text:
Basic Information
Senju Hashirama
First Shadow of The Leaf, Lazy Fist
Hashirama was a handsome man, with long black hair, dark tan skin, brown eyes, average build and generally a friendly look. He wore a dark red armour, made out of metal plates, typical of the ninjas of that era and somewhat similar to the one used by both his brother and by Uchiha Madara.
Generally friendly, correct and composed. Had a great sense of loyalty to his village and his clansmen, and would put his life on the line to save their lives. His friendly appearance oppose his serious attitude when it came to battle. While not a man with an aggressive nature, rather preferring to defend against or restrain his enemy, he was often refereed to as ruthless.
Village of Birth
Village Information
Somewhere in the Fire Country before he created Konohagakure
Village of Alliance
Rank & Chakra Info
Ninja Rank
Mokuton, Suiton, Doton, Taijutsu, Genjutsu, Iryo Ninjutsu, Lazy Fist
Your Ninjutsu
Lazy Fist
Sealing Fist
Panda Arts and Summons
Crane Arts and Summons
NB Genjutsu
Kaito's Taijutsu - Training in Progress
Medical Ninjutsu - Training in Progress
Afinities & Special Atributes
Balance and Keen Intelect
Hashirama was a feared Ninja, stated as one of the strongest (if not the...) to have ever lived. However, his power and strength didn't come from his unique Kekkey Genkai alone. It also came from his overall mastery and prowess with many of the ninja arts. He possessed great knowledge and skill with all the basic Ninja Skills. And those he didn't master, he showed keen intellect and insight into their inner workings.
Wood Release
Hashirama was mostly known for his unique elemental KG which enabled him to mold water and earth chakra together to create plant life. Using it as a form to create a diversity of trees, pillars, flowers, etc, his KG was Life itself in the form of an elemental Ninjutsu. Not only that but for some reason his KG had the ability to suppress and control Bijuu chakra. It was this ability that Hashirama used to control the tailed beasts and spread them throughout the different hidden villages.
Elemental Master
Due to his unique Kekkey Genkai, he was a master user of Earth and Water. Because of this, he could use all Water techniques with a simple handseal and could use Earth techniques with more speed and ease than most users.
Illusionary Master
He was also a very strong and feared user of Genjutsu, capable of doing high ranked techniques with great ease and speed, while capable of recognizing most Genjutsu, making him capable of determining when he was under the effect of one. As one of the creators of NB Genjutsu, and became known as a wielder of the dangerous skill known as Hard Shell, making him very resistant to Genjutsu. So much so that upon finishing the creation of NB Genjutsu, he became able to easily recognize B-Rank and below illusions and release from them (through the normal release methods). A side effect of such mental resilience was his immunity to Killing Intent while boosting his own killing intent to a level that it became able to affect even same ranked enemies. Not only that, but he gained the ability to trigger Genjutsu techniques without the need to produce handseals. Instead, Hashirama only needs to do minor body movements to trigger Genjutsu that would otherwise need handseals. The limitation is that these gestures need to be seen by the enemy to trigger the genjutsu and are, as such, limited in use. Due to his status as a master of the Panda Arts, his mind has gained the ability to defend itself against even the most powerful influences. Mind manipulation techniques of others triggers an automated response in his mind, so powerful that he doesn't need to be conscious to use.
Panda Genjutsu: Kataki no Nemuri Hakkyou | Panda Illusionary Arts: The Revenge of the Sleeping Madness
Type: Defense
Rank: S-Rank
Range: Short to Long
Chakra: 40
Damage: 80
This special Genjutsu is a formidable defense. Its a technique that stays dormant on the users mind until an enemy connects with it. It can only be triggered by offensive enemy eye techniques (like Sharingan ones), aggressive mind manipulation (like the Yamanaka clans) or any other aggressive technique in which the enemy manipulates the users mind (like Genjutsu). Once the users brain is attacked, this defense activates, backtracking through the link created by the enemy and stimulating his dream center to make him suffer horrible and terrifying nightmares as he loses his grasp on reality, leading to complete mental breakdown, physical pain and ultimately can make him faint. This defense is only possible through years of mental training with the Panda Elders; a training to boost ones mental strength to such a degree that if his mind is breached, his chakra attacks whatever is breaching it to defend himself.
Note: This technique is released automatically with little control from the user
Note2: The moment its activated it releases a massive burst of chakra in the users mind that disrupts its flow and dispels any A-rank and below genjutsu that might have been affecting him
Note3: It doesn't require the user to be conscient to be released/activated
Note4: When activated/released, the user is unable to use Genjutsu for 3 turns and can't use any forbidden rank techniques in the next turn
Note5: Requires the Panda Contract and can only be taught by Scorps
Note6: Usable only once per match
Note7: This jutsu has to be stated in the bios special abilities
Hand to Hand Fighter
Hashirama was a deadly Hand to Hand fighter. He could use Lazy Fist, Strong Fist, Kaito's Taijutsu and Free Form fighting, switching easily between them in battle. Because of his mastery of so many different styles, Hashirama was a fierce combatant, capable of easily reading the enemies' movement and reacting with speed and precision. Not only that, but through precise chakra control, Hashirama was able to enhance his physical strength to enormous levels through the use of Chakra Enhanced Strength. So, while Strong Fist gave him great physical strength and durability, while increasing his stamina, Lazy Fist enabled him to be faster and more agile than a normal master of Strong Fist. Because of his hard training and to boost his physical strength, Hashirama eventually underwent weight training, having very heavy weights on his legs which when released, enabled him to run faster and deliver mightier kicks.
(Chakura Chikara) - Chakra Enhanced Strength
Rank: B
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short
Chakra cost: (+15 to taijutsu techniques)
Damage points: (+15 to taijutsu techniques)
Description: This is a technique where the user focuses chakra into their hands and feet using precise chakra control and releases it with pinpoint timing, which greatly enhances their strength.
Note: Can only be used by Tsunade, Sakura or Hashirama Senju biographies and once activated, lasts the entire battle.
(Katai Omori) Leg Weights
Type: Weapon/Supplementary
Rank: A-rank
Range: Short
Chakra: 30
Damage: N/A
The Leg Weights used for Special Taijutsu Training with Added Weights are made through the application of a sealing formula to ordinary leg weights. The sealing formula is used to, through the use of chakra, increase the weight of the leg weights to the desired level. The seal can't be applied to anything other than the leg weights and its use is restricted to its original purpose. One can remove the leg weights but the sealing technique in them stays active indefinetely and can't be released. Additionally, the Leg Weights and their unique seal calibration makes them only usable by the ninja to whom they belong. They can't be sealed or stolen.
(Katai Omori: Doroppu) Leg Weights: Drop
Type: Supplementary
Rank: A-Rank
Range: Short
Chakra: N/A
Damage: N/A (+20 to Kicks, 2x Running Speed)
The user stops, bends over to reach his legs and unstraps his leg weights, dropping them to the ground. As a result the user gains a drastic boost to his running speed (doubles) and +20 to all his Strong Fist Kick-related moves. However, this boost in strength and speed is completely nulified when releasing the EIG or when using any kind of movement speed enhancement technique or weight manipulation technique; they don't add up on eachother.
Chakra Control
Due to his mastery over special abilities such as sealing techniques, illusionary arts, medical techniques, chakra enhanced strength, etc Hashirama had an exceptionally high chakra control, capable of chaining techniques with great speed and switching between elemental techniques with ease.
Noted as a master Fuuin user, Hashirama always had with him several prepared scrolls that enabled him to perform sealing techniques easier and faster in the midst of battle. Not only that but he eventually marked himself with the (Ura Shishō Fūinjutsu) - Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Technique, enabling him to seal of enemies if they were someday able to defeat him.
( Ura Shishō Fūinjutsu ) - Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Technique
Rank: S
Type: Offensive
Range: Short – Mid
Chakra cost: 40
Damage points: 80
Description: This is a sealing jutsu that is placed upon the users body, setting it to activate on the users death. It seals everything within a large, nearby, spherical into the users body.
Note: Can only be activated upon the users death.
Note: The placement of this seal must be stated on the user's biography.
Not only that but Hashirama was branded with the Seal of the Wild Jungle, making him a practitioner of the old art of the Sealing Fist.
Fuuin Genkotsu: Yasei no Janguru no Shīru | Sealing Fist: Seal of the Wild Jungle
Type: Supplementary
Rank: S
Range: Short
Chakra: 40
Damage: /
Description:The Sealing Fist: Seal of the Wild Jungle is a dormant technique that consists of a giant seal that encompasses 3 main areas, all connected and intertwined into a massive high rank seal. The core of the seal is in the chest of the user which then branches out into both hands and connects to a secondary seal located in the forehead. Each part is connected and share the same core which is connected to the users chakra circulatory system directly. This connection is how the seal is fueled for the most part. The seal is consisted of 3 unlocks:
Unlock the Courage of a Bull: The first and most basic ability, though one of the most beneficial. When the user unlocks this part of the seal, the outside core of the seal fuels chakra through the branches to power the user's speed and physical power. The user gains a boost in speed and strength, becoming physically able to do incredible physical feets, like creating small craters upon the impact of falling kicks or punches, and gaining the speed similar to that of Sage Taijutsu Specialist. His reflexes are enough to keep up with his speed and adapt his movement to it. This unlock can dispel genjutsu up to B-Rank upon activation. Not only that, but when used by Jyuuken users, they will have a much more chakra at their disposal, making it far easier and faster to perform the signature Hyuuga moves, as well as exerting more chakra due to the rush of chakra.
Restrictions and Abilities:
Note: Can be used 1 time per battle and lasts 3 turns
Note: Activation costs as 1 jutsu
Note: When this is active and the user uses Jyuuken techniques, the techniques will cost 20 more chakra, but will do +10 damage
Note: Strong Fist gets +10 damage due to the drastic increase in strength.
Note: While the seal is active the user is left unable to use Wind and Lightning techniques and KG based on them.
Unlock the Pride of the Puma: The second one of the three unlocks, created in such a fashion that it can be used offensively as well as defensively. The user activates the branches of the seal alone, and when he does so, the chakra releases over his body, sending it to his hands and feet. These will start to burn dark purple, much like Orochimaru's fingertips when he restricted the chakra flow of Naruto. Next to that, the Kanji for "repel" will appear on every foot and palm of the user. The user can then use taijutsu moves and stances (both from strong fist style as well as other styles) to fend of Ninjutsu techniques (elemental or not) up to A-Rank (within reason, as one needs to take consideration of the size of the technique). The chakra unlocked on the branch seals will repel incoming techniques and projectiles, regardless of nature or characteristics. This enables the user to defend himself from almost anything but, if used to attack an enemy with Taijutsu, it will cause the punches and kicks of the user to deal +20 damage as they will repel the enemy with tremendous might.
Restrictions and Abilities:
Note: Can be used 2 times per battle and lasts 2 turns each time
Note: Activation costs as 1 jutsu
Note: Taijutsu techniques will get the repel function which boosts damage to +20
Unlock the Determination of the Hippopotamus: The third of the three unlocks, consists of the core of the seal itself and takes use of all the branches of the seal. This is the most defensive unlock of the three. Upon unlocking this, the core of the seal opens completely and the Kanji for "Gateway" is formed in the Left Palm and the kanji for "Blessing" is formed on the Right Palm. This unlock makes the seal work as a pathway for foreign chakra, capable of absorbing chakra through the Gateway and returning it through the Blessing. It can, in alternative, reroute that chakra into itself, sealing it in the core. In reality, this unlock enables the user to absorb up to F-Rank techniques while converting the chakra into a raw version of what was absorbed (absorbing a fire jutsu produces a raw fire stream, absorbing water produces a raw water jet, etc etc) with little shape manipulation but the same strength. If the user decides to seal that chakra in the core, he can double the duration of one of the other two unlocks.
Restrictions and Abilities:
Note: Can only be used 2 times per battle.
Note: Absorbing, Releasing and Sealing the absorbed chakra all counts a technique, meaning that this unlock always costs 2 moves.
Note: In the turn its active, the user can't mold chakra above A-Rank.
Note: Can be unlocked with either the Courage of the Bull or the Pride of the Puma activated.
Note: When used to seal away chakra with one other unlock, it doubles the duration of that unlock.
Note: Absorbing an F-Rank technique can only be done once and disables the use of any part of the seal (meaning, its unlocks) and leaves the user unable to mold anything above S-Rank for 2 turns.
General Restrictions
Note: This seal must be present in the bio to be usable
Note: User needs to have learned Fuuin Genkotsu | Sealing Fist
Note: Can only be taught by Wesobi
One of the founding fathers of the current Ninja world, Hashirama was nothing less than a genius. His intellect and skill with many fields of expertise was only surpassed by his knowledge of an immense amount of techniques. From all of his knowledge, the most feared one was his knowledge of Kinjutsu. A practitioner of the forbidden arts, Hashirama often used them only in last resort, as their own nature contrasted with his demeanor, personality and beliefs.
Decay Release
While his Wood Release KG was his most noticeable ability, Hashirama harbored another secret dark elemental release: Decay Release. While Wood Release represents life and vitality, Decay Release represents destruction and death. Because his mastery of the element was so advanced (as his creator) he manifested it in a very unique color, as his decay techniques were mostly dark golden with a pitch black hue/highlight.
Mushroom Release
The counter part of his Wood Release, Hashirama eventually learned the infamous Mushroom Release from Kirigakure's blood maiden, Lili-chwan. While Wood Release bestows sustenance, chakra and life, Mushroom Release consumes it, taking its strength to itself.
Medical Arts
The extent of Hashirama's medical abilities is still unknown. However, he was able to heal himself without the need for hand seals and with great ease. This was a seen through the use of his Iryo Modo
(Iryō mōdo) - Medical Mode
Rank: A
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short - Mid
Chakra cost: 30 (+5 per turn active)
Damage points: N/A (+20 increase to health per turn) (+15 damage to physical techniques)
Description: This mode envelops the user in a flowing blue chakra and allows them to constantly heal themselves in the midst of battle while at the same time boosting their strength and speed. Over time, this mode consumes the user's chakra until it finally wears off by itself. The technique lasts for three turns before deactivation.
Note: Must require medical training.
Hashirama had, like most other ninjas, several basic weapons in him (shurikens, kunais, paper tags, etc etc) and could summon more through the tattoos he had scattered through out his body. He has several kunais given to him by his former master with sealing tags in them, some of which are said to pertain to the most powerfull sealing technique in the world.
Assaku Fuuin | Compression Seal
Rank: S
Range: Short
Type: Attack/Defense
Chakra: 40
Damage: 80
Description: When this tag comes into contact with a foreign chakra, the tag produces a sophisticated barrier which surrounds the chakra source and then rapidly compresses itself. The compression of this barrier can neutralize a jutsu or crush a physical being
Note: Can only be activated 3 times
From his arsenal, the most prominent tools were the Scroll of Seals, a large scroll said to contain many kinjutsu (because of the dangerous techniques it contained, the scroll was always on Hashirama's possession) and a pair of regular Ninjato. His most powerful weapon however, was The Staff of Gaia. A formidable, mysterious staff that he wore strapped to his back and that was said to have been the weapon of a God.
Gaia No Buin | The Staff of Gaia
Type: Weapon
Rank: S-Rank
Range: Short
Chakra: N/A
Damage: N/A
The staff of Gaia, goddess protector of Earth, stolen by a special human for whom se had fell in love. The staff is covered in several ancient Kanji inscriptions and is about 1.7m long, 4 cms thick and made of sacred wood and a special unknown metal which makes it indestructible. The staff itself reacts intimately with Suiton, Doton and Mokuton chakras (although it has been known to enable other elemental charges) and is a formidable hand to hand weapon. As the weapon of a God, no human can grasp its powers fully but the staff is known to have responded to some unique jutsu, a fact that has been related to the kanji inscriptions (similar to Fuuinjutsu formulas) but is yet to be fully explained.
-Doton: Domu | Earth Release: Earth Spear jutsu gets 2 Ranks in strength when used, making one almost indestructible to physical attacks.
-Suiton: Hahonryuu | Water Style: Destruction Torrent jutsu gets 2 Ranks in strength when used, outputting a higher amount of water.
-Kyousei Mokuton No Jutsu | Greater Wood Style Technique can be made out of the Staff's wood or with the staff as a medium.
-Staff can dispel a Water jutsu, disrupt a Doton jutsu or stop a Mokuton jutsu up to B-Rank 3 times per battle (this is done by the user channeling his Suiton, Doton or Mokuton chakra into the staff and hitting the jutsu with it, which disrupts, dispels or stops the jutsu) and/or dispel/disrupt/stop 1 complete A-Rank Suiton, Doton or Mokuton jutsu once per battle (with the same principle).
-The dispelling abilities of the staff count towards the move count and don't require hand seals if the user is holding the staff on his hands.
-With the staff in hand, the user can use Suiton: Hahonryuu | Water Style: Destruction Torrent from the staff itself, instead of his hands.
-The kanji's on the staff glow when chakra is channeled into it or its abilities used.
-If user is hit by lightning while holding the staff in his hands he'll receive a +20 damage penalty due to the staffs inherent Earth and Wood affinities.
-When used to counter 1 B-Rank technique it can only be used again to counter another B-Rank.
-To wield the staffs abilities the user must have it with him either in hand or actually carrying it with him.
-Requires Wood Training and Bio to use the Wood Ability but not to wield the staff.
-The staff can only be wielded by Scorps; is someone else tries to wield the staff it will become 10 tons heavy and impossible to lift or wield.
Panda Arts
Hashirama was an experienced Panda Master, a status that enabled him to summon the mighty panda sages and use their infamous panda arts.
Crane Arts
Hashirama was an experienced Crane Master, a status that enabled him to summon the might crane elders and be blesses by their immense strength and skill.
Background Info
Hashirama was originally the leader of the Senju clan. Under his leadership the Senju clan came to be regarded as one of the two most powerful clans in the world, rivalling the renowned battle-oriented Uchiha clan. Because of this, when someone hired the Senju clan, the opposing side would hire the Uchiha clan and vice-versa, causing frequent battles between the two.
The Senju and Uchiha form an alliance.
Eventually growing tired of the constant fighting, Hashirama and his clan approached the Uchiha and offered a truce with them. Allied with Madara and his clan, the two groups founded Konohagakure. When deciding who should become the leader of Konoha, the villagers selected Hashirama over Madara for the title of First Hokage.
The battle between Hashirama and Madara.
Fearing that Hashirama would oppress the Uchiha, Madara left the village, and challenged Hashirama's rule. After an intense battle that included the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox, Kurama, Hashirama defeated Madara; and Hashirama's wife Mito became Kurama's first jinchūriki by sealing it within herself. In the aftermath of their battle, Madara was believed to have been killed, and the Valley of the End was created. To commemorate the battle, two statues, of Madara and Hashirama, were carved into the borders of the valley.
During his time as Hokage, Hashirama came into possession of a scroll filled with, among other skills, various kinjutsu, which he sealed away in order to keep the techniques within it a secret. He also defeated Kakuzu, who had been sent to assassinate him by Takigakure. At some point, Hashirama gained control of several tailed beasts. He spread these beasts to other, newly-formed villages in an attempt to maintain peace and equalise the powers between the nations, but it did not stop the outbreak of the First Shinobi World War. Thinking about the future of Konoha, he and his younger brother, Tobirama Senju, trained the young Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Other // Soundtrack
Won Many
Lost Some
Update to this bio
Learned Iryo Modo in Medical School


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Two Movements Approach the Tipping Point
After years of gains and setbacks, the national movement for same-sex marriage is enjoying a period of remarkable success. Massachusetts and Connecticut became first adopters in 2004 and 2005 and that came after twenty years of advocacy. Turmoil followed, especially in California. But in 2009 three states (Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire) approved same-sex marriage. New York followed last June, and now the Washington and Maryland legislatures have acted in quick succession. Delaware's governor predicts his state is not far behind.
It's making me think about similarities between the movement for death with dignity and LGBT dignity. Like other movements for human liberty, seminal events mark a trajectory toward inevitable success.
1. It starts with consciousness-raising. As human rights lawyer Sylvia Law describes, one day a light comes on. People experience their own private "Aha!" moment. Then more do, and multiple sparks of recognition illuminate the injustice for all to see. In the 1970s LGBT advocates worked hard to muster light in the darkness of false assumptions, degradation and violence.
For end-of-life choices, common wisdom was that with death, comes suffering. We've heard doctors tell a family, "We all have to suffer some, don't we?" In our movement sparks first fly when people witness end-of-life agony and indignity and think, "This is not right." Grief magnifies outrage, and awareness dawns that American law and medicine fails us at life's end.
2. Soon fear, shame and guilt no longer keep outrage in check. People in our movement share this with LGBT communities. We all have stories of deaths of loved ones. Maybe we shrank from the bedside and let doctors continue with tubes, needles and machines long after any good could come of it. Maybe we heeded an urgent plea to increase the morphine and speed death's advance. Or maybe we didn't and feel guilty for that. Maybe Dad shot himself when he was dying of cancer and the family lives with that trauma.
Powerful forces conspire to keep talk of death taboo. We're told it's wrong to seek the relief of death when cancer's final agonies take hold. But telling our stories at kitchen tables, church basements and community gatherings turns fear into courage, grief into action. My most moving experiences come when we open a conversation about end-of-life choices, see pent-up emotion flood the room and see how eagerly people sign up for advocacy and public service.
3. The Vatican fights both movements. Catholic hierarchy uses its political power to oppose both movements. With hysterical doomsday rhetoric, it denounces gay and lesbian human rights as an "ideology of evil" and the movement for end-of-life choices as a "culture of death." To defeat Death with Dignity bills, local bishops have deployed their lobbyists and issued threats of shunning and denunciation from the pulpit to non-Catholic lawmakers and denial of the sacrament of communion or excommunication, to Catholic ones. In a surprising turn of events, Roman Catholic leaders in Maine announced they will play no role in fundraising, staffing, advertising, or campaigning against marriage equality.
I hope Catholic leadership's decision to stay its hand in Maine arises from a calculation of changing sentiment in society. If Gays and Lesbians are beyond religious oppression it's because they are no longer vulnerable to shame and guilt for who they are or the rights they seek. Today lawmakers are more likely to embrace their Gay and Lesbian sons and daughters publicly than abandon them in silence and vote against their liberty.
If the pattern holds, it won't be long before lawmakers are telling stories of the tragically painful deaths they've witnessed, rejecting the rhetoric of shame and voting courageously to empower people with choices at the end of life.

subset: commoncrawl


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Kidnap victim left in dark
A retired Australian soldier has been held captive for more than a year, write Deborah Snow and Ilya Gridneff.
The man on the video screen manages to look dejected, defeated and yet somehow defiant, all at the same time.
His voice is husky and strained, and occasionally he rolls his eyes heavenward as he delivers his lines in the manner of an unenthusiastic actor going through the motions for a director he despises.
When he has finished, there is a pause. The pale curtain behind him billows slightly. There are faint sounds of shrilling insect life in the background. He looks at the mysterious presence behind the camera, and says, contemptuously, ''Is that it?''
The video, uploaded onto the internet on Boxing Day, is the first sign in months that former Australian soldier Warren Rodwell, who had been drifting and working around Asia for years before his kidnapping in the southern Philippines just over a year ago, is still alive.
Though he looks more gaunt than in photos taken before his capture, there seems to be fight in him yet.
One person running a practised eye over the footage late this week was Neil Fergus, whose security advisory company Intelligent Risks has gained expertise handling other kidnapping cases in Asia.
''It's absolutely genuine and his reactions are not atypical for someone who has been in captivity for that period of time,'' Fergus said, after looking at the video several times.
''He is evincing some signs of slight disorientation, and significant frustration. I understand that he is a fairly resilient character and I think that came through a bit, with his somewhat bellicose statement, towards the end, that personally he didn't care any more.''
In the video, Rodwell says few of those around him speak English, and that while some negotiations might be under way, he has no up to date information.
He adds that he no longer trusts the Australian government or his original kidnappers, the Abu Sayyaf group.
Fergus believes Rodwell has ''probably had very little communication for over a year, other than gesticulation and shoves and prods''.
Yet the fact that the video has surfaced indicates, for some observers, that a deal might be in the making, and that the footage might have been provided as ''proof of life''.
He is evincing some signs of slight disorientation, and significant frustration. I understand that he is a fairly resilient character and I think that came through a bit, with his somewhat bellicose statement, towards the end, that personally he didn't care any more
Rodwell's family has gone to ground (he has an ex-wife and grown children in Australia) and Canberra is saying little.
The Foreign Minister, Bob Carr, welcomed ''confirmation of Mr Rodwell's welfare'', said the government was ''assisting Philippines authorities where appropriate'' but that further comment would not be ''helpful''.
Those familiar with official operations say Canberra will almost certainly have set up a special incident task force involving the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Federal Police and other key agencies.
''They don't want to conduct that business in public, I understand that,'' Fergus said ''But they need to ensure that the Abu Sayyaf group know they are working closely with the authorities, that we do care about Mr Rodwell as an Australian citizen, and that despite the Australian government's policy of not paying ransoms - which I agree with 100 per cent - they are in a position to potentially do something in terms of aid projects in Mindanao.
''One of the aces we have got up our sleeve is the aid program. It should be in play.''
Rodwell was snatched from his most recent home, in a village near the seaside town of Ipil, in December last year by a small posse of gunmen posing as policemen.
Ipil is close to Zamboanga on the southern end of the island of Mindanao, an area described by Deakin University's Professor Damien Kingsbury as ''kidnapping central''.
Those who know the terrain well believe Rodwell was probably initially taken to Basilan Island, to the south-west, part of the Sulu Archipelago comprising hundreds of small islands, reefs and cays between the southern Philippines and the coast of Malaysia.
Here, locals have supplemented their incomes for centuries by kidnapping and piracy, and it is a prime haunt for Abu Sayyaf, an extreme Islamist group which wants an independent sharia state in its corner of the Philippines.
Kidnapping, Kingsbury said, was ''how they make a living … and how they have always made a living. It's historical and cultural factors at play legitimised with a religious agenda.''
But the agendas of Abu Sayyaf and more mainstream separatist groups like the Moro Islamic Liberation Front also feed on sentiments of dispossession among poor Muslim farmers, who have been displaced by Christian transmigration to the area.
Abu Sayyaf probably has at most 350 members but it stays under the watchful eye of the US and the Manila government, not least because of occasional links with individual operatives from Jemaah Islamiah.
Its most notorious exploit was the kidnapping of 20 tourists and staff from a resort island off the Malaysian coast in 2000.
A counter-terrorism analyst, Professor Clive Williams of Macquarie University, said Basilan is mountainous and forested and that Abu Sayyaf enjoyed support from local villagers.
''When they get a payout, the local economy prospers,'' said Williams, a former Defence official. ''The money finds its way to local officials who get paid off, and it's not easy to go in and do a raid and rescue in a place like that. It's not like Somalia.''
As a westerner, Rodwell would have been a tempting and obvious target. (The Department of Foreign Affairs advises Australians not to travel to the area.) In June 2011, he had married Miraflor Gutang, then 27, but local police said the marriage was in trouble within months.
Shortly after Rodwell's kidnapping on December 5 last year, the then local police chief Edwin Verzon said Gutang had filed two complaints of abuse against Rodwell and Gutang's parents said she had moved out of their shared house just two weeks previously.
Verzon was later sacked for his comments and the local governor imposed a blackout on news coverage, seemingly at Canberra's request.
Infantry commander Major General Ricardo Rainier Cruz said efforts to locate Rodwell were continuing but ''the kidnappers have been constantly moving from one location to another and that is our problem now''.
He also said Abu Sayyaf might be using Rodwell as a ''human shield.''
However, others believe his original kidnappers might have on-sold Rodwell, possibly to criminal gangs, because of the contemptuous remark he makes about Abu Sayyaf towards the end of the videotape.
Dr Bob East, an independent researcher on counter-insurgency in the southern Philippines who returned from the region earlier this month, believes this is the case.
''In the tape he says he doesn't trust Abu Sayyaf,'' East said. ''That's pretty rude if that was them operating the camera. He's probably been on-sold a number of times. The original gang probably identified as Abu Sayyaf personnel, but the current group, who knows?
''They could be just criminals trying to make a buck.''
At the time time of Rodwell's capture the initial asking price was $US23,000 ($22,163), though it later escalated to $US2 million.
East is critical of Canberra's attempts to keep negotiations - if there are any - under wraps, saying ''whichever group has him might think he is not worth anything if the coverage goes quiet. The more publicity you can give this man, the better chance he has for survival.''
Others strongly disagree. Dr Tony English of Flinders University's business school, who also claims some experience in hostage negotiations, said Rodwell's life could be put at risk by too public a media profile at this delicate juncture.
Carr's caution might be partially a legacy of the criticism Australian authorities copped after the death of backpacker David Wilson in Cambodia in 1994.
While a recent Victorian coroner's report exonerated the Department of Foreign Affairs of mishandling the case, the bruises from that experience linger.
With Rodwell's life in the balance after a year in captivity, the only certainty is that every step towards freedom continues to be a fraught one.
with Al Jacinto in Zamboanga City
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Modular, elegant and all about balance.
KEEL is all about creating balance —in open plan settings, private offices, mixed-use spaces, and everything in between. The key to all that balance lies at the heart of the design, with what we call the keel, inspired by the keel in shipbuilding—the spine of the ship, which gives balance and strength to the whole structure. In our casegoods, the keel is a simple, integral piece that provides not just balance and strength, but easy assembly and plenty of flexibility, too, for a broad range of solutions.
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The 5 CLICKS program grades-in Momentum's full line, but is not a guarantee of approved use on all models. Additional testing may be required.
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James Design is a multidisciplinary collaborative under the leadership of Paul James, an award-winning industrial design and development resource that excels in the art of facilitating creative collaboration between disciplines, understanding the alliance of business and design. Design projects span a range of industries from consumer products and services to contract and residential furniture and environments. Some of James' design recognitions include five Best of NeoCon® awards, Interior Design Magazine Best of Year Roscoe Award and two Nightingale Awards.
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text:
Dear Readers,
Our site services are listed as follows:-
Career Coaching
You can now email us to request for career counselling. A career coach will be provided free of charge to answer your enquiries face to face.
Readers need to email us at email@example.com and I will forward your request accordingly to our volunteer career coaches.
Please email email@example.com if you need to access our popular counsselling service. This service can be provided either online or face to face. Terms and conditions apply here.
Support group
Second session series s will start soon in Aug 09. The first series were conducted in May – June 09. Please register accordingly when the news are out on the site.
Networking session with business people
This is held randomly and allows people to network with invited business people.
We also conduct workshops and seminars for companies who need our services. Please allow us two weeks' advance notice. Most of our talks will be free of charge.
Do allow us at least three working days to get back you.
Thanks and take care.
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Registrar of Society (ROS) number: T09SS0079H since 2009
Transitioning – Unemployment Support Service (TUSS)
Editor's Note: Do go to our May 1st labour day facebook event page: Sequel protest – For A Better Singapore for more updates on the event. See you soon Singapore!Number of View: 40606


text:
© 2010 MLB Advanced Media, L.P. All rights reserved.
Seventh inning reverses Reds, Phils fortunes
By Tom Singer / MLB.com
PHILADELPHIA -- No, Chase Utley was not hit by that 101-mph Aroldis Chapman pitch. "You get hit by that pitch, you're going to be laying on the ground," Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips said. Yes, Utley was out on that force play at second. "From where I was, it looked like he was out," said Reds manager Dusty Baker. No, right fielder Jay Bruce did not lose that drive in the sea of white towels being waved at his face. "It was in the lights the whole time. I tried to stick with it to see if it would come out. It never did," Bruce said.
Tom Singer is a national reporter for MLB.com. Follow @TomDinger on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Poll Recap: Social Media Usage
- Sep 2, 2014
- Topics:
Of the 423 respondents, 280 (66%) said that, of a variety of social media sites, they rely on Facebook most for horse information.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Social media provides many different outlets for horse owners to converse, share information, and connect with other owners with have similar interests. In last week's online poll, we asked our readers which social media outlet they relied on the most for horse-related information. More than 400 people responded and we've tallied the results!
Of the 423 total respondents, 280 (66%) said that, of a variety of social media platforms, they rely most on Facebook horse-related information. Another 23 individuals (5%) said they used Pinterest the most for horse-related pictures, posts, and information, while 10 respondents (2%) said they relied on Twitter. Only nine people (2%) said they rely on Instagram for their information. The remaining 101 respondents (24%) chose "other."
Additionally, 96 people left comments about their social media use:
Poll Results
Several people explained why they rely on Facebook for horse-related information:
- "I think Facebook is most useful—no character limits and most people and organizations are on there."
- "I have my own horse-related business and use Facebook for that."
- "I use Facebook to share pictures with family, friends, and the breeder of one of my horses."
- "I keep up with my horse community on Facebook—events, health warnings, help needed, etc."
- "I follow a barefoot trim group on Facebook, but that's it."
- "I love to share pictures and ask for advice on my wall as well as in groups!"
- "I don't have an account with any, but I use public Facebook for studs and for sale (advertisements)."
- "We post horses for sale on Facebook, and keep up with association news."
- "I am an author and former professional trainer using Facebook to build audience."
Many people said they do not use social media outlets for horse information:
- "I don't use social media—I'm old fashioned and love magazines and books."
- "No social media influences me!"
- "I don't have any of the above, so I use email."
- "I do not share horse stuff on any public social media."
- "I don't really use it. I could be with my horse, not on the computer."
- "I only subscribe to lists. Twitter and Facebook people often have no appropriate filters."
- "I don't use any (social media very) much. I prefer a direct source over opinion, except where I can't find the resource."
Others left comments about additional resources they use for horse-information:
- "I use web searches to research subjects and to remain current with horse health and care issues."
- "I use actual horse websites, not social media."
- "I use internet searches and have subscriptions to online magazines."
- "I use online horse magazines and medical journals"
- "I use YouTube and Google+."
- "We have a great chat board here in Northern California. I don't post much, just lurk and learn."
- "I rely on veterinary-, medicine-, and science-based websites and information."
- "I rely on my email account with various horse related magazines. If I need specific information I'll Google it."
- "I get my horse info from emails from magazines and online sources."
- "I find lots of interesting articles on your website (TheHorse.com)."
- "I rely on books and websites like this one."
- "I read email-subscribed mags, reports, equine news services, and messages from friends."
- "I rely on TheHorse.com!"
If you are active on social media, you can follow TheHorse.com on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram!
This week we want to know: What is your veterinarian's strongest horse handling skill? Vote now and share your comments at TheHorse.com!
The results of our weekly polls are published in The Horse Health E-Newsletter, which offers news on diseases, veterinary research, health events, and in-depth articles on common equine health conditions and what you can do to recognize, avoid, or treat them. Sign up for our e-newsletters on our homepage and look for a new poll on TheHorse.com.
About the Author
Jennifer Whittle, TheHorse.com Web Producer
Jennifer Whittle, TheHorse.com Web Producer, is a lifelong horse owner who competes with her Appaloosas in Western performance events. She is a University of Kentucky graduate and holds a bachelor's degree in Community Communications and Leadership Development, and master's degree in Career, Technical, and Leadership Education. She currently lives on a small farm in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
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text:
Hey guys,
I'm not to C++ and this forum but i figured here was a good place to learn and gain some experience.
Right now i can do basic things like.
Thats just a shortend version, i have made things alot longer with options and stuff. But now i'm struggling to think of what to learn to do next? What comes after variables etc?Code:#include <iostream> using namespace std; main() { cout<<"Sample of code"; cin.get(); cout<<"Sample2 down a line\n"; cout<<"Down the next line"; cin.get(); }
Eventually i want to do forms but i know i'm a bit off that atm.
So, hello guys and any suggestions?


text:
The Judicial Conference of the United States has authorized the appointment of a full-time United States magistrate judge for the Southern District of Florida at Ft. Lauderdale.
Due to space limitations and other considerations, the appointee will likely have chambers and case assignments in both Ft. Lauderdale and Miami.
The current annual salary for the position is $160,080.00. The term of office is eight years
Official application forms may be found on the U.S. District Court, Southern District, web page, www.flsd.uscourts.gov under Public Notice-Vacancy of U.S. Magistrate Judge. Completed applications must be submitted to: [email protected].
Instructions for completion and submission of the application are included on each application form. Completed applications must be received by 5 p.m. on February 8.
[Revised: 11-29-2017]


text:
Read the full story here Web Link posted Friday, November 2, 2012, 11:49 AM
Town Square
EPA police receive $300,000 anti-gunfire grant
Original post made on Nov 2, 2012
Read the full story here Web Link posted Friday, November 2, 2012, 11:49 AM
Comments (5)
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Nov 2, 2012 at 12:05 pm
> East Palo Alto has used ShotSpotter technology since 2009 to
> immediately respond to locations of gunfire and to obtain
> evidence, such as the number of rounds fired, the precise
> location of the incident, and the time and duration of
> the incident.
From time-to-time, mention of the so-called Shotspotter system appears in articles about EPA, and the EPA police. If memory serves, the EPA Police have never arrested anyone because of an alert from this system. It's also hard to find any information on the number of alerts from this system, or the location of the gunshots, in EPA.
Any one from EPA have any better infomation on the use and effectiveness, to date, of this technology?
If it turns out to be true--kind of makes one wonder why this grant has been given, and what of value will result from any "studies" of the EPA Police Department's use of the technology.
Seems grant smacks more of "wealth redistribution" than a meaningful use of public funds.
a resident of East Palo Alto
on Nov 2, 2012 at 10:01 pm
Shotspotter is definitely a waste of money. Here's why... First, the devices placed throughout the city are activated with any loud bang. Second, police come speeding through neighborhood streets running through intersections just to get there first and of course they never get there fast enough to catch anyone, at the same time the culprit walks in the opposite direction. Third, there's so much money being put into this retarded program already, why put more money into something that clearly doesn't show results... Positive ones I mean.
I've lived here many years.. Police are not effective. So many crimes go unsolved because the force is unresponsive, apathetic, and think theyre so much better than the residents of East Palo Alto. Their mission seems not to be of taking care of the community but rather of making arrests only to show that they are doing their job.
I see the police and I look the other way.. I am a law abiding person don't get me wrong, but when theyre not being effective.. Why reward them with more financing. More money does not mean more effectiveness it just means more money. Basically, from what I see this shotspotter idea is not working. Police are not from here and only come here to get a paycheck. Something else needs to be tried. Perhaps a police force that knows and cares a little more and maybe even levels with the residents of the City of East Palo Alto.
a resident of Old Palo Alto
on Nov 3, 2012 at 6:03 pm
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of East Palo Alto
on Nov 3, 2012 at 11:52 pm
More like "Wasting Taxpayer Money Initiative"
The more people shooting each other the more overtime for the cops.
a resident of Addison School
on Jun 5, 2017 at 5:51 am
Due to repeated violations of our Terms of Use, comments from this poster are automatically removed. Why?
Burger chain Shake Shack to open in Palo Alto
By Elena Kadvany | 18 comments | 4,967 views
The Cost of Service
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This time we're not lying. HONEST! No, really!
By Douglas Moran | 10 comments | 810 views
Couples: When Wrong Admit It; When Right; Shut Up
By Chandrama Anderson | 0 comments | 720 views
One-on-one time
By Cheryl Bac | 0 comments | 552 views


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3 taken to Citizens after wreck on U.S. 59
June 29, 2011 at 1:29 a.m.
Three people were transported to the hospital after a collision Wednesday on U.S. 59 and Hill Street.
Margie Quintero, 49, of Houston, was traveling southwest in a black Chevy Equinox on U.S. 59 when she collided with Cecilia Caballero, 72, of Victoria, traveling northwest on Hill Street in a white Toyota Corolla, according to Department of Public Safety Trooper Louie Verdeja.
The accident was witnessed by Marcos Sanchez, 38, and Alfredo Salazar Sr., 80, of Victoria, while they were laying a drainage pipe north of U.S. Highway 59 on Hill Street. Sanchez called 911 at 1:45 p.m.
Caballero, her passenger Juan Caballero, 75, of Victoria, and Quintero were all transported to Citizens Medical Center. Quintero was treated and released but the Caballeros were still in the emergency room in stable condition at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday.
Verdeja said Caballero will be cited with failure to yield the right of way, the trooper said.


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Leyland pleased with Porcello's early progress
By Jason Beck / MLB.com
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Jim Leyland issued his annual Spring Training warning earlier than usual about not reading too much into bullpen sessions. Everybody looks good, he likes to say, before they face live hitters, let alone game situations.
That said, Leyland had a note of encouragement for fifth-starter candidate Rick Porcello, who appears to be making progress on the pitch he needs to get hitters off his sinker.
"It caught my eye," Leyland said of Porcello's side session Tuesday. "He threw some really good sliders yesterday, so that registered."
Porcello came to camp working on his overall mechanics after some tweaking by pitching coach Jeff Jones, but the slider seems to be the pitch most likely to benefit. He threw fewer sliders as a percentage of his pitches last year than he had at any point since his rookie season.
Pena transitions smoothly to backup catching role
LAKELAND, Fla. -- The transition from a young catcher into a veteran backup is a difficult one for a lot of catchers. It was not so tough for Brayan Pena, who has had tougher decisions and far less certain futures in his life.
He had no idea what was waiting for him on the other side of the bathroom window in a Caracas, Venezuela, hotel on the day he decided to defect from Cuba. That was in the spring of 1999, when he was a teenager for the country's junior national team playing in a tournament in Caracas.
He didn't tell his family what he was planning when he left for Venezuela, he said. He didn't want them to suffer any potential repercussions. He only told a friend.
"You can't imagine how fast my heart was beating," Pena said Wednesday morning.
He crawled out the window to a waiting car, where a man hired by his agent to help him defect took him on a five-hour drive towards the Venezuelan beach town of Chichiriviche, where he would spend the next five months hiding in a house so that Venezuelan authorities couldn't find him and deport him. He wouldn't dare go outside.
He finally emerged for a trip to Costa Rica, where Pena spent five more months working out and preparing to try out for Major League teams. He signed with Atlanta, moved to Florida, became an American citizen, welcomed his parents and his siblings to America, and started a family of his own.
"When I became an American citizen five years ago, I felt, 'This is the highlight of my life,'" Pena said.
It's more than just baseball for him now. After coming to the United States to pursue his Major League dreams, he's living the American dream. After four years with the Royals, he gets to train close to home in Florida, seeing his two kids every morning before he makes the short drive from his home in Kissimmee to Lakeland. He speaks English fluently after knowing nary a word when he first landed.
"I came from Cuba with no expectations," he said. "I'm so thankful."
And now, he has a chance to live out his World Series dreams. It wasn't a role the Tigers were looking to fill when the offseason began, but they jumped at the chance to fill it with Pena once he became a free agent.
Detroit went into the offseason planning on Bryan Holaday backing up Alex Avila but wanting an option at Triple-A Toledo in case of injury. As it turned out, finding a veteran catcher willing to sign a Minor League deal with a contending team was tougher than finding a veteran catcher willing to sign a reasonable Major League deal to be a backup. The Tigers liked Pena, so they changed course.
"It's a great feeling," Pena said. "I'm very excited. I feel like I belong here. All the guys, they've welcomed me. The chemistry here is amazing."
Manager Jim Leyland admired Pena from the other dugout for the past few years, especially as a switch-hitter.
"He's always been a pretty good little hitter," Leyland said. "He keeps innings going. He's a good kid. He's a hard worker. He's got a good personality. He's a perfect fit. I don't think anybody realizes the importance of somebody understanding and accepting a role. And when you get that combination, that's really a bonus for a manager, because that's one less headache."
Peralta feeling 'quicker' at camp, deflects PED talk
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Jhonny Peralta will let last week's statement from his attorney stand in regards to the SI.com report from earlier this month that his name was found in the records of Anthony Bosch and the Biogenesis clinic in Miami.
"I don't have any comment for that," Peralta said Wednesday afternoon. "I talked to my lawyer already, and I don't have [any] comment. We can talk about this year coming up."
Peralta's attorney, Barry Boss, released a statement soon after the SI.com report. The statement quoted Peralta saying, "I have never used performance-enhancing drugs. Period. Anybody who says otherwise is lying."
That was the one topic on which he declined comment. Everything else was open, including questions about his weight and his range. Peralta said he's down to 215 pounds, compared with 227 last spring, and he could lose a few more before Opening Day.
"If I can be 210, it's better for me," Peralta said, "so I'm working out for that."
The weight loss came partly at the suggestion of Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski, Peralta said, and partly from himself.
"I worked [out] in the Dominican Republic," Peralta said. "I have a strength trainer over there, and I'm working really hard this year to be how I've been [in the past]. I've lost about 20 pounds. I feel really good."
Peralta said he also has a chef who has changed his diet. He stopped short of the cliche that he's in the best shape of his life, but he said he felt a difference immediately once he started taking ground balls.
"I feel quicker," Peralta said. "I feel lighter. Taking ground balls today in the field, I feel I've got a better move side-to-side."
His goal is to stay at shortstop as he heads into the next phase of his career. He'll turn 31 in May.
Santiago keeps his swing active with winter ball
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Jhonny Peralta isn't the only Tigers shortstop who reported to camp lighter on Wednesday. Ramon Santiago came to camp looking and feeling thinner as well.
In Santiago's case, it wasn't a workout and dietary overhaul. It was more about his return to winter ball, something the Tigers wanted the 33-year-old to do after he skipped the Dominican League last winter and then struggled through most of the summer.
"I don't play every day here," Santiago said, "so I need those at-bats [in winter ball]."
Santiago said Wednesday morning he plans on doing more agility work with strength and conditioning coach Javair Gillett before the season begins.
Santiago hit .325 (27-for-83) in 21 games for Escogido in the Dominican regular season, then helped them to a Dominican League title last month. He didn't join them for the Caribbean Series, preferring to get at least a week of rest before reporting to camp.
Kelly hopeful glove versatility helps earn roster spot
LAKELAND, Fla. -- Don Kelly is a non-roster invite to Spring Training this year, no longer assured of a roster spot. He's still a man of many gloves -- eight of them, to be exact.
He started compiling them as he became more of a superutility player in Detroit a few years ago. If he's going to make this year's team, he's going to have to rely on that strength once more.
"I've got a depth chart of gloves," Kelly said.
He has five different kinds of gloves. For third base, first base and the outfield, he has two gloves each -- one that's game ready, the other being worked in. His middle-infield glove is a few years old, but he plays up the middle so rarely -- all of one inning at second base last year -- that he doesn't need a backup. The same goes for his catching mitt, which he grabbed in Spring Training a few years ago when the Tigers began working him out there.
Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. Read Beck's Blog and follow him on Twitter @beckjason. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Here at Review Centre we work hard to make sure we are the best place on the internet for honest, unbiased consumer reviews - we are grateful for your help in keeping us that way!
Written on: 19/09/2013
Happy with housetrip. I like it more than airbnb in a lot of ways.


text:
About me... well, thats a good question...
I'm shortish, (small in general actually), with brown hair and greeny/pale brown eyes.
My interests are horse riding, reading, acting, drawing, dancing and writing, so most of my time is spent on my computer, with my horse or at rehersals for shows. I do go to sixth form as well, but that doesn't count. I also spent far to much time with my friends instead of doing homework and coursework.
My favourite HP characters are Remus, Sirius and Tonks, but I couldn't tell you what my favourite book is, they're all great!
I've actually posted three fics now, but I have several others in progress, and thousands of plot bunnies hopping round my head, most of which will probably never be written! I write original stories too, but most of these are pretty bad, theres only a few I actually like.
Anyway, I'm going to shut up now, this is probably very boring to read....


text:
In the 2005 agreement, the university leased land at Page Mill Road and El Camino Real to the city for $1 per year for 51 years in exchange for permission to demolish several buildings in the Stanford Research Park along California Avenue for the faculty and staff homes. In addition, three office buildings along El Camino Real at California Avenue between Wells Fargo Bank and the Bank of America building will be demolished for low-income housing.
But as the university gears up for the demolition and construction, the carefully crafted agreement could have an Achilles' heel. The city has yet to approve Stanford's construction-management plan — the one thing not spelled out in the Mayfield document, residents of the adjacent College Terrace neighborhood said.
That's significant because they want the city to guarantee that trucks and equipment won't constantly rumble down California Avenue during the estimated three years of demolition and construction about to start.
Residents also said they might ask the city to require a new traffic study, saying the first was flawed and that conditions have changed since the Mayfield agreement was signed.
Stanford officials and the College Terrace Residents Association have met to discuss the project. The university plans to divert some traffic onto a makeshift road, but some traffic would still enter and exit the construction site from California Avenue and use Hanover Street to reach Page Mill. Much of the soil planned for removal might be used on site, which would cut down on truck trips, said Jean McCown, Stanford's director of community relations.
Residents have asked Stanford to make the temporary road permanent for use by the new residents. But McCown said the permanent road would not be acceptable to Stanford. Residents would then travel through the research park and would bisect the properties. About 75,000 square feet of commercial space will be built on that site. Having a road from the residential area through the commercial site not consistent with the concept of a residential development, she said.
On the face of it, there would seem to be little that residents or city officials could do to impose additional measures to ease traffic problems, Mayor Greg Scharff said at a March 23 neighborhood association meeting.
But attorney Bill Ross, a College Terrace resident, said during a neighborhood association board meeting that nothing in the agreement or project's environmental-impact report defines how to deal with traffic from construction or demolition. Since the Mayfield agreement, conditions in the area have changed — namely, higher density projects to the south of Page Mill Road have added traffic to California Avenue and the surrounding area. The added traffic could necessitate a new traffic study under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Neither City Planning Director Curtis Williams nor Chief Transportation Official Jaime Rodriguez returned a request for comment.
But McCown said new traffic studies are not necessary or allowed under the Mayfield agreement.
"CEQA applies only to a public agency's discretionary decisions. Under the Mayfield Development Agreement, Palo Alto deliberately limited its future discretion over the housing projects to issues such as aesthetics and equipment noise, not traffic. Also, the city committed not to add any new mitigation measures (traffic or otherwise) unless they are required by non-CEQA state, regional or federal law," she said in a email.
"There would be no reason to prepare a new traffic study even if there were no Mayfield Development Agreement. As the 2005 (environmental report) explained, the upper California Avenue housing will cause an enormous reduction in the traffic generated at these sites. If traffic on neighboring streets has worsened since 2005, that would just make the upper California housing more valuable in ameliorating local conditions."
If Stanford receives the green light from the city, demolition and site preparation could begin in mid-2014, said Project Manager Chris Wuthmann. But the shuffling of companies and leases will be a factor in the actual start time, he said.
Theranos, which currently leases 1601 S. California Ave., will move into another building that is undergoing construction on the corner of Porter Drive, McCown said.
Many details for the development were worked out eight years ago, such as the number of units and parking spaces, frontage setbacks, building heights and limitations on the city's design review. Stanford officials hope that work will facilitate the process, McCown said.
But removing hazardous materials known to exist at some of the building sites could create some snags, Wuthmann and McCown said, including asbestos from buildings and volatile organic chemicals in the soil.
This story contains 805 words.
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text:
Cheyney University Recognizes Student Athletes For Academic Achievements
October 3, 2012
Forty-nine Cheyney University student-athletes recorded cumulative grade point averages above a 3.0 at the end of the spring semester. In recognizing their achievement, University President Dr. Michelle Howard Vital, opened the official residence for a mocktail party for those distinguished student-athletes.
Student-Athletes and University Administrators enjoyed appetizers and soft drinks in and around the President's home before proceeding to an outdoor tent where a ceremony led by Director of Compliance Sue Kilian introduced the student-athletes.
Nichel Bryant (volleyball), Alexis Peterson (women's basketball) and Blaze Wasserleben (football) spoke to the crowd encouraging the students to be leaders and not just get a degree but to continue to excel in the classroom as well as on the athletic field.
Below is a list of student athletes who met the minimum criteria of 3.0 cumulative grade point average along with their major area of study.
Name Sport Major
Lindsay Ashby Volleyball Recreation and Leisure Management
Brandon Baylor Basketball Business Management
Taylor Billington Bowling Early Childhood Education
Nichel Bryant Volleyball Psychology
Shannon Burch Football Biology
Ron Burton Football Business Accounting
Jasmine Carter Women's Track Graphic Design
Simone Carter Women's Track Recreation and Leisure Management
Nicholas Carter Football Biology
Courtney Clarke Cheer Communications Arts
Brandon Collins Football Computer Science
Deanna Derry Women's Track Fashion/Theatre Arts
Tristan Dillon McCallum Football Recreation and Leisure Management
Mychal Evans Football Hotel, Restaurant, Tourism Management
Dominic Gould Football Psychology
Linda Henderson Women's Basketball Recreation and Leisure Management
Adrese Hicks Football Hotel, Restaurant, Tourism Management
Denise Hill Volleyball Political Science
Marcus Jones Football Social Relations/Criminal Justice
Maurice Jones Football Social Relations/Criminal Justice
Travonya Kenly Volleyball Biology
Jason Kindell Track Business Management
Alexa Kirksey Women's Track Biology
Jessica LaRoda Tennis Psychology
Natasha Lyburn Women's Track Psychology
Ayasha Lyke Women's Track Chemistry
Nathaniel McCoy Track Early Childhood Education
Michael McGlashen Football Undeclared
Kyra McGriff Women's Basketball Social Relations/Criminal Justice
Janelle McKelvey Volleyball General Science
Dejanirah McIver Volleyball Social Relations/Criminal Justice
Danielle Mines Volleyball Political Science
Kalik Mitchell Track Computer Science
Tyreese Oden Basketball Hotel, Restaurant, Tourism Management
Michael Peays Basketball Computer Science
Alexis Peterson Women's Basketball Biology
Taniqua Purdie Tennis Psychology
Janae Silver Bowling Fashion
Raven Smith Paris Women's Track Biology
Oshakyi Thomas Cheer Psychology
Shanavia Thomas Women's Basketball Business Management
Kendell Thomas Track Hotel, Restaurant, Tourism Management
Robert Tolbert Football Early Childhood Education
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© 2008 MLB Advanced Media, L.P. All rights reserved.
Robinson's legacy celebrated at Shea
DuPuy: Jackie Robinson Day celebration will continue to grow
By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com
NEW YORK -- They celebrated the 61st anniversary of the day Jackie Robinson forever shattered Major League Baseball's color barrier on Tuesday night before the Mets played the Nationals at Shea Stadium. And then both teams took the field -- all of the players, managers and coaches -- wearing Robinson's legendary No. 42. The sight was both jarring and exhilarating at the same time. The act, in itself -- repeated by many at the 14 other ballparks where Major League games were played on Tuesday -- was proof enough of the commitment to keep Robinson's memory alive, said MLB's second-ranking official. "The significance of Jackie Robinson Day is not lost on anyone," said Bob DuPuy, MLB's president and chief operating officer. "As more and more people realize what April 15 means, not only for baseball, but for our country in general, I think you're going to see the celebration grow annually." DuPuy pointed out that under the direction of Commissioner Bud Selig, 330 uniformed baseball personnel took the field wearing No. 42 on Tuesday, a day after MLB committed $1.2 million over four years in scholarships for the foundation that bears Robinson's name. Nine full squads agreed to wear Robinson's number. Along with the Mets and Nationals, the Dodgers, Cardinals, A's, Angels, Pirates, Rangers and Rays all wore the number Selig retired in perpetuity in 1997 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Robinson's feat.
"Because of it, every kid who's in every ballpark tonight will ask about Jackie Robinson," DuPuy said. "And so, those memories and stories will carry on from generation to generation."As far as MLB now sponsoring a $10,000 scholarship for each of the 30 teams over the next four years, DuPuy added: "Baseball talks a lot about its social consciousness. This is an actual realization and manifestation of that, an activation of that concept." DuPuy represented Selig at the festivities. Rachel Robinson, Jackie's seemingly ageless widow and the founder of the 35-year-old Jackie Robinson Foundation -- which offers those college scholarships to underprivileged minority students -- was there only hours after touring the rotunda named after her late husband that will be the entryway to nearby Citi Field. The new ballpark, which looms large beyond the outfield fence, is set to open in time for the 2009 season. She was joined on the field by her daughter, Sharon, the vice chair of the foundation's board, and Della Britton Baeza, the organization's president. Len Coleman, the board's chairman and former president of the National League, was on hand for the afternoon festivities, but not for the ceremony. David Patterson, who recently ascended to the position of governor of the state of New York, threw out the first pitch. Patterson, who is legally blind, tossed one just off the plate to the left and high. It was a day of good feeling and good cheer for a Mets organization that boasts am uncommon racial balance. Omar Minaya, the team's general manager, was the first Latino to gain a position of that level when he was hired to run the Montreal Expos in 2002. Willie Randolph became the first black manager in New York's long big league baseball history when he was given the job by Minaya three years ago. Randolph is in his fourth season. Minaya said he had long respected Robinson, not only for what the Hall of Famer had accomplished, but his impact on others. "He impacted my life, he impacted all our lives," Minaya said. "I don't know that I would be in this position today if not for the struggles and the coverage of Jackie Robinson and what he did. To me, I think he transcends race and religion. He made our nation better." Ironically, Robinson had designs on managing the Dodgers after he retired in 1956, Rachel said, but that call never came. "All he wanted was to be asked," she recalled. Robinson long felt that baseball wouldn't be a truly American sport until the front office and manager's office were integrated. He never realized that day, dying from complications of diabetes in 1972, three years before Frank Robinson became the first black manager, combining that with his playing commitment for the Indians. Rachel Robinson said on Tuesday that her husband would have been very pleased by the growth in the sport in which he had his greatest sociological impact, not to mention the commotion about his place in baseball history. "He would be astonished by the amount of commemoration that's going on about he and his life and about what he had done," she said. "He was doing what he felt was the right thing. And he was doing what came naturally to him. What he wanted when he was alive was to be listened to, and I think he was satisfied with that. "However, saying that, we all have our ways of wanting to be remembered, and I think he would've been thrilled with what we have done and what we have achieved."
Barry M. Bloom is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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© 2009 MLB Advanced Media, L.P. All rights reserved.
Griffey headed back to Mariners
Future Hall of Famer returning to where storied career began
By Jim Street / MLB.com
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Ken Griffey Jr. is coming home. The future Hall of Fame outfielder, who began his Major League career with the Mariners 20 years ago this year, has decided to return to Seattle. "I can't begin to tell you how ecstatic all of us are," said general manager Jack Zduriencik after announcing the deal in the press room at the Peoria Sports Complex at about 6:30 p.m. MT. "He is as well. I spoke to Brian [Griffey's agent, Brian Goldberg] a few minutes ago, and he said that Ken is relieved and he is excited about coming back to Seattle." Griffey accepted the Mariners' one-year contract offer, which includes a $2 million base salary and up to $2.5 million in incentives -- based on at-bats and attendance. His return to Safeco Field is expected to lure at least 200,000 additional fans this season. Exactly when Griffey will report to Spring Training was not immediately determined. But the mere fact Griffey decided to return to his MLB roots has the organization on cloud nine. "I can get rather emotional about things, and I definitely got emotional this afternoon when I got off the plane [in Seattle] and got a phone call from Brian," Mariners president Chuck Armstrong said. "He asked if I was on the ground and outside the plane. I told him I was, and he said, 'Ken wants to talk to you.' "Ken got on the phone and kind of played with me a little bit before telling me he was coming back. I am not ashamed to tell you I teared up." The 39-year-old Griffey is expected to bring No. 24 out of storage when he arrives and goes to work providing run production and leadership in the clubhouse. "With his experience, he's been there, done that," Zduriencik said. "There's not going to be anything he's going to see that he hasn't been through before. He's going to relate to some of the young players on this ballclub. He's going to relate to some of the veteran players and those who are in between, those players who are just about to take off. "If I'm a young player on this ballclub, I've got to be pretty excited. I'm going to have my ears open, I'm going to listen to what he says and I'm going to watch him. He's going to bring a lot to the table that you're not going to be able to measure in the box score." Zduriencik said the Mariners decided several weeks ago to pursue MLB's active home run leader. "It was a baseball decision," Zduriencik said. "His health was probably the most important thing because at the end of last year he had the physical issues, and not a lot of us knew that. We had conversations with Brian, and it became clear that he [Griffey] was not 100 percent healthy [during most of the 2008 season]. "More than anything else, a few weeks ago we made this decision that this was the guy, and we were getting excited about the medicals we were getting. When we sat and talked, it kept becoming clear that it would be a good fit for us." Armstrong traveled to Monterey, Calif., last week to meet Griffey face-to-face and gauge his desire to return to Seattle. Junior, playing in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament, told Armstrong that he wanted to come back and why. Griffey met with Zduriencik and manager Don Wakamatsu for about two hours on Sunday during a stopover on his return flight to Orlando, Fla., and he underwent a complete physical at the Peoria Sports Complex. Griffey passed. Meanwhile, across the country, the Braves also decided Griffey would be a good fit in their lineup and used Chipper Jones as the primary lure. In fact, for the past several days, it appeared that Griffey would sign with the Braves. Negotiations were moving at a steady pace until Tuesday afternoon, when the veteran outfielder learned of a report in the Atlanta-Journal Constitution that indicated he'd already decided to play in Atlanta. But Griffey told MLB.com in a telephone interview later that morning that he had not made his decision and was "still kicking things around with my family." Between the newspaper story and a phone call Wednesday morning from Hall of Fame outfielder Willie Mays, Griffey decided mid-afternoon on Wednesday that his career was making an about-face, going back to where it began. "We've talked all along about coming up with a left-handed hitter, and we have an opportunity to do that in bringing back Ken Griffey Jr.," Zduriencik said. "His leadership, his experience and him coming back is a tremendous, tremendous thing for this organization. From top to bottom, we're very excited about him coming here." Griffey began his storied career in Seattle 20 years ago as a 19-year-old kid with a fabulous personality and smile to match. He hit home runs -- 398 of them -- and made spectacular catches. He was selected to 10 consecutive All-Star teams, won 10 Gold Gloves and one Most Valuable Player Award (1997). He no longer is that player, but the surgery he had on his left knee last October to repair a partially torn meniscus -- apparently injured when he hit his knee against a truck inside the Reds clubhouse -- has completely healed, and he's ready to go. The methodical Mariners were the last organization interested in signing Griffey to request a medical report on the operation. Junior received a clean bill of health and lost about 15 pounds. "This is the one player, at the end of the day, that we thought we needed to bring home," Zduriencik said. "Chuck's relationship with Ken was fantastic, but at no time were we pressured by either Chuck or Howard [CEO Howard Lincoln] to do this."
Jim Street is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Rolex Three-Day Footing Proves Sticky, But Safe
- Apr 26, 2004
- Topics:
To the relief of riders, owners, veterinarians, and spectators at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Bayer, last week's series of deluges did not prove dangerous for horses on cross country on Saturday, April 24. Many well-conditioned horses and riders slogged through the mud to meet--if not beat--their optimum course times with few injuries or mishaps. Sunday's stadium jumping was wetter, but still safe.
This year was the first running of the modified four-star event, in which rider/horse pairs already qualified for the Olympic Games in Athens performed Phases A and D of the cross country test--phase D was over a shorter distance than that in the regular four-star, but with only one less jumping effort, which is a notable adjustment for horses used to galloping longer distances between jumps. This format is patterned after what riders will experience in Athens.
Because of the muddy, wet conditions, it was decided to run the Rolex horses first on the cross country course, with competitors in the modified section (already Olympic qualified) going in the afternoon.
John Williams, of Middleburg, Va., who rode Carrick (a 12-year-old chestnut Thoroughbred cross gelding) to third place in the modified division, said on Saturday, "Rain is part of the game--this is an outdoor sport, and we're used to it."
Australia's Philip Dutton, who captured second in the modified event on Hannigan and second in the four-star on Nova Top, commented Saturday on the cross country footing: "With the amount of horses, it got cut up. I've ridden in a lot of wet conditions. It made everything a little harder on the horses, and I think it was a good decision to ride the CCI first.
"The ground certainly wasn't dry by any means, but it was harder to accelerate and get the time," added Dutton. "Parts of it were deeper than others…on the turns toward the end (of the course), you had to decide which track was best for you."
Daren Chiacchia, who won the modified division piloting Windfall 2, added, "I tried to stay off the main track where it was churned up like a plowed field in places, and tried to find fresh ground." He explained that the footing isn't so bad when it is saturated with water, but starts getting sticky as it dries.
Despite the quagmire, the horses galloped on with very little consequence. Only two horses were not accepted at the jog on Sunday morning (in the modified), and six were withdrawn after cross country (three in each division). Kent Allen, DVM, of Virginia Equine Imaging, a treating veterinarian at Rolex, said Saturday, "That we were able to break free of the rain yesterday and today really helped the footing. Certainly the modified division, which went second, had the combination advantage and disadvantage," since those competitors had less mud later in the day, but had the disadvantage of the footing being torn up around the jumps from the morning rides. Allen said there were some thrown shoes, "but all in all, the horses did pretty well."
Catherine Kohn, VMD, of The Ohio State University, a veterinary delegate at the competition, concurred with Allen's assessment. After cross country on Saturday, she said, "We had very few injuries. Some riders fell off, but I don't think that we moved the horse ambulance all day." She said that a few horses developed some muscle soreness after Phase C (roads and tracks in the four-star division). "(The outcome) was very good, considering the number of horses," she added.
Directly after cross country, Kohn had plans to go around the barns and check for injuries and soreness. "We need to make some assessments--haven't done that yet. The horses in the afternoon definitely were working hard, working fast…(the modified format) is going to take an adjustment."
Kohn said that the veterinary staff had asked for some rider input from the modified group on cross country warm-up to assess how they can make conditions better for the horses running in that format. "It appears that in the warm-up, some horses galloped, some trotted. It will be nice to get an idea of the spectrum" and how they performed as a result of their riders' choice for warm-up.
On the new modified division and its impact on horses, Williams said, "It's hard to judge off one competition. I think we would have to do five or six—looking at this competition would be an unfair judgment of the new format because of the going." One of Williams' horses lost a shoe out on course, but regardless was comfortable and "as fresh as can be" after the event.
"Things happen faster than we're used to on this (format of course)," added Williams. "We need to be sharper and faster than we're used to."
Dutton said, "The horses in the modified got quite a bit short of wind because they had to accelerate more in the CCI."
Walter Fischer, president and chief executive officer of Rolex Watch U.S.A., said after cross country that he was pleased with the conditions on Saturday. "The horses' athleticism is really exhibited in the cross country," said Fischer. "When you see the horses and riders, you get very respectful. Look at those ladies—they have more guts than I have!"
Fisher came from spending a week in sunnier areas of the world. "Last night I said (to fellow sponsors), 'I brought the sun along--don't worry, you will have nice weather.' Then I thought, there will have to be sun, or my name will be mud!"
Winners included:
Modified Four-Star Event:
- Windfall 2 and Darren Chiacchia
- Hannigan and Phillip Dutton (AUS)
- Carrick and John Williams
- My Beau and Amy Tryon
- Fröm and Stephen S. Bradley
- Task Force and Jan Thompson
- West Farthing and Nathalie Bouckaert
- Northern Spy and Heidi J. White
- McKinlaigh and Gina Miles
- Antigua and Will Faudree
- Winsome Adante and Kim Severson
- Nova Top and Phillip Dutton
- Kildonan Tug and Abigail Lufkin
- Ballincoola and William Fox-Pitt (GBR)
- Jacob Two Two and Julie Richards
- Limestone Rise and Polly Jackson (GBR)
- Little Tricky and Bruce O. Davidson, Sr.
- Damien and Holly Hepp
- Courting Danger and David O'Connor
- Test Run and Kim Morani
On to Athens
The veterinary outcome at Rolex bodes well for U.S. horses' preparation for Athens. Brendan Furlong, MVB, MRCVS, the United States' three-day team veterinarian, helped out in the 10-minute-box (the compulsory halt at the end of C in the regular four-star) on Saturday. He said, "I'm excited about the possibilities for Athens. The horses that ran very well this weekend, jumped well, and are sound, make our job easier. There were a couple of horses that sustained some injuries yesterday that weren't as sound as the ground jury expected (from looking at them the night before).
"The ground took its toll on some of the horses. Some of the horses had muscle soreness, but I'm not aware of any major injuries," Furlong added. "That's huge--when you can come out of a four-star with no catastrophic injuries. The welfare of our horses is foremost on our minds."
For more Rolex results, click here.
About the Author
Stephanie L. Church, Editor-in-Chief
Stephanie L. Church, Editor-in-Chief, received a B.A. in Journalism and Equestrian Studies from Averett College in Danville, Virginia. A Pony Club and 4-H graduate, her background is in eventing, and she is schooling her recently retired Thoroughbred racehorse, Happy, toward a career in that discipline. She also enjoys traveling, photography, cycling, and cooking in her free time.
Related Content
Physiology of the Three-Day Event Horse
Rolex Kentucky: Horse Care After Cross Country
Hay Banks in the Running for Refreshment
Emergency Preparedness for Eventing
Horsemanship, Lack of Data Discussed at Eventing Safety Summit
FEI Tribunal Gives Decision on Tryon Rolex Case: Abuse, Without Intent
FEI Forming Permanent Eventing Safety Sub-Committee
Rolex: Safety Precautions in Place for Horses, Riders, and Spectators
Rolex Three-Day Event: Tryon and Le Samurai Take the Lead After Dressage
Rolex: Lexington Equine Hospitals to Provide Educational Events


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© 2007 MLB Advanced Media, L.P. All rights reserved.
Sabathia cherishes wearing No. 42
Thanks to last week's rainouts, ace gets to pitch on special day
By Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com
CLEVELAND -- When first presented with the opportunity to wear Jackie Robinson's No. 42, C.C. Sabathia figured he'd be doing so while seated firmly on the bench. Sabathia, you see, wasn't originally scheduled to pitch Sunday's home game against the White Sox. But when Mother Nature wiped out four home games and forced the Indians to make some adjustments to their rotation, Sabathia suddenly fell in line for a start on Jackie Robinson Day. Turns out, it was a memorable one. The Tribe's ace left-hander worked eight innings in which all he allowed was a run on five hits with 10 strikeouts to go 3-0 to start a season for the first time in his career. It was, simply, a performance that would have made Jackie proud. "It meant a lot [to wear the number]," Sabathia said. "I'm just excited I got a chance to pitch. To be able to pitch and play on this day was huge." Introduced in 2004, Jackie Robinson Day was created to honor the enduring impact of Jackie Robinson and his legacy as the first African-American player to break the Major League color barrier. Robinson played his first Major League game at Ebbets Field on April 15, 1947, as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1997, on the 50th anniversary of that event, Robinson's No. 42 was retired throughout the Major Leagues. Robinson's memory lives on today in initiatives such as the Jackie Robinson Foundation, which was founded by Rachel Robinson in 1973 to provide education and leadership development opportunities for minority students with strong capabilities but limited financial resources, as well as Breaking Barriers, which utilizes baseball-themed activities to reinforce literacy skills, mathematics, science and social history while addressing critical issues of character development, such as conflict resolution and self-esteem. Alex Aguilar, a Toledo native and Jackie Robinson Foundation scholarship recipient, was invited to Jacobs Field to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Sunday's game. Center fielder Grady Sizemore joined Sabathia in wearing the No. 42 jersey on the field. Second baseman Josh Barfield was given the day off, so he wore it in the dugout. The jerseys will be auctioned off by MLB, with proceeds benefiting the Jackie Robinson Fund. Additionally, home clubhouse manager Tony Amato will make a copy of the jersey for each of the three players to keep as a memento, and another copy will be made to be auctioned off for Cleveland Indians Charities. "This was just a chance to remember what [Robinson] did and what he brought to the game," said Sizemore, whose father is African-American. "It's the least you can do. It brings some awareness to him." Some in baseball, Sabathia included, feel the tribute might have been cheapened a tad by the sheer mass of people wearing No. 42. Originally, the honor was going to be bestowed upon one member of each club. By the time Sunday's action got under way, entire teams were wearing the number. Then again, Sabathia couldn't fault anyone for wanting to join in the celebration of the man's legacy. "I understand what people are trying to do," Sabathia said. "It does water it down a little bit. But it's for a good cause, and everybody's trying to do the right thing." Said Barfield: "We just want to pay our respects to a great man. I can understand why so many people wanted to wear it. It's such a good idea that everybody wants to be a part of it." The Indians have requested permission to bring Larry Doby's No. 14 out of retirement for their game against the Tigers on July 5, the 60th anniversary of the day Doby broke the American League color barrier with the Tribe. It's believed the league will give the Indians an answer sometime after the Jackie Robinson Day hubbub has died down. "Hopefully the league will let us do it," Sabathia said. "It's definitely something that needs to be honored."
Anthony Castrovince is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Months before I named The New Frontiers' Mending my favorite release of 2008, the Texas-based band announced they were breaking up.
It's been a quiet 3.5 years for the band members. When you're absent from the music world for that long, it wouldn't be far-fetched to believe that the guys decided to give up playing music and enter the 9-to-5 world. And then, in early 2012, The New Frontiers Facebook page announced a new project called Low Dark Hills featuring 3 ex-New Frontiers band members.
I'm not really sure what the recording plans are, but Low Dark Hills released their debut song today on Bandcamp. Listen to "After the Politics" below.


text: Are there any sites other than daylife that have action and kiss and cry photos up from the recent olympic skating events? NBC's site and the official vancouver site were rather bare on photos from yesterday. This is just for my own immediate viewing and not for purchasing/borrowing/stealing pics. I want to see the costumes up close and see the skaters that weren't shown on tv.