. When I'm in a good groove, though, there's nothing better than writing.
18. What is your favorite part of the writing process?
When my characters surprise me with something I didn't know about them. This happens more than people might realize. Half my subplots are organic, and I've even had characters pop up in a book that I never intended to write about (cough, Vlad, cough).
19. What is your least favorite part?
Beginnings. I hate them and I know I'll end up rewriting them nine times out of ten, so they frustrate me to no end.
20. The Night Huntress Series in your own words?
It's so hard for me to summarize four books in a couple short sentences! So much changes with Cat and Bones from the first book to what readers have read last (and I can't say anything about future books or it would spoiler). But, here goes:
A half-vampire with an attitude teams up for, and then falls in love with, a Master vampire who shows her that there's more to the undead world than she realizes.
21. Any plans for more Night Huntress and Night Huntress World Books?
There are at least three more Cat and Bones books in the Night Huntress series. As for Night Huntress World books, I hope there will be more! I'd really like to do a few books on Vlad, plus there are other characters I'd like to do stand-alone novels on. Contract renewal is in a few months. Wish me luck!
22. What are you working on right now?
Cat and Bones book five.
23. Do you have any advice or tip to those like me that want to become a published Author someday?
Don't procrastinate, just write. Give yourself permission to suck, because we all suck at first. Be ruthless about realizing that a finished novel is just a first draft that needs revising – usually a lot - before you shop it. Getting critical feedback is very helpful, and friends and family aren't really going to provide that. Find another writer who's not afraid to hurt your feelings (in a positive, constructive way, not a flamingly insulting one). Keep reminding yourself that it's more important to make the story better than to tell it in the way you initially wrote it. Words and stories change in revision all the time, but the end result is what matters.
In short, writing is a process, not a one-shot deal. It's a hard process, too, filled with lots of rejection and waiting, so if you're looking for instant gratification, look elsewhere! Still, if you have stories in your head that you just have to tell and you love them enough to do the necessary work, then go for it. When you love it, it's all worth it.
24. Anything you would like to say to your fans out there?
Thanks so much for your support! It's been awesome getting the opportunity to share my characters and world with you. There's nothing cooler than readers telling me that they feel connected to my characters, or that parts in my books made them laugh or even cry. Books make me feel that way, too, so it's the world's nicest compliment when readers tell me that something I wrote drew an emotional reaction from them. I hope to keep sharing stories with you!
Thank you SOOOO much for being here Jeaniene! It has been an honor! =)
Now for the Giveaway!
Win a SIGNED copy of First Drop of crimson!
To Enter:
- Comment on This post about anything talked about on interview.
- Leave a way to contact you (if you don't feel comfortable leaving your email, you can send it to me at firstname.lastname@example.com)
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This Giveaway will run until March 18th!
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Thanks so much for tuning in and I'll see you soon!