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|This article describes a concept which could impact a variety of companies, countries or industries. To see what companies and articles reference this concept page, click here.
Sex and porn have grown from small, somewhat underground markets into increasingly mainstream industries. While most still consider sex itself to be a private act, the topic has become considerably less taboo over the years. Porn has also become more widespread and accepted, reflecting a general shift in society's attitude toward pleasures of the flesh. In addition to increased acceptance, technology has helped spur the growth of the sex and porn industries. Since the mass-market success of the videocassette, porn companies have been able to reach a wider and wider base of customers. The rise of the Internet has revolutionized the sex business, providing consumers with ready access to vast quantities of porn and sex-related accessories. Today, porn producers and other sex-centric companies are facing some growing pains. After the industry's rapid, Internet-driven expansion, the question now is how they will maintain sales and continue growing in the rather overcrowded sex and porn markets.
Adult media producers and distributors
Intimate accessories
Adult nightclubs
The Internet has brought a whole new twist to the sex and porn saga. Now, both sex and porn are easily found on any number of adult-oriented websites. Online personals and Craigslist classifieds offer places for consenting adults to meet one another, and porn on the Internet abounds. Though producers of adult videos initially enjoyed booming online sales, the proliferation of free online video websites and file-sharing programs has led to the widespread availability of free porn, which is threatening the continued viability of subscription-based porn websites. On the other hand, online sales of sex toys and accessories have grown steadily, reflecting society's changing attitudes about sex and sexuality.
Though sex is widely recognized as a potentially risky activity, sex-related toys and accessories have been seen as safe alternatives to actual sex. Recently, however, concerns have been raised about the safety of the materials commonly used in the manufacture of sex toys. Comfort is a major concern for consumers, but cost has also been an important factor in their decision-making process. As a result, manufacturers have often resorted to using cheaper materials to make their products in an attempt to maintain competitive prices. Though manufacturers rarely disclose the exact composition of their products, one commonly used material is PVC. While PVC has not been shown to be toxic, chemicals known as phthalates are used in many sex toys to soften the normally-rigid PVC and provide a more realistic feel. Scientific data on the subject is somewhat scarce, but some studies have linked phthalates to infertility and even cancer. The lack of governmental regulation somewhat exacerbates this problem, as there is no agency in charge of regulating the manufacture of sex toys. Several manufacturers have promised to eliminate phthalates from their products, but the larger issue of whether phthalates pose a health risk or not is still up in the air, causing uncertainty and concern for customers.
Government regulation
In general, laws regulating sex in the U.S. have become somewhat more relaxed than in previous years. Though there are still a great deal of regulations regarding age, rules about sex and porn for legal adults are rather few. Some states have their own laws regarding the use and sale of pornography and sex-related items, but these are often circumvented. There have been some moves recently by conservative groups to increase governmental regulation of sex and porn, but many in the industry are unconcerned about the implications of these groups' efforts. For example, a group called the Citizens for Community Values took out advertisements in several national newspapers calling on the FBI and Department of Justice to prosecute hotels and providers of in-room, pay-per-view adult movies. They claimed that the widespread availability of porn was immoral and should be prosecutable under federal law. Hotel chains and adult content providers alike have dismissed these claims, stating that consumers have the right to choose whether or not to watch adult material.


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Jan 21, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Sweet Camaro...Love That Wing! Keep the Shiny Side Up! Wide Open Till You See God Then Brake!
Jan 17, 2010 at 11:41 am
Nice work on the Camaro!
Jan 14, 2010 at 7:54 pm
WOW!....Thisis INSANE
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subset: commoncrawl


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COLUMBIA — These days, South Carolina football coach Steve Spurrier is much more interested in how Williams-Brice Stadium's stands look at kickoff instead of the fourth quarter.
Spurrier said this week he is pleased USC will have its third sellout in three home games when it hosts Kentucky at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. After the fifth announced sellout of the 2013 season, a packed home stadium has become a trend.
Another trend: the stadium's bare, metal bleachers showing at the end of games, with fans leaving to go home early.
In the past, Spurrier has been openly critical of Gamecocks fans for their early departures. He's changed his tune.
"We are fired up that it's another sellout," Spurrier said. "We appreciate our fans buying the tickets, and I want to say this: I can't criticize our fans if they leave early. I appreciate you buying the tickets. I know sometimes I go to a ball game here on campus, and I leave before it's over too, because I like to beat the crowd out."
Spurrier didn't excuse everyone from leaving games early.
"Now the students, I think they should stay," Spurrier said. "They got nothing else to do all night, except party around a little bit. They are going to be up half the night or all night anyway. So, students, sing the alma mater with us, but the other people, I appreciate you buying the ticket."
It wasn't the first time Spurrier extended an understanding for fans leaving games early. Two weeks ago, following USC's win against Vanderbilt, Spurrier said he couldn't blame fans when they left at halftime.
Citing the game's length, he said things like replay challenges cause games to take too long to finish.
"When you play at night, some of them maybe have a little too much to drink before the games, and now all the sudden it gets a little dull and the play stops, and they're thinking, 'Well, it's gonna be a late one. Let's beat the traffic and get on out of here,'" Spurrier said after the Vanderbilt game. "I sort of understand that."
USC defensive line coach Deke Adams knows junior Jadeveon Clowney's raw statistics are behind where they were a year ago. He said it doesn't mean Clowney is having a bad season.
"I think when you start looking at total numbers, then you're being selfish with what's happening with the team," Adams said. "He knows that, right now, his numbers probably are not where they could be … but everybody's focusing on him. I looked at it this past weekend. I think he had only been one-on-one blocked two or three times the whole game. He was being chipped by the tight end, by the back. He was being double-teamed."
Clowney earned a bundle of national accolades last season after having 13 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss as a sophomore. Through the first third of his junior season, he has only two sacks and three tackles for loss. He doesn't rank amongst SEC leaders in either category, let alone nationally.
When he isn't facing an army of blockers, Clowney has often faced nothing at all. Teams have consistently run plays away from the defensive end this season.
Adams said Clowney has handled his frustration well.
"If you sit down and look at the film, you see him hustling and chasing things down from behind," Adams said. "I think he's doing a good job. He's been double-teamed, triple-teamed. I think he's come along, and I think he's playing hard.
"Now, he left two sacks on the field Saturday, and he knows that. We're working to get that corrected, but I think he'll be fine. He's just continuing to play hard."
Shaw starting
Connor Shaw's "miraculous recovery" took its final step Wednesday when Steve Spurrier said the senior quarterback will start Saturday night against Kentucky.
Shaw missed all but the first series of last weekend's game at UCF after taking a hit and fumbling. A "sprain" to his right, throwing shoulder was supposed to keep him out two to three weeks.
Instead, Shaw returned to the field immediately, first practicing Monday night. Spurrier said Shaw was throwing the ball "very well" at practice Wednesday.
"Connor's fine. He's 100 percent," Spurrier said. "He's ready to go. I guess it's sort of the flukiest thing. Obviously, when he came off the field, I thought he was out for the season the way he was in pain, but somehow or another if it popped out a little it went right back in. The doctor said it's no problem.
"It looked bad, but it wasn't that bad. It must've been some pain in there that went away."
Spurrier said backup Dylan Thompson will play. Thompson is expected to enter the third or fourth possession Saturday,.
Spurrier explains decision to 'jerk' weekly TV show
Spurrier didn't even let the question finish Wednesday. The Head Ball Coach knew he was going to be asked about his decision to yank his weekly TV show off the Gamecocks' athletic website.
Here's what he said after practice:
"Well, I guess we don't jerk a TV show too often, but I was way too negative afterward. And I said, 'You know, I don't need to be so negative toward some of our players or some of our coaches that coach secondary, including myself. I try to always include myself of not coaching very well. So we decided to just not show the thing. I guess they showed it two or three times. I didn't even know it. I thought they showed it once, which I watched. I watched it Sunday morning, and it wasn't any big deal. It was about like most of my shows I thought, but I was too negative in it."
After a challenging opening month of the season, Spurrier said he'll take things lighter in practice this week.
"We have had some down-to-the-wire games, so we're going to lighten up on the guys a little bit in practice as far as not beating them into the ground too much," Spurrier said. "We are trying to just get fundamentally sound, which we obviously are not right now."
That doesn't mean Spurrier won't expect his team to get better this week. He said the word "fundamental" 10 times during his news conference Tuesday.
"Our problem is just lining up and playing fundamentals," Spurrier said. "That's been our biggest problem at times this year. … We've got athletes. These kids can run and play. They don't play real smart sometimes, but that's called coaching. If we can get them to play fundamentally sound, I think we'll be a much improved team as we go."


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Pictures: Weirdest Reality TV Shows
Whether it's celebrities allowing cameras into their oddball lives, dating shows with twisted criteria or everyday people giving a glimpse into their freaky habits, pets, relationships or pregnancies, reality TV hasn't been afraid to tackle any topic. Here are some of the craziest shows ever conceived -- some of them debuting this summer.
Copyright © 2018, Orlando Sentinel


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Accepted Student Days
Friday, March 11, 2016 @ 9:15 AM - 1:00 PM On Campus
Accepted Student Day is a full day filled with various activities for students who have already been accepted to Lyndon State College. The students and their families get to experience life on campus as if they were current students. They get to tour Lyndon's beautiful campus, have lunch, and while parents receive information about Financial Aid, the students get to participate in interactive classroom sessions for their intended major. It is a fun, exciting day filled with beneficial information for all who attend!


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Posted by: APU Theater
Merrily We Roll Along
Directed by: Monica Ganas
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by George Furth
Merrily We Roll Along begins in the present and moves backwards, tracing the lives of wealthy, jaded composer Franklin Shepard and his two estranged friends through each milestone of their personal and professional lives (good and bad). The show ends with a touch of rueful irony, as the three best friends at the start of their careers face a bright future: young, talented and enthusiastic about the worlds waiting to be conquered. This touching and hilarious show helps bring into perspective the importance and complexity of a life long friendship over time and shows the many ways in which our every day decisions ultimately determine our futures. Recommended for kids 12+ due to mood and complexity of show.
MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance Materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10010 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com
Ticket Prices:
General Admission (Adults): $20
Seniors, APU alumni, Non-APU college students, Military, Faculty/staff, Groups: $15
APU students: $10


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Callan Green, senior social media specialist at Sony Electronics, never thought she would want a pair of leather pants.
"But I saw enough pins on Pinterest that I thought, 'Oh my gosh, I have to own them,' and I went out and bought some."
It was the fall of 2011 and she was discovering firsthand the power of Pinterest to drive sales.
The image-based, pinboard-sharing social media site launched in March 2010 is now the third-largest social network, behind Facebook and Twitter.
In March 2012, it tallied 2.3 billion page impressions to over 4 million unique visitors a day.
"We were all using [Pinterest] personally," said Green of the social media team at Sony Electronics, "and realized the power of the platform to drive people's interest in purchasing."


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Financial woes: Auditor shares county fiscal concerns
Concerned with the financial picture portrayed of the county, the Auglaize County auditor met Thursday with the Auglaize County commissioners to discuss her budgeting worries.
"We always try to remain so positive about the county," Auditor Janet Schuler said. "I like that, but things aren't as rosy as they appear just because the sales tax is up.
"Sales tax numbers are good, but they have to be because the state is yanking money away from us," she said.
She said increased sales tax revenue is only helping to offset state cuts to local government.
By 2014, Schuler said the county is expected to receive no more local government money, which is to continue to decrease until then. In 2007, the county received $767,000 from the state source compared to $544,000 it is to receive this year.
She said back in the 1930s, the income tax was passed by the state on the promise that part of the money would be funneled back to local government.
"Now they are not going to fund us any more, even though we are the ones enforcing all their laws," Schuler said. "The cuts they made are very small to the state budget, but very hurtful to townships, villages, cities and counties."
Other state cuts impacting the local budget include the state no longer funding a pre-sentence investigation officer and county court systems now bearing that burden with a small amount of support through a grant.
Schuler said the approximate $20,000 the state is supplying to help cover the pre-sentence investigations is about half the cost.
New state sentencing requirements also are expected to continue to add up to more prisoners in county jails.
House Bill 66, which passed in 2006, has done away with tangible personal property tax.
"They said they would hold local governments and schools harmless with payments until 2018, but we are getting no more money," Schuler said, noting between 2012 and 2018 that accounts for another $1 million in money lost for the county.
Increased state auditor rates were implemented or layoffs would have been necessary in the state office, which means that cost also has been passed on to local government.
When Schuler took office in 2007, the county earned $1 million in interest annually, but in 2011 that figure was down to $244,000 and it is expected to be $168,000 this year.
Anticipated money from state casinos funneled into counties also isn't as high as originally promised.
Schuler said they may receive approximately $100,000 less than anticipated this year and next, amounting to $167,000 this year and $253,000 next. The referendum had suggested the county would receive closer to $800,000 annually.
"There are no guarantees," Schuler said. "It's all speculation because nobody knows."
With casinos no longer having the exclusive rights to video lottery terminals, the auditor said that is expected to have an impact on what counties receive.
"I want you to keep all that in mind," Schuler told the commissioners.
She said if sales tax numbers stay where they are, the county would be 8 percent above where it was last year in their collection, amounting to approximately $500,000.
"It certainly helps," Schuler said, "but compared to what we are losing, the sales tax numbers are just keeping us a float.
"It's a perfect storm on county government," she said. "I feel we are good stewards of state money but that money is going somewhere else and not here anymore to simulate our economy, to fund employees, for people to make purchases here."
She anticipated the county's carryover for 2012 to be $1.7 million compared to $3.1 million from 2011.
Schuler also asked about paying the remaining costs for the Auglaize County Courthouse renovations with approximately $87,000 of unencumbered money left in the permanent improvement fund through the end of the year as they front loaded the fund to pay bills.
Commissioners estimated needing approximately $10,000 of that to pay for work being done now to the outside of the courthouse along with some technology costs, which still need to be paid, although some of those costs are to be reimbursed from court computer funds.
Auglaize County Administrator Mike Hensley said they would need to be cautious about how quickly little projects could add up.
Commissioner John Bergman said there is not a lot of cushion in the budget.
Looking into the future, he said in a few years they would need to revisit the county's 0.5 percent permissive sales tax, first passed by voters in 1996 to build a new jail and then continued by a resolution from the commissioners for operations of the jail.
He said it may be something they have to take back to the voters in 2014, unless all three commissioners at the time agree and sign another resolution.
"Ending the 0.5 percent sales tax makes me want to break down and cry," Schuler said.
She said if that was done, it would have to directly impact the Sheriff's Office budget, which at approximately $4.5 million, nearly one-third of the $13 million for the county remains one of the county's largest funds.
In 2011, the permissive sales tax brought in more than $1.2 million to the county.
"We would have to curtail spending at the Sheriff's Office with real cuts to places where we spend the most — courts, jail, the Sheriff's Office," Schuler said.
She said she is confident about the future, but concerned about revenue and expenditures and admits that the county is facing challenges.
"We need to watch and continue to provide services that we need to provide statutorily," Schuler said. "The county is holding its own."


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Skip to comments.Hillary Botches Civil Rights Hero's Name "Medgar Evans."
Posted on 08/12/2013 8:17:56 PM PDT by Nachum
Hillary Clinton, speaking at the American Bar Association's annual meeting in San Francisco Monday night, botched the name of civil rights icon Medgar Evers. The former secretary of state and first lady was recounting the story of one of her mentors, lawyer John Doar.
"In 1963, in Jackson, Mississippi, John stepped between angry protesters and armed police to prevent a potential massacre after the murder of Medgar Evans," said Clinton, who was referring to Medgar Evers, a civil rights activist who was murdered while walking into his home on June 12, 1963. Watch the video below:
(Excerpt) Read more at weeklystandard.com ...
"Aaaahve come tooo fahhhhrrrrr....."
She's a regular Norman Einstein.
Actually, Medgar *Evans* was the guy assassinated after he was caught burning black churches in Arkansas. It's rather easy to get one's Medgars confused. Bob
Probably from all those years drinking with Tedward.
Presidential material, all right. Has she visited all 57 or 58 states yet, or is she still working on that?
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What difference, at this point, does it make?
Sir Edmund, if you are going to try to be patronizing at least get your facts straight first.
Where did "Evans" burn churches? It wasn't in Arkansas during the sixties.
From the DailyRepublican - Clinton's Arkansas Democrat Party constituents don't think He could have remembered such fires, since there were not any according to John Ferguson, director of the Arkansas History Commission. Former Arkansas State Senator, Jerry Jewell who served as a President of the State NAACP from 1959-1973 told the Arkansas Gazette on Monday "I've never known of a black church being burned in Arkansas."
she could have called him the "n" word and it wouldn't matter. She served her time in support of obama so she's good to go again.
Tinker to Evers to Chance.
Exactly. There were NO black churches burned down in the 60's, despite the fact that Hillary's husband "remembered" this. Both Clintons are pathetic liars.
She's a botch, that's for sure.
And she makes such timeless speeches. Like that guy from England, Marlboro Churchill.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


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This is a unit in 11 sessions about the solar system. Learners will explore the terms planet and moon, they will sort and classify various solar system bodies into categories, and use this context to discuss if Pluto is a planet. They will also... (View More) research a particular solary system object and create a travel brochure for that object which they will use to help their classmates take a tour of the solar system. They will then construct an outdoor scale model of the inner and outer solar system. Finally they will create a human-powered orrery. This is Unit 3 of the GEMS Space Science Sequence for Grades 6-8, which is available for purchase (see related link). (View Less)
In this activity, students engage in an ongoing investigation to find patterns of sunlight and shadow in a classroom (or any room that gets sunlight) at different times of the day and different times of the year. Students look for repeating... (View More) patterns, keep a log to describe and sketch observations of when and where certain easily recognized patters appear and turn the room into a solar calendar that may survive into the future for other classes to use. Part 1 of this activity requires occasional note-taking and casual observation over the course of a day. Part 2 requires 30-60 minutes to create the calendar record, then casual observation and note-taking throughout the school year. The lesson plan includes a math extension activity and background information about the Sun Dagger at Chaco Canyon. This activity is the third lesson in the Ancient Eyes Look to the Skies curriculum guide. (View Less)
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Multicultural healthy aging program receives national awardUniversity of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Tina M Shelton, (808) 692-0897
Director of Communications, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Kathyrn Braun, (808) 956-5768
Professor of Public Health, Office of Public Health Studies
Director of Communications, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Kathyrn Braun, (808) 956-5768
Professor of Public Health, Office of Public Health Studies
Posted: Feb 5, 2013
The Hawai`i Healthy Aging Partnership (HHAP) has received the 2013 Multicultural Aging award from the American Society on Aging, achieving national recognition for the partnership's critical role in improving the health of our states multiethnic elderly population.
HHAP is a statewide coalition that includes representatives from the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawai`i State Department of Health, all four Area Agencies on Aging, service providers, Federally Qualified Health Centers, local health insurers and others. Serving as evaluators for HHAP are Dr. Kathryn L. Braun, Professor of Public Health with the John A. Burns School of Medicine, and Michiyo Tomioka, doctoral student at the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work at UH Mānoa.
Since its formation in 2003, HHAP has been successful in adapting two evidence-based health promotion programs to our multicultural population in Hawai`i. These programs are "EnhanceFitness" (an exercise program for seniors) and the "Chronic Disease Self Management Program" (CDSMP).
HHAP has worked hard to make sure that these two national programs attract elders from diverse ethnic groups and are culturally sensitive. Since 2007, 2,267 older adults have participated, 447 in "EnhanceFitness" and 1,820 in CDSMP. Of the participants, 25% were Native Hawaiian, 25% were Japanese-American, 27% were Filipino-American, and 27% were Caucasian.
"Participants were very satisfied with their respective programs, according to our evaluation data," said Braun. She said the data suggests that "EnhanceFitness" participants significantly improve their upper body strength, lower body strength, balance and stamina. CDSMP participants realized significant increases in the ability to cope with their symptoms, spend time exercising each week and learn how to effectively communicate with physicians. They also reported significant reductions in health distress, less limitation on their activity and fewer physician visits.
Since 2003, the partnership has secured close to $1 million in federal and foundation funding to support these "healthy aging" programs. Hawaiʻi state and county governments also have provided financial support for this important effort.
"Hawai`i has one of the longest life expectancies in the country. So it is extremely important for us to keep our elders healthy and functioning for as long as possible," said Braun. "HHAP goes a long way in helping Hawai`i meet this goal."
For more information, visit: http://jabsom.hawaii.edu


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MOBILE, Ala. — It's probably the worst kept secret in the NFL.
The Miami Dolphins have a solid foundation, a decent core of players, but are missing the engine.
During his annual Senior Bowl summit, Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland acknowledged his team's primary goal this offseason is to find a top-tier starting quarterback, or a developmental quarterback with a high ceiling.
"We need a quarterback that can get us over the hump," Ireland said.
Ireland praised Matt Moore for the performance he had when he became a starter, but pointed out his slow development. Moore won 6 of the 12 games he started, but Ireland was clear the Dolphins "have to do better."
Ireland doesn't believe the team he's constructed since becoming General Manager in 2008 needs to be gutted. But he acknowledged the Dolphins have plenty of holes that need to be filled because of free agency, or players falling short of meeting expectations.
"We've got some free agents on the offensive line, and a free-agent quarterback, and some free agents on the defensive line," Ireland said, referring to Vernon Carey, Marc Colombo, Chad Henne, Paul Soliai, Kendall Langford and Phillip Merling. "We've got to tweak it for sure, and make some strong acquisitions to get where we need to get. There's no doubt there will be a few changes."
Ireland said the Dolphins have "good pieces" to run either a 3-4 or a 4-3 defensive scheme, but admitted the team has some pieces to find.
Pass rusher is one of the primary positions of need on defense. Ireland also didn't seem very pleased with the Dolphins safety play from 2012, saying the group didn't produce enough turnovers.
He's also not done adding more speed to the team, which was a point of emphasis in 2012.
"Team speed is obviously one thing. I'm still trying to get it to where I want to see it. We have to do a better job of execution," Ireland said. "More execution. We're looking for guys who will help maintain the execution and help us get better at that point."


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Gluten Free Support Groups and Potlucks: A Gluten Free Mediterranean Menu and Recipes
This month I hosted our local Celiac Bay Area Support Group potluck at my apartment clubhouse. Although our branch of the SFBay Celiac Support Group is fairly new, we've formed a cohesive little community around our interest in gluten free foods and the gluten free lifestyle. We are in the process of establishing a web site resource for San Francisco Celiacs as well as considering strategies for gluten free Bay area restaurant education. We are all quite jealous of the glorious gluten free food scene in New York, enriched as it is by Risotteria and Babycakes bakery, among many others. Anyway, I will keep you updated as our Support Group resourses are developed! Our potluck food themes have included Italian food, The Foods of Asia, and now our most recent dinner was all about delicious, Mediterranean food. The Menu?
Appetizer: DH Grilled Artichokes with Dip
K's Veggies and Chips with hummus and dip
Salad: V's Greek Salad with Feta and Dressing on the Side
Entrée: Sea Vegetarian Risotto with shallot marinated grilled crimini and portabella mushrooms. (recipes below)
Entrée: E's Gluten Free Quinoa Tabbouleh
Protein Entrée: K's Turkish Moussaka
Bread: Sea Bette Hagman's French Bread
Beverages: L#1 Wine
Dessert: L#2 Fresh Fruit with cream
Sea Homemade Ice Cream- Vanilla, Banana
*note: my compatriots have been transformed into letters of the alphabet to protect their super secret identities. Are the letters random? Who knows… Do any of you know what Q's name stands for in 007???*
We are a group that just loves delicious food, obviously. Of course I can't refrain from making enough food for an army, no matter what size the gathering. DH grilled some of his delicious artichokes and I prepared a scrumptious fresh herb dip to accompany it. I also made vegetarian red onion risotto in both a dairy and dairy free incarnation. Because risotto just isn't complete without yummy mushrooms garnishing it, I whipped up an original recipe for Shallot marinated grilled crimini and portabella mushrooms. I made my classic party food item- Bette Hagman's rapid rise french bread, found in her book, More from the Gluten free Gourmet. After all, every gluten free party should have some killer gluten free bread.. And then because DH and I have been eying our unused ice cream maker a lot lately and thinking that we really OUGHT to do something with it, we also made an egg free vanilla and banana ice cream recipe. Too much? Probably, but it was fun and there was enough risotto to send almost everyone off with a little dinner portion to take home and still leave us with enough for some risotto cakes. But there were quite a few gourmet chefs at this gluten free gathering of ours. V's Greek salad was delicious, and prepared just the way I like it with a wide assortment of greens, kalamata olives, feta cheese and an absolutely delish wine vinaigrette. I think E's Gluten Free Quinoa Tabbouleh was the best quinoa I'd ever had- it was light, refreshing, and perfect for a summer Mediterranean feast. K's Turkish Moussaka was gobbled up by all the happy omnivores at the party, and I was really jealous of the decadent eggplant starring in the dish. L#2 Fresh Fruit with cream was the perfect end to a summer feast, and we were all completely full and happy by the end of the evening.
See how much delicious fun it is to get together with other gluten free foodies in your neighborhood? Don't you want to start or join your own Gluten Free Support Group? Why not give it a try- I bet you'll discover all kinds of tasty gluten free dishes you've never had before… I can't wait for our next meeting, but I'm thinking I need to join a gym to compensate for all this gourmet gluten free dining I've been doing lately… ;)
Red Onion Vegetarian Risotto Recipe
6 cups homemade Gluten Free vegetable stock (or use gluten free veg bouillon)
4 tbsp unsalted butter (OR olive oil OR margarine)
1 red onion or 8 shallots, finely chopped
4 whole garlic cloves
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 cup arborio rice (short grain japanese sushi rice also works)
1 1/2 cup white wine
2 tsp. italian seasonings
1/2 to 2/3 cups grated parmesan cheese and romano cheese (optional)
2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, julienned for garnish
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
Grilled Mushrooms for serving
Heat stock in a pan until almost boiling, then lower heat to simmer.
Heat butter or oil in fry pan, heavy bottomed saucepan or dutch oven on medium heat. Add onions or shallots, galic cloves and bay leaves and cook until onions are softened but not browned.
Add rice and stir until grains are translucent and glistening (a minute or two). Pour in wine and let simmer until it is absorbed.
Add stock to risotto one cup at a time, stirring and letting each cup be absorbed, repeatedly until you've used almost all the stock liquid and the rice is tender (about 20 minutes).
Add the last bit of stock. When it is absorbed, add the grated cheeses and seasonings. Combine thoroughly, remove from heat, cover and let sit for a few more minutes.
To serve, add julienned basil and top with grilled mushrooms (Recipe below)
Serve and garnish.
I made a homemade stock with butter, olive oil, garlic, onions, leeks, carrots, celery, fennel, parsley, bay leaves and fresh thyme. Homemade stock is the best!
Vegetarian Grilled Stuffed Mushroom Recipe
10 crimini mushrooms and 2 portabella mushrooms (or 30+ crimini)
Steak and grill type seasoning blend (I used Trader Joe's, Spice Hunter probably has one as well)
olive oil
white wine vinegar
3 or more finely diced shallots
3 or more pressed fresh garlic cloves
Salt and freshly ground Pepper to taste (optional, especially if your steak seasoning blend contains it)
Needed equipment: foil grill topper tray with holes but plenty of solid surface area (not the wire trap type), grill (you can use grill pan but best results from a propane or charcoal grill)
Prepare mushrooms- remove caps from mushrooms. Leave crimini caps whole and slice portabella mushrooms.
Make marinade by shaking a healthy amount of steak and grill seasoning (we're talking teaspoon(s) here)
Take your mushroom caps and immerse in marinade. Rub seasonings and garlic/shallots on the surface of each cap, and fill each cavity with diced shallots and garlic mixture. Place on a plate. Coat your sliced portabellas in any leftover marinade. Reserve. (Keep any leftover marinade for basting mushrooms while grilling.)
Heat your grill (or if propane, just turn it on!) to a medium heat. No burning inferno temperatures please, or your mushrooms will cry.
Carefully place your crimini on the grill topper cavity up and distribute your portabella slices. Put any broken or especially thin slices on the grill topper, and if you like you can put sturdier, longer slices directly on the grill for attractive grill marks.
You can enjoy these as appetizers or on risotto, polenta, pilaf, mashed potatoes, or plain rice. Mmm mmm tasty!
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On Wednesday, an exploit code allowing someone to attack the domain name system (DNS) became available. No one has yet used the code, but the advice is simple: Patch. Now. While most of the burden is on the Domain Name System servers and the various systems that support them, the nature of the flaw is such that desktop clients also need to patch their software as well.
First, to determine whether your DNS system is vulnerable, use either of these tests:
If the test returns a message similar to "Your name server, at 2xx.2xx.1xx.1x, appears vulnerable to DNS Cache Poisoning," then you may need to patch your desktop system.
Windows users
If you automatically apply Microsoft Updates to your Windows computer, you should have received Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-037; if you don't automatically apply updates, you should click the link and apply this patch ASAP.
ZoneAlarm users
If you use ZoneAlarm, however, make sure you are running the latest release, 7.0.48, before installing MS08-037. There is a known incompatibility with the Microsoft patch and older versions of ZoneAlarm.
Mac or Linux users
If you are running Mac OS or Linux, see this US CERT page for the latest patch details. As of Thursday, Apple has not issued a patch for its Mac OS X operating system.
Still, in the end, protection from any DNS exploit also depends on your upstream ISP providers. As of Monday, researcher Neal Krawetz was reporting that servers at several high-profile ISPs remained vulnerable.


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Darkened Ash Basket - Round
Our hardy, handsome woven basket brings beauty and warmth to any space. Generously sized for storing everything from laundry and linens to magazines, toys and kindling. Handmade in the USA from Appalachian Ash that is harvested in Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire. Held together with solid brass nails and finished with sturdy leather handles. Variation in color is natural and to be expected. A Schoolhouse Electric Exclusive.


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ARM big.LITTLE technology was announced in October 2011 and addresses one of today's biggest industry challenges: how to create a system on chip that provides both high performance as well as extreme power efficiency for extended battery life. ARM big.LITTLE technology marries the high-end performance of the ARM Cortex™-A15 MPCore™ processor with the energy efficiency of the Cortex-A7 processor, and will enable the same application software to migrate seamlessly between cores.
This flexible approach chooses the right processor for the right job, enabling highly optimized processing which also results in significant energy savings for common workloads. By selecting the optimum processor for each task, big.LITTLE technology can reduce average power consumption of the application processor by up to 70 percent. In addition to this award, the best Mobile Processor Award was presented to the NVIDIA Tegra 3, which features a quad core ARM Cortex-A9 processor.
Why "We awarded ARM Big.LITTLE processing the The Linley Group's award for Best Processor IP of 2011, based on the company's innovative approach to creating a licensable microprocessor architecture that delivers both high performance and power efficiency," said J. Scott Gardner, senior analyst at The Linley Group. "By combining two of ARM's newest CPU cores, the Big.LITTLE architecture maximizes power/performance elasticity for the dynamic workloads used by most mobile devices."
Who: ARM designs the technology that is at the heart of advanced digital products, from wireless, networking and consumer entertainment solutions to imaging, automotive, security and storage devices. ARM's comprehensive product offering includes 32-bit RISC microprocessors, graphics processors, enabling software, cell libraries, embedded memories, high-speed connectivity products, peripherals and development tools. Combined with comprehensive design services, training, support and maintenance, and the company's broad Partner community, they provide a total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market for leading electronics companies. Find out more about ARM by following these links:
ARM is a registered trademark of ARM Limited. Mali is a trademark of ARM Limited All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders. "ARM" is used to represent ARM Holdings plc; its operating company ARM Limited; and the regional subsidiaries ARM Inc.; ARM KK; ARM Korea Limited.; ARM Taiwan Limited; ARM France SAS; ARM Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.; ARM Germany GmbH; ARM Embedded Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; ARM Norway, AS and ARM Sweden AB
Contact Details:
Alan Tringham
+44 (0) 1223 400947


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John and the estimable Andy McCarthy have been discussing what standard Republican Senators should apply when voting on a Supreme Court nominee of a Democratic president. I've argued many times that Republicans must apply whatever standard the Democrats use when a Republican president makes a Supreme Court nomination. For if the two political parties don't employ the same standard, one of them will have an unearned advantage when it comes to what is arguably our most important institution.
The standard used by Democrats (including President Obama before he was president) is that it's appropriate to vote against a nominee based on nothing more than pure political disagreement. It was on this basis that 40 of 44 Democrats voted against Justice Alito. So that's the standard Republicans should adhere to now.
The question of what standard would be best in the abstract is purely an academic exercise at this point, but let me offer these observations.
The Constitution offers no meaningful standard, so we are free to decide the question based on what makes sense and what has worked. Throughout our history, the president was granted great deference on Supreme Court appointments, and this approach seemed to work okay. Moreover, it made sense back in the 18th century to fill slots in an "undemocratic" branch almost entirely through the input of the president, whose connection to the electorate was closer than that of Senators who at the time were elected by state legislatures.
The deference regime crumbled fairly recently when Democrats came to rely so heavily on the Supreme Court to bring about changes they could not enact through the normal political process. With the stakes thus raised, the Democrats felt they needed more of a say even when they didn't control the executive branch.
There is, in fact, a strong argument that, with the Supreme Court as influential as it is now, and with Justices now vetted to the point that they can reasonably be expected to adhere to the philosophy of the president who appoints them, Congress should have a major say in the selection of Justices. Such a say implies the prerogative to vote down nominees based solely on considerations of political ideology.
But I would prefer the old system of great deference. For if the selection of Supreme Court Justices becomes, in effect, a joint venture of the executive and the legislature, there will be many times when it is only possible to confirm a wishy-washy jurist or a "stealth" nominee. And, in my view, these nominees don't make the best Justices.
A system of deference will yield a Judge Bork or a Justice Scalia. A system where Congress denies deference will yield a Justice Kennedy or a Justice Souter. And one can only imagine who (if anyone) such a system would have produced if the vacancies President Bush filled had come open in 2007.
But the days of deference are over and Republicans would be fools to even think about reinstating them during the presdency of Barack Obama.


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SHAWNEE, Okla. (AP) — A former Oklahoma schoolteacher who pleaded no contest to child pornography and exploitation charges changed her plea to guilty Friday and agreed to accept a 45-year prison sentence.
Former third-grade teacher Kimberly Crain, 50, pleaded guilty midway through a sentencing hearing in which she could have been sentenced to life in prison on multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a child under 12 and possession of juvenile pornography, plus separate counts of conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation and lewd molestation.
Crain tearfully apologized to members of her family, friends and the parents and other family members of more than a dozen former students. She was accused of taking sexually explicit photos of young female students in her classroom in McLoud, 30 miles east of Oklahoma City, and sharing them with retired early childhood development professor Gary Doby of Bloomsburg, Pa., who pleaded guilty to child exploitation charges in January and was sentenced to life in prison.
"Standing before you today is the most humbling experience I have ever had," Crain said inside the crowded Pottawatomie County courtroom.
Wearing an orange jail-issued jumpsuit and shackled at the wrists and ankles, Crain's words were hard to understand at times as she wept. She said she felt "intense remorse" for her actions and acknowledged she "made mistakes."
"To my mom and dad, I want to say I'm sorry," she said, occasionally wiping tears from her eyes with a tissue. "I'm sorry I had to go and disappoint you like this."
Crain said her actions destroyed the respect she had earned from students, parents and faculty and staff at McLoud Public Schools.
"I regret my actions," she said, looking toward her former students' families. "Please accept my heartfelt apologies."
District Judge John Canavan Jr. said he hoped resolution of the emotional case would help bring closure to family members of the young victims. "There's no way the judicial system can make everyone whole again," Canavan said.
Earlier, the judge accepted Crain's guilty pleas to 31 felony counts, including 18 counts of sexual exploitation that will require her to serve 85 percent of her 45-year sentence, or 37 years and three months, before she is eligible for parole.
"You will be 87 years and several months old. Do you understand that?" Canavan said.
"Yes!" Crain blurted out emotionally.
Canavan asked the victims' family members to raise their hands if they disagreed with the plea deal. No hands went up.
"Do you understand the extent of damage you have done to the victims in this case?" the judge asked Crain.
"Yes, sir, I do," she replied.
At a preliminary hearing in May, nine of Crain's former students — ages 9 to 11 — testified their teacher took photos of them in her classroom and during a pizza party at her home while they were wearing tank tops and underwear. Prosecutors said the girls also were videotaped naked while changing clothes.
District Attorney Richard Smothermon said Crain shared the photos with Doby, a former professor at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, as well as sexually explicit photos she took of herself.
"I'm glad she took some responsibility today. It was too long in coming," Smothermon said.
During the sentencing hearing, Crain's husband, Rick Crain, asked for leniency for his wife. He said he believed she was coerced by Doby and that her conduct was "100 percent instigated by him."
"He's a very slick talker," Rick Crain said.
Smothermon said he had planned to question Doby during Kimberly Crain's sentencing hearing and believes Crain decided to plead guilty to prevent Doby from disclosing the extent of her involvement.
"They were partners in crime," Smothermon said. "This wasn't Mr. Doby. This was her."
Smothermon described Doby as "a pedophile" and "a monster to children" who resurrected a relationship with Crain in 2010. Officials have said the two met during the 1980s when Crain was a student and Doby a professor at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee.
The prosecutor said their criminal conduct went on for 10 months throughout 2011.
"The actions that these two individuals took are going to have ripple effects for the rest of these children's lives," Smothermon said.
Crain's defense attorney, Cregg Webb, said she will be eligible for judicial review in a year and at that time can ask Judge Canavan to lower her 45-year prison sentence.
"We're hopeful that he'll modify the sentence," Webb said.
Smothermon said he will oppose any request to lower Crain's sentence. He said 45 years is the equivalent of a life sentence under Oklahoma Department of Corrections guidelines for parole consideration.
"What she got today is what she deserves," he said. "It effectively ends her life in prison."


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budget bahamas - bahamas airport car rental companies
budget bahamas depot information
Budget Bahamas Rental Terms for travel between 26-Sep-2016 and 31-Dec-2024
An initial, non-refundable deposit will be secured at the time of booking confirmation. Accepted credit cards are Visa and MasterCard.
The balance is to be paid directly to the supplier on arrival.
Age Information
The minimum age is 25. Minimum 21 with Budget honored travel vouchers. Note: All drivers must be 25 years of age to rent luxury, SUV's and pickups, including travel vouchers. An underage fee will apply for renters 21-24 of 20.00 USD per day. The maximum age is 70.
Additional Drivers
All drivers must meet the same minimum age and driver's license requirements as the renter. The additional driver charge is 10.00 USD per rental for each additional driver.
Payment Options
Charge Cards
Budget accepts
• American Express
• Budget
• Discover
• MasterCard
• Visa
Additional Credit Card Hold: Will apply to all car groups consisting of the amount of rental plus 20% or a minimum of 300.00 USD.
Cash Rentals are allowed for renters at least 25 years of age. Cash deposits on car group subcompact, compact and intermediate cars and are subject to cash qualification at time of rental. The minimum cash prepayment is 500.00 USD. For additional information, the customer may contact the rental counter directly.
Travel Vouchers: are accepted as payment only. Renters must also present an Avis-honored credit card at time of rental.
Debit Cards: are not accepted.
Taking your vehicle outside the Country
Not applicable. Cars are not allowed outside of the country.
Waiver and Protection Options
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
Purchase of CDW is optional and reduces the renter's financial liability/non-waivable excess (NWE) in case of damage to the vehicle from accidents or theft. Theft Protection (TP) is included in CDW.
Car Groups
Customer Responsibility / NWE- Non-Waivable Excess
Without CDW / TP
With CDW/TP
Full Value
All other car groups
Full Value
Damage to people and their property
Third party property damage and personal liability protections are included in the cost of the rental, providing the minimum coverage required by the laws of the country.
Delivery and Collection
Delivery service is not applicable. No service is available for the airport. There is free customer pickup from Paradise Island, local marinas, downtown and cruise ship ports only.
Terms of booking on this website
Information disclaimer
The rates on this website are often heavily discounted. This is due to our negotiated rates and bulk buying power. On very rare occasions, a rate may be displayed incorrectly due to our, or a vehicle supplier's error. In such a case, if you book with us at a quoted rate that is incorrect, we will notify you of any price change and give you the option to proceed or cancel. We make every effort to keep information on our site up to date, but we cannot guarantee this website is free of errors or omissions and retain the right to update or change the information published at any time.
To the extent permitted by law we/the owners of this website will not be liable to you or to any third party (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise) for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage (including but not limited to any accident, injury, delay or loss of enjoyment) arising out of your reliance upon information contained on this website, including but not limited to your use (or inability to use) any products or services described or procured through this website.
When you pick up your vehicle, you will be required to sign a rental agreement with the supplier of the vehicle. Your rental and use of the vehicle will be governed by the terms of the rental agreement and any other documentation or information provided to you by the supplier at the time you pick up your vehicle. The rental agreement is between you and the supplier and we will not be liable to you or to any third party in relation to the terms of the supplier's rental agreement or any other documentation provided to you by the supplier at the time of pick up.
While we will make reasonable efforts to ensure we are representing only reputable suppliers, we make no warranty about the fitness or suitability of any third party (supplier) product or service and will not accept responsibility for the quality or fitness of any vehicle. We welcome feedback from our customers on their experience with our suppliers. We may, at our discretion, provide you with reasonable assistance in resolving any dispute you may have with a supplier.
Our total liability to you in relation to your use of this website and the information contained on this website will not exceed the dollar amount of the deposit we have received from you in relation to your booking/rental. Refunds will not be made for bookings cancelled due to inclement weather. Again, we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance. Your use of this website is governed by the laws of New Zealand and the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.
Booking information
To make a booking you must complete our booking form which is easy to follow and secured with the latest encryption technology. Once we receive your form, we will, subject to availability, confirm your booking by emailing you a confirmation voucher and invoice.
If you are booking via phone, please make sure you have read the terms and conditions of the vehicle you wish to rent first. Our reservations consultant will ask you if you have read the terms and agree to them before proceeding. The onus is always on the renter to ensure they make themselves fully aware of the terms displayed on our website.
Information disclosure
In booking on this website you acknowledge that we disclose your information to your selected Supplier in order to provide the requested rental services.
Vehicle capacity and fitness to drive
Under no circumstances are you permitted to carry more passengers than the vehicle you rent is legally registered to carry, and if you do your insurance may be invalidated. The number of seatbelts (and passengers) is indicated next to each vehicle on this website. Luggage capacity where shown is an indication only and we will not be responsible should you be unable to fit your entire luggage into a vehicle. It is your responsibility to choose a journey that is within your capabilities. A vehicle supplier can refuse to rent a vehicle to any person who is in their opinion unfit to drive or does not meet eligibility requirements. In such circumstances we will have no further liability to you.
Refund Policy
In the event of cancellation, any deposit amounts paid at the time of booking are non-refundable.
If you are unsatisfied with our service, please contact us within 48 hours of placing your booking or request and we will work to resolve any issues and determine if compensation is due. In the event you have completed your rental and are unhappy with your vehicle, we are happy to assist you in seeking compensation from the operator of the vehicle.
This website is owned and operated by Online Republic Ltd. Our financial centre and marketing office is based at Level 5, 12 Madden Street, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland, New Zealand. In Australia, we are based at Suite 3.01, 11 Queens Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004. Thank you for booking with us.


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First there were the DREAM 9. Now there were the DREAM 34.
They are two groups of immigrants who in July, and last month, respectively, approached authorities at the Texas-Mexico border to protest U.S. immigration policies and ended up adding a new dimension to the fight for more flexible laws for the undocumented.
And just as with the first group, the DREAM 9, so named because there were nine people who surrendered to U.S. authorities at the border and requested political asylum, the second group is generating a mixed reaction from immigration advocates.
Many praise the 34, who marched across the bridge connecting Nuevo Laredo, Mexico and Laredo, Texas on Sept. 30, knowing they did not have the legal status to enter the country. Others, including U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Texas Democrat whose district includes the entry point the DREAM 34 crossed, said they are undermining efforts to improve the immigration system.
The immigrants – all of whom were Mexican, except for one from Peru – hoped to reunite with their families and draw attention to others like themselves who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children, but who were not present last year when the U.S. tweaked its immigration policy offering them provisional legal status to remain.
We DREAMers have always pushed the envelope -- since we first starting coming out in public and identifying ourselves as undocumented immigrants. The [older, traditional] advocates said to us "Don't do it, you could hurt yourselves."
- Cesar Vargas, undocumented immigrant
All members of the first group, which was held in a detention center for about three weeks, were released pending a decision on their political asylum requests. Most of the second group remain in detention while they try to establish a credible fear of persecution if they return to their homelands.
"All 30 of these DREAMers initially came to the United States before the age of 16, they all grew up here in the states and consider America to be their home," said Mohammad Abdollahi, a founder National Immigrant Youth Alliance (NIYA), the organization that coordinated the first and second crossings, in a widely-circulated email about the protest. "Different situations forced some of them to leave, while others were deported; all of them hope to be allowed to come home so they can take part in the American Dream."
A twitter hashtag, #bringthemhome, and several websites have been set up in support of the two groups. They say they are heroes because of the huge risks taken to bring an end to deportations and call attention to the need for immigration reform.
Cesar Vargas, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico who came when he was 5 years old and is with the national group DREAM (DRM) Action, said that the DREAM 34, like the DREAM 9, simply deviated from the status quo way to fight for immigration reform.
Vargas, who is 30 and lives in New York, said that critics in the immigration reform advocacy group simply are unaccustomed to the way the two groups, and younger undocumented immigrants in general, have chosen to fight for the same things.
"We DREAMers have always pushed the envelope — since we first started coming out in public and identifying ourselves as undocumented immigrants," said Vargas, a graduate of the City University of New York School of Law. "The [older, traditional] advocates said to us 'Don't do it, you could hurt yourselves.'"
"Most advocates focus on legislative and executive efforts to fight for immigration reform," Vargas said. "DREAMer advocacy focuses on another approach, that's unsettling to other advocates because they're very constrained to the limitations they're used to."
Human rights attorney, and supporter of the DREAM 34, Bryan Johnson, said that the immigrants simply are taking the fight for all immigrants up a notch, and that they should be commended.
"The DREAM 34 is not about immigration reform," he said. "Rather, it is a direct effort to advocate for the rights of immigrants, particularly those of DREAMers, who have been repeatedly praised by the very establishment that is now currently opposed to their return to the U.S."
"DREAM 34 are fighting the system that destroys millions of families through deportations," Johnson added, "causing indescribable tragedies on a daily basis. They're cutting through the convenient veil of reform to show the truth."
A bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill passed in June in the Senate, but the House has addressed the issue in fits and starts. Conservative members in the House say they will not rubber-stamp the Senate bill, which both tightens border security and interior enforcement, and allows a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants who meet a strict set of criteria.
Conservative Republicans in the House, however, vow not to pass any measure that would provide "amnesty" to people who are here illegally.
Critics of the DREAM 9 and DREAM 34 say the two groups have gone too far.
Some critics, including people – such as lawmakers and some DREAMers – who have been strong proponents for an immigration reform law that would include a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants, have gone as far as calling the actions by the DREAM 9 and DREAM 34 publicity stunts.
"They're hurting our cause," said Miguel Angel Lopez, a 25-year-old undocumented immigrant who lives in California and who came from Mexico when he was 15. "With their tactics, they're hogging the spotlight for themselves and taking away from the momentum for immigration reform."
Lopez said he has not returned to Mexico because he has relatives who have been killed there and, fearing for his own life, he does not want to jeopardize any chance of eligibility to legalize his status. Obtaining political asylum still is difficult for people from Mexico, despite the well-known high rate of violence tied to drug cartels.
Lopez is awaiting documents from Mexico, he said, to apply for a temporary legal status program that the Obama administration announced last year for undocumented immigrants who were brought here as minors.
"Many of these people returned to Mexico on their own, and now they demand political asylum, and they get things they don't really deserve, like work permits, while they wait for decisions," he said. "They're taking advantage of something, political asylum, that I don't feel they really qualify for."
Cuellar said that he understands their concerns about the record deportations that have occurred under the Obama administration, and their dedication to keeping immigration reform on the public radar.
"But I don't agree with those tactics," said Cuellar. "In my opinion they are counterproductive, you take focus off what we're doing and [give ammunition] to the Republicans who are more conservative who then say 'See how radical they are, they all just want open borders.'"
Abdollahi and other supporters of the DREAM 34 have assailed Cuellar for what they say is his overly harsh criticism of their request for political asylum.
"Instead of supporting the DREAMers and asking for them to be reunited with their families, Rep. Cuellar has come out against them," said Abdollahi in an email to supporters. He's gone on the record with media to say that the families are being 'exploited.'"
The email urged DREAM 34 supporters to bombard Cuellar's congressional offices with calls.
Cuellar said the hostility toward him is baffling.
"I'm supportive of immigration reform," he said. "I was fighting for it when [senators] McCain and Kennedy introduced their bill. I have fought for the DREAM Act. I have written letters to the president urging him to use his discretion to help young immigrants. They're going after people who support immigration reform. At the end, we all want to end up in the same place."
David Leopold, a past president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and a critic of the DREAM 9, said the DREAM 34 are being manipulated by those who organized the crossings.
"It's people who send other people out into danger, including a minor, while they sit back in the comfort of the United States," said Leopold, who came under fire when he criticized the DREAM 9. "They were put in danger. They were taken to Laredo, which was a cartel-driven town. There were murders there."
Leopold said advocates are needed in the fight in Washington D.C., where legislation that could bring about the changes the DREAM 9 and DREAM 34 can be written.
"The real effort is the one that was made by people like the people who held a march on the National Mall this week, and took part in acts of civil disobedience, to get Congress to move a bill – that's where history will be made," he said. "It will not happen because of political theater at the border."
The DREAM 34 protesters say they missed out on a change to U.S. immigration regulations in June 2012 that gave deferred action – essentially a two-year reprieve from deportation – to immigrants who were brought to the country illegally as children.
Those who were in the U.S. at that time and met a list of criteria could apply for a renewable two-year deferment and work authorization.
The immigrants who participated in the Sept. 30 protest said they returned to their countries of birth before that announcement was made, in some cases just days before, making them ineligible.
The common thread in their credible fear interviews this week was that their U.S. upbringing made them stand out back in their birth countries (Mexico and Peru), and that distinction makes them vulnerable targets for extortion and kidnapping.
Many have stated other grounds for their fears as well, including persecution of gays and lesbians, family members killed by organized crime, mistreatment of indigenous groups and gender-based violence.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Elizabeth Llorente is Senior Reporter for FoxNews.com, and can be reached at email@example.com. Follow her on Twitter @Liz_Llorente.


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I have yet to try it but was hoping for some insight & experienced comments from any users here?
It is from The Plugin Site. Harold Heim created it.I purchased it a couple of days ago. There was a link to the new release on the NAPP site.Like with Focal Blade, it gives you a lot of control. It is like the Shadows/Highlight command combined with the Lighting Effects filter and the combination fed steroids.I had an image of the Roman coliseum that was badly damaged from underexposure and sun flare. I have wrestled with salvaging the image for a couple of years. LightMachine did not repair the image perfectly. I still had several steps to fix the image in a way that left me satisfied. But it definitely gave me a better foundation for repairing the image than any tool to date. I was left with a digital negative I could work with and come away with a print that left me pleased. (It is still not perfect, but when you botch a shot, you sometimes have to settle for less than perfect.)The time I saved on this one image and the result left me feeling LightMachine was worth the price of admission.My experience with Harold Heim is that he is a genuine pleasure to do business with. He updates his products regularly and when he does, he makes the upgrades freely available. He provides excellent support.Cheers,Mitch[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=51611\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


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Crews searching for missing rafter in Ohiopyle State Park
Crews searching for missing rafter in Ohiopyle State Park
Crews are still searching for a man who disappeared after his raft capsized on a river in western Pennsylvania over the weekend.
Officials in Fayette County say the 22-year-old man went missing shortly after noon Saturday while whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park.
The park's manager, James Juran, says rescue teams have been combing the river and surrounding woods in search of the man, who's in his 20s. His name hasn't been released.
Officials with White Water Adventurers say the man's raft flipped at a place called Dimple Rock and he was swept about 200 yards downstream, disappearing near an area known as "Swimmer's Rapid."


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I have recently been diagnosed stage 1b. The melanoma was 1.8 mm- no ulceration- mitotic rate of 3- which I know is bad! I guess I just read everywhere about all of these stage 1 and 2 patients who 10 years later have it return. Is there no chance of long Term survival? I already had lymph nodes check and they came back negative. I guess I'm just not seeing to much positive about this and feel like I am just waiting for it to progress to stage 4. I'm a terrified new mom and afraid I won't be here see my little girl blow out her birthday candles.
Re: Stage 1b and terrified(4/27/2014 - 5:29pm)
I was 1b for a little while, exact same pathology as yours, until we found micro mets in the lymph node. Something like 90% of people with 1b do just fine. My husband was diagnosed with a bleeding melanoma 25 years ago. Huge skin graft on his back. No other treatment. He is just fine. Grab onto the 90% who don't progress at stage 1b. It is really scary and shocking to get the diagnosis, yes it is. Most people on this board say stay off the internet as there have been so many great leaps and bounds in the treatment of melanoma over the past five years, most things you read are now outdated. Good Luck and enjoy that little girl! There is a great chance that you will see her blow out those candles for decades to come. :)
Re: Stage 1b and terrified(4/27/2014 - 6:00pm)
Don't scare my, I've only been at the stage IV level with live tumors for 7 years now. Still enjoying life and new grand kids and new great grandkids. At stage Ib, you've got great statistics to look at and even at Stage IV, you have much better odds than the 30 to 180 days I was given in Feb 2007. Be vigilant, but don't let melanoma win by paranoia controlling your life. Learn, fight and live.
I'm me, not a statistic. Praying to not be one for years yet.
Re: Stage 1b and terrified(4/28/2014 - 7:56pm)
Thank you! You sound like you have so much courage!
Re: Stage 1b and terrified(4/27/2014 - 6:27pm)
Stage 1B'er female here too, October 2009. .97 ulcerated lower back. No recurrence. Negative SNB.
2 pregnancies since then. Live life, eat healthy! I was scared and still question recurrence, but chances are SLIM.
Any questions please ask :)
Re: Stage 1b and terrified(4/28/2014 - 6:15pm)
How did you feel about getting pregnant? Did it scare you at all?
Re: Stage 1b and terrified(4/27/2014 - 7:09pm)
Take deep breath and do a bit of research. You hare highly likely to be around for a long time. Current statistics show 1b 5yr and 10yr survival rates at 92 and 86% respectively. Bear in mind those are now outdated stats as many of the breakthrough melanoma drugs have only been around for a couple of years. The pace of new drug discoveries is very fast and I think it's highly likely that your survival stats will be well above those. Type NED in the search box and you will find many people who have had long lives even while stage IV. You got bad news but as far as bad news goes its about the best bad news you could have gotten. Stay diligent around your health, stay informed on new treatments and give your little girl lots of hugs and kisses for many years.
Re: Stage 1b and terrified(4/27/2014 - 7:27pm)
Stage 1B since 1992, 3 melanoma primaries.
Re: Stage 1b and terrified(4/28/2014 - 12:36pm)
Thank you everyone for the encouragement. It helps me believe that this is not a death sentence- but a life style change. I am working on choosing to believe I will be in the 90%.... No reason to believe otherwise. I'm hoping time helps heal.
Re: Stage 1b and terrified(8/22/2014 - 2:04pm)
I was just diagnosed with 1B myself. Still have to go through the sentinel lymph node biopsy and wide excision. It is hard to stay positive but I just keep telling myself - well if I am not smiling and living what I am going to do cry every day???? Then what? So I have my bad moments but I'm trying to smile....
I have never been more scared though.......


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Open Thread: Talk About What Matters Most to You
Discuss and debate the issues that mean the most to you.
I am furious. And hurt.
As a historian, it is an honor to have the responsibility of storytelling. Indeed, our history is a collection of stories and a powerful instrument that expresses who we are, what we came from, how we struggle, and how we are strong. So the abuse of this precious privilege always cuts deep.
The education system has long omitted, neglected, distorted and skewed our history through the lens of white privilege and racism. Yet, I was stunned by the level of apathy that was exposed this week when a girls' school in London, England was forced to issue an apology over the use of offensive material during a high school history lesson on "The Slave Trade".
Students aged 13 and 14 were given imaginary tools including manacles, whips, thumb screws, iron brands, muskets and barracoons, and asked to devise a Dragon's Den-style (a reality TV show known as Shark Tank in the US) business proposal for the capture and enslavement of African people. Lesson materials included direction on how to carry out a "slave raid" and manipulate "African Chiefs" through bribes and lacing them with alcohol. Perhaps the most debased suggestions were that the "best" aspect of being a slave trader was having "an affair with a beautiful African girl," and that adult male "mixed race" offspring could be sent to Africa to "run the slave business" while his white father sailed to America.
Teaching the history of enslavement via a business plan model serves to erase violence, oppression and numerous traumatic events such as the systematic rape of black girls and women. The teacher/s involved in this particular lesson plan saw nothing inappropriate or offensive about their methods. Yet, it would be hard to imagine that these same individuals would sanction a history class on the Holocaust that required students to figure out how to exterminate Jewish people. But black genocide is somehow different, less painful, less abhorrent, and thus vulnerable to trivialization. In 1986, Susan Rice (presently the subject of unjust Republican opposition to her potential nomination for the position of Secretary of State) argued that:
The greatest evil in omitting or misrepresenting Black history, literature, and culture in elementary or secondary education is the unmistakable message it sends to the black child. The message is 'your history, your culture, your language and your literature are insignificant. And so are you.'
The implicit message of this particular history lesson was not lost on one 13 year old black girl, who in a state of distress complained to her mother about the humiliation she felt during the class. The mother soon after met with two teachers who refused to acknowledge the harm caused to her daughter, and instead sought to justify the innovative approach of the class. They, and later a third teacher, argued that the class emphasized how the slave trade was largely "divorced from moral and social issues", and that it had been taught for three years without objection.
Perhaps if the narrow objectives of this so-called history lesson were a little broader, then these teachers would have understood that the history of black resistance runs deep in our veins. In the face of the school's dismissal, the student's mother contacted Pan African Human Rights Organization Ligali, who filed a formal complaint with the school, and subsequent press release.
In a speedy reversal – which the glare of publicity so often precipitates – the principal publicly apologized on behalf of her staff for being "patronizing" and for the "trivialization" of slavery. The lesson materials were immediately withdrawn with a reassurance that "appropriate steps" had been taken in relation to "possible disciplinary action" against the teacher who devised the class.
If disciplinary action is taken, then I hope it is understood that to scapegoat a single teacher is wholly inadequate, as this case exposes far deeper issues of white privilege and institutional racism within education. It is unclear why this particular class went unchallenged for three years, but such incidents remind us that it is not only a personal but a political imperative that we ask our kids "What did you learn in school today?" It is through our history that we recall, lay claim to, and understand both the past and present. And we cannot afford to abdicate our responsibility to monitor, intervene and challenge the educational system.
Reprinted with permisison from Clutch.


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Grand Theft Auto IV Walkthrough
|Luck of the Irish
After completing some Manny missions, you'll receive a call from Mallorie. She'll let you know that she has yet another friend in Bohan that might be able to use your assistance. Remember -- money is money! Head over to a location on the map marked by an E, which is an apartment building west of San Quentin Avenue. Once nearby, run out of your car and into the building. You'll meet Elizabeta, Mallorie's friend, as well as another character named Patrick McReary. It's Patrick that really needs your help here.
After the conversation ends in the apartment (Mallorie will remind you to give Michelle a call when you can -- good advice if you haven't done so recently), you'll be brought outside. Here, a brief conversation will occur where Patrick will let Niko know that he doesn't trust the guys that he's about to deal with, and needs you to sit on a nearby roof with a rifle to watch the situation unfold. He calls you his "guardian angel". How sweet.
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By day, 27-year-old Steven Felix is many things: an adjunct professor at Lakeland's Southeastern University, a youth pastor at Beymer United Methodist Church in Winter Haven and a PhD candidate at the University of Wales in the United Kingdom.
But when the sun goes down, Felix climbs the creaky stairs to the un-air-conditioned attic of his Winter Haven home and puts on yet another hat — that of a painter.
Felix has been spending his attic evenings working on a new nine-piece series titled "trans(form+figure)," which will be exhibited at The Loft Art Gallery at 123 S. Kentucky Ave. in Lakeland this June.
"The idea behind it is transformation and transfiguration on a spiritual level," Felix said.
Each of the nine pieces depicts a figure, whether it be a person or an object, that has transformed, such as people with body modifications or a halfway remodeled home.
Another way Felix pushes this concept of transformation to the forefront is the medium he works with.
"I take a decorative piece of art from Hobby Lobby or something and gesso a portion of it to use as my canvas," Felix said. "It's my way of transforming a piece of commercial art that is worth maybe $50 to a piece of fine art that is worth much more."
Of course, Felix did not just wake up one morning with beautiful conceptual work flowing from his fingertips. He had a father who saw gifts in his son and did what he could to cultivate them.
"I've been drawing as long as I can remember. Literally, I was like 3 or something when my Dad got me a big roll of paper to draw cartoons on."
Eventually, Felix landed at Florida Southern College, where he graduated in 2007, double majoring in studio art and theology. From there, he received a master's degree in ministerial leadership from Southeastern in 2009, and will be defending his doctoral dissertation in theological aesthetics this year.
Felix says his faith always makes its way into his work.
"You have to make art that's true to you. Whatever you are devoted to will come through in your art," he said. "My stuff is not explicitly Christian, but because my faith is so strong my work tends to take on a spiritual significance."
After finishing his PhD, Felix plans to tackle yet another degree — a master of fine arts degree in painting.
"I want to get the MFA and get more education so that I can be a better teacher," Felix said. "That's what I want – to be both a working artists and a professor."
If you would like to recommend an artist for "Perspectives," contact Clifford Parody at firstname.lastname@example.com or 863-802-7516.
Southeastern University Pastor/Professor Is a Painter By Night
By day, 27-year-old Steven Felix is many things: an adjunct professor at Lakeland's Southeastern University, a youth pastor at Beymer United Methodist Church in Winter Haven and a PhD candidate at the University of Wales in the United Kingdom.


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Hello everyone.
My name is Philippa and I love quilting and textile arts.
Back in 2009 my parents bought a holiday house in the Limousin, France. Next to it was a derelict farm and barns which I had my eye on, but I didn't know what for at the time! One day there was a knock at the door and a gentleman asked if I wanted to buy the farm as his uncle had died recently and we were the nearest neighbours. Of course I said YES!
When the dust had settled and the conveyancing went through in early 2012 I thought to myself "What on earth shall I do with this farm?" I sat down and considered what I liked to do and quilting came up tops! In my opinion there is nothing better than spending a day at a workshop learning new quilting techniques, so why not take it a stage further? I decided that week long residential quilting and textile art courses was my mission for this old farm.
I drew up plans for 7 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms and 3 lounges to go into the farmhouse and large barn and a workshop and studio to go into the other barn. All was passed easily and work began in earnest. Everything from floors to roof was restored, renewed and rebuilt! I became a stonemason and pointed 1000's of feet of stone and vowed only to use local, reclaimed materials when possible to keep the character and integrity of the buildings.
The summer of 2015 saw our first residential courses take place. Authors Lynne Goldsworthy and Rosie James were the tutors. Everyone who came had a marvellous experience and laughed all week! We made beautiful quilts, learnt loads and ate really well! Frances, my partner, cooked delicious fresh cakes daily, local dishes with mouth-watering desserts for the evening meal and served up sumptuous salads and delectable cheeses at lunch. Naturally there was unlimited wine too!
Oh, by the way, the hardest part was thinking of a name for the centre... eventually after long deliberations I called it CraftyRetreats.com


text:
Views: 213
My site is called Pacifiers, Pumps & The World. I will follow back.
I've got a review and giveaway blog with lots of family friendly stuff!
Thanks! :)
http://theblogarista.com I blog about Wordpress, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), Marketing, Social Media, and more. Hoping to share tips on how to manage and market your own blogs! Hope you like it!
Great! Do you have a blog I can follow back?
Hi Candace
Here are my blogs
plz follow both of my blogs...thanks in advance
Just checked out your blog, Candace. It made me miss living in a city so much (Boston, San Diego)! Now I'm stuck in the middle of nowhere with my kids (Vermont) for my husband's work. I look forward to interacting with you!
Hi Candace
We're at www.chatalittlechat.com.
I'd also love to get some feedback. I'm in the process of collecting proposals to move and update our site. We think we have the content but definitely need more.
Thanks so much
Carole Denise
Hi Candace, this is my blog http://articlesautismdisabilityinformation.blogspot.com/
Hey Candace! Just posted about blogging moms, love to hear your input!


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Best Grammy Abs: Lady Gaga
She leans out when she's touring/rehearsing. And it's all that hot yoga. But goddamn I want those abs. Maybe after this f-cking cleanse I can start working on them.
So you know she arrived as an embryo. It's a little obvious, obviously, but then again Gaga has never been known for subtlety. As noted last week, upon the release of Born This Way, the song is rather underwhelming. And while the stage show was certainly spirited, it's hard to get it going when the song isn't a starter. Having said that, as we know, Gaga's performances are not limited to just the singing and dancing. There's also, of course, the costuming. And right now, her new trend appears to be Knuckles. Knuckles on her shoulders, knuckles coming out of the side of her head, the new Monster attribute. It's freakin' me out to look too closely.
I really do love how excited she was about her award(s) though. I'd rather see her enthusiastic, even a little emotional, in her sort of whatever proper school English-y accent, being grateful for the recognition. She knows when to not be cool and detached. This is something I don't know if Madonna remembers anymore. When Madonna was The Madonna, as ridiculous as she was, she still knew when to connect to the fans. Madonna hasn't connected in a long, long time.
The real gold from Gaga at the Grammys though is what happened offstage. Specifically these photos. They are MAKING MY LIFE.
Check out the one with her greeting Jennifer Lopez. It's the best thing I've ever seen. Like, I'm sure JLo can see her face, but from this angle, it's like she's talking to the hat. Amazing.
Then there's Gaga godmothering the Smith kids. This is the sh-t I want to see! At one point, Willow was modelling her outfit for Auntie Gaga.
And finally, Gaga with Dr Dre. Dude, he doesn't know what to do with her. Can we please bottle his expression? Forget the awards, make this the whole show. I'd watch for 10 hours without pee breaks.
Photos from Wenn.com and Kevin winter/Lester Cohen/Mark Ralston/Larry Busacca/Gettyimages.com


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Dick Hannah, official spokesman for Howard Hughes, is seen behind his desk in his office.]]>
Howard Hughes (right) and unidentified co-pilot at the gauge panel of the Hughes HK-1 Flying Boat.]]>
Howard Hughes (center) studying diagrams for the Flying Boat with two unidentified men.]]>
Fuselage of the Hughes Flying Boat being transported from a hangar by truck. The moving truck and rig have signs from Star House Movers, Inc., of Los Angeles and Long Beach, California. Groups of people stand by to watch.]]>
Overhead shot of the ranch house and pool at Spring Mountain Ranch, outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. The property was purchased by Howard Hughes from Vera Krupp as a house for his wife, Jean Peters, who never followed her husband to Las Vegas.]]>
The Hughes H-1 Racer, with registration number NX 258Y painted on its rudder.]]>
The second Hughes XF-11 prototype is seen on a runway, prior to take-off. Automobiles and media members are also on the runway.]]>
Daytime photo of bathers posing near the outdoor swimming pool at the Desert Inn Hotel in Las Vegas.]]>
A trophy modeled for display after the Hughes Tool Company hard formation rock bit type R-1. The drill bit was the engineering marvel on which the Hughes fortune was founded.]]>
View of construction of one of the wings of the Hughes Flying Boat in a hangar at the Hughes Aircraft Company, June 1, 1945. Scaffolding is seen underneath the wing.]]>
Howard Hughes in an Ambassador Hotel suite, Los Angeles, California, March 2, 1938.]]>
Howard Hughes stands on a ladder underneath the body of XF-11 plane.]]>
Howard Hughes standing in front of his biplane holding a trophy after winning the 1934 All-American Air Meet in Miami, Florida.]]>
Howard Hughes is seen sitting in the cockpit of the second XF-11 prototype, April 4, 1947.]]>
Howard Hughes (wearing hat) receives congratulations from Mayor Fiorello La Guardia at Floyd Bennett Airport in Brooklyn. The gentleman wearing a polka dot bow tie, standing behind the mayor is Grover Whalen. Mr. Whalen was president of the 1939 New York World's Fair.]]>
The second Hughes XF-11 prototype, seen from the front, prior to a test flight.]]>
Howard Hughes leaving the cockpit of a Northrop Gamma, surrounded by a crowd at Newark New Jersey Airport. Hughes set a coast-to-coast speed record. A bank of microphones and a movie camera are seen beside the plane.]]>
Headshot portrait of Howard Hughes in the early 1940s.]]>
The Hughes Flying Boat on its first flight over the Los Angeles Harbor, November 2, 1947.]]>
L-R: Thomas Black, Howard Hughes, Noah Dietrich during the 1947 Senate War Investigating Committee hearings in Washington, D.C.]]>
The Hughes H-1 Racer, with its registration number NX 258Y on the underside of the port wing.]]>
Howard Hughes (at center, holding script) talks with actor Walter Huston (at left,with back to camera) on the set of the motion picture "The Outlaw."]]>
View of the 3-D antenna for Frescanar, Hughes Aircrafts Company's guided missile targeted radar system. At right, Dr. Nicholas Begovich, Director of Engineering, Hughes Ground Systems Group. At left, E.W. Templin, systems evaluation engineer.]]>
The Hughes Flying Boat taking off (or landing) in the Los Angeles Harbor, November 2, 1947. Los Angeles Harbor (Calif.)]]>
Dick Hannah, standing at far right, at Howard Hughes telephone press conference at the Universal-Sheraton Hotel in North Hollywood, California, January 7, 1972. Hannah stands before a table with various members of the media, including Gladwin Hill of the New York Times, Wayne Thomas of the Chicago Tribune, and Marvin Miles of the Los Angeles Times, seated behind microphones.]]>
Howard Hughes standing with an unidentified reporter next to the second XF-11, after landing in New York.]]>
Headquarters and communications center for Howard Hughes operations.]]>
The Hughes Flying Boat and workers at Pier E on the Long Beach Harbor in California, 1947.]]>
Howard Hughes shakes hands with President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Roosevelt's office, after Hughes received the Harmon Aviator Trophy. Roosevelt is sitting behind his desk. Several unidentified men are standing by.]]>
Interior of the Hughes Tool Company, at Second and Girard Streets in Houston, Texas. Shown is the lab where the trench mining drill was developed.]]>
Marquees of the Silver Slipper, Desert Inn and Frontier Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada, at twilight. The Sands Hotel tower can be seen in the distance.]]>
Top view of the Hughes H-1 Racer with an X painted over its R registration number on its starboard wing.The registration number NX 258Y is seen on the rudder.]]>
Portrait of Howard Hughes, August 17, 1954. This photo was used in the Hughes Aircraft Company's corporate publications.]]>
Howard Hughes, holding a pilot's helmet, is seen standing beside the H-1 Racer. The plane's registration number, NR 258Y, is painted on its rudder.]]>
Howard Hughes shakes hands with a young fan, probably after the Senate War Investigating Committee hearings in Washington, D.C., August 1947. Two police officers and a woman onlooker stand nearby.]]>
Engineers test radar equipment at the Hughes Aircraft Company in 1959.]]>
Howard Hughes after the landing of the second XF-11 in 1947. An unidentified man is seen behind him.]]>
Howard Hughes pictured after Senate hearings in Washington, D.C. in 1947.]]>
First test flight of the XF-11 at the Hughes Airport in Culver City, California in 1946.]]>
TWA Constellation plane in flight, May 1947.]]>
The second Hughes XF-11 prototype on a runway prior to a test flight in 1947.]]>
Blimp used to promote the motion picture "The Outlaw," produced by Howard Hughes' RKO Productions, January 1950. Advertising reads, "The Outlaw. Kept off the screen for 3 years, it's coming at last! Jane Russell."]]>
Daytime photo of the exterior of the Flamingo Hotel, showing the canopied gaming room entrance.]]>
Howard Hughes at his desk at Hughes Aircraft Company, 1947. A painting of the XF-11 is seen on the wall behind Hughes.]]>
Aerial view of the Hughes Flying Boat at Pier E in Long Beach, California in 1947.]]>
Howard Hughes (holding script) talks with actor Walter Huston (sitting, at the left) on the set of the motion picture "The Outlaw."]]>
Howard Hughes in the cockpit of the XF-11. Trucks and emergency vehicles are seen nearby.]]>
Howard Hughes, wearing pilot's overalls and gear with parachute, at the tail of the Hughes H-1 Racer, in Newark, New Jersey. Unidentified men are seen behind him.]]>
The Hughes Flying Boat at Terminal Island in the Los Angeles Harbor, November 2, 1947. Los Angeles Harbor (Calif.)]]>
Howard Hughes (on right) talks with actor Walter Huston (on left) on the set of the motion picture "The Outlaw."]]>


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ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — With five peaceful elections under its belt, Ghana has shed its past of military coups and is poised to choose a president and a 275-seat parliament at the ballot box on Friday.
The main question for the 25 million people of this gold, cocoa and oil producing nation is which candidate will ensure the country's new-found wealth reaches the poor and middle classes.
Ghana began producing oil in 2010 and had the fastest-growing economy in sub-Saharan Africa in 2011 with 14.3 percent growth, according to the World Bank. Per capita income is rising at 3 percent per year, government records say. But many in this African nation have not benefitted.
"If tangibly on the ground people are not seeing that translated into improved conditions for themselves, then questions are being asked as to why," said Kissy Agyeman-Togobo, a partner with Songhai Advisory, a business intelligence consultancy with offices in London and Accra. She said allegations of corruption against the government are also creating "a cleavage between the governed and the governing."
Ghana is still feeling the effects of the political and economic stagnation in the 1970s and '80s, when the country underwent five coups and development stalled. Unlike its once-prosperous neighbor, Ivory Coast, Ghana lacks potable water, and open sewers line the traffic-clogged streets of the humid coastal capital. Shortages of natural gas from the West Africa pipeline in Nigeria have resulted in frequent power outages.
"We want infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity, and above all, accountable government, that ... will use our tax money without tampering with it," said computer technician Mohammed Garibo, 39, who is backing President John Dramani Mahama.
Thirty-six-year-old receptionist Joe Odoteye said he is supporting opposition leader Nana Akufo-Addo because he thinks the candidate will use the public purse responsibly.
"One thing about Ghana is we have a lot of God-blessed natural resources. Where does the money from those resources go?" Odoteye said.
Polls show Mahama, who took the helm in July after the death of former President John Atta Mills, is neck-and-neck with Akufo-Addo, who lost the 2008 poll by less than 1 percent to Mills. Though six other candidates are on the ballot, they are not expected to win more than 1 percent each, according to polling groups. Both candidates have been holding back-to-back rallies and posting constant campaign messages to Twitter and Facebook.
Mahama, 54, was a member of parliament and then a minister before becoming vice-president in January 2009. Akufo-Addo is a lawyer by training and served as foreign minister under former President John Kufuor. He is also the son of late President Edward Akufo-Addo.
Policy-oriented and intellectual, Akufo-Addo is favored by the young and urbanized voters, but many ruling party supporters call him arrogant. He spent years studying in England and speaks with a strong British accent.
Akufo-Addo slammed the ruling party as corrupt.
"The fruits of office, the money under the table, has become sweet for them, so they are determined to stay," Akufo-Addo shouted at a rally Wednesday. "Are we going to allow that to happen?"
The crowd then roared back, "No!"
Mahama, of the center-left National Democratic Congress, held his own rally Wednesday. He promised to uphold the country's tradition of peace and to be "the needle that will sew the cloth of Ghana together."
"I cannot speak for the other candidate but I can speak for myself. Professor Mills trained me very well," he said, as the crowd cheered for the late president.
If no one wins an absolute majority, a second round of voting will be held on Dec. 28.
For the first time, Ghanaians registered to vote biometrically, a growing trend throughout Africa to prevent multiple voting. Kwesi Jonah, a senior research fellow at the Accra-based center for Institute for Democratic Governance, who observed voter registration, said it's not clear if Ghana will pull it off.
"Our experience with the biometric voter registration did not inspire much confidence in technology. The technology broke down so many times," he said.
In 2008 John Kufuor stepped down after two terms, marking the second successful handover of power in Ghana. And after Mills' death in July, parliament swore in Mahama within 24-hours in a seamless transition of power. But Ghana's history of coups is not far from some minds.
"Elections remind us how young our democracy is, how fragile it is," said author Martina Odonkor, 44. "I think elections are a time when we all lose our cockiness about being such a shining light of democracy in Africa, and we start to get a bit nervous that things could go back to how they used to be."
Associated Press writer Francis Kokutse in Accra, Ghana contributed to this report.