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Tagged: Phil Jasner
Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame 2010 Induction
On Thursday evening, the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame inducted the Class of 2010 which included Dick Allen, Hobey Baker, Elizabeth Becker, Tom Brookshier, Ron Hextall, William Hyndman III, Bobby Jones, Leroy Kelly, Lighthouse Boys Club, Tug McGraw, Jim Phelan, Mike Quick, Bobby Shantz, Phil Jasner, Marianne Stanley and Jersey Joe Walcott. These chosen athletes have had exceptional careers in their particular sport, either with a Philadelphia team or having grown up in the Philadelphia area and gone on to an outstand sports career elsewhere.
Also honored were the annual Pride of Philadelphia award winners. The award is given in recognition of accomplishment by those who made Philadelphia sports fans proud of their town and its rich sports heritage in 2010. Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz was one recipient. The other winners were the Villanova National Champion Football Team and Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich.
Chooch was unable to attend as he is in Panama visiting family. Larry Shenk, the Phillies Vice President of Alumni Relations, accepted the award on Ruiz's behalf. A fan favorite and clutch performer, Ruiz is well deserving of the honor.
It was an amazing evening filled with Philadelphia legends, their families and friends and a group of very enthusiastic fans who came to witness the event. The Phillies were well represented not only by Mr. Shenk, but president Dave Montgomery and PA Announcer Dan Baker attended as well, along with the inductees and their representatives.
Tug McGraw's son, actor Mark McGraw, attended the ceremony on his father's behalf along with his wife and daughter, Tug's granddaughter. While accepting the award, Mark spoke of his father's love of the game, his sense of humor and especially his love of the Philadelphia fans. Teary-eyed, Mark told the group that one of the only times he ever saw his father cry was when he had "disappointed the fans." As to his sense of humor, Mark said that Tug would tease Larry Christenson by asking him if he was going to pitch that day. When Christenson responded "Yes," Tug came back with, "So am I!"
Another highlight of the evening was seeing Dick Allen receive his award. Allen was the first African American to play a full season for the Phillies. From 1963 to 1969 and again from 1975 to 1976, Allen played hard for the Phillies while enduring racial harassment and even protests by angry fans. But if you ever have the chance to meet Allen, you will find that not only is he not bitter, he is one of the most engaging and pleasant people around.
In fact, Allen simply lights up the room and draws people to him like a magnet. He is warm, kind and very, very funny. No one could be more deserving of such an award, both for his performance as a player and his class as a human being. Allen said it was a "tremendous honor" to receive this award. It was also a tremendous honor for everyone in attendance just to see Allen, along with his wife, son and grandson, enjoy getting the respect and admiration that he deserves.
Other notable inductees included former Flyers goaltender, Ron Hextall; Eagles wide receiver Mike Quick; 76ers forward Bobby Jones; and Phil Jasner, who has been writing for the Philadelphia Daily News for 38 years:
I also got to meet the wife of former Eagle Tom Brookshire, who very sadly passed away earlier this year. There was another former Eagle in attendance as well; current NJ congressman, Jon Runyan who made me look like a midget:
I have put together a Photo Album from the event and separated the photos in three categories. The first one is the dinner reception and candid photos which is followed by photos from the induction ceremony. And the third folder includes photos of the Hall of Fame museum display, auction items and just some random photos around the hotel. The photos are all available for ordering if you missed the event or if you attended and see some you would like as keepsakes.
If you have any questions about the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame or about future events, visit their web site, email them at email@example.com or call 215-923-5121.
Photos by Jenn Zambri Photography
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin' Phils Phorum in the My Team Rivals network*
Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2010 Announced
Earlier today, the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame announced the Class of 2010. This 7th class for the Hall will be officially inducted during a ceremony which will take place on Thursday, November 11. 2010. These chosen athletes have had exceptional careers in their particular sport, either with a Philadelphia team or having grown up in the Philadelphia area and gone on to an outstand sports career elsewhere.
Here are the inductees:
Several inductees were present at the press conference and spoke with the media. Closer Tug McGraw played 10 years with the Phillies and is best known for recording the final out of the 1980 World Series.
Sadly, McGraw passed away in 2004 from a brain tumor. His son, Mark McGraw, who currently works as an actor, was there to speak on his behalf.
Mark McGraw said, "Well I think you all know how much my Dad loved the city of Philadelphia and especially the fans. And to be honored into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame is an honor for our family, it's an honor for our Tug McGraw Foundation and Team McGraw which continues on Tug's legacy and (pause), excuse me, it's a bit emotional for me, and a very proud moment for Tug if he was here. And we're very excited to be honored and representing our father and Tug McGraw into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame and we thank them very much."
Former Philadelphia Eagles receiver, Mike Quick, also spoke at the press conference. Quick played 9 seasons for the Eagles and still lives in the area. He noted that he has been in Philadelphia for 30 years now, which is longer than his time in North Carolina where he grew up. "To me now, this (Philadelphia) is really home," Quick said, "My kids grew up here, I became a man here and I am very pleased that the Hall of Fame had decided to invite me as one of the inductees."
Phil Jasner is a writer for the Philadelphia Daily News and currently covers the 76ers. He is to be awarded the "Legacy of Excellence" award and induction into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame for an outstanding career as a sports journalist. Jasner also grew up in the area and graduated from Temple University. Always entertaining, Jasner did not disappoint today saying, "I asked Marcia, my life partner, if she'd still love me when I'm old and miserable. And she said, 'Of course I do.'"
But the real highlight of the day for me personally was having the opportunity to speak with former Phillie, Dick Allen. Allen played for the Phillies from 1963-1969 and 1975-1976. He earned the NL "Rookie of the Year" award in 1964 and was a 3-time All-Star with the Phillies. His early career in Philadelphia was marred by several personal incidents.
Allen played during a time when racism was still prominent in America and certainly, in baseball. Allen was subjected to racial slurs and taunting by both fans and fellow players. In 1965, he got into a fight with a white teammate, Frank Thomas. Thomas hit Allen in the shoulder with a bat and was released the next day. Fans blamed Allen for the dismissal of Thomas and his problems were only exasperated by his own temper and demeanor, which were often seen as negative.
However, when I spoke with Allen today after the press conference, I saw a kind, gentle human being with a great sense of humor. Allen asked if I was going to take his picture and I told him I would.
He then pinched me on the arm, winked and told me, "You are such a pretty girl, I should be taking your picture." Ok, so I'll take flattery wherever I can get it. But that aside, Allen stayed to speak with reporters for an extended time after the press conference and was gracious and forthcoming with everyone he spoke to.
When asked about his difficulties back in the 60's, Allen said, "Mother sat me down and had a long talk with me," and went on to say his mother also taught him about the importance of forgiveness. Another question arose about the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Many think Allen should be in the Hall, but may have been snubbed because of his earlier temperament. Allen's numbers certainly warrant a bid to the Hall. Allen's career stats include a batting average of .292, a slugging % of .534, and his on-base % was 378.
When asked about a possible bid for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Allen said, "I don't even know how that works. Maybe politics or something like that. I don't know. I think everything speaks for itself. Possibly had I been a little kinder to some of the writers or maybe the right persons along the way, I don't know." But ultimately, he said has always been at peace with everything. Allen stated, "I played it all and gave it my heart so I am particularly enjoying this," referring to his Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame induction.
I particularly enjoyed meeting and speaking with Mr. Allen. I would like to thank him for taking the time to talk to me. I would also like to thank all the other attendees and especially the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame for inviting me to the press conference. Congratulations to all the inductees!
For more information on the PSHOF, visit www.phillyhall.org.
Here is the full Photo Album from the press conference.
Photosby Jenn Zambri Photography
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin' Phils Phorum in the My Team Rivals network*


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A-Rod opts to play in All-Star Game
Hamstring strain not severe enough to sideline top vote-getter
By Lauren Kobylarz / MLB.com
After testing his strained left hamstring one last time in the Yankees' afternoon game against the Angels, Rodriguez decided that his leg is still not 100 percent healed but feels good enough for the third baseman to play in the Midsummer Classic. The top vote-getter in the American League with nearly 3.9 million votes, Rodriguez said that he decided to play for his fans.
"The game is about the fans, and to get that many votes, you feel like you have the responsibility to go out and play," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez strained the muscle while beating out a fielder's choice in the sixth inning of the Yankees' win over the Twins on Monday night. He missed the final game of the series with Minnesota on Thursday and received normal results on an MRI performed on his leg.
Since then, Rodriguez toyed with the idea of missing the All-Star Game to rest his leg, torn between his responsibilities to stay healthy for the Yankees and to make the trip to San Francisco. In Friday and Saturday's games, the injury did not significantly hinder Rodriguez's performance.
"I'm feeling pretty good," Rodriguez said. "We'll go from there."
Before the game, Yankees manager Joe Torre was unsure whether Rodriguez would decide to take part or not, but he knew that A-Rod's focus was on the fans.
"It's an obligation," Torre said. "I can just judge from my years. I've been on a number of All-Star teams. You just feel when people -- whether they're the fans or the players -- want you on the team; it's a responsibility. Alex got the popular vote, so his fans and fans from around the country, that's where the obligation [is]."
Torre added that Rodriguez would probably play three innings in the field.
"It is an exhibition, and I know what comes out of this, home-field advantage [in the World Series], but, still, the most important thing for the manager managing the game is that he returns his players in the same shape they were in," Torre said.
Lauren Kobylarz is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

subset: commoncrawl


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'Probable' swine flu case reported in Minnesota
ST. PAUL - Health officials are responding to the first probable case of the swine flu in Minnesota and cautioning that there will be confirmed cases of the new flu strain in the state.
The case was detected in a woman affiliated with schools in Cold Spring, in central Minnesota. The woman was not hospitalized and is recovering, but health experts are planning for more cases of the H1N1 flu strain, commonly called swine flu, to appear in Minnesota.
The state Department of Health characterized the Cold Spring case as "probable" because a lab confirmed the virus as type A influenza, but further testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is needed to identify the strain.
"This is a reason for concern, not for panic," Gov. Tim Pawlenty said at a morning news conference.
Pawlenty ordered a specimen from the Cold Spring individual be sent on a state airplane to the Centers for Disease Control Tuesday night. State officials hope to know by the end of today whether it is a confirmed case of the H1N1 flu strain.
John Stine of the Health Department said if the case is confirmed as swine flu, officials would talk more to the ill person "about contacts, activities that might suggest additional people to investigate and contact."
As a result of the probable case, Rocori Middle School and St. Boniface School in Cold Spring were voluntarily closed for today.
Pawlenty said he urged a Cold Spring official to close the schools, but left the decision to the superintendent.
Federal health officials recommend schools be closed only if there is a confirmed case of the flu virus or a suspected case that is linked to a confirmed case, Pawlenty said.
Confirmed swine flu cases have shown symptoms similar to seasonal influenza.
Cases of the virus strain, called H1N1 influenza, have been found in several states and countries and is blamed for more than 100 deaths in Mexico. There has been one U.S. death, in Texas, from the flu strain.
The state's top public doctors advised people who are sick to stay home and to check with a doctor if they have flu-like symptoms.
"I don't want people flocking to the clinic today," said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, the state epidemiologist. "Use common sense."
There is no vaccine for the H1N1 flu, but antiviral drugs are effective at fighting the strain. The state has a stockpiling of 400,000 courses of antiviral medication, and is distributing some of those to regional hospitals. It has requested an additional 200,000 doses from the federal government; those could arrive within a week.
Health officials have enhanced virus surveillance throughout the state.
Lynfield said state health officials have processed about 72 flu specimens sent by local health providers and only the Cold Spring specimen was concerning.
Legislators discussed the state's response in meetings this morning.
"We are in a monitoring mode," Kris Eide, Minnesota homeland security and emergency management director, told a Senate committee.
Eide said the state is prepared to open the state Emergency Operations Center if the case is confirmed as swine flu.
She said that for a couple of years the state has been prepared for the bird flu, and those preparations can be used to fight the new flu strain.
"It is a milder version of what we are planning for," Eide said. "Some of our activities are being addressed at a lower level."
Senate Finance Chairman Dick Cohen, DFL-St. Paul, urged Eide to let him know right away if the state needs extra money to fight the flu. Eide said that discuss has yet to take place.
Pawlenty said there is not an immediate need for additional funding to fight the flu strain.
Stearns County has partially activated its own emergency management center, placing people from many agencies in one place to deal with the Rocori incident.
Rocori Superintendent Scott Staska said he first learned of the illness Tuesday night, and he, his staff and state health officials worked through the night. He considered a range of actions, from closing the entire school district to doing nothing.
"The way we could help people stay away from others was simply to have the building closed," Staska said.
Pawlenty said this morning that he canceled a planned trip to Harvard University tonight, where he was to give a speech on education.


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When she was growing up, [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Katy Perry[/lastfm] was allowed to only listen to gospel music. The only book her parents read to her was the Bible. She wasn't allowed to watch Television. KP once told Vanity Fair, "I didn't have a childhood."
[photogallerylink id=64215 align=left]It didn't take; she didn't wait long to let loose when she signed a record deal with Capitol Records. You can imagine her parent's disapproval when they heard their daughter on the radio singing, "I kissed a girl, and I liked it."
Keith Hudson, Katy Perry's minister father and devout mother Mary plead with their ministry who might find themselves in similar situations with their children: "Don't be embarrassed. Don't be ashamed. Listen, we love them. I love Katy. I want everybody to go to heaven, but I want my family most of all. What would heaven be without them? It won't be the same."
Mary Hudson (née Perry) took it even a step further once: "We cannot cut her out of our lives as she is our child, but she knows we disagree strongly with what she is doing and the message she is promoting regarding homosexuality, which the Bible clearly states is a sin."
This doesn't bode well for Katy and her newest video, "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)" as she transforms from super geek to an 80s party animal.
What do you think of Katy Perry's parent's comments?
Source: PopCrush


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What's up with that?
Town Square
No casino at AV Grad Night?
Original post made by S. Cremecheese, Another Pleasanton neighborhood, on Apr 14, 2009
What's up with that?
Comments (34)
a resident of Bonde Ranch
on Apr 14, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Wise choice! To promote gambling stunts your emotional growth. I have grand kids who are leaching off me because their parental guidance is weak due to their own self-centerness.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Apr 14, 2009 at 7:48 pm
I can see how that's fun for kids, but I can also see how it isn't the best choice of activity for adults to offer children. I mean, why not have gambling tables in elementary school for kids to practice math skills? Because we don't want to encourage gambling, it's a great way to lose money.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Apr 15, 2009 at 8:17 am
Granny -- why are you being an enabler? Unless they are leaching off of you via pointing a gun at your head it is YOUR fault for letting them do it. Kick the losers out, roll up the welcome mat, quit making it easy for them to be useless slackers.
a resident of Amador Valley High School
on Apr 15, 2009 at 8:29 am
Wow, that is a shame. It really was one of the highlights of grad night.
Granny & Donna, you are missing the point of what grad night is... it's about a SAFE and SOBER grad night. They're not just horrible adults that are teaching kids to gamble, they are creating a fun, safe environment for people that are about to make the transition from child to adult, whether they are ready for it or not. I think that gambling for prizes is the least of our worries when it comes to these kids... how about potentially saving lives because they are keeping kids from drinking and driving???
a resident of Birdland
on Apr 15, 2009 at 8:37 am
I think some of you look to far into things. The young adults are graduating and want to do adult things and feel like adults for a night. You know how many grad nights there have been with casino sections? Lots. I wonder how many of those students are now broke and living on the streets because they can't get out of a casino? Give me a break. Everyone is so worried about what everyone else thinks that if a negative comment is made about something we just take it away. You should all move to Utah or start a compound. Quit being a sissy and let the young adults play!
a resident of Highland Oaks
on Apr 15, 2009 at 10:26 am
Geez. It's play/fake money and chips, isn't it? Next thing you know, they'll be laying down the rule that kids can't play Monopoly in after-school care or Bingo, with little prizes!
a resident of Livermore
on Apr 15, 2009 at 11:15 am
It's more appropriate to educate children about spending money wisely rather than how to be irresponsible and wasteful. How people spend their money is one of the major causes of marital conflict and divorce in the US. Grow up parents and accept your responsibility to raise responsible American citizens.
If you can't be responsible parents, then go back to where you came from PRONTO!!!
a resident of Amador Valley High School
on Apr 15, 2009 at 1:35 pm
I've dealt cards at the Blackjack table for several years. Believe me, it's not really gambling. We go out of our way to make it fun for the kids, to the point of sneaking a peek at the next card and coaching whether or not to take the hit. It's about keeping the kids engaged and having a good time in a controlled but not overbearing environment.
a resident of Ruby Hill
on Apr 15, 2009 at 5:42 pm
I heard some 2-bit lawyer is threatening a gambling claim which is a bunch of nonesense. Casino night is pure game playing, not gambling, since all the "seed money" is given out to the players. You play the games and win prizes no different, in concept, to bean toss. As far as I'm concerned, the parents should take on this stupid lawyer.
a resident of Amador Valley High School
on Apr 15, 2009 at 7:36 pm
The casino activity has always been the highlight of the night. I hope the parents stand up to this.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Apr 15, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Vinnie and Joe Blow are absolutely right, it's a game with prizes. So all the fundraisers that have Casino nights, where people do actually pay money to play, shall we call Elliot Ness to bust up their games? He can start in Livermore, where I read that they will have a casino night at their safe and sober grad night.
a resident of Apperson Ridge
on Apr 15, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Grow up Head Cheese!
a resident of Downtown
on Apr 15, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Joe Blow and Vinnie are right on!!! Granny and Cholo climb out from under your rock and understand the facts before chiming in. It is all about a SAFE and SOBER graduation night and they aren't gambling with real money. One final point is that 95% of the graduates are 18 years old anyway. Gambling is legal at 18 folks!!!!! It is a shame that a few self righteous parents and a jack**s lawyer are ruining it for these fine young kids. Congratulations AVHS Class of 2009!!! Bring your own deck of cards and play anyway, I'll bring the prizes.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Apr 16, 2009 at 12:26 am
These after-graduation parties started as a simple alternative to the new graduates finding destructive ways to celebrate this milestone into adulthood (or college-hood).
Now everyone seems to think it's a right to have a high-end party with the goal to thoroughly entertain a group of kids who have pretty much been entertained their entire lives. It's getting to the point where I wonder what can be done at this party that they haven't already experienced?
And why does each year have to be the same? Or why can't this year's party be scaled down like the rest of our lifestyles in this economy?
If it was up to me, I would scale down several of these outrageously-priced gatherings and teach our kids about giving to those less fortunate. Perhaps the excess could go towards providing basic necessities to people who need those items to survive rather than another ipod or fancy electronic to a kid who probably already owns the same thing or something better.
I'm counter to the culture in this town. I simply think it's ridiculous to try to provide a night-to-remember to this type of population.
a resident of Pleasanton Valley
on Apr 16, 2009 at 6:07 am
*Clapping For Parent of 2009*
I'm thrilled to see there ARE still Parents in Pleasanton who actually think and act as a parent! You continue being "counter to the culture in this town." You might actually bring "retro" parenting back!
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Apr 16, 2009 at 6:27 am
A few thoughts....
Minnie---it's an exaggeration to illustrate going overboard with an action, ie killing the fly with an elephant gun. You obviously disagree, but share your view, please, hold the name calling.
Parent of 2009--also, you have your opinion, appreciate your side of this. But I would respectfully point out that this IS a night to remember, this is their graduation from high school. It is something to celebrate. I know many of these kids. They work hard at school, they volunteer, they have jobs, and so on. Let's not lump them all into a spoiled "population".
Another Gatetree resident......ahhh, never mind.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Apr 16, 2009 at 7:16 am
To follow-up:
I don't disagree with having a group parent/school-sponsored celebration for the new graduates that night. I just don't feel the need to make it an over-the-top, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The celebration should be about spending time with friends, being out late without parents worrying, having fun activities with fun prizes.
I'm not saying the population is spoiled, just in possession of many things and experiences. As parents, we have provided those memories and material items to our children. I just feel bad that year after year, committees of parents try so hard and put in so many hours on getting donations. It's going to get harder and harder to do that with businesses not being able to help out as much as in the past.
Let's bring back the spirit of the night.
a resident of Birdland
on Apr 16, 2009 at 11:31 am
Hey Cholo-
Shut up..... That statement was the worst one you have made yet... How do you know how the parents are teaching their kids about money? Because they want a casino night? Your pathetic. By the way why don't you go back to where your from? I was born and raised in Pleasanton.... Dumba**!
My son is 16 and has had a bank account from 12 years old. All the money he makes goes into that account. Every time he gets money he donates 10% to a non profit of his choice, 20% for spending money and 70% into his account. And yes on grad night I will let him go to a casino party if they have one.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Apr 16, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Why don't we have a brothel section? It'll keep them off the streets and sober. They're going to be adults soon anyway.
a resident of Livermore
on Apr 16, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I sure hope that you encourage your son to join the military to help out with the war effort. That way, he can have a bank account and also do something noble for his country. Or, do you prefer that the risk be placed on the shoulders of the sons and daughters of poor families? Tell the truth!
Please don't violate your son's right to privacy with your big mouth and advertise in public how he manages his money. Off with you...
a resident of Stoneridge Park
on Apr 16, 2009 at 3:37 pm
AVHS Dad is a registered user.
@ Donna: Brothel section? Oh, you mean the dance! Yeah, they have that too. Don't even think about banning that!
@ Cholo: Military service is a choice, there is no draft. Yes, they are often the employer of last resort, but it's still a choice.
a resident of Livermore
on Apr 16, 2009 at 5:10 pm
I know. However, since John is Teaching his son something about $$$, why not strongly encourage his son to serve our great country. That way, he could also brag about how proud he is of his sons patriotism and supporting our Constitution. I think that John would rather the children of poor families do the nobel dying so that he can have free speech and prance around with an entitled chip on his shoulder.
But wait, there's more. Illegals could serve as a condition of citizenship! How cool!
There are lots of right wingers in this country who want the sons and daughters of poor families to die and then they prance around like goose stepping goons crying when somebody asks them to chip in for the parcel tax. hahahahahahahahha....John's son = coward.
a resident of Livermore
on Apr 16, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Did somebody say "bean toss". How come parents think that infantilizing their "kids" is age appropriate behavior? Too protective? Irresponsible?
Do you mean like the kind of "brothel" that looks like the Roach Motel? Squeaky squeaky furry furry boo boos? I see!
a resident of Birdland
on Apr 16, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Military service is sometimes the first employment option for many people, not the last resort.
We are a retired military family. There are great benefits serving our country that many people in the general work force do not enjoy: free health insurance, low-cost dental and life insurance, access to commissary shopping at 30% off the local grocer, a guaranteed paycheck twice a month, a clear ladder for advancement in rank, pay, and responsibility. If you and your family can make the 20 year sacrifices of moving around, being separated, and the uncertainties that do exist, you'll have a monthly check for the rest of your life and access to health care for the rest of your life.
I bet alot of folks would like those benefits right now.
Don't knock the military. It's a great opportunity whether you are a 17 year old right out of high school or a college graduate with a bachelor's degree or an advanced degree. Our country needs all these selfless people to keep your freedoms.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Apr 16, 2009 at 11:03 pm
AV 2009---I hear you, the electronics and all are a bit much, I agree with you there. I don't even know that the kids care that much about that, from my observation of the end of the night raffles. But I do still think that the games are something that are a highlight, and the prizes are small, $15-20, it's more the competition and camaraderie that they enjoy. We don't agree on the whole issue, but I appreciate the respectful tone.
Donna, you sound really angry about something.
I still hope that the casino could be restored, but who knows? Actually, I'm still trying to figure out how a post about Grad night turns into war, military, Democrats, Republicans, etc...but then again, seems like most of these threads eventually do!
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Apr 17, 2009 at 6:59 am
Every post on here will always turn into war and political issues because there is a troll that goes by "Cholo". She is very sick and doesn't know anything about raising kids (or much about anything else in THIS world). Calling John's son a coward is sick!
These kids have worked hard to graduate and they deserve a safe & sober party. What the heck is wrong with that? Nothing! They still have many years of hard work ahead of them no matter what path they chose; be it college, military or work.
It is a right of passage - let the kids have a night of fun.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Apr 17, 2009 at 7:12 am
Correction- misspelled choose.
Cholo doesn't like that.
a resident of Livermore
on Apr 17, 2009 at 10:40 am
What's it like yac-yac to struggle with knowing that THIS world does not revolve around you and pinched brain. Are you even aware that you are and ORK?
a coward is a coward yac-yac
a resident of Livermore
on Apr 17, 2009 at 10:42 am
Correction:and your pinched brain? Are you even aware that you're an ORK?
Yac-yac doesn't like that.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Apr 17, 2009 at 11:20 pm
If you're not really angry about something, you're not thinking.
a resident of Stoneridge Park
on Apr 20, 2009 at 12:11 pm
AVHS Dad is a registered user.
The happiest person in town is the village idiot. I guess that must be me!
a resident of Birdland
on Apr 20, 2009 at 1:41 pm
I'm a senior who is going to get drunk with my friends because no casinos
a resident of Downtown
on Apr 21, 2009 at 2:14 pm
So what's the big deal with the games? You mean all those evenings in the family room around the poker table were wrong? The whole family was present, we cooked, we talked, laughed, told stories and learned to play a card game...oh no, I guess that was misguided and now we're all doomed...
Amador - Let 'em play!
BTW, the expensive 'swag bag' brought home from grad night was found in the corner of the bedroom around August, and discarded....most of it was pretty useless, but the Amador towel and the picture frames were treasures! Much like the 'party goody bags' for young kids birthdays, these are mostly unnecessary and just fill up the landfill. Keep it simple and cut those expenses instead.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Apr 21, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Welcome back, I'd like to think we can still make the change, unless other topics are now more interesting. But I agree, less swag, but let the kids play!
and Donna, you don't have to be angry to think, life is too short.......
Salami, Salami … Baloney
By Tom Cushing | 25 comments | 771 views
Holiday Fund raises $70,000 for 12 Tri-Valley nonprofits
By Jeb Bing | 0 comments | 135 views


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Below is an article CNBC led with informing its many readers how gold could be in trouble compared to the dollar. The problem with misinformation is the mainstream accepts this as fact willing to postpone self-preservation until needed. In the meantime, gold increases and the dollars buying power declines. Here is how the article read.
CNBC: Dollar Rise Will Spell Trouble for Gold: Analysts
"The long-term price of gold could come under pressure from a rallying dollar as the risk from the sovereign debt crisis subsides, "Barclays Capital analysts said on Tuesday. Read it here if you feel the need.
I'm sure CNBC is great reporting on most economic news but gold related issues may need a little more research. Below is a chart showing how the US Dollar has declined.
Just to compare dollars to gold I want to show a gold chart so we all understand what is happening with the gold to dollars ratio. If you would like to see the dollar's decline in gold see it here.
Let me be clear as possible seeing how many are confused exactly how the value of gold is determined. To gauge gold in dollars is inaccurate to say the least. Dollars, while in decline, sometimes represents a false increase in value of assets but when we take the asset and divide it by ounces or grams of gold we usually see a different picture. The website Priced In Gold does a great job breaking down real estate, Dow Jones, USD, oil, etc to see how historically they move up or down in gold not dollars.
For CNBC to run a story questioning possible declines in gold compared to dollars is like saying a pond is down. It is unlikely a pond would be down but the water level within the pond certainly could be. For this example a pond is gold and water is dollars. One is stationary and one fluctuates. Very important to understand how gold is a baseline of value and all else measures to it.
THE DAILY CALLER: Carville: 2012 could be 'very rough' for Obama, says civil unrest 'imminently possible'
"[L]ook, I don't think anybody — if 54,000 new jobs is the new standard, it's going to be a very, very rough 2012 for President Obama, read it here.
MONEYNEWS.COM This Investment Will Grow in Any Economy
One of the most defensive and recession-resistant businesses is also a commodity – food. Agriculture stocks and commodities can perform well in times of slow growth or inflation. People tend to go on eating in any economy. Food and agricultural inputs (including seeds and fertilizer) also are tangible goods that should maintain value during times of inflation and falling dollar values.
This may well be just a temporary "soft patch" in the economy, like last year. The powerful forces of increasing global demand and a weakening dollar that drove commodity prices skyward during the past year may well resume in haste as the economy picks up. Inflation and rising interest rates will crush bond prices and investors on the sidelines could miss a huge opportunity. Read more here.
THE STREET: Gold, Silver Prices Tiptoe Higher
Streible points out that gold has been moving with the dollar recently, disrupting their typical inverse correlation, but a weaker dollar makes gold cheaper in other currencies, which will only add to its appeal. Streible isn't scared off by high prices and urges investors who aren't exposed to gold or silver to dollar cost average each month, or buy a set amount of the metals regardless of price. Read more here.
FAIR PRICES OF GOLD & SILVER (10:30 am MDT)
Tags: debt crisis, dollar rise, dollars buying power declines, gold increases, gold value in dollars, priced in gold, silver round


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As budget woes deepened in Sacramento, locally raised funds such as the parcel tax and parent contributions have assumed increasing importance, Chief Business Official Cathy Mak said.
State funding of Palo Alto schools now stands at a little more than $5 million out of Palo Alto's roughly $160 million operating budget — down from $17 million three years ago, Mak said.
In the same period, local parcel-tax revenue has grown from $9.3 million to nearly $12 million, and contributions from the independent parent-led foundation Palo Alto Partners in Education have nearly doubled, coming in this year at $4.4 million.
Mak proposed a 2012-13 school district operating budget of $163.2 million, using reserve funds to make up for a $5.5 million shortfall in revenue.
Mak's proposal assumes failure of Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed tax package on this November's ballot — and thus a $5.3 million so-called "fair-share" hit to Palo Alto — as well as a 2 percent growth in local property-tax revenue.
With 70 percent of its revenue coming from property taxes, Palo Alto does not receive funds based on student headcount. Recent enrollment growth has meant a 10 percent drop in revenue per student over the past four years, excluding funds donated by Palo Alto Partners in Education and the PTA, Mak said.
The proposed 2012-13 budget will return to the board in late June for approval.
Palo Alto looks to 'Friends' group for budget help
Faced with growing expenditures and persistent budget deficits, Palo Alto is increasingly looking to volunteers and community organizations for help to balance the books and preserve existing services.
The trend has become more prominent since 2010, when the City Council considered sharply raising fees in the Children's Theatre but reconsidered after the group Friends of the Children's Theatre offered to raise money to prevent the fee hikes. This year, the city once again considered a series of unpopular proposals, including outsourcing animal services and sharply raising fees for community gardens, lawn bowling and studios at Cubberley Community Center. Each of these ideas was either scrapped or scaled back after volunteers and users of these services agreed to chip in.
The proposals, which the City Council discussed Monday night, June 11, were all part of City Manager James Keene's proposed budget for fiscal year 2013, which begins July 1. The council held its first of two meetings on the proposed budget Monday and is expected to adopt a budget on June 18. But the council made clear that the most controversial cuts in the proposed budget — most notably outsourcing of animal services — will not be put into effect this year. Instead, the council is looking to animal-shelter volunteers, lawn bowlers and Cubberley artists to work with the city on keeping these services financially sustainable.
The budget still includes a host of fee increases, including ones for gardeners, lawn bowlers and Cubberley tenants, but these changes are far less dramatic than were initially proposed. The rate for renting a plot at a community gardens is now set to go up from 50 cents per square foot to 62 cents per square foot, not $1 per square foot. And the city also agreed to reduce the proposed revenue increase from Cubberley artists by $17,500 after artists pledged to work more closely with the Palo Alto Art Center.
Volunteers are also poised to play a major role in the future of the city's Animal Services Center. Dozens of animal advocates banded to protest the cuts, in the process forming a new grassroots group called "Save our Shelter." After hearing from members of the new group, the council's Finance Committee and its Policy and Services Committee each agreed to keep the shelter open. But the budget challenge remains.
Woman, 73, beaten after teen asks for cigarette
A 73-year-old woman out for a walk Monday night, June 11, in Menlo Park was beaten by a teenage boy after he asked for a cigarette and she said she didn't have one, police said.
As the woman walked along the 200 block of Lexington Drive around 9 p.m., the boy rode up on a bicycle and asked for a cigarette. After saying she didn't have any, she told him he looked too young and healthy to smoke, according to police.
The boy rode away but returned a short time later. He punched the woman in the back and face, knocking her to the ground, and fled on his bike.
A couple of residents heard the woman yell and ran to help her, police said. She did not need to be taken to a hospital.
The victim described her assailant as Hispanic, about 16 years old, with a medium build and no taller than 6 feet. He wore a dark baseball cap, two-toned dark jacket and jeans, according to the police report.
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CEO George Kurtz, who co-founded Foundstone, and was then CTO of McAfee, said that Crowdstrike is a big data company that identifies and prevents damage from targeted attacks (a.k.a., APTs, or advanced persistent threats). Most often, he says, organizations don't have a malware problem, they have an adversary problem.
Crowdstrike will offer intelligence as a service, high-end services, including the use of deception and disruption toward the adversary (an offensive strike), and predictive analytics that link who's doing damage, what tools they're using and what their intended purpose is.
Kurtz joined InformationWeek's Valley View recently and gave an Elevator Pitch on Crowdstrike. You can watch it in the video embedded below.
Make sure to tune into our October Valley View, on October 24 at 11 a.m. Pacific Time, where we'll have more startups--including Taptera (enterprise mobile applications), Alteryx (big data), and Hearsay Social (social enterprise). We'll also feature conversations with Cisco CEO John Chambers, and Oracle president Mark Hurd. You can also register for the October Valley View show and have a chance to win some excellent gear.


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312- Bostian Elementary
4245 Old Beatty Ford Road
China Grove, NC 28023
Map It!
Years Labeled (Rating):
2010 (83), 2012 (84), 2013 (94)
Facility Type:
K-12 School
Total Floor Space:
Year Constructed:
Building Owner:
Rowan/Salisbury Schools
Property Manager:
Rowan/Salisbury Schools
Please note: The building information in this profile was verified and submitted to EPA at the time of application. Building energy performance, operating
characteristics, and ownership/management may be subject to change over time.


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Montezuma-Cortez High School's girls basketball team is limping into conference play without having played at home.
The road to Ron Wright Memorial Gym got longer Tuesday night.
M-CHS played tough, but came up short at 3A Bayfield, 49-41.
M-CHS (0-8) will have to wait to see its home court. The Lady Panthers begin 5A/4A Southwestern League play next week and play their first five league games away from home.
M-CHS will, however, conclude its season on a five-game homestand. But it has been a long road traveled this year.
The Lady Panthers play at Fruita Monument and Grand Junction Central next Friday and Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and noon.


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Digital Spaces
Speculations on Digital Art and Viral Spaces
Monday, March 1, 2010
Blog written by Sharon Lin Tay, cocurator of Map Open Space for FLEFF 2010 and Visiting Associate Professor at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
In a previous post, Dale talks about the interface between "new" and "old"media paradigms. I would like to flag up one example of such remediation: our juror Christina McPhee's La Conchita mon amour <http://www.christinamcphee.net/la_conchita.html>.
In particular, I'd like us to think about the extent to which digital and Internet technologies can enable the move beyond certain limitations that affect conventional documentary practices and open up some ideas about the image and representation in documentary film within the context of digital convergence.
McPhee's La Conchita mon amour taps into the states of panic and paranoia that characterize political events post-9/11, albeit in a different way. La Conchita mon amour references in its title the trauma of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima that could not be fully articulated in Alain Resnais and Marguerite Duras's Hiroshima, mon amour (1960).
Studying the struggles of life in the beach community of La Conchita in California that was inundated by debris flow after a devastating mudslide, the panic that La Conchita mon armor highlights refers to the heightened awareness and fear that living with the aftermath of the mudslide, and continuing fears of its recurrence, brings.
Caused by increased winter rain that comes as an effect of global warming, this digital video project documents the interface between human response and geological data, when governmental assistance for victims of cyclical recursion of disaster is not forthcoming.
As McPhee notes in the statement accompanying the project, the aftermath of this environmental disaster is one from which La Conchita residents cannot escape and are forced to live through, both literally and financially, given that their properties are rendered worthless by the mudslide; it therefore becomes impossible for the residents to re-mortgage their damaged homes and/or move away from the area.
In recent days, we also think about natural disasters that afflict, for instance, Haiti and Chile, and the people there who have no means of escape.
As a performative act of witnessing, La Conchita updates the cinematic manifestations of political modernism, as articulated through the documentaries of film-makers such as Resnais, Duras, Agnès Varda and Chris Marker, thereby bringing a formal discourse of the expository documentary into the Internet age at the same time that it transcends the expository mode in specific ways.
In her search for meaning after the destruction of the landscape, McPhee records the rituals that the community performs to grieve for those who died in the mudslide as well as to survive without aid from the state.
As a digital project, La Conchita imbues documentary realism with subjective evocation to such an extent that the project effectively displaces the importance of the documentary image's indexicality. Instead of contemplating the impossibility of representing trauma in, for instance Night and Fog (Resnais, 1955) or Hiroshima mon armor, La Conchita attempts the evocation of trauma via the algorithmic processes of selection and combination.
The viewer's experience of La Conchita is contingent and interactive, and not unlike the notion of mining for geological information. Still photographs, composited images and video clips of the landscape, environment and vernacular shrines allow the viewer to piece together the relationship between geological instability and psychological trauma. In this case, the evidentiary is not dependent on the indexical relationship between signifier and signified. Instead, the viewer arrives at 'evidence' of the trauma suffered by the La Conchita residents by looking at the mudslide in terms of its geological impact on the psychological subject.
La Conchita interrogates the relationship between the visible and the evidentiary, and shows the limits of representation in instances of panic and trauma. The instability and contingency of meaning that La Conchita conveys differs from the notions of unspeakable trauma or the sublime in which many modernist expository documentaries are often invested. Instead, McPhee gestures towards a non-representational strategy, given the limits of representation, via the database aesthetics of her performative documentary that pivots on the algorithmic processes that is key in the production of a plurality of meanings.
Thank you for sharing this site with us. I admit being a little freaked out by it at first but after awhile I was quite fascinated by the concept.
I'm glad you like the work. It is, admittedly, very errie and I think in many ways, that's how it is effective...
This is very nice post and amazing http://bestcalendartemplates.com/march-2017-printable/
I'm really interested in all those projects, it will be very nice to read on what modern students are working now, what they are interested in, what are their solutions to chosen problems. I am really proud that we have such talented young people, who are not indifferent to our future. Thank you for such great opportunity and for constant support. I will write about this event in my https://writemyessay.pro/write-my-college-essay/ blog.


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U.S. U-20 MNT vs. Costa Rica Quote Sheet
U.S. U-20 MNT vs. Costa Rica: Quote Sheet
Post-Game Quote Sheet: U.S. U-20 MNT vs. Costa Rica
Feb. 22, 2013
U.S. Under-20 Men's National Team head coach TAB RAMOS
On the team's Group A-winning performance against Costa Rica:
"For one thing, we came out ready to play. We knew we were playing a very difficult opponent, but I thought we had the game under control the whole time. I'm happy about that."
On the lineup changes from the Haiti game and the reasoning behind Daniel Cuevas on the bench:
"Danny had quite a few hits from the last game, so he had a little bit of a thigh issue. He could have played tonight, but we thought we would save him a little bit. If anything he was ready to play 20-30 minutes at the end if we needed him to, but fortunately we didn't need him. I think he's in good form. He's somebody we can select for the [quarterfinal] game if we choose. Jose Villarreal played the No. 9 role, and I think we have versatile players who can play different positions. Today you could see that the players could switch positions and I thought Jose did a pretty nice job."
On Villarreal tallying a set-piece goal:
"It was great for us that we were able to capitalize on a set piece because we've been working on them. We've been working on the runs into the box. But overall, I'm more satisfied with the whole performance of the group tonight. I think we are getting better and hopefully it's at the right time."
On Danny Garcia's first game in the tournament:
"I have full confidence in the roster that we have and I have full confidence in Danny Garcia. Obviously he didn't play the first game, but as you could see he stepped in and played 90 minutes, played well tonight, helped the team, worked hard, and he's a very good player. We built the team around players who wanted to work this way and I think fortunately tonight we showed it."
On goalkeeper Cody Cropper coming up with a clutch second-half save:
"Cody's a very good leader to the team, and today he had to come up big once and he did. He knows there are going to be a couple times in a game where you're going to have to keep your team in the game. Every good goalkeeper knows that and I think he was prepared for the moment."
On the win and heading to the all-important quarterfinal to qualify for the World Cup:
"I don't want to take away the fact that the players should enjoy that we won the group, so we want to do that for a little bit. But at the same time we have to recognize that we're here for Tuesday's game. Everything we've done so far for the past year and a half has been for Tuesday's game, and we have to get there. Today was just another little step toward our goal."
U.S. Under-20 Men's National Team midfielder LUIS GIL
On Friday's victory against Costa Rica:
"It was a big win, obviously. It was important for us. I think it was just plain and simple we put in the work defensively and offensively and worked as a unit, and I think that's what helped us the most."
On assisting Jose Villarreal's goal off the corner kick:
"We've got chemistry with him. It just takes that one play. Not all the free kicks were the way we wanted them, but it just takes that one play, and we put it away. We get into a little rhythm with each other and feed off of each other, and that helps us."
On Tuesday's quarterfinal for the right to play in the World Cup:
"We've got to be prepared for it. We've got to be mentally sharp now and move on from this game. I feel like this is the past now. It's just that one game that can make it or break it."
U.S. Under-20 Men's National Team forward JOSE VILLARREAL
On the game-winning goal:
"The goal was a good set piece run by Luis and he put in a perfect ball. I was by myself and I managed to get up in the air and put it in for the team."
On his connection with Gil:
"The connection between me and Luis is something different. We know each other. We know each other very well. We're good friends outside of soccer. We manage to connect pretty well on the field and we're happy with the win."
On the team's readiness for the quarterfinals:
"We're very prepared. Mentally we're getting there, but physically I think we're fit. Mentally we've got to work on a couple things and we've got to fight through it like we did today."
U.S. Under-20 Men's National Team forward DANNY GARCIA
On getting his first CONCACAF start:
"It was really great for representing my country and getting my first start in CONCACAF. I just went out there and did my best, worked hard and worked for each other. It was great."
On his improvement in play during the match:
"The first half wasn't my best, but the second I came out I had more confidence in the second half, knowing how [Costa Rica] actually played and everything. I felt better in the second half."
On the quarterfinal stage:
"It's a go-hard-or-go-home game, so we're just going to come out here and train harder and get ready for that game and make it to the World Cup."


text: After a recent surgery* I was told that I should probably only play doubles in the future. Stunning news to a guy who has always preferred singles, tried to stay as far away from doubles as possible, and who used to beat opponents by running everything down and waiting for my opponent to make a mistake. In the past I've typically chosen lower powered and somewhat heavier racquets knowing that I was going to spend a majority of my time on the baseline and use control to beat my opponents. Now that I will be strictly a doubles player my needs have changed. So I would be very appreciative for any help you can give. I'm looking for a racquet that is a standout in doubles, is 97 to 103 square inches, 27 inches long, weight between 10.8 and 11.5 ounces, no more than 23mm wide, offers a good amount of spin, and useful power. What racquet(s) have you found that have these specs and really excell in doubles? When I return to the game I'll hopefully be a 4.0 who uses a great deal of spin off both sides, strength is backhand, weakness is first serve, and will strictly play doubles. Thank you for your time. TripleB *I had microfracture surgery yesterday to repair torn/missing cartilage that turned out to be more extensive than the doctor first thought. Going into it he said I should be able to run again in 4.5 months and be playing singles in 6.5 months. After removing 5 pieces of cartilage during surgery he told me that I would probably not be able to run long distances again and that I should give up singles tennis and only play doubles.


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More than a promo apron, this comprehensive kit keeps the chef's most important tools within easy reach.
A Thanksgiving twist on the promotional pen.
ePromos has the perfect promotional products for every season! So no matter when your event or promotional campaign is, we have items, imprinted with your company name or logo, that will work for any time of year. Browse our seasonal promotional products today!


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ByDanny Yadron
There were nearly 200 hacks last year of the payment systems used by retailers, hotels and restaurants. Most of them could have been prevented without spending much money, according to a new report from Verizon's cybersecurity team.
The theft of 40 million credit and debit card numbers from Target last year raised new questions about whether companies that handle personal information spend enough on cybersecurity. Information protection has turned into a $70 billion market with a slew of new firms offering new security gadgets and services.
But in its annual report on the scope of cybercrime, Verizon suggests basic hygiene at major retailers could go a long way in protecting payment systems.
Some of the suggestions seem pretty basic:
- Make sure passwords aren't factory defaults.
- Don't use social media accounts on point-of-sale systems.
- Run the payment system on a separate system from corporate email and other functions.
"It's not necessarily about spending more money. It's about doing the right things," said Chris Porter, one of the report's authors and a managing principal at Verizon's Cyber Intelligence Center. "There are things organizations can do that require elbow grease and work."
Verizon's recommendations are particularly notable because the company helped investigate the Target breach. It has repeatedly declined to comment on the incident.
In that hack, intruders initially gained access by stealing the login credentials for a ventilation contractor in Pennsylvania. This led investigators to conclude that Target's network was too interconnected, creating openings for fraudsters, people familiar with the investigation have said.
The report also notes that hackers successfully stole data from POS systems 198 times last year – down from previous years. These fraudsters, however, have become more advanced, Mr. Porter said. Many of those cases weren't disclosed.
In total, Verizon counted 1,367 data breaches in 2013 based on tabulation of statistics from the U.S. government, cybersecurity companies and foreign law enforcement. It's impossible to compare that to years prior because Verizon collects data from different sources each year.
The entire report is worth a read.


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Intel Nears Foundry Inflection Point
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With revenues flat, capex expenses near historic highs and no hot smartphone chips in 2014, Intel faces a pivot point in foundry.
For 18 months Intel has dabbled in making 22nm chips for small companies such as Achronix, Tablua, and Netronome. Intel said its goals were to get some outside feedback on its process technologies and experience offering foundry services, but under former CEO Paul Otellini foundry was a limited offering.
Late last year, rumors emerged Intel struck a billion-dollar deal to make 22nm ASICs for Cisco -- neither side confirmed them. Others said Intel was trying to win away from Samsung the business of making Apple's A-series SoCs. More silence.
The first clear sign of a shift came in February when Altera announced it struck a deal to have high-end FPGAs made in Intel's 14nm process. In October Altera said those parts would be its Stratix 10 chips using four ARM Cortex A-53 cores. Not exactly competing, high-volume parts but a big step in that direction.
There's a crossroads ahead for Intel. Krzanich clearly wants the company to find a killer smartphone/tablet design it can make at a cost advantage at 14 and 10nm. If it cannot create such a killer design he may have to figure out whether he can pivot to becoming a killer foundry for an Apple or Qualcomm.
That would indeed be what former boss Andy Grove would call an inflection point.
— Rick Merritt, Silicon Valley Bureau Chief, EE Times
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Pay no attention to the C-word stuck in its moniker. The BMW Concept Active Tourer, which debuts later this month at the Paris Motor Show, is more than a concept: it's our look at the future of the 1 Series portfolio.
A Front-Drive First
In early 2010, Automobile's Georg Kacher reported the 1 Series range would soon give birth to a wide array of variants derived from two different platforms. The F20 platform would give rise to rear-wheel-drive 1 Series three- and five-door hatchbacks (both presently on sale in Europe), while a new front-wheel-drive architecture would spawn a number of cars, including a new array of Minis, a 1 Series GT, and a "wide-shouldered" 1 Series "Family Activity Vehicle" mini-minivan.
The Concept Active Tourer is most likely a preview of the latter. Billed as "a key component in the ongoing development of the BMW portfolio," the Active Tourer is not only built atop a front-wheel-drive architecture, but fulfills the prophecy by its wide stance. With a 105.9-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 171 inches, the Concept Active Tourer isn't much longer than a Euro-spec 1 Series five-door, but it is nearly five inches wider.
Despite its 1 Series roots and dimensions, the Concept Active Tourer bears a closer resemblance to a number of BMW's larger product offerings. Unlike the current 1 Series hatch, the Concept Active Tourer's headlamps don't flow into the grille nacelles; instead, they're shaped much like those on the 5 Series, as is the scalloped hood. BMW suggests the Active Tourer's wedge-like profile and short overhangs lend it "a dynamic feel even when stationary," but the high rear fenders and tall liftgate panel eerily recall the company's stillborn E1 and E2 concepts from the early 1990s.
It's (Partially) Electric
That resemblance is rather ironic, given both the E1/2 and Concept Active Tourer are powered – at least in part – by electricity. Unlike its E Series forebears, the Active Tourer isn't a pure battery-electric vehicle – instead, it utilizes a plug-in hybrid drivetrain hinged upon a new BMW engine architecture.
The system is similar to many so-called through-the-road hybrid systems already offered by several automakers, including Peugeot. A turbocharged 1.5- three-cylinder is mounted transversely in the Active Tourer's nose, and assigned with propelling the front wheels. Meanwhile, an electric motor – powered by a lithium-ion battery pack — mounted in the car's tail drives the rear wheels. Both powertrains can operate simultaneously to provide all-wheel drive traction, but the electric motor can function independently, allowing for as much as 18-20 miles of electric-powered travel.
BMW says the battery pack can be charged on a 220-volt supply, but doesn't note how long a full recharge will take. That said, it does suggest the Concept Active Tourer packs a net output of 190 hp, can sprint from 0-62 mph in less than eight seconds, hit a top speed of 124 mph, and sip as little as 2.5 liters of fuel for every 100 kilometers traveled (94.1 mpg).
Tech-Laden Interior
Advanced technology isn't restricted to the powertrain: it's also found throughout the Concept Active Tourer's interior. Analog gauges are eschewed in favor of a large 10.25-inch LCD display, which can be configured to show a wide variety of information, as can a retractable, full-color heads-up display. A smaller 8-inch touchscreen is mounted in the dashboard, and functions as both a navigation and audio system interface. If that's not enough electrically-actuated glass for your taste, the panoramic glass moonroof can be transformed from transparent to opaque states, much like the Magic Sky Control function offered on the Mercedes-Benz SL.
One neat trick: both front seats feature metallic tracks mounted vertically in the seatback. Much like the Mini Countryman's Center Rail system, these tracks are designed for a number of accessories that lock in place. In these press photos, the rail is shown supporting a pair of tablet computer docks, though BMW suggests additional storage cubbies can also be attached.
Exactly how many of these cosmetic and technological touches carry over into production remains to be seen, but the Concept Active Tourer's basic package – a front-wheel-drive, compact MPV – has already been given a green light for production. The three-cylinder engine range has already been confirmed for production, and the plug-in hybrid variant – which will be sold under BMW's new eDrive label – will likely join the portfolio at a later date. We'll know more once the first of the production-ready Active Tourers hit the market in early 2014.


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Mother's day thoughts: The gap between here and there
In honor of Mother's Day, May 13, we asked bloggers to share their thoughts on motherhood -- and the importance of caring for children who have experienced the loss of a parent. Every day through Mother's Day, we will feature a different blogger to remind us to appreciate mothers and care for those who are hurting. Today's post comes from Alise, who has previously contributed to the World Vision Blog during our 12 blogs of Christmas series.
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My children love to visit their grandparents. My husband's parents live here in town, and they schedule regular sleepovers with the kids. My children go there to eat ice cream and watch movies and spend a night being spoiled.
My parents take each of the kids on a separate vacation. Each child gets to choose a destination, and they spend a few days being treated to a trip with their grandparents.
Our kids hear funny stories about what we were like as children from their grandparents. They find out more about the family history from their grandparents. "Grandparents" and "fun" are interchangeable terms for my kids.
For many children, this is not the case. The gap between here and there is almost unthinkable.
In the newly formed South Sudan, 2-year-old Majong Manywer now lives with his grandmother after an ethnic conflict took the lives of a hundred people in his village, including his mother. He has suffered bullet wounds. This still-nursing toddler lost the person who nurtured him, fed him, and loved him, and was left with only his grandmother to tend to his injuries.
Arop Majok has already done the hard work of raising children, but she must now look after her grandson so that his father can find food. Rather than telling the child funny stories about his mother, she must now face the task of explaining to him that she is gone.
Sadly, this story is becoming the norm. Attacks on women and children have increased, and there are more and more children who are wounded and left without parents.
A World Vision nurse feeds a nutritional supplement to Shilok's daughter, who is suffering from acute malnutrition. (Photo: Michael Arunga/World Vision)
Some 62 miles away, Jolly Shilok Lokwet saw families torn apart by these conflicts. Cattle rustlers raided her village in Tonj East, killing everyone in sight, including women and children. Shilok, her husband, and their five children escaped with nothing but their lives and memories of the slaughter that beset their home.
In the midst of so much sadness and pain, World Vision is a light and a balm. Both Arop and Shilok credit World Vision with saving the lives of their children through the medical attention they were able to provide. They also provide vehicles to transport those stranded to areas where they can receive medical help.
Because they were in the area long before South Sudan became its own country in July 2011, World Vision has been able to provide relief to those who are suffering at the hands of inter-ethnic and armed conflict.
Tomorrow, my kids will get a gumdrop and hug from my husband's dad. In a couple of weeks, our family will vacation with my parents, where we'll laugh and eat together as a family.
Tomorrow, Majong will cling to Arop, and she will try to comfort him through the pain of his wounds and the loss of his mother. Shilok will gather with her husband and children and try to rebuild a life after losing everything.
As we approach Mother's Day, I ask you to consider sponsoring a child who has been left without a parent. We can celebrate our families and the love that we share by extending that love to those who are suffering right now.
These children have been robbed of the fun that our own children know -- but by partnering with World Vision, you can help them continue to know the love of those who remain. We can make the gap between here and there a bit smaller.
Consider sponsoring a child who has lost a parent. Sponsorship will help provide clean water, nutritious food, education, healthcare, and more -- providing a source of stability and hope in the midst of desperate circumstances. You will also have the opportunity to develop a personal, lasting relationship with your sponsored child through cards and letters.
You can also make a one-time gift to our Sudan and South Sudan Relief Fund. Any donation will help us deliver life-saving assistance like nutritious food, clean water, medical care, and more to this troubled part of the world.
Alise is married to her best friend and is the mom to four incredible kids. She loves knitting, writing, playing keyboards in a cover band, and eating soup. You can read her blog at www.alise-write.com.


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Hairston: Family's first World Series
Yankees utility man is a game away from being champ
This is the first World Series appearance for a member of the Hairston family, even though we have more than 30 years in the big leagues among my grandfather, my father, my brother and me. My dad was in the playoffs with the White Sox in 1983, but they were eliminated by the Orioles.
My family's very excited for me. Both of my parents and my brother, Scott, are here in Philadelphia, so we've had the opprtunity to share the experience. They're enjoying it right along with me.
This has been a long time coming for us. My father had something like 14 years, I have more than 10, Scott has about five or six years. I'm not a math major but I know that's a lot of big league seasons, so this is a special occasion for us.
Growing up, you want to follow your father's footsteps and go into the same profession. My dad happened to be a baseball player, so we were aware growing up that the objective was to reach the World Series. I remember watching some of those great World Series, like '91 with Kirby Puckett and Jack Morris being the heroes for the Twins.
All of those years as a kid you watch all of these great players in the World Series every fall. It just makes you want to be a part of it. Then, when you finally get to the big leagues, first, you want to establish yourself, of course, but, once you've done that, you want to get to the big dance -- the World Series.
My father never expressed frustration about not going to the World Series, but, obviously, baseball was still being played when he came home. So, we'd sit down and watch the games together as a family. I remember asking a lot of questions, like, "Dad, did you ever face this pitcher?"
It seemed cool. Baseball gets magnified at this time of year. It always seemed like the whole world was watching. It's the biggest stage, so I always wanted to be here.
Now that I'm here, it's exciting, it's intense, it's electric. You've got New York and Philadelphia, two great sports towns. I'm soaking it in and having fun.
Obviously, you want to focus on the task at hand -- winning the World Series. You don't want to be just happy to be here. With this team, that's easy to do because we are focused. I'm trying to focus and enjoy at the same time.
Playing in a World Series by itself is a big deal, but playing it in New York as a Yankee is more special. The fans are unbelievable. To get a chance to start a game at Yankee Stadium and then go 1-for-3, that was incredible.
I'm not ready to call that the highlight of my career, though. Hopefully, the highlight of my career will be winning a World Series ring.
Jerry Hairston, who is playing in his 12th big league season, was acquired by the Yankees from the Reds on Aug. 1 and has filled a valuable utility role for the AL pennant winners. His grandfather, Sam, and his father, Jerry, were also Major Leaguers. His brother, Scott, is now with the A's.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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McNabb-led Morrilton gives Cyclones more than they bargained for
By Kevin Hill Assistant Sports Editor
Russellville head coach Jeff Holt and the Crimson Cyclones couldn't have asked for better weather Friday night for their 2010 football season opener against Morrilton at the new-and-improved Cyclone Stadium. Unfortunately for both teams, the play on the field was nearly as ugly as the new synthetic turf was beautiful.
The Cyclones, looking nothing like the Russellville teams of the past several years, pounded out 286 yards on the ground and held off the Devil Dogs 28-20. Junior Antonius Davis led the way with 13 carries for 173 yards (13.3 per carry) and a touchdown, while classmate Kendall Bond had 18 carries for 120 yards (6.7) and three TDs.
The game couldn't have started any better for Russellville (1-0). Sophomore Mitch Mullen started for the Cyclones and engineered two touchdown drives. Russellville received the opening kick and took over at its 25. Mullen connected on all three of his pass attempts on the drive for 49 yards, and Bond rushed seven times for 29 yards and a 2-yard touchdown during the 11-play, 75-yard drive.
"That was the best drive of the night there, I really was proud of that," Holt said. "We just came out, and I don't know if we made a mistake on that drive. That's the way you like to start a football game."
After Morrilton (0-1) stalled out on its first drive after a big stop by sophomore Hayden Hipps at the 46, the Devil Dogs downed a 38-yard punt at the Cyclone 8.
That was no problem for Davis, who received a handoff from Mullen, raced around the right corner and sprinted 92 yards for the quick score. After Zach Barefield's point-after kick, the Cyclones held a commanding 14-0 lead.
Morrilton didn't fold, however. Despite finding themselves in a third-and-22 after an illegal formation and a combined sack on Devil Dog QB David Ford by Hipps, Gabe Limon and Ru Massey, Ford found super sophomore Jamar Criswell for a 42-yard strike to make it a one possession game.
Both teams went into a stalemate for several drives, until Massey broke through the Morrilton offensive line, stripped the ball out of Ford's hand at the Morrilton 42 and dove on the ball to give the Cyclones great field position. Two plays later, Mullen hit a wide-open Frank Chiolino for a 41-yard gain to the 1, and Bond bowled over to give Russellville a 21-7 edge.
Morrilton responded with an 11-play drive capped by a 26-yard field goal by Nathan Adams.
Trailing 21-10, the Devil Dogs got their first break of the game late in the second quarter. With the Cyclones facing third-and-15, Mullen hit Davis on a short pass, but Davis fumbled and Morrilton recovered at the Russellville 35.
New defensive coordinator Jeff Carter's defense forced the Devil Dogs into a fourth-and-8 at the 33, but head coach Cody McNabb, who took over the top position at Morrilton after spending 2004-09 as the Cyclones' defensive coordinator, elected to go for it and it paid dividends. Ford found Criswell for 11 yards and four plays later Paris Avery scampered in from 13 yards out. Adams' PAT made it a 21-17 ballgame going into halftime.
The Cyclones got the ball back early in the third quarter and were quick to extend their lead. Three plays into the drive, Bond took the handoff from junior QB Jordan Barrett and found a gaping hole in a cutback lane and scampered untouched, no Devil Dog ever came within 10 yards of him, 58 yards to give Russellville a 28-17 lead after Barefield's PAT.
Morrilton added a 28-yard field goal by Adams to set the final score with 8:43 to play in the fourth quarter, but neither team could sustain a drive. Russellville turned it over three more times, including a fumble by Barrett at the Devil Dog 1 with 7 seconds left on the clock, the rest of the way, but Carter's defense stopped anything Morrilton threw at them.
"We turned the ball over, but offensively we were good where we thought we would be good: Up front," Holt said. "We threw and caught it well, but we can't turn the ball over (like that)."
Mullen finished the night 7-for-10 with 90 yards and an interception and Barrett was 5-for-9 for 37 yards. Chiolino led the receivers with four grabs for 72 yards.
Ford went 7-for-16 for 142 yards and a TD, while Criswell rushed 22 times for 100 yards and had three receptions for 57 yards and a TD. Avery rushed seven times for 50 yards and a TD.
"Morrilton, they've got some talent, now," Holt said. "They've got some kids that if you get the ball to them in space, they can change the scoreboard. They were very impressive. I knew coach McNabb would have them well prepared, and they were. They played hard all four quarters."
Russellville will host Fayetteville next week.


text: In one study, 40 women recently diagnosed with SH took alpha-lipoic acid or a placebo daily for three weeks. While there were no changes for the placebo group, those in the alpha-lipoic acid group had much lower levels of oxidative stress and greater blood-vessel flexibility compared to placebo and compared to the beginning of the study. Researchers also found a direct link: as levels of oxidative stress decreased, blood-vessel flexibility increased.


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Release Date: 2011 |
joshuatree EMERITUS (4.5)Each song acts like a personal journal entry, documenting Justin Vernon's experience bac...Ponton EMERITUS (2)It's not a problem that Vernon hasn't created music in the same style of the last succes...SowingSeason STAFF (4.5)...garth (5)Mr Vernon, you are magnificent....
MarvellousG (4.5)It might not top the (now almost sacred) For Emma, Forever Ago, but Bon Iver's sophomore e...Douglas (4.5)Just like a sherbet bomb; sweet on the outer, and brilliant within....JonbeezBlue (5)Bon Iver's beautiful follow up to For Emma, Forever Ago which sees the band delve into soa...rebel86 (4)Quiet indie folk rock and soundscaping shape an impressive sophomore album....
Chunky97 (4.5)"Bon Iver, Bon Iver" is a beautiful masterpiece, full of wonderful melodies and well-craft...Lucid (4)This is not the sound of a new man....JustinVernonBeard (5)Beauty, Nature, Passion, and Hope....Indielens (5)The fuller sound of Bon Iver....
Album Rating: 4.5This was a bit too long and is essentially a well-written track-by-track, but the detail and quality of prose is spectacular. I admit, I only came on to groan at the publishing of yet another Bon Iver review, but this write-up is great. Have a pos. And I apologize for potentially wanting to be a douche earlier.
Album Rating: 4.0haha, that post was so bi polar
Great review
Album Rating: 4.5It's a sign that I just read a good review.
Album Rating: 4.5Thanks Irving. I think.
Album Rating: 4.5I'm trying hard to get these reviews shorter but man it's tough. Gotta be more ruthless...
Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound OffReally good review, basically mirrors the structure of my one the other day, but it's much better written. Have a pos!
Album Rating: 4.5No kidding MarvellousG! I just read yours and some of the similarities are scary. Nice review.... I make it a firm practice to never read other reviews of a new record before writing my own because it's just too easy to subconsciously pilfer. That makes it even cooler when minds align.
Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound OffHaha yeah, it's weird, glad we both enjoy it so much though!
Album Rating: 4.5Thanks Irving. I think.
Haha, remove your trepidation - I really liked this review and was impressed by it for the most part. About your problems with length - I know exactly how you feel; I run into the same problems with my work all the time =) The key, I think, is trying to remain unattached and unsentimental to all your work. Keep at it, and hopefully a sense of when to amputate will eventually come.
Cheers, and good luck!
Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


text: Going strictly by Canon won't help here. Roddenberry himself once said [citation needed] the machine planet was the Borg homeworld, he could be joking or not, ymmv. But the concept is intriguing. I read some not-half-bad fanfic theorizing the machines were in contact with V'ger until the fusion with Decker -- when they lost contact they were intrigued by the disappearance and assimilated their first organic species -- until then they didnt do that-- trying to understand whet Vger had done with the human(s) - thus inventing and eventually becoming the Borg as we know it. What's in your "personal canon", if such a thing exists?


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Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Bureau
565, Fifth Avenue - 23rd Floor
New York, N.Y. 10017
Tel: +1 212 286 33 30
Fax: +1 212 286 98 90
Toll free (USA): (800) 753 9696
Sensory exhibition with a chance to meet sharks
From Saturday 8 June, Oceanographic Museum
Tel : +377 93 15 36 00
The new exhibition at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, "Sharks," will open on 8 June 2013 (Sharks in Monaco)
The Oceanographic Museum is in summer mode and is offering a wealth of activities until 4 September 2013 (Activities at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco for Summer 2013)
On 14 August 2013 the eminent paleontologist will lead a conference entitled "Man, Animal and Fear" as part of the Nocturnes at the Museum (Meeting with Yves Coppens at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco)
The MOM is organizing a discovery course on the marine world for children aged 8 to 12 ("Snapper Club" at Monaco's Oceanographic Museum during the Fall School Holidays)
The Museum is offering some exciting activities during the Fall school holidays, from 19 October to 3 November 2013 (It's Holiday Time at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco)
"Monacopolis" Exposition - Architecture, Urban Development and Decoration in Monte-Carlo
From Monday 17 June to Sunday 23 February, from 10 am to 6 pm, Nouveau Musée National (Villa Sauber)
Tel : +377 98 98 91 26
Architecture, town planning and urbanization in Monaco. Achievements and projects from 1858 to 2012 ("Monacopolis" – The New National Museum of Monaco's New Exhibition)
After two years of research, the Villa Paloma and the Villa Sauber are presenting an exhibition of architecture, town planning and urbanization in Monaco, 1858 to 2012 (Opening of Monacopolis, the NMNM's New Exhibition)
The New National Museum of Monaco is offering a course for young people from 15 to 19 April 2013 in connection with the "Monacopolis" exhibition ("Monacopolis" Workshop for Young People at the New National Museum of Monaco)
New works at the "Monacopolis" exhibition (The Villa Sauber, Monte-Carlo)
A summer school for children will take place from 8 to 12 July 2013 in connection with the exhibition "Monacopolis - Architecture, Urban Development and Decoration in Monte-Carlo" (A Course for Budding Artists at the New National Museum of Monaco)
Exhibition on the theme of "Draw Me a Bison"
From Sunday 22 September to Sunday 9 March, from 9 am to 5 pm Musée d'Anthropologie Préhistorique
Tel : +377 98 98 80 06
"Draw me a Bison … On the Trail of the First Artists," until 28 February 2014 (New Exhibition at Monaco's Anthropological Museum)
Exhibition by David Rodríguez Caballero
From Thursday 3 October to Friday 29 November, from 11 am to 6 pm (except weekends and public holidays) Galerie Marlborough Monaco
Tel : +377 97 70 25 53
Exhibition on the theme of "Promenades d'Amateurs" ("Art Lovers' Walks")
From Thursday 24 October to Sunday 5 January, from 10 am to 6 pm Nouveau Musée National (Villa Paloma)
Tel : +377 98 98 48 60
A meeting between the New National Museum of Monaco (NMNM), an anonymous collector and an artist, until 5 January 2014 ("Art Lovers' Walks" Exhibition at the Villa Paloma, Monaco)
On the first Sunday of the month – and of the year! – admission to the NMNM will be free! (Last Day of the "Art Lovers' Walks" Exhibition in Monaco)
Fun fair organized by Monaco City Hall
From Saturday 26 October at 2 pm to Tuesday 19 November, Quai Albert Ier
Tel : +377 93 15 06 04
Rides, food stalls, games and activities are coming to the Port of Monaco from 26 October to 19 November 2013 (The Funfair Returns to Monaco!)
"Face to Face," collective exhibition
From Tuesday 5 to Tuesday 19 November, from 2 pm to 6 pm (from Tuesday to Friday) Galerie Carré Doré
Tel : +377 97 77 12 86
Exhibition on the theme of "L'Ange du Temps" ("The Angel of Time") by David Gabriel Kavafy
From Thursday 7 November to Friday 13 December, from 3 pm to 7 pm Galerie L'Entrepôt
Tel : +377 93 50 13 14
As part of the National Festival: "Klinke," poetic comedy by Milo and Olivia, organized by Monaco City Hall
Wednesday 13 November at 3 pm, Espace Léo Ferré
Tel : +377 93 10 12 10
Lecture on the subject of "La culture figurative féminine en Italie du Baroque au Rococò: Héroïnes, victimes, maîtresses" ("The feminine figurative culture in Italy from Baroque to Rococo: Heroines, victimes, mistresses") by Annalisa Scarpa, director of the Terruzzi Foundation's "Villa Margherita" in Bordighera, organized by the Societa Dante Alighieri.
Wednesday 13 November, at 6.30 pm Salle du Ponant, Centre de Rencontres Internationales
Tel : +377 97 70 89 47
565, Fifth Avenue - 23rd Floor
New York, N.Y. 10017
Tel: +1 212 286 33 30
Fax: +1 212 286 98 90
Toll free (USA): (800) 753 9696


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Animal Species:Carpet Sea Star
The three most common sea stars in Sydney belong to the genus Patiriella. They may be difficult to see at first because of their small size and excellent camouflage in rock pools, crevices or under boulders.
Standard Common Name
Carpet Sea Star
The colour and pattern of individual Carpet Sea Stars vary greatly. They usually have a grey-green background with splotches of orange, yellow or red. You may also notice several tiny sea stars surrounding a larger one.
Size range
5 cm
Carpet Sea Stars are found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia andTasmania.
Carpet Sea Stars live on intertidal rocky shores to a depth of 3 m.
Other behaviours and adaptations
The Carpet Sea Star has well-defined arms, whereas the arms of the other two common species in the area (Patiriella exigua and P. gunnni) are not well developed, giving these sea stars a pentagonal or hexagonal shape.
Life cycle
Sea stars from the genus Patiriella differ from most other echinoderms by being 'viviparous', meaning that they give birth to live young. The juveniles develop within the parent.
- Species:
- calcar
- Genus:
- Patiriella
- Family:
- Asterinidae
- Order:
- Valvatida
- Class:
- Asteroidea
- Phylum:
- Echinodermata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Last Updated:
Tags sea stars, starfish, invertebrates, identification, echinoderms, wildlife of sydney, marine,


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Families of U.S. citizens killed or wounded in bombing attacks in Israel have filed an $875 million lawsuit against the Amman-based Arab Bank, accusing it of channeling money to Palestinian "terrorist" groups and making insurance payments to beneficiaries of suicide bombers.
The lawsuit, filed Friday in federal court in the Eastern District of New York, claims the bank's New York branch laundered Saudi aid to "terrorists." The branch first converted the money into dollars and then sent it to local branches in the West Bank and Gaza Strip where it was paid out to bombers and armed organizations, the suit alleges, according to The AP.
The bank also worked with Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad to distribute insurance money to beneficiaries of suicide bombers, including their families and those wounded or captured by Israeli security forces, the lawsuit adds.
"We have a mountain of evidence that will prove that the bank not only knows about the terror financing, but is actively involved and using its New York branch to launder the money," Mark Werbner, the lead attorney for the families, said in a statement Tuesday.
The lawsuit, Linde v. Arab Bank, includes six U.S. families whose members have died or been wounded in attacks in Israel.
Among them is Courtney Linde, the widow of John Linde Jr., a security guard from Missouri who was killed when a roadside bomb destroyed a vehicle in a U.S. diplomatic convoy in the Gaza Strip last October.
Arab Bank has 30 branches across the Middle East, Europe, the United States, Australia and North Africa. It often leads the Amman Stock Exchange. (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com [1])
[1] http://www.menareport.com
[2] http://www.albawaba.com


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Improving the relationship between people and horses
GUILFORD -- Several of Heidi Potter's horses have no problem flashing a big, toothy smile.
And now Potter, a long-time horse trainer, has an even bigger reason to smile: She and her husband, Rob, are opening their New England Center for Horsemanship in Guilford.
An open house is planned from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at the facility, 761 Weatherhead Hollow Road. Visitors will see what Potter believes is the right spot to further her work with "natural horsemanship."
"What they can expect when they come here is to learn how to interact with a horse in a gentle, understanding manner," Potter said. "I teach people to see things from a horse's point of view."
Potter says she was hooked on horses while growing up in New Hampshire. She began riding at age 6 and purchased her first horse at age 13.
In 1994, she founded Maple Ridge Stable in Guilford. And she worked to expand her knowledge and training skills, studying the principles of "centered riding" and becoming a certified instructor through the Certified Horsemanship Association in 2000.
She went on to gain master-level and clinic-instructor certifications. Last month, she traveled to Colorado to conduct a clinic.
The new property, not far from Maple Ridge Stable, became available when friends moved, Potter said. She and her husband have been hard at work for a few months renovating a barn and making other improvements.
The plot's 17 acres of mostly pasture land "allows us to have much more useful land for the horses and for the business," Potter said, adding that the open space suits her training methods.
"We have brooks and we have bridges and lots of space to work out in the natural environment," she said. "My business is really geared toward the pleasure rider and the trail rider."
The new center will be used for training, instruction and for boarding -- Potter said there are two boarding spots open.
She is focused mainly on "helping improve the relationship between people and their horses." She brings her training in martial arts and yoga to that task, writing that she "emphasizes how strongly our minds, bodies and emotions influence our horse's behaviors and reactions."
That's what centered riding is all about. And Potter also plans to offer regular horse-agility clinics at the facility.
"It's a new sport," she said. "I just got into it this year."
Horse agility involves leading -- not riding -- the animal around an obstacle course. Potter is an accredited trainer with the International Horse Agility Club, and she believes the activity has potential to draw more people to the center.
"It allows people of all ages and abilities to enjoy doing something new with their horses," she said. "It also allows horses of any age or ability to participate."
Saturday's open house includes a horse-agility clinic and competition along with food, refreshments and door prizes. More information is available by calling 802-380-3268.
Centered Riding was developed by Sally Swift, who lived in Brattleboro for more than 50 years and died at the age of 95 in 2009. In 1985, Swift wrote "Centered Riding," a book based on her method, which included using body awareness, centering, and imagery.
More information about Potter and the center is available at www.inharmonywithhorses.com.
Mike Faher can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com or 802-254-2311, ext. 275.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


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113th Congress Day One: NAFCU and Military Coalition Defend Tax Exemption
NAFCU lobbyists spent the first day of the 113th Congress working Capitol Hill, sending its legislative team to drop in on lawmakers, especially freshmen, and attend swearing in ceremonies.
President/CEO Fred Becker, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs Dan Berger, Vice President of Legislative Affairs Brad Thaler and lobbyists Quincy Enoch, Jillian Pevo and Dan O'Brien visited dozens of lawmakers Thursday, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Reps. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.) and Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.)
The lobbyists talked up key industry issues, especially the need to preserve the credit union federal income tax exemption.
Also Thursday, a letter from The Military Coalition was making the rounds on Capitol Hill in support of a tax-free status for credit unions. The group of uniformed services and veterans associations said they represent more than 5.5 million people and reminded Capitol Hill leadership, including the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee, that some 200 defense credit unions provide honest financial products and services to military families, and also provide financial education and counseling in branches on base.
The $52 billion Navy FCU of Vienna, Va. and the $15 million Pentagon FCU of Alexandria, Va. are the country's largest and third largest credit unions, serving a combined 5.2 million members. Navy reported a $560.7 million net profit as of September 2012, according to its 5300 call report.
"The credit union federal income tax exemption is of critical importance because it benefits all Americans, not just those who belong to a credit union. Loss of the exemption would cost the federal government $15 billion in lost tax revenue, $148 billion in GDP and 1.5 million in lost jobs over the next decade. In addition, due to reduced competition, consumers would face higher interest rates on loans and lower interest rates on deposits," said Becker in a release.