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Top Items:
Frank J. Gaffney Jr / Washington Times:
GAFFNEY: Middle East melting down into 'Obamawar' — Israel-Gaza strip conflict deserves president's moniker — While debating Mitt Romney this fall, President Obama declared that he had decided to embrace the term "Obamacare" — a name originally coined and used by its detractors to tie …
Discussion: Althouse
Ann Althouse / Althouse: "Middle East melting down into 'Obamawar.'"
New York Times:
Clinton Arrives in Middle East as Egypt Says Truce in Gaza Is Close — JERUSALEM — Diplomatic efforts accelerated on Tuesday to end the lethal confrontation between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza on one of the most violent days yet in the conflict, as the United States sent Secretary …
Discussion: Los Angeles Times, CNN, BBC, Belmont Club, The Impolitic, msnbc.com, nation.foxnews.com, New York Magazine, Gothamist, Washington Post and News Desk, more at Mediagazer »
Richard Fernandez / Belmont Club: "This will poison everything"
The Cycle / msnbc.com: Today on The Cycle: Hillary to the Rescue?
Sorourke / nation.foxnews.com: Obama Sends Hillary to Israel
Dan Amira / New York Magazine: Hillary Clinton Heads to the Middle East Amid Rumors of an Imminent Cease-fire [Updated]
Emily Greenhouse / News Desk: The Tweets of War — The author Chuck Klosterman recently wrote …
Zeke Miller / BuzzFeed:
Reelected Obama Shows No "Daylight" With Israel
Reelected Obama Shows No "Daylight" With Israel
Discussion: The Maddow Blog
Steve Benen / The Maddow Blog: 'Everything we could ever hope for'
Jerusalem Post:
IDF soldier, civilian killed as over 140 rockets hit Israel
IDF soldier, civilian killed as over 140 rockets hit Israel
Discussion: National Review, msnbc.com, Melanie Phillips, Israel Matzav and Maggie's Farm
Benjamin Weinthal / National Review: Hamas Rockets Shower on Southern Israel
Jordan Michael Smith / msnbc.com: Mideast cease-fire may be near — what comes next?
Bruce Kesler / Maggie's Farm: Morning here, Afternoon there, Gaza Update
New York Times:
Hamas's Illegitimacy
Hamas's Illegitimacy
Discussion: The Atlantic Online, Mondoweiss, msnbc.com, Reuters and WorldViews
Jeffrey Goldberg / The Atlantic Online: The Strange Obsession With Proportional Body Counts
Nima Shirazi / Mondoweiss: As the discourse shifts, 'NYT' stays rooted in the past (the 1800s to be exact)
Morning Joe / msnbc.com: Must Reads Op-Eds for Nov. 20th 2012
Max Fisher / WorldViews: Israel, Gaza, and the patterns of the past
LIVE BLOG: Day 7 of Israel-Gaza conflict 2012
LIVE BLOG: Day 7 of Israel-Gaza conflict 2012
Discussion: Mondoweiss and Israel Matzav
Alex Isenstadt / Politico:
Allen West concedes to Patrick Murphy — Florida Rep. Allen West — the tea party pugilist and face of the class of House Republicans that stormed to power two years ago — conceded Tuesday to 29-year-old construction executive Patrick Murphy in one of the nation's highest-profile congressional races.
Allen West / CNN: West concedes in tight congressional race after recount
Josh Fruhlinger / Wonkette: Allen West Finally Surrenders, Kills Political Comedy Forever
Josh Feldman / Mediaite: Allen West Officially Concedes House Race To Patrick Murphy
Neal Broverman / Advocate: Antigay Allen West Concedes Defeat
Janet Shan / The Moderate Voice: Rep. Allen West (R-FL) Finally Concedes to Construction Executive Patrick Murphy
Myra Adams / The PJ Tatler: What Should Congressman Allen West Do Now? Recommend His Next Career Move Here
George Bennett / Post on Politics: Rep. Allen West concedes House race to Patrick Murphy
Ed Morrissey / Hot Air: Allen West concedes
Neetzan Zimmerman / Gawker: Having Run Out of Votes to Recount and Election Officials to Blame, Allen West Finally Concedes
Doug Mataconis / Outside the Beltway: Allen West Finally Concedes Loss Of Congressional Seat
Allen West / Facebook:
I will take no further action to contest this election.
I will take no further action to contest this election.
Discussion: Slate, The Atlantic Online, The BRAD BLOG, TIME, National Review and WPTV Newschannel 5
David Weigel / Slate: Can't Allen West Just Come Back in 2014?
David A. Graham / The Atlantic Online: The Case for Liberal Compassion Toward Allen West
Brad Friedman / The BRAD BLOG: Allen West Concedes: 'I Congratulate Patrick Murphy as New Congressman from Florida's 18th'
Alex Altman / TIME: Allen West Concedes Defeat, but the Tea Party Isn't Over
Eliana Johnson / National Review: Allen West on Recount: 'We Will Not Allow an Al Franken—Norm Coleman to Happen Here!'
Sean Sullivan / The Fix:
Florida Rep. Allen West concedes
Florida Rep. Allen West concedes
Discussion: Election 2012 and The Agonist
Sean Sullivan / Election 2012: McIntyre challenger calls for recount in North Carolina
Neil King Jr / Washington Wire:
Iowa's GOP Governor: Time to End the Straw Poll — Is one of the quirkiest rituals of the Republican presidential election calendar heading for the grave? — It is, if Iowa's Republican Gov. Terry Branstad has his say. — Eyeing the wreckage of the 2011 Ames Straw Poll …
Discussion: CNN, The Hill, Hot Air and The Daily Caller
Terry Branstad / CNN: Branstad questions viability of Iowa straw poll
Daniel Strauss / The Hill: Iowa Gov. Branstad suggests Ames Straw Poll has 'outlived its usefulness'
Alexis Levinson / The Daily Caller: Top Iowa Republican weighs in on the end of the Ames Straw Poll
Greg Sargent / Washington Post:
Poetic justice: Romney likely to finish at 47 percent — When all the votes are counted, could Mitt Romney really end up achieving perfect poetic justice by finishing with 47 percent of the national vote? Yup. Dave Wasserman of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report says new votes in from Maryland put Romney at 47.56 percent.
Discussion: Alan Colmes'Alan Colmes', msnbc.com and Daily Kos
Washington Post:
Conservative Republicans fight back after Romney loss
Conservative Republicans fight back after Romney loss
Discussion: Crooks and Liars, Washington Monthly, Mother Jones, Prairie Weather and USA Today
Ed Kilgore / Washington Monthly: The Phony War Intensifies
Kevin Drum / Mother Jones: The Tea Party Strikes Back
Rick Santorum / USA Today: GOP needs to tell people we can help
Eliana Johnson / National Review:
Gingrich Explains Romney, GOP Defeat
Gingrich Explains Romney, GOP Defeat
Discussion: Hot Air
Ed Morrissey / Hot Air: Gingrich: The GOP misunderstood the electorate in 2012
CBS News:
Sources: DNI cut "al Qaeda" reference from Benghazi talking points, and CIA, FBI signed off — PLAY CBS NEWS VIDEO — (CBS News) WASHINGTON - CBS News has learned that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) cut specific references to "al Qaeda" and "terrorism" …
Paul Mirengoff / Power Line: CBS News claims that Office of the DNI removed references to al Qaeda and terrorism
Bill Gertz / Washington Free Beacon: The Talking Point Tiff
Thomas Joscelyn / Weekly Standard: Another Version of the Benghazi Talking Points Story
Andrew Rosenthal / Taking Note: Leave Susan Rice Alone
Andy H / The Lonely Conservative: James Clapper Edited Out Terrorists From Talking Points UPDATE - McCain Responds
Taylor Marsh: News Desk — CBS News: Office of DNI Edited Rice Talking Points and FBI and CIA Signed Off
Doug Powers / Michelle Malkin: CBS: Office of the Director of National Intelligence edited al Qaeda references from CIA talking points
Eliana Johnson / National Review: Who Changed the Talking Points, and Does it Matter?
Ann Althouse / Althouse: Who changed those Benghazi talking points?
Erick Erickson / RedState:
I Believe and Am Thankful — Marco Rubio is getting beaten up by the press for not decisively and convincingly saying he thinks the world is billions of years old. It has become the new litmus test in the media. Believing what was believed to be literally true for a few thousand years is now nutty.
Discussion: Little Green Footballs
Charles Johnson / Little Green Footballs: CNN Contributor Erick Erickson's Right Wing Manifesto of Magical Thinking
The Week:
Marco Rubio should know that science and God do not have to be at odds
Marco Rubio should know that science and God do not have to be at odds
Discussion: The Week, The Atlantic Online, The Daily Caller, National Review and Election 2012
Garance Franke-Ruta / The Atlantic Online: Rubio's Perplexing Punt on the Age of the Earth
Matt K. Lewis / The Daily Caller: God and Rubio at GQ
Sean Sullivan / Election 2012: Marco Rubio: Earth's age 'one of the great mysteries'
Peter Nicholas / Washington Wire:
Obama Campaign Viewed Huntsman as 'Very Tough Candidate' — When Obama campaign aides surveyed the field of Republican presidential hopefuls early on, they saw a certain handsome Mormon candidate and thought he'd be trouble in a general election showdown. — It wasn't Mitt Romney.
Discussion: National Review and Outside the Beltway
Katrina Trinko / National Review: Huntsman's Problem Wasn't Just That He Was Perceived as a Moderate
Doug Mataconis / Outside the Beltway: Obama Campaign Saw Jon Huntsman As A Threat
Messina: Obama built biggest grassroots campaign
Messina: Obama built biggest grassroots campaign
Discussion: CNN and Election 2012
Rachel Weiner / Election 2012: Obama's grassroots operation will live on
Michael Barbaro / New York Times:
Christie's Post-Hurricane Embrace of Obama Outrages Many in G.O.P. — A few days after Hurricane Sandy shattered the shores of New Jersey, Gov. Chris Christie picked up the phone to take on a different kind of recovery work: taming the Republican Party fury over his effusive embrace of President Obama.
Michael Howard Saul / Metropolis: Poll: Christie Had Best Response to Sandy
Steve M. / No More Mister Nice Blog: IF YOU DISRESPECT THE GOP FAMILY, YOU HAVE TO TALK TO THE GODFATHER
Steve Benen / The Maddow Blog: Chris Christie's other clean-up effort
Colin Campbell / Politicker: New Yorkers Dig Chris Christie's Storm Response
Meenal Vamburkar / Mediaite: Rupert Murdoch Privately Warned Chris Christie To Support Romney Following Hurricane Sandy
Christian Heinze / GOP 12: NYT: Christie feels "misunderstood" by GOP critics
Atrios / Eschaton: He Should've Yelled At The Victims
Margaret Hartmann / New York Magazine: Romney Camp Is Fairly Confident That Christie Made Them Lose the Election
Rachel Weiner / Election 2012: Rupert Murdoch warned Chris Christie to help Mitt Romney
Media Decoder:
Elmo Puppeteer Resigns After Fresh Allegation — 5:11 p.m. | Updated Kevin Clash, the longtime voice and puppeteer behind "Sesame Street's" Elmo character, resigned on Tuesday after a new allegation was made that he had underage sexual relationships. — Announcing the decision with what he called a …
Mary Katharine Ham / Hot Air: Elmo creator resigns as second sex allegation surfaces
Andrew Kirell / Mediaite: Elmo Puppeteer Kevin Clash Resigns From Sesame Street
Robert Stacy McCain / The Other McCain: Sad Elmo's Very Bad Week
Neetzan Zimmerman / Gawker: Second Elmo Accuser Clarifies Allegations: No Penetration, Just Masturbation
Arturo Garcia / The Raw Story: Elmo puppeteer resigns from 'Sesame Street' amid new sexual abuse allegations
Andy Towle / Towleroad News #gay: Kevin Clash, Voice of Sesame Street's Elmo, Resigns After Second Man Comes Forward with Underage Sex Allegations
Doug Mataconis / Outside the Beltway: Elmo Puppeteer, Dogged By Sex Scandal, Quits Job
Janet Shan / The Hinterland Gazette: Elmo Puppeteer Kevin Clash Resigns from Sesame Street After Second Accuser Cecil Singleton Files Lawsuit
Declan McCullagh / CNET:
Senate bill rewrite lets feds read your e-mail without warrants — Proposed law scheduled for a vote next week originally increased Americans' e-mail privacy. Then law enforcement complained. Now it increases government access to e-mail and other digital files.
Jessica Stanton / The Daily Caller: Leahy draws back support for warrantless email amendment
Amelia Hamilton / FreedomWorks: Bill Rewritten to Increase Warrantless Government Surveillance of Americans
Alex Wilhelm / The Next Web: Congress is not set to pass a bill that would abrogate your personal email privacy
Mike Masnick / Techdirt: Patrick Leahy Ready To Cave To Law Enforcement: Has ECPA Reform Amendment To Include Loopholes For Warrantless Spying
Scott Shackford / Hit & Run: Bill Intended to Secure Email Privacy Now Does the Exact Opposite (Updated: Leahy Responds)
The Lonely Conservative: Senate Dems Working On Bill To Give Feds Ability To Access Americans' Email With No Warrant
David Edwards / The Raw Story: Aide refutes report that Leahy supports warrantless email spying bill
CJ Ciaramella / Washington Free Beacon: Leahy Denies Gutting Email Privacy Bill
Doug Brady / Conservatives4Palin: More.
Yahoo! News:
A GOP Plan for 2016: Pot, immigration and defense cuts — Spinners and Winners — Ron Paul supporters might want to think twice before throwing away their "Paul for President" signs. Though the frequent presidential candidate is retiring at the end of the year, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) …
Discussion: The Maddow Blog, Hot Air, The Daily Caller, ABCNEWS and Washington Examiner
Steve Benen / The Maddow Blog: Rand Paul 'interested' in 2016 presidential race
Ed Morrissey / Hot Air: Is Rand Paul the future of the GOP?
Caroline May / The Daily Caller: Rand Paul 'interested' in 2016 presidential run
Michael Falcone / ABCNEWS: Can Susan Rice Deal With Defections On The Left? (The Note)
Charlie Spiering / Washington Examiner: Rand Paul: Dad helped spark a 'sea of change' in the Republican party
Bobby Cervantes / Politico:
Rand Paul says he's eyeing 2016 run
Rand Paul says he's eyeing 2016 run
Ed Kilgore / Washington Monthly: Hell Yes, Ron Paul is Fergettin'
Mackenzie Weinger / Politico:
Nate Silver on 'Morning Joe': Why pollsters got it wrong — New York Times statistician Nate Silver stopped by MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on Tuesday to discuss how he got it right this election when so many others didn't. — Host Joe Scarborough — who during the campaign questioned Silver …
Discussion: Brad DeLong and National Review
J. Bradford DeLong / Brad DeLong: War on Nate Silver: Final After-Action Report: The Flag of Reality Flies Uncontested Over Silvergrad Weblogging
Dennis Prager / National Review: How the New York Times Covers Evil
Jeffrey Toobin / News Desk:
Can the Senate Be Saved? — The most important action the Senate takes in January may not involve any legislation at all. Early next year, when the latest group of senators convene for the first time, the "world's greatest deliberative body" may finally do something worthy of its nickname: reform the filibuster.
Discussion: Truthdig
Mitt Romney Surfaces At A Gas Station Looking Very Normal — Long time no see, old friend. — Dorsey Shaw — a few minutes ago — 63 responses
Discussion: The Impolitic
Julian Walker / Virginian-Pilot:
Sen. Mark Warner passes on 2013 governor bid — After months of speculation, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner today announced he won't seek another term as governor, meaning whatever his political future holds is likely be oriented around Washington rather than the State Capitol.
Alexander Bolton / Ballot Box:
Warner sticks with Senate, won't run for Virginia governor
Warner sticks with Senate, won't run for Virginia governor
Scott Wong / Politico: Warner won't run for Va. governor
Paul Steinhauser / CNN: Sen. Warner says no to bid for Virginia governor
Richard H. Pildes / The Atlantic Online:
The Real Reasons You Waited Hours in Line to Vote — An Obama campaign legal adviser explains the humiliating meltdown in voting we saw around the country during this year's presidential election. — Voters in Miami on November 6 (Andrew Innerarity/Reuters)
Ed Kilgore / Washington Monthly: War on Voting—By Incompetence
David Brooks / New York Times:
The Conservative Future — If you listened to the Republican candidates this year, you heard a conventional set of arguments. But if you go online, you can find a vibrant and increasingly influential center-right conversation. Most of the young writers and bloggers in this conversation intermingle …
Discussion: Crooked Timber, ECHIDNE OF THE SNAKES and Marginal Revolution
Corey Robin / Crooked Timber: Conservatives: Who's Your Daddy?
Echidne / ECHIDNE OF THE SNAKES: Decoding David Brooks
Tyler Cowen / Marginal Revolution: David Brooks on the conservative future
Tom Kludt / Talking Points Memo:
'Unskewed Polls' Founder Dean Chambers Launches Vote Fraud Website — Dean Chambers, the founder of UnSkewedPolls.com, launched a new website last week alleging that President Barack Obama did not legitimately carry Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Florida, but instead won those states thanks to voter fraud.
Discussion: Mediaite, Little Green Footballs, Outside the Beltway and Election 2012
Josh Feldman / Mediaite: Creator Of 'Unskewed Polls' Has New Website 'Barack O'Fraudo' Claiming Obama Stole The Election
Charles Johnson / Little Green Footballs: 'Unskewed Polls' Right Wing Kook Launches 'BarackOFraudo.com'
Doug Mataconis / Outside the Beltway: Unskewed Polls Guy Now Claiming Election Was Stolen
Rachel Weiner / Election 2012: 'Unskewed Polls' founder claims Obama stole election
Wall Street Journal:
Liberal Man of the Year — Chief Justice Roberts shares the dais with Lena Dunham. — No Supreme Court Justice has ever said "Live from New York, it's Saturday night," at least on national television, but give it time. This month Glamour magazine named Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg one of its "Women of the Year."
Discussion: Above the Law, The Daily Caller, Hit & Run, msnbc.com and ProfessorBainbridge.com
Staci Zaretsky / Above the Law: What Does Chief Justice John Roberts Have in Common With Lena Dunham?
Christopher Bedford / The Daily Caller: TheDC Morning: Michael Moore wants Barack Obama to text him
Damon W. Root / Hit & Run: Liberals Still Love John Roberts for His Obamacare Ruling
John Flowers / msnbc.com: John Roberts finds out how long conservatives hold a grudge
Steve Bainbridge / ProfessorBainbridge.com: The Greenhouse effect and liberal media love for CJ Roberts
Eric Ostermeier / Smart Politics:
House Democrats Inch Closer to Becoming a Two-State Caucus — Californians and New Yorkers will comprise a record percentage of the Democratic caucus when the 113th Congress convenes in January at nearly 30 percent — Although gains by Democrats were modest in 2012 U.S. House races …
Discussion: Politico, First Read and Connecting.the.Dots
Charles Mahtesian / Politico: House Dems dominated by 4 states
Robert Stein / Connecting.the.Dots: Coastal Flooding in Congress
Sam Stein / The Huffington Post:
Obama Plots Outside Game To Leave Washington, Add Pressure On Lame-Duck Congress … REACT: — FOLLOW: — Bush Tax Cuts, Barack Obama , Barack Obama , Video, Obama Lame Duck, The Action, Fiscal Cliff, Obama Barnstorm, Obama Fiscal Cliff, Obama Outside Game, Outside Game, Theaction, Politics News
Discussion: www.wnyc.org, BuzzFeed, Firedoglake and Daily Kos
Frank James / www.wnyc.org: Obama Campaign Machine May Be Turned Loose On Fiscal Cliff Climbing Congress
Zeke Miller / BuzzFeed: Top Aide: Obama To Keep "Social Movement" — And Use It
David Dayen / Firedoglake: Union Coalition Promotes "Jobs Not Cuts," Directly Targets Democratic Senators
Janean Chun / The Huffington Post:
John Metz Denny's Obamacare Surcharge Stirs Big Mess For Restaurant Chain … REACT: — FOLLOW: — Video, Hurricane Grill & Wings, IFA Obamacare, International Franchise Association, Joel Libava, John Metz, John Miller, Denny's Backlash, Denny's Boycott, Denny's Franchisee, Denny's Obamacare …
Discussion: Daily Kos, The Maddow Blog, National Review and msnbc.com
Steve Benen / The Maddow Blog: Why Denny's is in damage-control mode
Jillian Kay Melchior / National Review: The Obamacare Surcharge, Part II
Ned Resnikoff / msnbc.com: Denny's, Papa John's, walk back criticism of Obamacare


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Found this tooth in Velez Blanco, in Almeria, Southern Spain. Not sure if fossil or bone but cannot figure out what it came from because so very very sharp. Can you help?
I don't think that this is a tooth. I believe it is a horn core from a goat like animal, the bony support for the hollow horn.

subset: commoncrawl


text: Am with FedEx on this too. Sorry... Btw, the Murray explanation I am waiting on is - how come when he was with F Perry and #4, raising star, he wore Adidas and Nike, as he wanted (mainly Adidas). This tells me that a high ranked, highly marketable tennis star was not sponsored by Adidas. How is that possible?? Why is he so different than Djokovic, oscillating between #1 and #2?? Or, why is he different from Kei??


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BERLIN- Worcester Prep's varsity golf team cruised to the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) tournament championship this week, beating the next closest competitor by over 20 strokes to claim the title.
The Mallards shot a team-low 184 at the ESIAC championship tournament in Chestertown on Monday. Gunston was second with a team score of 208, followed by Salisbury School (216) and Salisbury Christian (229). Christina Vosters was named Conference Player of the Year, while Ty Myers and Scott Gee were named to the All-Tournament team.


text: Breakaway! An early look at college football players expected to step up and have breakout years in 2014 This Story is About... College Photos Sports Photos Colleges +1 /Michael Ainsworth - Staff Photographer. It's going to be tough to replace some of the stalwarts from the 2013 football season, but here's a list of five players from some area schools that could help make an immediate impact in 2014. /John David Mercer - USA TODAY Spor. TEXAS A&M / 1. De'vante Harris / CB / Harris (1) boasted before the season that he put an emphasis on improving his tackling during the offseason as well as gaining weight. The improvements earned him more playing time for the Aggies but Harris struggled at times, again, with more physical receivers. As he continues to add strength in the A&M offseason workout program, Harris will likely be encouraged by the 56 tackles and nine pass deflections during the 2013 season. -- Sean Lester /G.J. McCarthy - Staff Photographer. TEXAS A&M / 2. Clay Honeycutt / Out of high school Honeycutt was considered more of an offensive weapon than a contributor on the defensive side of the ball. Now he has found his spot on the Aggie defense at safety but missed tackles became such a concern that cornerback Deshazor Everett had to step in at times. An interception and a fumble recovery on the season gives Honeycutt a shot at breaking out in 2014. He has more experience than much of the competition at his position giving him the upper hand going into the offseason. -- Sean Lester /Joe Robbins - Getty Images. TEXAS A&M / 3. Cameron Clear / TE / Clear was considered the secret weapon the Aggies had not unveiled entering the "Game of the Century" against Alabama in September. While the 6-6, 270-pound tight end hauled in a touchdown on his only reception in the game, he never truly broke out as a threat in the offense full of weapons. In 2014 Clear will replace Nehemiah Hicks as the featured tight-end in the Aggie offense and can develop as a blocker and red zone option. -- Sean Lester /G.J. McCarthy - Staff Photographer. TEXAS A&M / 4. Brandon Williams / RB / The former five-star recruit and transfer from Oklahoma quickly became the fourth-best back in the Aggie lineup due to inconsistent play. As Ben Malena, Tra Carson and Trey Williams took advantage of more snaps, Williams found himself on the bench. With Malena graduating the running back situation clears ever so slightly giving Williams a chance to prove he still has that five-star qualities in him. -- Sean Lester /Christian Randolph - Staff Photographer. TEXAS A&M / 5. Taylor Bertolet / K / Bertolet lost his field goal kicking role on the team after missing a field goal and an extra-point against Sam Houston State in the second game of the season. The move had as much to do with his misses in 2012 as it did in 2013 and opened up a spot for Josh Lambo. Bertolet is now the featured kicker on kickoffs and can bomb the football out of the end zone but for any kicker the field goals are the bread and butter. Expect him to at least be in contention for the field goal role in search of redemption this offseason. -- Sean Lester /Tom Fox - Staff Photographer. TEXAS / 1. Steve Edmond / LB / When healthy, Edmond showed great strides in 2013. He was much quicker to fill gaps and really took on a leadership role at the mike linebacker spot in place of the injured Jordan Hicks. But a lacerated spleen cost Edmond the final two games of the year and an opportunity to finish what was already a solid season. Texas coaches raved about Edmond's growth all season, and it would not shock to see the Longhorns' second level become an area of strength with Edmond leading the way next year. /Michael Ainsworth - Staff Photographer. TEXAS / 2. Daje Johnson / RB / In the first game of the season, Johnson looked to be Texas' breakout star. He rushed for 62 yards, made three catches for 67 yards and combined for two touchdowns. Major Applewhite made him an integral part of the offense, and he looked to be the Longhorns' answer to Oregon's De'Anthony Thomas. But the sophomore suffered an ankle injury the next week against BYU on the first offensive series, which kept him out of Texas' next two games. Health was no longer an issue after he returned, but Johnson never again factored heavily into the Applewhite's offensive plans. To make matters worse, Johnson missed the Texas Tech game due to an unspecified violation of team rules and sat out the bowl game after he was ruled academically ineligible. /Michael Ainsworth - Staff Photographer. TEXAS / 3. Joe Bergeron / RB / Texas' bruising back found himself on the back burner in 2013 due to an early season fumbling problem. Bergeron finished the season with only four touchdowns after leading the team with 16 the previous year. He was moved to special teams for a large chunk of the year, but did fight back to earn carries late in the season. There is a backload at running back with Malcolm Brown and Johnathan Gray ahead of him, but expect Bergeron to finish his career with a productive senior year. -- Chris Hummer /Courtesy of Inside Texas' Twitter account (@InsideTexas). TEXAS / 4. Shiro Davis / DE / An ultra-talented defensive end, Davis (1) was expected to see increased snaps in 2013. But the sophomore saw limited playing time due to the exceptional play of Jackson Jeffcoat and Cedric Reed. But with Jeffcoat graduated, Davis will likely take his spot on the line. Davis isn't the biggest defensive end at 249 pounds, but he has exceptional speed off the edge and will present opposing tackles a huge problem. Davis should complement Reed well and form yet another productive pass-rushing tandem for Texas in 2014. -- Chris Hummer /Tom Fox - Staff Photographer. TEXAS / 5. Adrian Colbert DB / Mykkele Thompson started the entire season at free safety, but he often struggled to keep containment and read coverage. With a new defensive staff entering the fold it could create the opportunity for shakeup, which will help rising-sophomore Adrian Colbert greatly. Colbert saw much of his time on special teams in 2013 and flashed well; he finished third on the team in special teams tackles. Expect Colbert and Thompson to compete for the starting safety role in camp, and it wouldn't shock to see Colbert win the job over Thompson. -- Chris Hummer /Louis DeLuca - Staff Photographer. BAYLOR / 1. Corey Coleman / WR / When Tevin Reese went out with injury, Coleman came in and performed at a high level during his first season. He may have not had the effect that Sweet Feet had (Reese averaged 22.8 yards per reception compared to Coleman's 15.1) but he excelled in the role that was given to him. He would have started every game during his freshman year, but he was forced to miss the Oklahoma game for targeting. He's got one year of experience under his belt, he's got some height and (shocker coming) he's got speed. He was clocked at a 4.3, the same time that Reese had. With Reese graduating, Antwan Goodley is going to be the top dog. All other spots are going to be up for grabs. -- Josh Friemel /Louis DeLuca - Staff Photographer. BAYLOR / 2. Terrell Burt / S / Ahmad Dixon was the team's most electric player last year, both on and off the field. Phil Bennett adapted the 'Bear' position into last season's defense. Coincidentally Baylor's defense vastly improved from the previous year. If they're going to keep the position, Burt is a good candidate to fill that open spot. He'll be the only returning starter that played in all 13 games from a year ago. He doesn't hit as hard as Dixon did (which could be a good thing), but he made plays when they needed to be made. If Baylor hadn't won the fiery contest against TCU they probably wouldn't have made it to a BCS bowl game. Burt's interception in the endzone sealed that game for the Bears. It wouldn't surprise me if he made more game changing plays this upcoming season. With the departures of Joe Williams, KJ Morton and Demetri Goodson Bennett could easily keep Burt at his normal position. He'll be a key cog in Baylor's defense regardless of where he plays. -- Josh Friemel /Louis DeLuca - Staff Photographer. BAYLOR / 3. Orion Stewart / S / If Burt stays at his current position, Stewart is another candidate to possibly succeed Dixon. Like Burt, he has some experience. Stewart had two starts in Dixon's normal 'Bear' position when Bryce Hager went down with his injury. Stewart was given the opportunity to play because Dixon was moved to the nickel back position. It'd also make sense for Stewart to take over as the main safety after being the backup for the entire season. Regardless of who is playing where, Baylor's secondary is going to be young. Stewart could slide into the starter's role and be one of the most experienced guys on the field. -- Josh Friemel /Christian Petersen - Getty Images. BAYLOR / 4. Kendall Ehrlich (16) / LB / The biggest loss to Baylor's defense was losing its leading tackler in Eddie Lackey. When Hager was hurt, Lackey became the focal point of the defense. Now that Lackey has graduated, the Bears are going to need to find a replacement for that second linebacker spot to compliment Hager once he returns from his groin injury. They have two viable options in Ehrlich and Edwards. They played in a combined 25 games last season with a total of 35 tackles. They're both 6-1 and 225 pounds and both are freakishly strong. Ehrlich can squat an impressive 605 pounds. Edwards is even better with a team high 710 pounds. -- Josh Friemel /Tom Fox - Staff Photographer. BAYLOR / 5. Jamal Palmer / DE / Either Briles or Bennett chose to stick with Terrance Lloyd last season despite a lack of production. He started all 13 games but finished 21st on the team in total tackles with 15. We've seen that with Baylor before. Lache Seastrunk had to sit behind Jared Salubi even though he was infinitely more productive on the field. Even though Palmer didn't start a game all year, his 11 tackles for a loss were fourth on the team. He further wreaked havoc in the backfield by forcing five fumbles. When given playing time he produced some impressive numbers. Lloyd and Chris McAllister started all 13 games at defensive end last season. Palmer seems like a logical replacement. -- Josh Friemel /Michael Ainsworth - Staff Photographer. OKLAHOMA / 1. Keith Ford / RB / If running back Keith Ford had committed somewhere other than Oklahoma, he would have likely gotten significant carries as he was one of the most college-ready running backs in the 2013 class. Ford carried the ball 23 times and averaged 5.8 yards per carry, but with the graduation of Brennan Clay and Roy Finch, Ford becomes the most experienced runner on the Sooner roster. Incoming freshman Joe Mixon will contribute as well. Mixon has a good mix of size and speed that will complement Ford well. The Sooners love to run, and Ford will burst onto the scene in 2014. -- Alex Apple /Streeter Lecka - Getty Images. OKLAHOMA / 2. Dominique Alexander / LB / Alexander was one of Oklahoma's best defenders in 2013, and Sooner fans are expecting him to take yet another step forward in 2014. The 6'2 freshman linebacker finished with 80 tackles in 2013, and he should become one of the leaders of Mike Stoops' defense in 2014. With a year of Big 12 play under his belt, he will have added awareness, leading to quicker reactions and a stronger ability to diagnose plays. If Alexander becomes a student of the game and prepares in the film room, he can be one of the best players in the conference. -- Alex Apple /Streeter Lecka - Getty Images. OKLAHOMA / 3. Trevor Knight / QB / Surprised to see Knight on this list? Sure, he had a fantastic Super Bowl performance that was Josh Heupel-like, but he struggled through much of the season before his coming-out party on national television. In the eight games he played, Knight threw nine touchdowns and five interceptions. The hype will be palpable for Knight heading into 2014, but he still has to prove he can be as good as he was in the Sugar Bowl week after week. -- Alex Apple /Soobum Im - USA TODAY Sports. OKLAHOMA / 4. Joe Mixon / RB / The five-star running back in talented enough to contribute immediately as a freshman. Gone are the days of paying obeisance to a player just because he is an upperclassman. While Keith Ford will get a good chunk of carries, Mixon will push Ford, and he is talented enough that the coaches cannot keep him off the field. Mixon ran for over 1,700 yards and 23 touchdowns during his senior year in high school, and the California native is a consensus five star. So hyped is Mixon that some have dubbed him the next Adrian Peterson. -- Alex Apple /courtesy of Oklahoma Football's Twitter account (@OU_Football). OKLAHOMA / 5. Ty Darlington (56) / C/ Gabe Ikard was the best center in the conference and the anchor of the Sooner offensive line in 2013, and the Sooners will find it hard to find an adequate replacement that can fill the large shoes of Ikard. Ty Darlington is the favorite to start at the center position, and fortunately for the Sooners, he will be flanked by three returning starters on the offensive line. Darlington was ranked as a four star offensive lineman coming out of high school. -- Alex Apple /Matt Strasen - Special Contributor. TCU / 1. Deante' Gray / WR / Gray is the type of athlete that new offensive coordinators Doug Meacham and Sonny Cumbie will find a way to utilize. However, Gray may not even play offense next season if Gary Patterson opts to use him at cornerback. After toiling away at the bottom of the offensive depth charts for much of 2013, Gray stepped up at cornerback when Jason Verrett got injured later in the season. He finished the year with 10 tackles and eight catches. The Frogs must find a cornerback to start alongside Kevin White, and Gray may be that player. He's a superb athlete. Remember the first time he touched the ball as a collegiate athlete? If not here it is… -- Alex Apple /Courtesy of Alex Apple's Twitter account (@AlexAppleDFW). TCU / 2. Matt Pryor / OL / Assuming Pryor is eligible in 2014, the 6'7 offensive lineman will have the opportunity to compete for playing time right away at offensive tackle. At 350 pounds, Pryor has unique size that is difficult to find on the recruiting trail. Sophomores Aviante Collins and Halipoulivaati Vaitai struggled in 2013, and TCU must replace senior James Dunbar as well. It's an open competition at offensive tackle. Pryor and Frank Kee are two players that TCU fans should get to know. -- Alex Apple /Garett Ray Fisbeck - Staff Photographer. TCU / 3. Cameron Echols-Luper / WR / Luper is a great athlete who played well at times and disappeared at times in his freshman season. As a slot receiver, he battled for playing time with fellow freshman Ty Slanina, but both should take a step forward in 2014. The Frogs will air the ball out under new coordinators Doug Meacham and Sonny Cumbie, and Luper should be a beneficiary of that change. His high school film shows why he is a break out candidate. -- Alex Apple /Tom Fox - Staff Photographer. TCU / 4. LaDarius Brown / The expectations hurled at Brown prior to the 2013 season were unrealistic. Sure, Trevone Boykin struggled at quarterback at times and thus, Brown did too. However, he still finished with 36 catches, but a player of Brown's caliber must become a more consistent threat on the outside. His size is perfect for the red zone, yet Brown scored just twice. His most memorable play of the 2013 season was actually returning an onsides kick for a touchdown against SMU. Doug Meacham will help his technique, and Brown should show marked improvement in 2014. -- Alex Apple /Louis DeLuca - Staff Photographer. TCU / 5. Terrell Lathan / DE / Lathan showed immense potential in 2013, and he finished with 25 tackles, seven for a loss. Lathan showed potential as a speed rusher from his defensive end spot. He finished with five sacks, and in an ideal world, Devonte Fields and Lathan will form a dynamic duo in 2014. Devonte Fields played just half of one game as he was injured in 2013. -- Alex Apple /Vernon Bryant - Staff Photographer. TEXAS TECH / 1. Derreck Edwards / WR / Edwards was a Rivals.com four-star recruit and a headliner of Texas Tech's above-average 2011 recruiting class. He caught five passes for 88 yards last season as a sophomore and six passes for 58 yards and a touchdown in 2012. He has a good excuse though. He was buried under starting X receiver Eric Ward who has exhausted eligibility and will get serious looks from NFL scouts leading up to this year's NFL Draft. Edwards possesses the qualities you want in a wideout. At 6-foot-1 and a thick 165 pounds, he has a good size advantage against opposing cornerbacks. He has a quick first step and is improving against the corners' jabs at the line of scrimmage. Edwards is competing in the triple jump with the Texas Tech track and field team but he is expected to report for spring football when it begins. A good spring and solid gains in the weight room would make Edwards the player to beat for the X position entering fall camp. -- Mike Graham /Zach Long. TEXAS TECH / 2. Shawn Corker / WR / Corker was a celebrated receiver from Tampa, Fla., in the Class of 2010 who chose the Red Raiders in favor of Auburn, Florida, Miami, Notre Dame, South Carolina, West Virginia and many others. The rising senior was recruited by Mike Leach's staff but knowingly signed into Tommy Tuberville's first and mixed recruiting class at Texas Tech in February of 2010. Tuberville's staff could not figure out how to apply Corker into the receiver rotation and bounced him between his natural position and defensive back. He also broke his foot in both 2011 and 2012 before catching three passes for 18 yards this past season. Corker's high school film shows a player who was a package of speed, strong hands and physical strength. He will be competing with Edwards and sophomore-to-be D.J. Polite-Bray for playing time at the X position. -- Mike Graham /Courtesy of Totally Texas Tech's Twitter account (@ttu_red). TEXAS TECH / 3. Quinton White / RB / White was an explosive running back through last year's spring football and fall camp sessions, but he was the clear No. 3 running back on the roster through the 2013 season behind Kenny Williams and DeAndre Washington. He did average 10 yards per carry when on 13 touches last season, however. That's 130 rushing yards total. All-purpose running back Justin Stockton will be signing with Texas Tech from Cibolo Steele High School in the San Antonio area shortly and is expected to be electric as well, so White will have to make the most out of spring football before Stockton gets on campus to cement a spot in the main running backs rotation. -- Mike Graham /Courtesy of Dylan Cantrell's Twitter account (@dylancantrell14). TEXAS TECH / 4. Dylan Cantrell / WR / Cantrell played as a true freshman from Whitehouse, Texas, and should see a big workload increase now that Jace Amaro has left the program to pursue an obvious NFL career. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound player seems like a natural fit to take over Amaro's 'Y' inside receiver position. Cantrell lessens the blow of losing a 6-foot-5, 260-pound receiver with a respectable frame of his own that defenders will have to deal with as well as a more athletic upside than Amaro after the catch. Shifting attention to Cantrell at 'Y' means the Red Raiders will likely transition back to their offensive playing style before Amaro. That means a more equal distribution between the four starting receivers with Cantrell serving primarily as a possession receiver more so than an explosive play maker. The best news is Cantrell is a three-year solution at receiver. -- Mike Graham /Stephen Spillman - AP. TEXAS TECH / 5. Anthony Smith / DT / Texas Tech has big question marks along its defensive line with key tackles Dartwan Bush and Dennell Wesley as well as the versatile Kerry Hyder exhausting eligibility. Maybe Smith will be able to make an impact. The Spring, Texas, Westfield graduate used to be a 300-pound nose tackle capable of running under a five-second 40-yard dash time. He even played a bit of running back at the goal line in high school. He's had some trouble maintaining a good weight since his senior year of high school, but 2014 will be his third year in the offseason conditioning program. If Smith can find his high school form, he ought to be able to find some playing time on the defensive line as a redshirt sophomore. Smith will be competing with multiple junior college transfers for playing time but holds a lot of promise if he can stay in the right condition. -- Mike Graham /Troy Taormina - USA TODAY Sports. SMU / 1. Neal Burcham / QB / With Garrett Gilbert graduating, Neal Burcham will take over the reins at quarterback for the Ponies. Burcham started the last two games for SMU after Gilbert went down with an injury and showed flashes of potential, especially in the finale against UCF. In 2011, Burcham shared Elite 11 MVP honors with Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston. -- E.J. Holland /Brad Loper - Staff Photographer. SMU / 2. Traylon Shead / RB / A JUCO All-American, Shead was expected to come in and put up similar numbers to Zach Line, who left SMU as one of the most prolific running backs in school history. But Shead missed eight games due to injury and finished with just 197 yards rushing in 2013. The former Texas back is now fully healthy and once again expected to be the starter in 2014. -- E.J. Holland /Brad Loper - Staff Photographer. SMU / 3. JaBryce Taylor / WR / Taylor made an impact in the return game and also saw some time at wide receiver as a true freshman. With Keenan Holman graduating, Taylor will likely start on the outside or at least be more involved in the offense. At Lufkin, Taylor was an all-state selection and broke a couple of Dez Bryant's records. -- E.J. Holland /Brad Loper - Staff Photographer. SMU / 4. J.R. Richardson / CB / Richardson tore his ACL in 2012, when he was expected to start as a sophomore and really didn't look like the same player this season. He sat behind Chris Parks and even lost time to freshman Ajee Montes. But if Richardson can be the player he looked like before the injury, he could easily be the top corner on this team. -- E.J. Holland /Courtesy of the Richardson family. SMU / 5. Darrion Richardson / S / As a true freshman, Richardson saw time in SMU's final six games. The American Heritage (FL) prospect is a big hitter and loves to come up and lay the wood. He could be a potential replacement for graduating senior Jay Scott. -- E.J. Holland This Topic is Missing Your Voice. View Comments Story DNA College Photos Sports Photos Colleges Sports


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This is the baseball hitting trainer that allows batters to hit up to 450 balls in 30 minutes. A regulation baseball is tethered by bungee cords to the included home plate and a bar that hangs overhead; batters hit the ball into the net and the ball recoils to its original position in seconds, enabling up to 15 practice swings per minute. The bottom bungee cord attaches to home plate in 10 different locations, allowing batters to practice pulling inside pitches, hitting outside pitches to the opposite field, and hitting pitches over the middle of the plate to centerfield. The ball's hanging position can be raised or lowered to accommodate batters of any age or height. The ball and home plate remove from the system and the net converts into an adjustable pitch-back system for practicing throwing and fielding ground balls, line drives, and pop flies. Folds for storage. Assembly required. 77 1/4" H x 43" W x 92 1/4" D. (39 lbs.)
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Помогите нам: эти порнозвезды присутствуют в этом видео?
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why don't they just dp her
so good
gosh... stop sucking dildos, it's fucking ridiculous..
Not real
This video is a complete waste of time. Not only do the actors suck but the camera man is horrible!!
To the confuse girls, i wasnt always a lesbian, i wasnt confused either, i was more scared of what people think, but i finally gave in and tried it, dont get me wrong aint nothing like the penetration from men but women just can do sooo much more then men
damn this was a major turn on, but need more action
What is the name of the hot girl on 11:31
What is the name of that hot girl on 11:31?
lick that pussy deep i LOVE IT
One of the better vids I've seen
I thought this was gonna be hot and it was a waste of my time. If your gonna be ammature, at least practice before you tape it.
these girls suck.they ont know how to lady a woman.
thats my house and the blonde is my wife...it a good thing that the toy was for a girl I thought it was for me
Not gi My girlfriend and I are looking for another woman so we can f u c k her like these woman did to that chick.two strapons, and one sex slave.
show some strapon dp action
Oh my thats the gal's dream...fked by two domme butches. If only mah butch would share...
these girls know how tolick thatpussy
Brilliant vid!!
this is hot
Oh Yeah
I came before they started to fuck.
one of the best movies ive ever seen!
Love this video soooo much I came all over the place
That was grate
Thats some wind they are getting outside
Keeani Lei is the name of the Asian Girl
Prob one of my fav vids ever, the girl in pink, I love eat her pussy and ass all day every day, she is smoking hot! Cannot watch this without getting the urge to masturbate!!
Fuck just watchn yall fuck turnes me no
Whats the name of thise two??
Where was the fist? Last bit? Was still good clip though
Omfg they are hot
umm thats my wife.well at least fhat strap on I found waznt for me
que rico culo de esa lasbiana
sooo um hot
sooo um hot
im so turned on and so horny i am wanting a girl right now
Am horny
That was fuckin amazing
this madqe me sperm the farest
Id fuck them both an any of you ladies who need to be filled sometimes fingers just dont do it
Simplemente delicioso
I wish I could make out with them...I want my tight pussy to be fucked by the blonde. Omfg I just squirted!!!!!! Oh fuck that felt good
I will fuk da shyt out of both of em
Fuck yer id love to be fucked like this especially in my tight ass id let you do anythin to me
Fucking with a dildo, I get....sucking one is fairly silly....not like the chick wearing it can feel it....it ain't a dick...
Omg so horny!
Verry goog
Rubbish her strap on was too loose
Hey Fuck me hard
O fock them hot
Can I get in on this sexy fuckfest
Those girls are fucking sexy and above this message when and where
Names plz!?!
damn i luv me sum dick but its the ladies that make me cum however nvr been 1 on 1 b4
This made me soooo horny i did it all night with me lesbain lover but sadly we have broke up so if anyone is free xoxo
I love watching girls together, so tender mostly, but the girl "taking it" actualy asked the one girl to "CHOKE HER", ( AT 12.31--12.45 ), so this was LUSTFULL lesbinism, rather than loving. STILL A CRACKING CLIP THO, It makes me horny. LOVE IT!!!!
She needs a girlfriend
Hot Hot Hot!
I love it
That is hot
So hot where do I by a strapon I am gonna get my lucky victims!!!
YHHe I luv ro fuck
julian i saw tht video that was amazing! sexiest domination i've seen by far!
wow i love pussy!
i wanna be fucked by them
ash, u totally shld hv a 3some w ur bf
what video was this taken from?
Thank you Daniela. You've posted what is most certainly a real girl's point of view and I love it.
Great vid, who cares about the names!
To all the men who commented this vid: You will never understand the feminine mind, especially the lesbian one. We don't want real cocks, we want to fuck and be fucked at the same time we have our hands free to do all kinds of stuff. And the sucking part turns us on on a psychological level you'll never understand.
i love this so much its so fucking dirty. my pussy is so fucking wet right now, i need to be fucked so badly
Lesbian sex is just so sexy, but if you need to use a strapon why not get a guy to join in with a proper cock. No substitute for the real thing even if you think you are lesbians a bit of bi is a welcome addition. All that hard throbbing cock to suck and loads of cum to enjoy. Cum on girls enjoy pussies and cocks.
they are not dominating. here a vid, also with 3 lesbians but much harder and much better. http://youporn.com/watch/244702/nasty-lesbian-threesome/?from=related3&al=2&from_id=254197&pos=8
i wanna choke on some dick and suck some titties and i'm straight
i think im bi now..........lesbian videos turn me on and my bf turn me on
That was fuckin hot! I would love to be dominated by those girl!
wow i agree with @
Wow Jess juss hearing that story turned me on.
nice!!!!!!! i like this nasty video
That girl bend herself that way had totally put me off!
Just been *fucked for the first time by my Landdaly with a strapon. Three hours and the first time with a woman-my clit hurts! She has a real hard suck _ im 23 and she is 45. I gave it her back just has hard yum
whats their names?
Love it ! girls with great titties and strap ons
ash do it u will like it and he will love u for ever
why use a dildo come to me and i will give you my stick for you
There is no point in dildo fellatio.
hott. my bf wants to have a 3sum wit a girl. im not sure. it might b hott. shud i do it?
yeah very good
very good
who doesnt love 3 girls with dildos!
I love videos like this ones.It turn me on!!!!!!
holy frikken jesus
so damn nasty an hot
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text:
USGBC Recognizes Green Building Leaders
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Green Building Council named the recipients of the 2011 annual Leadership Awards, a program aimed at recognizing organizations and individuals who signify vision and commitment to the evolution of green building design and construction.
The awards recognize leadership achievement in the private, public and non-governmental organization sectors.
"This year's Leadership Awards winners represent the future of green building — and based on their accomplishments, the future is looking very bright," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chair of the Council. "As the most influential green building leaders in the world, their achievements are bedrock to our mission of transforming the built environment."
The awards will be presented at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Toronto at the Leadership Luncheon, sponsored by Otis Elevator Company
Wells Fargo Bank was recognized for its organizational leadership in the private sector. In addition to its longtime use of the LEED program, the bank is a participant in the newly launched LEED Volume Program for Operations and Maintenance, committing to pursuing high-performance for banking and office locations across its portfolio.
For his real estate work in the private sector, Anthony Malkin of Malkin Holdings earned an award for leadership in existing building energy efficiency retrofits, including the recently certified Empire State Building.
"LEED Gold for Existing Buildings is a great accomplishment for the World's Most Famous Office Building and our team of the Clinton Climate Initiative, Johnson Controls Inc., Jones Lang LaSalle, and the Rocky Mountain Institute," Malkin said. "I thank USGBC for showcasing our effort to create an example from which the world can learn, and share this award with the team."
The Council on Environmental Quality was recognized in the Organizational Leadership in the Public Sector for its commitment to advancing the President's environmental agenda through policy and initiatives.
"The way we build has a significant impact on our economy, our security, and the health and prosperity of our communities," said Nancy Sutley, chair of the Council on Environmental Quality. "President Obama has committed the Federal Government to leading by example toward a 21st century clean energy economy that grows American jobs and protects the health and environment of our communities."
Also recognized for his work in the public sector, New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg received the award for his long-term sustainability plan, PlaNYC, which has implemented some of the most aggressive green building legislation in the country, according to the U.S. Green Building Council, such as requirements for ongoing energy efficiency upgrades in existing buildings.
Bloomberg also serves as chair of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group.
In the NGO sector, Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas was recognized for its Organizational Leadership.
"As the first LEED Platinum hospital in the world, Dell Children's is making a difference every day to the children, staff and visitors who enter, inspiring a world that will benefit from high-performance healing environments," council officials said.
Deutsche Bank AG was recognized with the inaugural International Leadership Award for its efforts to reduce its corporate footprint while investing in alternative energies and low-carbon technologies to help others do the same.
The bank has a companywide goal of carbon neutrality by 2013, and earned LEED Platinum for its headquarters in Frankfurt ths year.
The President's Awards were given to Greg Kats, President of Capital E and Venture Partner with Good Energies for his green building research, and Lynn Simon of Simon & Associates, Inc. for her consulting work.
Jayni Chase, chair of Green Community Schools, a program of the MGR Foundation, was honored as the first recipient of the Center for Green Schools Excellence award for her work as a pioneer in transforming schools into sustainable places to learn, work and play, according to the council.


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Pirate Spiel 2013
Friday September 20, 2013 – Sunday September 22, 2013 251 Civic Center Parkway Map and Directions | Register Description: Registrations are accepted in order of receipt by Dakota Curling Club. Web-site registrations will get preference unless other arrangements have been made with a Club Officer. September 20-22, 2013 at Dakota Curling Club, Burnsville, MN. Format : […]
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Apple Faces Antitrust Inquiry
Apple Faces Antitrust Inquiry
Apple is in the preliminary stages of a Department of Justice antitrust inquiry reviewing the company's online digital music tactics. The investigation will examine recent allegations that Apple used its dominant market position to persuade labels to refuse online retailer Amazon.com the right to exclusively sell new music on its Web site. Apple is the top seller of online music in the United States, with 69 percent of the share, and the largest music retailer, with 26.7 percent of the overall market, according to NPD Group. (5/26)
Chrysalis Reports Profit
UK music publisher Chrysalis Music has reported a 15 percent increase in royalty income to $10.8 million for the first half of the fiscal year ending March 31. Normalized operating profit rose 54 percent to $3.7 million, due to increased royalties from the Beatles remastered catalog, and revenue was up 2.1 percent to $47.1 million. The company also announced its recent acquisition of music publishing company First State Media Group. (5/26)


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The smoking wreck of a Honda Accord set on fire led Menlo Park police back to the scene of a bank robbery as they pieced together witness reports on Friday afternoon.
Wells Fargo Bank at 735 Santa Cruz Avenue reported a robbery around 1:30 p.m., and police said they arrived within one minute. Eight minutes later, calls came in about a vehicle fire two blocks south.
The red Honda Accord sat engulfed in flames under an apartment complex carport at 785 Roble Ave. Once extinguished, the car yielded a license plate matching a car reported stolen out of Redwood City.
Witnesses told police they spotted the Honda outside the bank, and then again as the car burned. A man reportedly got out and squeezed into the trunk of a white sedan parked nearby on Roble Avenue; the sedan fled the scene.
The suspect, described as an adult black man, wore a black T-shirt over a red long-sleeved shirt, blue jeans, white shoes and a baseball cap. A blue mask concealed his face. Witnesses said he looked about 6 foot 3 inches tall and weighed approximately 225 pounds.
The man vaulted the bank counter and later escaped with an unknown amount of money, Sgt. Kevin Paugh said. No weapons were used, and although the bank was full of employees and customers, no one was hurt during the robbery.
The fire caused some smoke damage to the apartment complex, according to a reporter on the scene.
Chief Harold Schapelhouman of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District said the fire was out within 11 minutes and confined to the carport area in part due to the quick actions of the fire crew but also because of the rated one-hour sheet rock separation between the carport and living areas.
"The sheet rock will need to be replaced but it did its job," he said in a written statement. Residents were able to return to their homes and no injuries were reported.
Fire Investigator Ron Keefer determined that an accelerant was tossed into the passenger side of the Honda; the incident will be treated as part of a broader crime by Menlo Park police.
"This could have been a very significant and disastrous situation," the chief stated. "We will work closely with and in support of the Menlo Park Police Department so that they can identify, capture and prosecute this individual or individuals for arson and other related crimes to the full extent of the law."
Anyone with regarding these cases can call police at 330-6300 or the anonymous tip hotline at 330-6395.
Almanac Staff Michelle Le and Dave Boyce contributed to this report.


text: Arid Solutions makes these unique and practical rain barrels. Their octagonal shape increases the durability of the barrel. Each barrel has two overflow outlets, allowing you to connect multiple tanks together. The system show here is actually two 54 gallon barrels: one is stacked on top of the other for a total of 108 gallons.


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Geneva Model XL (White)
All-in-One Stereo Shelf System for CD, iPod, FM Radio, iPhone, Line-in (Xtra Large)
Get FAST answers from customers ASK a Question See questions answers
The Geneva Sound System Model XL is a reference system in some legendary recording studios in rock and roll history, and Geneva is also found in the homes and studios of leading product designers, fashion creators, architects, artists and art collectors.
Thanks to its powerful six 100 watt (600 watt) class D digital amplifiers, it can deliver the sort of sound performance normally expected from a much more expensive stereo system powering six speakers, including two 8-inch subwoofers.
Model XL is housed in a handcrafted wood cabinet and, using a patented technology, can reproduce true stereo sound from the left and right speaker chambers. Home Theater, the magazine of high-end sound, gave Model XL the Rave award for best new product.
Metropolis, the magazine of product design and architecture, named Geneva the #1 new sustainable product, given its low power consumption and its "all in one" reduced waste and quality build approach.
- Two 1" tweeters
- Two full-range 5.25" woofers
- Two 8" subwoofers
- Two bass ports
- Each speaker individually powered & chambered for accurate acoustics
- Six powerful Class D digital amplifiers, 600 watts total – very efficient and low-power consumption
- Digital FM radio with 6 presets
- LED display for volume/mode/track/frequency
- iPod/iPhone Universal Dock
- CD player – slot loading
- Stereo mini line-in jack for external audio
- Stereo RCA line-in jack for external audio
- Remote control
- 1-year Manufacturer's warranty
- Engineered in Switzerland by the Geneva Lab in-house design team
- Cabinet: White Piano-lacquered wood
- Also available in Black, Red, or Walnut
- Speaker system: 2 x 1" tweeters, 2 x 5 1/4" woofers and 2 x 8" subwoofers
- Power Amplifier: Digital Hi-Fi amplifiers (Class D) with 600 (6 x 100) Watt output
- Frequency Range: 30Hz to 20kHz (-3dB)
- iPod Universal Dock supporting all iPod and iPhone models with dock connectors (excluding iPod Third Generation)
- CD-Player: slot loading CD player supporting CD-Audio, CD-R/RW (MP3 files)
- FM Radio: digital tuner with 6 presets
- Analogue Audio in: (1) stereo mini line-in with 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) plug for any external audio input, e.g., computer, MP3, TV, wireless music receiver, etc. / (1) stereo RCA plugs for external inputs like PC, DVD, game console and TV
- Power supply: 100-240V AC, 50-60Hz
- Power consumption: maximum 300W, standby 1.0W
- Width x height x depth: 21.7" x 24.1" x 14.5" (55 cm x 61.3 cm x 37 cm)
- Weight: 84 pounds (38 kg)
- Remote control
- iPod Dock adapters: set of 7 pieces (for different iPod/iPhone models
- Adapter cable for stereo mini line-in: 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) plugs on both ends
- Line in cable: RCA jacks, 9 feet (3 meters) long
- AC power cable
- External FM telescope antenna
- 4G iPod Color & Photo
- 5G iPod Video
- iPod Nano 3rd Generation
- iPod Nano 4th Generation
- iPod Classic
- iPod Touch 1st Generation
- iPod Touch 2nd Generation
- iPhone
- iPhone 3G
- iPhone 3GS
- iPhone 4
General Features
Apple iPod
FM Radio
Auxiliary Input
Speaker Specifications
CD Specifications
Playback Features
MP3 should not be confused with MPEG-3. MP3 files are the third audio layer of a MPEG-1 file. The compression algorithm of a MP3 file reduces the file size while keeping the audio quality.
WMA stands for Windows Media Audio and was developed by Microsoft. It is a file used specifically for audio.
The audio compression AAC stands for Advanced Audio Coding. They generally tend to have better sound quality than most MP3 files.
More uses of Bluetooth technology include transmitting music to a compatible receiver, printing wirelessly from a computer, and many other wireless uses. Please see the item description for more specific information regarding what features the unit includes.
iPod Compatibility
Some Car stereos are compatible with iPods and/or iPhones. If the headunit can connect to an iPod or iPhone via USB or iPod connection cable, these listed iPods are compatible. This list does not apply if the iPod is being connected through the 3.5mm mini-jack plug. Newer iPods are usually compatible if the appropriate adapters are purchased and used.
Any iPods/iPhones released after the release date of this product have not been checked by the manufacturer and/or Sonic Electronix for compatibility. We therefore cannot guarantee their compatibilities or incompatibilities, including, but not limited to: playback, video, charging, and response time.
4G iPod Color & Photo (20, 30, 40, & 60GB)
5G iPod Video (30, 60, & 80GB)
iPod Classic (120GB)
iPod Classic (80 &160GB)
iPod Nano 3rd Generation (4 & 8GB)
iPod Nano 4th Generation (8 & 16GB)
iPod Touch 1st Generation (8, 16 & 32GB)
iPod Touch 2nd Generation (8, 16 & 32GB)
iPod Touch 3nd Generation (8, 32 & 64GB)
iPhone 3G
iPhone 3GS
iPhone 4
RCA Composite Inputs
These are your typical red, white, and yellow RCA composite cables that are common among devices with audio and video inputs. The red and white cables are dedicated for audio. The red cable is for the right channel and the white is for the left channel. The yellow cable is specifically for the video signal. Because this type of auxiliary cable contains 2 channels of audio, it will support stereo sound.
This is commonly referred to as a mini-jack or a headphone jack. It is a 3.5mm plug that transfers audio only. There is a right and left audio channel on the plug which allows for stereo sound playback.
3.5mm AV Input
These plugs look similar to the common 3.5mm mini-jack, however they carry a third channel dedicated for video.
This means that an auxiliary input is possible, but only with the use of an optional accessory. These optional adapters will sometimes use the CD Changer port or other port on the back of a unit that might restrict the use of other expandability features. These accessories are typically sold separately.
Rear 3.5mm Audio Input
Specials with this Item
Warranty and Return Policy
Summary of Customer Ratings & Reviews
Product Summary
Model Number
Internal SKU
Internal Product ID
Wiring Diagram Legend
Warning: The image depicted shows the resistance change when wiring multiple subwoofer terminals. Please refer to your subwoofer's owner's manual for the proper wiring of its terminals. Sonic Electronix, Inc. is not responsible for damage caused to your audio system or vehicle due to improper installation. Please call tech support at 1-877-289-7664 if you require additional assistance.


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TORONTO — The power of fashion can indeed transform us – it can give us the confidence to keep on going, said Canadian fashion icon, Jeanne Beker welcoming some 650 guests to the 10th annual Zareinu fashion show.
The Nov. 12 event, hosted by Beker at Bellvue Manor in Vaughan, Ont., raised close to $300,000 in support of the Zareinu Educational Centre, a treatment centre that delivers programs for children with special needs, including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder and other neurological and developmental impairments.
The highlight of the night came when the children from Zareinu and students from across the GTA walked hand-in-hand together down the runway. The kids were dressed in Original and Freeman Formalwear.
Zareinu student Rachel Benlolo made her way down the catwalk beaming with delight. "For a kid that we thought would never walk, this is huge and I owe it all to Zareinu," Rachel's mother, Marlene Kenley told The CJN.
"Imagine if you had a child that does not speak and has a feeding tube. Imagine dropping off your child at school and not knowing how they were cared for because your child can't tell you how their day went. For me to drop off my daughter, who is the centre of my universe, at Zareinu, and know not only is she learning, not only is she being taken care of, but to know the therapists are aware of every twitch that Rachel makes and every facial expression, that if they think she is off even a little bit, they call me right away. That's massive for me."
Zareinu president and chair Danny Gordon paid tribute to the evening co-chairs: "Three people spearheaded the fashion show since its inception 10 years ago: Renee Rosenzweig, Stacy Markin and Esti Cohen. Together they have helped raise over $3 million cumulatively over the last 10 years.
"What began as a moderate yet momentous event has become one of our community's monumental evenings of the year. These funds have directly contributed to a number of programs including state of the art equipment, interventions and physical therapies. The success is due to the efforts of these fashion co-chairs. We are fortunate to have them on our team."
Guests schmoozed and talked fashion at the cocktail reception as they observed a spectacular fashion installation from Cat's Meow Vintage Couture, sampled gourmet food, sipped some bubbly and participated in a raffle and auction.
Professional models from high-end Canadian retailer Andrews, as well as the international luxury designer label Versace took to the runway to showcase their collections. New this year was a menswear collection by Versace and Dirk Bikkembergs. The Shoe Company provided the evening footwear, and models wore beautiful accessories by Fiori.
Dr. Golda Milo-Manson, Zareinu board member and vice-president of Medicine & Academic Affairs at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, addressed the crowd. "He or she can't do something is never something you will hear at Zareinu. Rather, it's, 'What can we do to make this happen?' The integrated education and therapy programs at Zareinu are unique and very special. It's a place for goals, dreams and endless possibilities that come to life with the help of donors, the community and the people here tonight."
Visit www.zareinu.org.


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ORLANDO, Fla. - The controversial film "Escape From Tomorrow," which was secretly shot at Walt Disney World and Disneyland without the company's knowledge, was released in theaters and video-on-demand platforms on Friday.
The movie, which debuted at this year's Sundance Film Festival, has been described by film critics as being shot "guerrilla style" because the director, actors and crew did not seek Disney's permission to shoot in the company's theme parks, including the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.
[RELATED: Trailer released in movie shot at Disney]
"Escape From Tomorrow" features shots of Mickey Mouse and Goofy alongside some very un-Disney-like imagery.
During the opening credits, a roller-coaster rider is decapitated on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction.
In another scene, the dolls on the It's a Small World ride come to life and turn into monsters. Asian businessmen are shown groping Disney princesses working as escorts. Epcot's Spaceship Earth attraction rolls off its pedestal and blows up. A naked woman flies across the screen on the Soarin' ride.
Actual theme park employees and visitors make appearances in the movie, unaware they were secretly being filmed by photographers hidden in the crowds holding DSLR cameras.
The cast includes several child actors who had to memorize their lines and take instructions from the film's director via cellphone without being noticed by Disney security. Another actor drove around the parks in a motorized scooter.
Some film critics originally speculated that the film would never be released outside of film festivals. Others believed that the movie might violate some of Disney's trademarks. No lawsuits have been filed against the filmmakers.
The one time the word "Disney" is spoken in the film it is beeped out, although expletives remain uncensored.
Walt Disney World officials have never commented on the film.
"Escape From Tomorrow" opened in 33 theaters nationwide on Friday, including two in Miami. The film is also available on several video-on-demand services, including iTunes.
Copyright 2013 by ClickOrlando.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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ZoneAlarm Free seams to block sync between iTunes and my iPod. Is there a way to avoid this? Thanks.
ZoneAlarm Free seams to block sync between iTunes and my iPod. Is there a way to avoid this? Thanks.
Version of ZA used? OS used? Security software used? First time install of ZA? Always worked before? if yes, what was installed recently? What else is running at boot? etc....
More information you will post more likely other users here will be able to understand the issue and may be helping you.
Click here for ZA Support
Monday-Saturday 24x6 Pacific time
Closed Sundays and Holidays
So I've been on a few seperate forums now and found as well as experienced this problem.
When using Itunes to Update my Iphone 4 to the newest version 4.3 My phone got stuck in a Loop and or Froze when trying to update.
After hours of unrest and forum digging I've seen Multiple people complaining of running ZA and then DISABLING it to make it work. Having exhausted most other options i gave it a try.
Lo and Behold after Disabling ZA my Restoration as well as the update went FLAWLESSLY.
Simply Put I believe the Techies at ZA need to Look into this information as its not just simply me having these issues.
If anyone else is having problems updating their Iphone. Try DISABLING ZA for the time of updating the phone then re ENABLING it. If it helps Please Post Back!
Last edited by GeorgeV; March 14th, 2011 at 06:43 PM.
I have exactly the same issue with ZA Free, build 102, iTunes 10.2.1.1 and my 3G iPod Touch. A Reset has not solved it. ZA is clearly corrupting the USB transmission somehow.
Test system:
Win7-64 (tested with and without SP1 installed).
Microsoft Security Essentials (latest version)
Asus P5k Pro (intel P35 chipset)
- without SP1: USB syncing always completes without error.
HOWEVER, many of the larger synchronised files (like videos, or lossless M4A audio files) have some undetected/unreported data corruption. With videos it manifests as visual corruption that also hangs playback on the iPod - with lossless audio files, it frequently causes several seconds of silence in the middle of playback, always in the same place (most likely as the player detects that the checksum for a particular audio block is invalid, so playback is silenced to avoid nasty bursts of noise).
- with Win7 SPI installed (and the USB drivers correctly updated, ie. not affected by the well known SP1 installation issue related to USB driver files), these transmission errors are now detected & reported by iTunes regularly, causing frequent iTunes sync aborts (errors about not being able to read from/or write to the device, or Code -54 errors), usually after a handful of files were uploaded successfully. iTunes will often freeze altogether during a sync too, needing to be killed via Task Manager.
In both scenarios, the issues are fully resolved if ZA is shut down before launching iTunes. I'm able to successfully sync a fully-loaded 64GB iPod Touch without any errors or corruption on Win7-64 SP1, if ZA is shut down first.
Fix attempts: I've tried to reset ZA to a virgin installation using the CTRL+SHIFT->Right Click ZA Icon->'Reset' and reboot proceedure, but it didn't help, so this isn't fixed in 102.
If your going to post any type of issue you got to tell us the exact ZA version and your OS version
We need to phone the exact iTunes version and so on.
This is all very generic and the fact we fixed this iTunes issue in a previous version.
All we can conclude is your using an old ZA version that has a bug in it.
Sorry can be more helpful but this is the answer for the info given.
Forum Moderator
Last edited by Forum-Moderator; March 15th, 2011 at 10:01 AM.
If your going to post any type of issue you got to tell us the exact ZA version and your OS version
We need to phone the exact iTunes version and so on.
This is all very generic and the fact we fixed this iTunes issue in a previous version.
All we can conclude is your using an old ZA version that has a bug in it.
Sorry can be more helpful but this is the answer for the info given.
Forum Moderator
?? I assume you're not referring to my post (above), as I gave full details in it. This issue is not fixed in the 102 build of ZA Free.
I am having an identical issue. I cannot sync my iPod with ZoneAlarm running, but when I shut down ZoneAlarm, it syncs without a problem. I don't think it's an iTunes issue per se, because when I try to use a third party iPod manager, it will not recognize the iPod while ZoneAlarm is running.
ZoneAlarm version 9.2.102.000
Windows Vista Home Basic SP2
ITunes 10.2.1.1
iPod Touch 4G
Thanks for the help.
Forum-Moderator, can you look at this again? Full details are in my post above, this issue is NOT fixed in 9.2.102 Free.
Please see STICKY at top of this discussion thread.
This has been commented on.
Forum Moderator
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)


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Last night I saw a commercial for the Proactiv Dark Spot Remover. The before & after photos looked awesome, so I checked the reviews on Amazon.
The good news: people say it works.
The bad news: people also say the active ingredient is a known carcinogen, which is already banned in Europe.
I hate my age spots and the redness that lingers for 6 friggin' months after a breakout, but I don't hate that stuff enough to risk getting cancer.
Can anyone recommend a spot remover without hydroquinone that works? Home remedies are welcome, too. :-)
Thanks in advance!
I currently use Mandelic Acid (15%) from Garden of Wisdom and I also use lactic acid from Makeup Artists Choice. I did a lot of research and it's cheaper to buy these ingredients seperately rather than to pay a lot of money for a cream that only has small amounts of active ingredients.
I have noticed quite a bit of lightening of my hyperpigmentation around my eyes! I tried hydroquinone (prescription from my derm) and it didn't help me at all.
I have heard good things about Philosophy's line, but it's pricey!
I just started using Rose Hip Oil (I bought it at Whole Foods...cost about $10 for organic bottle). It's really rich in Vitamins C, A and E and has alot of great benefits. I've used it for about 2 weeks and noticed one of my scars has diminished a little (I think? Could be just wishful thinking though!) It's all natural (just oil from roses), so really...can't get better than that!
I use Origins line "Brighter by Nature". No harsh chemicals ALL botanicals used.
I have noted over 6 months of use a significant reduction of acne marks,scars and dark circles. Highly recommended! try buying on Ebay for better prices than Origins website, however they are not overpriced for the extreme quality of the products
Hi TaylorMillGirl,
The best product for me anyway was Skinceuticals Phyto+. This stuff works wonders and there is no troublesome Hydroquinone. I'm 50, but I look 40, they say... wink Anyway I have light/medium skin and when I have a breakout the red spots left behind a frustrating but have the stuff on the market is poison or it doesn't work. So I went on the same hunt as you and found the Skinceutical Phyto+ to be this best. The formula is like green water. It comes in a tube with a dropper. I just put a few drops in the palm of my hand and then just use my clean finger to dab onthe nasty spots here and there. I choose to use my clean ring finger to dab because if you use a Q-tip then the cotton on the tip absorbs to much of the precious formula and it doesn't transfer correctly and I want my supply to last and not be thrown out on a Q-tip, you know. You will see, this stuff is not cheap, it's not expensive crazy expensive, but it's not cheap. You can find it anywhere from $60.00 to $75.00 at Dermstore or Skinstore or Lovely Skin is the cheapest. Hope this helps. P.S. Check out eBay, you might find a sample there. Peace


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The format for the Wood Badge Course is two 3-day weekends, separated by three to four weeks. In the Sam Houston Area Council, the first weekend is scheduled at the Camp Strake Conference Center. All meals will be served in the Dining Hall and participants will be housed in Conference Center Dorms.
This program focuses on leadership and 'people' skills, and not Scoutcraft or outdoor skills. Participants will learn techniques to make them better leaders, and also how to lead groups to achieve objectives.
For more information please see our website at: http://www.samhoustonbsa.org/training/council_training_events/wood_badge
The course fee is $275. Full payment is expected as part of the registration process. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, awarded on an 'as needed' basis, please see our website at the address above for the scholarship form. Scholarships are awarded in amounts up to $100. The balance of the course fee is expected with the scholarship application.


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A new bill, Assembly Bill 10, authored by Assemblyman Luis Alejo, D-Salinas, seeks to raise the state's minimum wage to $9.25 an hour by 2016 and index it to rise with inflation thereafter. Alejo's proposal is sure to draw criticism from the state's business community. California already has the highest teen unemployment rate in the nation at 34 percent. A 15 percent hike in the minimum wage will make it that much more difficult to hire low-skilled help.
However, at least for the full-service restaurant industry – one of the state's largest employers of entry-level labor – there's a way to satisfy the state's business community as well as Alejo and the labor groups that support him. It's called the "guaranteed server wage" and policymakers on either side of the minimum wage battle lines should support it.
Federal labor law applies to full-service restaurants just like it does all other businesses. But in many states, employers in the industry are permitted to pay a lower base wage of $2.13 conditioned on the guarantee that employees earns at least the federal minimum when tip income is included.
It's a compromise that allows restaurants to maintain affordable prices in the face of narrow margins, while keeping employee wages (with tip income included) well above the minimum wage. The typical tipped employee earns $13 an hour with tips included – and that's just what they report. Top earners bring in $24 an hour or more.
But that compromise hasn't held in California. Since 1976, the state has set its tipped wage at the same level of the full minimum wage. Today, it's one of just seven states that don't permit employers to take a credit for tip income earned on the job.
Unfortunately, tipped employees have borne the brunt of their representatives' good intentions: Research published by the Institute for the Study of Labor found that each 10 percent increase in labor costs has reduced restaurant employment by 1.5 percent, and reduce hours worked for those who keep their jobs.
Given this economic reality, a further hike in the base wage for California tipped employees would be devastating. Yet the political pressure in Sacramento to raise wages this year will surely be overwhelming – especially with a Democratic super-majority in the legislature. That's why a $14 wage guarantee for tipped employees makes so much sense.
Here's how it works: In exchange for locking in the current tipped wage of $8 an hour, full-service restaurant employers will guarantee their employees a minimum hourly wage of $14, which is 75 percent higher than the current state minimum. If their base wage and tips combined don't hit that amount, then the employer is on the hook for the difference.
Alejo and his allies might quibble that part of the income guarantee comes from tips, but the IRS and the state already considers tips to be income. If it's good enough for the federal government and state tax collectors, it should be good enough for Alejo. On the other side of the ledger, some smaller restaurants might object to the magnitude of the $14 guarantee, which is why the legislature could allow employers to opt-in to the new wage class.
Staking out a compromise position like this is essential for both sides. Opponents can't deny that minimum wage increases tend to poll well, and the pressure to raise wages for all employees will be elevated in a legislature when labor calls the shots – as it often does in California.
On the other hand, Alejo's proposal simply isn't economically viable – after all, full-service restaurants are one of the only businesses where employees earn 15-20 percent of each sales dollar while their employers earn three percent.
Absent the ability to raise prices to offset an increase of this magnitude, the higher wage will force businesses to scale back on employee hours and replace full-service staff with lower-cost, self-service alternatives.
It's time to think outside the narrow confines of the current minimum wage debate. It's time for a $14 wage guarantee.
Michael Saltsman is research director at the Employment Policies Institute.


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PORTLAND, Ore. - The second annual Pee Wee Sherman Rail Jam takes place this Saturday, Feb. 16th at Tyrol Basin in Wisconsin. This homegrown contest is what shredding is all about.
Josh Sherman returns to his roots for this 18 and under jib fest where local Midwest rippers get creative and compete to win Sherman's complete set-up from head to toe.
Prizes include Salomon snowboards, boots and bindings, Bonfire outerwear, and prizes from Smith, Elm, Breckenridge, Future Snowboard Magazine and Windell's Snowboard Camp.
Registration is open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Tyrol Basin's lodge. The first 80 competitors get the official tall tee event jersey. Registration is $15. The rail jam begins at 11am.
The event sponsors include: Salomon Snowboards, Bonfire Snowboarding, Future Snowboard Magazine, Smith, Elm Company, Breckenridge and Drop.
Fore more info and to pre-register go to www.tyrolbasin.com


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MORE O-D BOWL: Thursday's notes | Top 10 players | Complete all-star coverage
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - Cardale Jones wasn't the most heralded quarterback on the West roster. A week ago, Vad Lee wasn't even on the East roster.
At Friday's Offense-Defense All-American Bowl, they were stars.
In the West's 35-21 win, the uncommitted Jones showed why he will be a prime target for several major programs between now and National Signing Day, and Lee displayed unique talents that suggest he might be a perfect fit for the school he is committed to, Georgia Tech.
First, let's recap Jones' night.
Jones, a right-hander who is 6 feet 5, 217 pounds and is rated as the country's 12th-best pro-style quarterback in the class of 2011, completed 7-of-11 passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns. For good measure, he rushed for a score.
Jones, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, who said earlier this week he had four programs on top - Ohio State, Michigan, LSU and Penn State - looked smooth the entire night. His passes were both crisp and accurate. And when the pocket collapsed, he had the athleticism and moxie to not only scoot away from defenders but locate receivers and find them.
"It was a good experience," Jones said. "We started out great, then we struggled. They gave us a nice halftime speech and then we just picked it up from there."
In defeat, Lee might have been even better than Jones.
The 6-foot-2, 193-pounder overshadowed fellow East quarterback Brandon Allen, an Arkansas commit, by going 10-of-14 for 213 yards with a touchdown and adding nearly 100 yards and another score on the ground.
Lee was a last-minute sub for the O-D Bowl.
Initially, his roster spot was to be occupied by Georgia commit Christian LeMay, the country's No. 3 pro-style quarterback prospect and a member of the Rivals100. But LeMay was ruled ineligible for the game last weekend after he attended a handful of recent Bulldogs bowl practices and took part in them.
Organizers called Lee, a three-star prospect who recently led Durham (N.C.) Hillside to the state title after passing for 3,223 yards and 30 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,300 yards and 22 scores. The Associated Press player of the year for North Carolina, Lee struggled with his accuracy at times during the week, but was, for the most part, sharp Friday night.
After his team fell behind 21-0 in the first quarter, Lee responded by completing a 51-yard touchdown pass to receiver Chris Conley, a Georgia-bound prospect. On the East's next drive, he lofted a perfect pass down the left sideline that receiver Kelvin Benjamin hauled in for a gain of 48. Lee scored on a 2-yard run shortly thereafter.
Earlier in the week, Lee said he wanted to prove he could throw.
It would seem that he accomplished that.
"After I thought about it, I really shouldn't have said I wanted to prove anything," Lee said. "I know what I can do. And people that are close to me know what I can do. The people at my high school know what I can do, and at the school I'm going to, they know what I can do. I just came out here and played my game. That's what I did."
In the fourth quarter, Lee scored on a 13-yard run, and later added a carry that resulted in a 58-yard gain. On several plays, Lee's legs aided his arm. His ability to keep plays alive and avert danger in the backfield might be his best skill.
At Georgia Tech, where quarterbacks have to be runners, too, Lee and the Yellow Jackets could potentially be an ideal match.
"I'm pretty excited [about college]," Lee said. "All I've got to do is get bigger, stronger and faster for the [Atlantic Coast Conference] and I should be good. I showed my running ability today. And also, I showed my passing skills."
For what it's worth, the West's other quarterback, Texas commit David Ash didn't have a bad outing either. The 6-4, 195-pounder from Belton, Texas, was 11-of-17 for 135 yards and two interceptions. But those stats are somewhat misleading. One of Ash's interceptions was a perfectly thrown pass that bounced right off his receiver's hands. On the other, East cornerback Ameer Abdullah, who is uncommitted, dove in front of the intended receiver to make the pick.
Ash's arm looked good, and he showed he could run the ball.
Very well, in fact.
During the game's opening drive, on which he completed three of four passes, he capped the series with a brilliant 24-yard touchdown run in which he not only displayed nice speed, but excellent cutting ability.
"It was a good thing to get back into gear for football," said Ash, who will early enroll at Texas. "It was a lot of fun, coming out here and getting used to the type of athletes you're going to be facing [in college]."
West center Jake BrendelClick Benjamin, arguably the top uncommitted player in the O-D Bowl, had two terrific receptions, both of which showed off his 6-6, 210-pound frame, excellent leaping ability and soft hands.Here to view this Link., who is UCLA bound, anchored an offensive line that more than held its own against a talented East defensive line. His mobility was tested by an athletic defensive front, and he passed.
West receiver Shane WynnClick West tailback Melvin GordonClick Conley had one bad drop, but his 51-yard touchdown reception, a play in which he took the ball away from a West defensive back before turning and quickly darting upfield, was a thing of beauty.Here to view this Link. carried his play from practice this week into the game. Gordon's speed and cutting ability are impressive. But so was the patience he showed in smartly following his blockers to better his rushing attempts.Here to view this Link., who is only 5-6, came up large on several occasions. Besides being a solid receiver who has the ability to make people miss, Wynn looks like he could have a nice career as a return man in college.
East inside linebacker Ramik WilsonClick West defensive end Cedric ReedClick West safety DerJuan GambrellClick West defensive end Chase FarrisClick East defensive tackle Phillip DukesClick Abdullah's two interceptions wouldn't have happened if he didn't have outstanding instincts. On one, he quickly reacted after the ball hit an opposing receiver in the hands.Here to view this Link., who is uncommitted, proved difficult to handle all night for the West. He was particularly good against the run, often using his quickness to find his way into the backfield. Here to view this Link. and outside linebacker Kent TureneClick East defensive tackle Phillip DukesClick Abdullah's two interceptions wouldn't have happened if he didn't have outstanding instincts. On one, he quickly reacted after the ball hit an opposing receiver in the hands.Here to view this Link., who is uncommitted, proved difficult to handle all night for the West. He was particularly good against the run, often using his quickness to find his way into the backfield. Here to view this Link. were every bit as good as advertised. Simply put, the East had no answers for them. On one play, Turene recorded an 18-yard sack. On the next, Farris brought the quarterback down. Turene also forced a fumble.Here to view this Link. returned a fumble 39 yards for a touchdown and was in on several tackles.Here to view this Link. recorded three sacks. His quick first step gave West offensive tackles trouble from start to finish. Even on plays when he didn't make a tackle, he disrupted things.Here to view this Link. of Tampa, Fla., was a force in the middle of the field, especially on West running plays. His tackling skills kept the opposition from having more big gainers than it already produced. Wilson also recovered a fumble.
East quarterback Brandon Allen, a four-star prospect and the No. 5-rated pro-style passer, wasn't much of a factor. But then again, he didn't have much time to throw.
West tight ends Ray Hamilton and Nick Vannett each had exceptional weeks at practice, but Friday night both had drops of passes that should have been caught.
East running back Clifton Richardson was among the top performers this week. He didn't play poorly Friday, but was stripped of the ball in the first quarter.


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Earlier this week, the Financial Times of London picked up on a story that Apples mobile advertising platform - iAd - would soon expand across the pond as the team in Cupertino gears up to announce its first European iAd mobile advertising partners. As it turns out, the blossoming digital ads that many of us find to be remarkably irritating may soon begin irritating others on a completely different continent.
According to a report Sunday in the Financial Times of London: "Apple will announce the first brands to use iAds in Europe this week, after a mixed reception to its new mobile advertising service in the US." That projection has now proven accurate, as the forthcoming European launch will allow developers and advertisers in the UK to target iPhone users the same way as their peers have in the US. As of early December, the UK and France will see the debut of iAds, with Germany on tap for a January debut of the platform.
Were thrilled to add leading global brands to the iAd Network in Europe and create even more great opportunities for developers, said Andy Miller, Apples vice president of iAd. In just four months, weve doubled the number of advertisers on the network and thousands of developers now have a valuable new source of revenue.