text:
N.Y. districts take part in school efficiencies study
Staff Writer
CAMBRIDGE, N.Y. -- Better collaboration between districts could foster greater academic opportunities -- at a reduced cost -- according to a recently completed study of seven schools in Washington County.
The alternative facing districts may be fiscal insolvency according to the study's authors.
"This study talks about collaboration and how can we work together," explained Terry Brewer, a project manager for The Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA), a study council affiliated with The University at Albany, State University of New York. Speaking at a public presentation Thursday evening at Hudson Falls Central School, Brewer said each of the districts studied faced individual unique challenges. By working together, he said course offerings could be expanded while containing costs.
The study gives short-term recommendations that begin with the creation of a Collaborative Advisory Committee of superintendents and school board members. That committee would work toward coordinating opportunities like distance or online learning, shared teachers or administrators, or a central business office. "The direction comes from your school district and the boards of education that are involved here," said Brewer. "How you go about managing this really is home directed."
CASDA Director James Butterworth said participating schools were being proactive in seeking solutions. "It really doesn't get done from Albany, it doesn't get done from Washington -- it gets done by individual school districts," he said.
Jerome Steele, a member of the study team and a past superintendent at Maplewood-Colonie Central School (the last New York district to dissolve, in 2008) said the "most frightening slide" of Thursday's presentation showed declining enrollment between the seven schools, which have lost more than 1,100 students combined over 10 years.
Through a collaborative or "campus cluster" approach, individual schools retain their identities while pooling resources, either financial or personnel. With a common bell schedule, students from multiple schools can take advantage of unique offerings at other districts, similar to current BOCES classes. As the need arises, individual districts could join particular "clusters" of academic programs or shared administrators -- including new positions not currently held at a particular school, like a director of special education or curriculum development.
The efficiency report began with the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES seeking a feasibility study of sharing services in targeted programs and operations between districts. Seven districts -- Argyle, Cambridge, Fort Ann, Granville, Hartford, Hudson Falls, and Salem -- agreed to participate in the study which began this past May.
Each district paid $12,000 toward the study. Cambridge Central School board members approved the amount in March.
"Many school districts are running out of options, they're running out of money, and they're running out of time," said James Dexter, WSWHE BOCES district superintendent. With reduced state aid, mandated expenses, and now a tax levy limit, Dexter said the crunch was an issue across the state but especially in rural districts with lower property values. He said more schools had turned to relying on their fund balance, which "means one thing. ... They're spending more than they're taking in."
"It's that rainy day fund that you tap into, and unfortunately over the past few years it's been pouring," said Brewer. Schools in Washington County lost an average in state aid of $1,498 per pupil in 2011-12. The average operating deficit between each district in the study, before use of fund balance, will total roughly $1 million entering 2013-14.
When that gap occurs, Dexter said there were few options available, like reducing programs or cutting staff. "When you've already done those options ... many districts will be leaning toward fiscal insolvency." Over the past three years, a combined 130.9 administrative, teacher, and non-instructional positions were eliminated between the seven districts studied by CASDA. None of the seven are currently at ends, according to Dexter, but "there are districts within New York state that, at the end of this year, will be facing fiscal insolvency."
The CASDA study did not project long-term and did not consider mergers or "regional high schools," a current proposal in the state Legislature.
At November's school board meeting, CCS board member Paul Baker-Porazinski said the study offered excellent advice on how to expand offerings, but "what I was hoping for ... (was an) answer to how we can solve some of these long-term problems," he continued. "Long, long term," Baker-Porazinski said, the regional high school model "ultimately may be the only solution."
The full CASDA report and accompanying slideshow presentation is available online at www.wswheboces.org.
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text:
WEST LIBERTY PUBLIC LIBRARY, WEST LIBERTY, IA--March 2, 2006--
LibLime, the leader in open-source solutions for libraries, announced today that the West Liberty Public Library located in Iowa, USA has migrated to Koha, the first open-source Integrated Library System. This makes West Liberty the second public library system in the US to switch to Koha.
Tim McMahon, Technical Services librarian at West Liberty Public, said "We started looking for a new system when we tried to get our old one online and not only did the project fail, but it caused serious damage to our records. We chose Koha because with open source there is always the possibility someone will add a feature you need or if you have the knowledge, you can add it yourself."
The Koha system is installed on a Linux server and provides West Liberty with web-based access to cataloging, authority control, circulation, acquisitions, and serials control. Patron images are displayed on the circulation page so that circulation staff can easily identify patrons. Online access to the catalog as well as online member services (such as online reserves and renewals) are available through Koha's OPAC module. Enriched catalog records, provided by Amazon.com allow users to view--along with record information--jacket images, book reviews, descriptions, tables of contents and more. The OPAC can be found online at: http://opac.wlpl.org [1].
"It's been a long wait in the US public library sector for the second Koha migration", explains Joshua Ferraro, President, Technology for LibLime, "but the race was on in 2006". Several other public libraries are expected to migrate later in the first quarter of 2006: the nine libraries in the Crawford County Federated Library System in Pennsylvania and the Stow Monroe Falls Public Library in Ohio.
About Koha
Koha is a full-featured Open Source library management system first deployed in January 2000 at Horowhenua Library Trust [2]. It is currently maintained by a team of software providers and library technology staff from around the globe. Several companies around the world support Koha, providing libraries with a full array of vendor services including installation, migration assistance, data integrity testing, staff training, software maintenance, support and customization. To learn more about what services are available visit http://koha.org/support/ [3]. To try out Koha for yourself, visit LibLime's demos:
About LibLime
LibLime's mission is to make open-source software accessible to libraries.
To that end, LibLime develops and markets affordable and customizable open-source library technology solutions, such as Koha [6] ILS. LibLime also provides full vendor services including: migration assistance, staff training, and sofware maintenance, support, and development.
Press Contact:
Tina Burger
Vice President, Marketing
(888)Koha ILS (564-2457)
email@example.com [7]
[1] http://opac.wlpl.org
[2] http://www.library.org.nz
[3] http://koha.org/support/
[4] http://opac.liblime.com
[5] http://koha.liblime.com
[6] http://liblime.com/koha
[7] mailto:email@example.com

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Submit News
Apple Holding October 23 Event for iPad Mini Introduction
Tiffany Kaiser
October 12, 2012 8:35 PM
Recipient E-mail
Sender E-mail
It's an invitation-only event that will likely be held at Apple's Town Hall Auditorium
After much speculation, Apple is set to finally introduce its iPad Mini tablet near the end of this month.
According to
, Apple is holding an event on October 23 for its second fall product release. It's an invitation-only event that will likely be held at Apple's Town Hall Auditorium, since it already announced its main product launch -- the iPhone 5 -- at San Francisco's Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
While there aren't many details available on the iPad Mini, some have trickled through the cracks, such as its 7.85-inch display.
also reported that it will likely be thinner and will have a Lightning connector.
IPad Mini production
reportedly began on October 3, and Apple is looking to
produce 10 million of them
in the fourth quarter of this year. If anything, this shows that Apple is confident about the upcoming potential success of its iPad Mini, considering this is double the number of Kindle Fire's that Amazon made in Q4 2011 -- and that was the hot holiday item of last year.
iPad Mini rendering [Image Source: Martin Hajek]
Apple is dipping into the 7-inch tablet arena after years of sticking with the traditional 9.7-inch iPads. The reason is clear: 7-inch tablets are smaller and cheaper, and consumers want them.
Other tablet makers like Amazon, ASUS and Samsung have created popular 7-inch tablets over the past year. Amazon's Kindle Fire was the trailblazer for others like
Google's ASUS-built Nexus 7 tablet
, which, like the Kindle Fire, is a 7-inch tablet for $199.
The 7-inch tablet market is getting a lot more interesting lately, with Barnes & Noble releasing a new refreshed version of its 7-inch
Nook with HD and HD+ models
Beyond that, Amazon of course had to make a comeback with newer, more powerful models to stay competitive. It recently announced its
Kindle Fire HD line
, which includes an updated 7-inch Fire for $199, an 8.9-inch Fire for $299 and a 4G LTE model for $499. On top of that, Amazon is offering a generous data package for only $50 per year.
Apple wants to strike the iron while it's hot in terms of the 7-inch market, and the iPad Mini is geared up for a holiday release that could help uphold the tech giant's current tablet dominance.
All Things D
"I'm an Internet expert too. It's all right to wire the industrial zone only, but there are many problems if other regions of the North are wired." -- North Korean Supreme Commander Kim Jong-il
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text:
The play is a community-theater staple and for good reasons. Its heartwarming story, catchy music and kid-friendly material (along with its plethora of roles for young actors) make it a perennially pleasant choice since the 1970s. Palo Alto Players' current production is no exception.
Set in the Big Apple during the Great Depression, "Annie" tells the tale of an 11-year-old optimist (Carley Gilbert), who refuses to give up on her dream of escaping the the horrors of the orphanage run by the villainous Miss Hannigan (Raegena Raymond) and finding her real parents. Meanwhile, capitalist billionaire Oliver Warbucks (Russ Bohard) and his kindly secretary Grace (Jen Wheatonfox) decide to take Annie under their wealthy wings. This is in between their talks with U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt (Daniel Joseph), who's grappling with the grim state of the nation.
A flock of winsome orphans, Warbucks' devoted servants, Hannigan's shady brother Rooster (Danny Martin), and everyday New Yorkers round out the cast.
The score, which successfully imitates period-appropriate jazzy tunes, is full of hits, including: the show stopper "Tomorrow" (surely the song that launched a thousand ill-fated audition routines), "Maybe," "Easy Street," "Hard Knock Life" (covered by rapper Jay-Z) and my favorite, the relentlessly upbeat "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile." Though I've heard them many times, I still tapped my toes faithfully throughout, enjoying the lesser-known tunes just as much as the classics. In fact, it's the rare soundtrack in which every song is a winner.
The Players version is not without flaws musically. The generally good orchestra had a few brass-section issues, and star Gilbert, while charming, had some trouble hitting her high notes during my viewing. The group harmonies, too, were sometimes off — especially disappointing during the Boylan Sisters' song, which should soar with Andrews Sisters-style crooning.
On the other hand, adult leads Raymond, Bohard, Wheatonfox and Martin all were in marvelous voice and inhabited their parts with just the right comedic and heartfelt touches. I've heard better FDR impressions, but Joseph still earned plenty of chuckles in his good-natured presidential role.
I must admit I was particularly excited to find out what sort of dog would be playing Annie's canine companion, Sandy. In this case it's a burly, bear-like fellow called Spencer (the pet of actor Steve Thannisch, who plays a policeman) in a reduced part. He made up for his apparent stage fright with cuteness, wagging his tail enthusiastically whenever Thannisch was on stage. Also adorable was Zoe Wheatonfox as Molly, the little orphan with a big attitude.
Sets by Patrick Klein, choreography by director Jeanne Batacan-Harper and costumes by Mary Cravens serve their purposes to fine effect. But in this production it's all about the sweet, schmaltzy-in-a-good-way story (by Thomas Meehan) and songs (by Charles Strouse, who also composed the music of "Bye Bye Birdie"), which is as it should be.
The play, with its clever references to 1930s American politics and history (today's Occupy Wall Street protestors can no doubt relate to the folks languishing in "Hooverville" shanty towns), along with its irrepressible optimism and heart, appeals to nostalgic adults as well as being a perfect pick for introducing kids to the world of Broadway.
It's been delighting audiences for more than 30 years. Judging by the many children in the audience, including several dressed in red "Annie" outfits, it will continue to be popular with generations today and, if you'll pardon the pun, tomorrow.
What: The musical "Annie," presented by Palo Alto Players
Where: Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
When: Through May 13, with shows Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $32.
Info: Go to http://paplayers.org or call 650-329-0891.
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text: I am Carol Swartzendruber, have been quilting for many years. I am fairly new to this forum and would really like to join a quilt group. i have not been able to do so because of the long hours I work. Nice to see this type of forum where Quilters can meet across the miles and exchange friendship and ideas. I have been quilting off and on all my life. Learned from my Grandmother and just continued on.


text: Started working for a local developer 7 years ago. Today we work for 5 different developers doing mowing, bush hogging, yard installs and some landscaping. Today I met with this developer that hired me at the middle of last year because they werent happy with the lawncare co they were using. At first I thought, hmm, they dont like the current lco, they may be a pita or something, but upon arrival of 1st meeting I can see the crap job the current lco did so I got the mowing & bush hogging job despite I was a bit higher. Well upon meeting with them today, they wanted to know if I would be interested in installing 8 lawns and they will have many more in the upcomming season and they wanted a bunch of water runoff ditches gilled & seeded. I gave them my prices and they accepted. They told me that my prices were a bit higher than the guy they have been using, but he went out of business and realized he was too low. They have been told that we are dependable and do a good job and the higher price is worth it to them. Quite a shocker for me because most peoples reaction to higher prices dont go as well (if u know what I mean).


text:
Discussion in 'Trek Literature' started by Man of Steel, Jul 1, 2009.
Sadly, it comes with a "fat suit" undergarment, and I don't need to use it.
Bahh...I meant the compliment honestly--I thought it looks cool on you.
Interestingly, I think it's your complexion, in part, that really helps: that particular tunic has an almost Mediterranean look, and the tan you have makes it particularly convincing (as well as make brown/tan shades look good on you). Me...I would never be able to pull off those colors.
BTW--regarding the TNES artwork, does anyone know who the artist is, and possibly where their website is, so I can find out about buying a larger print from them?
I just checked both Memories for you, and neither of them say. Sadly I don't know of anywhere else to look.
I got an idea. I'm gonna PM Una McCormack and see if she can come into the thread and tell us.
Seconded, great shot, Therin.
I've just noticed that The Romulan War is TPB. Does this mean it'll be the same size as New Frontier: Treason, etc?
Yes, probably.
Just got a reply to my PM...unfortunately Ms. McCormack does not know who the cover artist for TNES is.
Anybody else know, or know how to find out?
If nothing else, the book itself will credit the artist on the copyright page and back cover.
Pffft, that's no fun!
Ask and you shall receive (maybe).
I think it's by Sparth (Nicolas Bouvier)
I will be on board for Vanguard 5 completly and the mirror universe book. I hope Shore Leave delivers a proposal as enticing as Destiny and also a New Frontier book. then I will be happy
That sure looks like the style!!! As if the bio didn't already confirm it...it sure looks like it.
I may e-mail the guy tomorrow and see if he'll sell prints.
Well they should, hopefully, be giving information on the Typhon Pact books.
Let me know how it goes.
Hope it works out for you.
I'd like to find out if the TofF or Mission Gamma cover (put together) is available... *goes off to look*
Why is this ENT book any different by being a trade instead of a Mass?
Maybe Pocket wanted to give it a higher profile by going for a more expensive format?
Well, TSK is pretty blue swirly with a semi-transparent hand. It doesn't scream ST... you couldn't tell from that (other then ST on the cover) that it is ST...
I'm not sure about the cover myself, cuz I thought the temp one was cool.
Still, if someone ran their mouth over what I was reading on a subway (impossible, there are none here) they'd be told in short order to mind their business... etc.
It was originally announced as several MMPBs, IIRC, then switched to a trade, so it should be nice and hefty. Trade paperbacks are the new, trendy, more economical hardcover analogs, aimed at a slightly different market (eg. for gift-giving?).
Pocket Books has dropped the idea of any ST hardcovers for the time being, so books that might have once been hardcovers, such as "Treason", the JJ movie novelization, and "The Romulan War", come out has higher-profile trades instead.
Doing the odd trade means they can come out in addition to the one-MMPB-per-month schedule.
Marco once explained that the royalty on hardcovers (and trades?) was higher, so it's like a little bonus reward to the authors to have their book selected to come out as a larger format book. Plus, the hardcovers have always been reprinted in MMPB, and that gives the author two bites at the royalty cherry. (We don't know yet if the current batch of trades will end up in MMPB, though.)
Thank you, Therin. You're very informative. I suppose given how high-profile the Romulan War is, we should have expected a book finally dealing with to be more than your average mass-market.
If you find that, lemme know!
I'll be sending my e-mail out this evening.
Separate names with a comma.


text:
Acqua Delgi Angeli Perfume
By Fiorucci for Women
Acqua Delgi Angeli Perfume by Fiorucci, Fiorucci has made this perfume with the utmost care and attention to detail . The design house has painstakingly created this with beautiful notes. The acqua delgi angeli was launched in 2002. It is a citrusy fragrance that is very refreshing. The top notes are peach blossom, pink grapefruit and ginger. The heart notes are angelica and wisteria. The base notes are transparent musk and peach wood. The scent is light and airy. It lasts for quite a long time ... Read More ... Read More though. The bottom notes enhance the longevity. Overall, the wearer of the perfume experiences a refreshing sensation. The flacon is just as beautiful as the fragrance it contains. All products are original, authentic name brands. We do not sell knockoffs or imitations.
- Qafiya 01
- Qafiya 02
- Quadrille
- Quartz
- Quartz Je T'aime
- Quartz Pure Red
- Quatre
- Que Sais-je
- Queen
- Queen Latifah
- Queen Of Hearts
- Queen Of Seduction
- Quel Amour
- Quelques Fleurs
- Quelques Fleurs Jardin Secret
- Quelques Fleurs Royale
- Quelques Roses
- Quelques Violettes
- Quercus
- Quicksilver
- Quintessence
- Quizas Quizas Pasion
Sorry, Acqua Delgi Angeli is not in stock
Enter your email and click "Notify Me" and we will email you as soon as it comes back in stock.
This product has 1 Out of Stock items |
Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought
More Fiorucci fragrancesfor Women: Fiorucci Icy Fantasy , Miss Fiorucci Only Love , Fiorucci Loves You , Fiorucci ,
See all Fiorucci products
Customer Comments
Thanks for offering me a chance to purchase my favorite cologne. It was good to do buisness with you guys. Great way to save time and money. Will do again.
D. Hawk (Eagle, ID)


text:
Free Horse: Big TB gelding looking for a loving home
"Athos" is a big, sweet TB gelding, never raced. He just lost his pasture buddy and would do best in a home with at least 1 other horse, though he's usually at the bottom of the pecking order. We wanted to find him a new companion, but just found out we'll be moving soon and can't take him with us. He's fine in a stall or pasture, but would be happier outside, and his halter & turnout blanket will go with him. He cribs, but being outside helps minimize this. Please email with
Horse NameNoble Flash
ColorDark Bay/Brown
Height16.3 hh
Weight1250 lbs
LocationCollege Station, TX, USA
StatusFound Home


text:
Ruffins co-founded the Rebirth Brass Band, but he soon left to launch a solo career devoted to the Armstrong vocal tradition. He has served it well with his sly humor, contagious hedonism and bluesy phrasing
. He fills songs such as Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams and Ain't Misbehavin' with so much personality that you can almost forget that theyd ever been recorded before. And he puts his own distinctive stamp on the Armstrong heritage by adding the flavor of a Mardi Gras brass band parade.Washington Post


text:
ST. CLOUD, Fla. - Administrators at Neptune Middle School forced a student to miss class after they told her the pink streaks in her bangs violated district policy.
The student's father, Josh Henson, says on Tuesday his 14-year-old honor roll student was assigned in-school suspension and it was on the same day administrators pointed out her hair was inconsistent with school policy. She was allowed to study and complete work, but missed in-class instruction.
Henson says administrators told him she'd continue to miss instruction until her hair was dyed back to a "normal" color. She changed back to her natural hair color on Wednesday.
Osceola County Schools officials refused an on-camera interview with Local 6, but cited the student code of conduct, which says it's against policy, "for any student to have his or her hair cut or worn in such a manner, or colored in such a manner, in an extreme fashion such that the Principal ... determines it is so distracting or disruptive that it interferes with the orderly educational process."
Local 6 asked how the hair interfered with the educational process, and a spokeswoman said, "When hair is unnatural colors, it creates a distraction among other students which interrupts learning."
Henson says the same policy district leaders used to keep his daughter out of class requires a verbal warning before punishment for students who violate policy. The school district admitted it did not give the student a warning, but says other factors may have been at play. It would not elaborate, citing student confidentiality.
Copyright 2014 by ClickOrlando.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
Summaries of EU Legislation
Summaries of EU legislation: direct access to the main summaries page.
- Archived: true
Action Plan to Combat Drugs (2000-2004)
To intensify cooperation and collaboration at national and European level, a European action plan to combat drug abuse and drug trafficking has been introduced. Through the plan, the Commission is establishing the general guidelines for Union action to combat drugs and drug abuse.
Communication of 26 May 1999 from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a European Union Action Plan to Combat Drugs (2000-2004) [COM(1999) 239 final - Not published in the Official Journal].
Since the mid-1980s, the Member States have stepped up cooperation on combating drug addiction and drug trafficking. Since 1990, European Councils have adopted a variety of action plans and programmes to provide a comprehensive response to this phenomenon. The European Councils in Cardiff (June 1998) and Vienna (December 1998) called on the Council, the Commission and Parliament to draw up a new, comprehensive anti-drug strategy to replace the 1995-1999 Action Plan. The Commission communication is a follow-up to this request and sets out recent trends in drug abuse and trafficking in the EU and the course the Union's anti-drugs measures should take over the next five years.
The setting up of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) and the Europol Drugs Unit (replaced since 1 July 1999 by the European Police Office (Europol)) has led to a better understanding of the drug phenomenon and simplified Member States' cooperation on the collection and exchange of information.
The information provided by these two bodies in 1998 has made it possible to identify a number of trends in consumption and trafficking. The use of cannabis, still the most widely used drug in the EU, has levelled out, while the use of amphetamines and misuse of medicines is on the increase. As regards trafficking, the routes used by the various drugs are well known, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans often serving as the hub for heroin, cocaine and cannabis. The EU is also a major producer of synthetic drugs.
The Action Plan proposed by the Commission requires a global, multidisciplinary and integrated strategy to fight drugs if it is to be effective. The social and health implications of the drugs problem need to be addressed, as do the links between drug-taking and crime and delinquency. A balanced approach to reducing demand and supply is therefore needed. Furthermore, if the production of drugs is to be reduced, there must be a partnership between producer and consumer countries to provide support for social and economic development in the producer countries.
The Commission would like to see a more systematic assessment, by independent experts, of the measures, policies and strategies adopted by the EU in the fight against drugs. It will carry out a mid-term evaluation of the forthcoming action plan. The data supplied by the EMCDDA and Europol on drug use and trafficking will also make it possible to monitor the situation and if necessary adjust Union policy.
The plan for 2000-2004 identifies a number of priorities:
- measures to counter the use and production of cannabis, amphetamines and ecstasy;
- the introduction of integrated projects to combat urban delinquency, especially among young people;
- measures in the field of health (hepatitis), social exclusion and criminal justice;
- preparations for enlargement with participation by applicant countries in EMCDDA and EU drug addiction projects and measures under the Phare Programme.
The Amsterdam Treaty provides a new legal framework for achieving these ambitious objectives. Under the new Article 152 of the EC Treaty, public health must be taken into account in all Community policies and actions. The drugs problem is also listed as a priority for Community action in the field of public health and cooperation in the fields of justice and home affairs (Title VI of the Treaty on European Union), which mentions three possible methods:
- direct cooperation between police forces and customs authorities of the Member States or cooperation through Europol;
- judicial cooperation;
- approximation, where necessary, of rules on criminal matters in the Member States.
Although drugs continue to be an important theme in international cooperation, no new instruments are planned. Multilateral and bilateral activities already under way will continue.
The Action Plan has five general objectives:
- to ensure that the fight against drugs continues to be a major priority for EU internal and external action;
- to continue the integrated and balanced approach to reducing supply and demand;
- to continue the processing of information with the support of the EMCDDA and Europol;
- to promote international cooperation, particularly through the United Nations;
- to mobilise the necessary resources.
Five specific objectives are also identified:
- Information:A comprehensive strategy has to be based on reliable information in order to assess the scale and nature of drug use on a regular basis (the EMCDDA's REITOX network, cooperation between the EMCDDA and Eurostat) as well as on knowledge obtained from research and assessments of earlier programmes.
- Action on demand reduction:The aim is to reduce drug use by the under-18s and the number of drug-related deaths over a period of five years. This will require measures in the field of public health and education (information campaigns in schools). Research is also needed under the Fifth framework programme to improve understanding of consumption factors and associated health and social consequences and to develop more effective treatment. A number of other areas should be studied as a matter of priority, including the effects of drug use on driving and doping in sport.
- Action on reduction of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances:On the question of the diversion of precursors and psychotropic substances, monitoring must be carried out on targeted products if it is to be effective. Twenty-two such substances are listed in the 1988 United Nations Convention. Those which are not must be the subject of "special surveillance" in cooperation with industry.On money laundering, the Commission wishes to extend the scope of the 1991 Directive on this subject. A range of international measures are also being carried out as part of the PHARE and TACIS programmes.Use of the new technologies, and particularly the Internet, must be made safer (an action plan was adopted on this subject in January 1999). Although only the national authorities have the power to initiate legal proceedings or impose penalties, they may call on the assistance of Europol if necessary.Special attention will be given to synthetic drugs through legislation and practical cooperation both within Europe and at international level.Finally, a large number of medium and short-term measures are proposed in the action plan to establish an area of freedom, security and justice.
- Action at international levelThis will be based on national and/or regional plans and is guided by a number of principles, including shared responsibility, integrating drugs control into mainstream development and respect for human rights. The regions mainly concerned are the applicant countries, Latin America, the Caribbean and Central Asia (extending to Transcaucasia), the Mediterranean countries (especially Morocco), Africa and Asia (including China). Cooperation with the industrialised countries and in international bodies (such as the G8, for example) will be strengthened with a view to promoting dialogue and introducing integrated and/or regional policies and programmes. Cooperation with international organisations such as the United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) must be stepped up.
- Coordination The drugs phenomenon affects different areas and is covered by a variety of legal bases. The Commission considers that coordination is essential and must involve all the EU institutions and bodies, especially on the question of drug addiction.
The annex includes an assessment of the 1995-1999 action plan, a table of current trends in drug demand reduction, current development in legislation and practices and a list of budget headings on which actions in the field of drugs can be based.
Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 22 October 2004 on the results of the final evaluation of the EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan on Drugs (2000-2004) - Not published in the Official Journal]. The 2000-2004 Action Plan provides for the Commission to undertake mid-term and final evaluations of its implementation. This communication presents the results of the final evaluation and lays the foundation for the future evolution of EU drugs policy on the basis of the lessons learnt from the implementation of current policy.
The communication gives details of the main achievements and identifies areas where further progress is needed.
The communication concludes inter alia that:
- around 95% of the actions set out in the Plan have been implemented or are in the process of being implemented;
- almost all the Member States have adopted a national drugs strategy or action plan;
- taking the evaluation tools used, there is nothing to support the contention that the goal to significantly reduce drug abuse has been achieved or that fewer young people are using drugs; however, there is evidence of an overall levelling-off in the upward trend in drug addiction;
- similarly, the available information does not suggest that the availability of drugs has been reduced substantially; none the less, a number of EU-level initiatives have strengthened law enforcement measures against drug trafficking and supply;
- a number of important initiatives have also been taken to combat money laundering; in particular, Member States are participating in a number of initiatives to combat the diversion of precursors, such as the European Joint Unit on Precursors (EJUP).
The communication sets out the following proposals for the future EU drugs strategy:
- it should contain clear and precise objectives and priorities that can be translated into operational indicators and measures in the future Action Plan, with responsibility and deadlines for their implementation being clearly defined;
- continued progress should be made on the availability, quality and comparability of information on monitoring the drugs situation;
- the objectives of the new strategy and action plans should be reflected in the multi-annual programme consolidating the area of freedom, security and justice;
- the primary focus of the work of the Council's Horizontal Drugs Group should be on moving forward and monitoring the implementation of the measures set out in the future EU action plans on drugs; it should also have a leading role in coordinating the work of the other Council groups on drug issues;
- the results of the many activities undertaken in the field of drugs should be more widely shared to promote similar activities elsewhere;
- this final evaluation should be taken into account in the development of the new EU drugs strategy 2005-2012.
The Commission will present a proposal at the beginning of 2005 for an Action Plan on Drugs 2005-2008. In addition, it will draw up an annual progress review on the implementation of this Plan and will organise an impact assessment in 2008 with a view to proposing a second Action Plan for the period 2009-2012. In 2012 the Commission will organise an overall evaluation of the EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plans.
Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 4 November 2002 on the mid-term evaluation of the EU Action Plan on Drugs (2000-2004) [COM(2002)599 final - Not published in the Official Journal]. The evaluation covers the five main areas of the Plan: coordination, information and evaluation, demand reduction, prevention of drug use and of drug-related crime, supply reduction and international cooperation. It is based on four main sources of information:
- the replies of the Member States to a questionnaire on progress at national level;
- the updated follow-up table of the achievements of the Commission, the EMCDDA and Europol;
- the evaluation of law enforcement in the Member States and its role in the fight against drugs trafficking;
- the initiatives taken at EU level, either by the Commission or by Member States, which have been adopted or which are under examination.
Following a detailed assessment of each of the five main areas of the plan, the Commission concluded that, despite considerable progress, much work remained to be done, particularly in the following areas:
- the issue of synthetic drugs;
- the further development of the evaluation of drug policies and drugs activities at national and EU levels on the basis of reliable data (importance of research);
- close cooperation with the candidate countries;
- more effective coordination of action in third countries (with a particular focus on the main producing and transit countries).
In order to take forward implementation of the EU Action Plan on Drugs, the Commission makes the following proposals:
- priorities among the activities set out in the Action Plan should be identified in order to focus on these key activities (e.g. by setting deadlines for implementation);
- a steering group, to include representatives from the Commission, the Council Presidency, Europol and the EMCDDA, should be established in 2003 by the Presidency and the Commission; Parliament should also appoint its representative; the group's aim would be to provide guidance and to monitor the preparation of the final assessment;
- initiatives in the field of drugs should be primarily focused on achieving the objectives set out in the Action Plan;
- the EMCDDA and Europol should compare 2003 data in the field of drugs with data for 1999 with a view to the final evaluation of the Action Plan;
- a conference could be organised in 2004 to involve civil society in the future development of EU drugs policy.
The Commission will prepare a communication on the final evaluation of the Action Plan by the end of 2004.
Communication of 12 November 2003 from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on coordination on drugs in the European Union [COM (2003) 681 final - Official Journal C 96, 21.4.2004]. The Commission, wishing to boost coordination on drugs at European Union level, explains what is needed and what is at stake, pointing to the main existing models of coordination and emphasising the key elements of effective interaction. It recommends, in particular, incorporating all aspects of drug-related policy (social and health aspects, law enforcement measures, youth policy), close cooperation between law-enforcement bodies and coordination between them and social and heath services, and systematic evaluation of strategies and activities in this field.
Communication of 8 June 2001 from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the implementation of the EU Action Plan on Drugs (2000-2004) [COM(2001) 301 final - Not published in the Official Journal]. The main purpose of the communication is to suggest measures to facilitate the evaluation of the Action Plan on Drugs, to outline the method which the Commission intends to use for the evaluation, and to present a number of measures already undertaken as part of the Plan. The communication draws on contributions from the EMCDDA and Europol.
For the purpose of assessing the extent to which the activities proposed in the Action Plan have actually been carried out, the Commission proposes a new instrument - a follow-up table - to ensure proper evaluation.
The evaluation of the impact on drugs and drug addiction will partly depend on information supplied by EMCDDA and Europol. These two organisations have already set up two working groups on impact assessment criteria. However, the Commission notes that, because of the lack of reliable and comparable data on the epidemiological and criminal aspects, the mid-term evaluation of the Action Plan (in 2002) will be limited to the extent to which the Action Plan activities have been carried out.
As regards future enlargement, stepping up the fight against drugs in the applicant countries remains a priority for the Commission. It has launched numerous initiatives in recent years, including opening negotiations on the participation of applicant countries in the EMCDDA's REITOX network. The Commission also plans to set up a database which would bring together all of information about projects financed by the Member States or the Commission in the applicant countries, in order to avoid duplication.
The European Union will continue its important activities on the external front. Priority will be given to the main routes used for supplying drugs to the European Union (particularly the cocaine route and the heroin route).
Coordination between all those involved is an essential requirement in the fight against drugs. In line with the provisions of the action plan, the Commission has carried out a study of coordination mechanisms in this field. Its report will be presented shortly. There is a need for better coordination between the Member States and the Commission. The Commission will therefore present proposals at the level of the Council's Horizontal Drugs Group, with a view to the adoption of practical measures.
Last updated: 14.04.2005


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Students Learn about Transportation at On-Campus Summer Camp
July 22, 2013
National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) campers visit the Chester County Airport as part of their field trip experiences
Summer is often the time when students take advantage of learning opportunities to enrich their education and explore career options. Thanks to a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation through the Federal Highway Administration, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania served as a host site for the National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) from July 15 through August 8.
Through an application process, 15 high school students from the Tri-state area of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey were selected to participate in the program at Cheyney University. These students are academically talented and demonstrated through their essays an interest in learning more about the transportation industry.
During the rigorous four-week program, students participated in standardized test preparatory classes, conducted research on intermodal transportation, and built model bridges. In addition, the students received coaching in public speaking and learned strategies for personal growth and development. The students also benefited from presentations by experts in the field of transportation. Some of these specialists were engineers, aviation professionals, and bridge construction and design experts. The students had the opportunity to discover the training required for a variety of careers in the field of transportation through weekly field trips and a transportation career fair. Field trips included visits to the Chester County Airport, the Independence Seaport Museum, SEPTA, an alternative fuels program, an Amish Community and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Materials Testing Laboratory.
The primary investigator (PI) for the grant was Sharon Cannon, Executive Director of the Economic and Workforce Development Center. The NSTI staff included Dr. Victoria Johnson, director; Eva Blackwell, and Jordan Denson, activities guides.
"Cheyney University was proud to be among colleges and universities across the United States that served as host sites for the program," Cannon stated. " The focus of the program is to address the need for a diverse workforce in the 21st century and to promote greater awareness of career opportunities within the transportation industry to middle and high school students."
Cheyney University has been a host site for the National Summer Transportation Institute for more than 12 years.


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INTERPOL and United States Federal Law Enforcement Training Center hold advanced police technology and research exercise
GLYNCO, Georgia, USA – INTERPOL and the United States Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) have co-hosted an advanced police training exercise focusing on technology and research to boost the operational capacity of law enforcement.
The two-day INTERPOL-FLETC Technology and Research Exercise (14-15 December) involved more than 80 managers and experts from national and international police training entities, including police colleges and universities, to share best practice on how the latest technologies covering simulations, multimedia and virtual environments are used in the field of police training.
"Just as criminals leverage on technology, modern day law enforcers must also learn the latest technologies, understand how they might be abused by criminals, as well as how they could be deployed to enhance policing work. Law enforcement agencies must raise the capabilities of their officers and help them to master new tools to stay ahead of the criminals," INTERPOL President Khoo Boon Hui told some 300 law enforcement officials at an opening ceremony before the launch of the exercise at FLETC headquarters.
"INTERPOL, together with its partners, is committed to identify cutting-edge innovations in policing and make them available to its wider membership to level policing capabilities worldwide. The INTERPOL/FLETC Technology and Research Exercise is testimony to this commitment," added the INTERPOL President.
FLETC Director Connie Patrick said that police training was an essential element to maintaining and developing effective law enforcement, both nationally and internationally.
"It is critical that we provide our law enforcement officers on the front-line with the most comprehensive, current and relevant training to overcome the criminal threats that confront us today. By sharing the resources and knowledge that we have all acquired, we can equip our future law enforcement professionals for years to come," said the FLETC Director.
Major police training issues covered by the exercise included: research findings on law enforcement performance in high-stress situations, table-top and immersive simulations for law enforcement training, the use of e-learning and multimedia in police training, best-practice examples, and training in support of joint operations.


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It's been 100 days since journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling were taken into custody by the North Korean government.
Lee and Ling, reporters for Al Gore's San Francisco-based Current TV, were arrested on North Korea's border with China for allegedly illegally crossing into the country. North Korea's highest court convicted the pair and threw the book at them with a 12-year sentenced in a hard labor camp.
Since then, the two have had little contact with their families. That was until Sunday, when they both had the chance to speak with their husbands by phone.
On Tuesday night, during a vigil in support for the pair's release, their husbands told the group of their brief, tough conversations with their wives.
"To hear her on the phone to hear the panic and desperation it was one of the hardest things I've ever heard in my life," Lee's husband, Michael Saldate, said.
Ling's husband, Iain Clayton, said his wife sounded strong, but scared when he spoke with her Sunday night.
"I could tell she was trying her hardest to be strong for us," Clayton said, "But it wasn't her normal voice. I could tell that she was scared and that she's terrified. It was a difficult conversation. One of the hardest things I've had to do."
She described her confinement as "bearable," Clayton said.
Ling and Lee told their husbands they are now in a medical facility because of their deteriorating health. Ling has an inflamed ulcer and Lee has lost 15 pounds.
The vigil was held on the campus of the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where Lee received a bachelor's degree.


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In September 1968, I arrived at Hayes-Healy Hall, one of two women's dorms at the University of San Francisco.
I was assigned to room 213, along with a sophomore co-ed who was not required to attend freshman orientation. I was all alone in room 213 my first few days of college, at the end of what seemed at the time like a very dark and lonely hall.
One of the first people I met was Nancy. She was miserable too, but
for different reasons. She had spent her high school years in Hawaii,
basking in the sun and fun of life in paradise. It was her parents'
idea, not hers, to attend nursing school at a Jesuit university an ocean
away from her surfer boyfriend.
Nancy had crystal blue eyes, cherub cheeks, countless freckles and
thick reddish hair that cascaded to her waist. She wore a heavy coat day
and night, even over her pajamas, because she just couldn't get
acclimated to the damp, cold San Francisco weather.
Since Nancy was in the nursing program and I was an English major we
didn't have any classes together, but we saw each other morning and
night in the dorm. One Saturday night, after returning from a party,
Nancy pierced my ears while I sat on the floor in the hall across from
the pay phone with half a dozen nonchalant nursing students watching.
The needle, a large safety pin, was sterilized in alcohol poured into an
Despite that questionable start, Nancy went on to become an R.N.
After moving out of the dorm in my sophomore year I saw Nancy less
frequently. Near the end of our senior year I bumped into her walking
down a street near campus and she invited me to her apartment. By then
her parents had moved to Eugene, Ore., and that's where she was headed
after graduation, she told me. Later, through the grapevine, I heard she
got married in Eugene.
I lost track of Nancy and the college friends who stayed in touch
with her, but I never stopped looking for her. When I lived in Honolulu,
I thought I might see her there. I sporadically checked the phone books
in Hawaii and Eugene. As technology advanced, I Googled her. When I
joined Facebook a few years ago, hers was one of the first names I typed
in the search field. But Nancy wasn't anywhere to be found.
Until June 3. I searched Facebook one more time that night and stared
in disbelief at the face that appeared on my screen. The profile of
this woman with freckles and long auburn hair now living in Arizona
stated that she had graduated from USF. I sent her a message that began,
"Nancy, dear, do you remember me..."
Nancy didn't remember me. Nor did she remember most of the ladies
from Hayes-Healy's second floor who also found her on Facebook about the
same time. In the final stages of her cancer, Nancy's memories were
vague and fading. She had chosen to be found now.
She kept after me, pleading for photos and stories to help her
remember. I went through my college scrapbook and dug out a yearbook. I
posted a picture of me taken in 1969 on her Facebook page. I recalled
the story of how my ears got pierced. Sadly for me, she had no
recollection but she wanted more images of my family, my dog, my garden.
And stories. She devoured everything I sent her. We covered a lot of
ground in a very short amount of time.
Nancy passed away Friday morning, "peacefully, surrounded by family," her sister Trisha said in a Facebook message.
In the 40 days we had to reconstruct and revisit the last 40 years,
Nancy and I communicated nearly every day. She was not able to talk on
the phone and as she grew weaker her messages became shorter. On June
12, she wrote, "I am afraid I am a wash out with remembering the past
but I love you now and that makes the reconnect even more valuable."
Her last message to me was on July 7, "I can't get air and the pain is crappy," she wrote. "Love you and your concern."
Relay for Life begins at 10 a.m. this Saturday in Crescent City. Last
year I walked to honor my high school classmate Chris Mori Fayad who
succumbed to cancer last July. Saturday I will walk for Nancy. If you or
someone you love has been touched by cancer, please join me on the Del
Norte High School track. I'm walking from 2 to 4 p.m.
For more information about Saturday's Relay, call 951-0582.
Reach Michele Thomas, the Del Norte Triplicate's publisher, at
mtandshy;hoandshy;masandshy;@triplicate.com, 464-2141 or stop by 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


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Recently I was at a park with some of my grandchildren. A woman arrived with a couple of her grandchildren. We started talking. At one point, she revealed that she lost a grandson to heart disease when he was only seven. Needless to say, I was stunned.
As we talked further I discovered that she turned her grief into positive action through starting a charity to raise funds for research, education and to offer support to families of children with heart disease or who have lost children to it. This is a wonderful example of turning a negative into a positive — a terrible tragedy into something good.
Her grief was recently compounded when she lost an adult daughter (to what I do not know), but Grandma is now raising her daughter's children.
Upon learning this, I simply did not know how to respond and simply said, "I'm so sorry. I don't know how to comfort you."
She looked stoically out at the playground and replied, "That's okay, there's nothing you can do." We chatted a bit longer before she called her grandchildren. It was time for supper.
The thought of losing a child is such a deep-seated fear for me; it is far worse than personally facing a serious degenerative disease. I am reminded of King David's words when his infant son died: "I shall go to him, but he will not return to me" (2 Samuel 12.23).
In this passage of Scripture, Christian parents of infants who die can find a modicum of comfort to know they will be reunited with their babies after death.
We know that God loves children. Jesus said, "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it."
Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them (Mark 10.14-15).
If the kingdom of God belongs to children and those with child-like faith, then grieving parents and grandparents can take solace knowing their babies rest in the loving care of Christ beyond the grasp of pain or sorrow.
A few days after meeting the woman at the park, I was at Mass (July 10). The Second Reading contained a verse that has often comforted me.
"I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory about to be revealed to us" (Romans 8.18).
The reading went on to say that "creation itself will be set free from its bondage of decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God." Although we groan, we await the redemption of our bodies.
St. John said that those who receive Christ and believe in his name are given the right to become children of God. We are told elsewhere that through faith and Baptism in Christ, we are all children of God.
There are no distinctions: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3.26-28). The free gift of salvation is open to all.
To grieving parents and grandparents, we can say with confidence that our hope is not futile. Christ has conquered death. He is the resurrection. He said that even though a person dies, he will live. Our souls live with him in paradise before the resurrection; we who die in Christ will yet be united with our glorified bodies at the resurrection.
The Church teaches unequivocally that at death the soul is separated from the body. The soul goes to meet God while the human body decays. At the resurrection, God "will grant incorruptible life to our bodies by reuniting them with our souls, through the power of Jesus' resurrection" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 997).
This is not wishful thinking. It cuts to the heart of Christian faith and we proclaim our belief in the physical resurrection of the body each time we say the Creed. If it is not true, then Christ did not rise from the dead either and our faith is futile. But it is true.
Read 1 Corinthians 15, and the Catechism, 992-1001. What a blessed hope this is for those who live and die in Christ! Present sorrows at the loss of loved ones will turn to joy. There will be no more sorrow or death.


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Cool little oven the small barrel ovens my friend sells are too small but these look right sized what the size of the finished cooking area ? and If you care to share the price ? Have fun !!John
Did my first ever pizza cook on it this weekend. The floor area seems plenty big enough (I made 12" FAR FROM ROUND pies ). The floor is 28" accross. I moved the coals over to the side and had plenty of room for the pie. The oven, stand, door and chimney cap go for $1999.00 with shipping included anywhere in the US (mainland). I paid $1700.00 and picked it up myself in PA.The size held me off for a while too, I was worried that it would be too small until I talked to the owners wife. She cooks in it all the time. She cooks everything that I want to and then some, so I went for it figuring I could always sell it on Craigslist if I hated it (you could take it apart and move it if need be).Also, they point me to one Roundboy owner who uses it mounted on a trailor as a very successful business. If he can crank out enough pizzas to make a living than I figured I would be fine.
Hi there,If you are in MD and shopped around prior to making your decision, have you looked into Bread Stone Ovens? They have the FGM oven and wanted to get your opinion as I was thinking of getting one from them. The price is about the same and the chamber of the ovens seams to have a better design.Any help and suggestion is appreciated.Thanks,
I did look at Bread Stone, in fact I went to Antoine's house to see his, he has a 28" floor Grand Mere in his back yard. First off, Antoine is a first rate guy by all means. He is a professional Chef and is very knowledgable. I liked the Bread Stone and almost bought it. The ovens are true Italian wood fired ovens to be sure, very high quality.Even his absolute best price was still twice what the Round Boy costs for the same size oven without the stand. I could not find any benefit of buying the Grand Mere over the Round Boy. The finished ovens weigh about the same so thermal mass is similar.For me it came down to this, both ovens sem equally capable of making great pizza as well as other food. The Round Boy is half the cost and assembles in a day. YMMV.
First off, Antoine is a first rate guy by all means. He is a professional Chef and is very knowledgable. I liked the Bread Stone and almost bought it.
Thank you for the positive feedback. Your Round Boy looks great. I hope you have a lot of fun with it.Antoine
So now that you have had the roundhouses for a couple of months, do you have any regrets? I am 98% buying one next week, just have a nervous buy finger!


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Draft Preview: White Sox seek impact player
GM Williams has no intention of playing it safe
By Scott Merkin / MLB.com
"Maybe Flip video or Skype," said Laumann with a laugh.
Laumann will be in Chicago with his staff and his bosses this weekend, making final preparations for the 2010 First-Year Player Draft. This Draft marks the third one Laumann has fully run for the White Sox since coming back into the fold to sort of right the ship in 2007. The results have netted the White Sox such players as Gordon Beckham and Daniel Hudson, who already have made contributions at the Major League level, as well as Brent Morel and Jordan Danks, who soon could be on their way.
And the Draft philosophy under Laumann, with directions from general manager Ken Williams, has not changed: Regardless of position, look for the best player available.
MLB.com will offer live coverage and analysis of the entire First-Year Player Draft from Monday through Wednesday on MLB.com/Live The first round and Compensation Round A will be broadcast live on MLB.com and MLB Network on Monday, beginning with the Draft preview show at 5 p.m. CT.
MLB.com Draft expert Jonathan Mayo will join Greg Amsinger, Harold Reynolds, John Hart, Peter Gammons and Baseball America executive editor Jim Callis on Monday's broadcast.
Coverage for rounds 2-50 will shift exclusively to MLB.com/Live. Rounds 2-30 will be streamed on Tuesday, beginning at noon, and rounds 31-50 will be streamed on Wednesday, starting at noon. Host Pete McCarthy will be joined by Mayo and former general manager Jim Duquette.
Here's a glance at what the White Sox have in store as the Draft approaches:
In about 50 words
When the White Sox selected eighth overall in 2008, they had a pretty good idea as to who would be available when their pick came around.
"Maybe [Buster] Posey would get to us if not Beckham, and if not either one of them, [Justin] Smoak would be there," Laumann said. "[This year], I have no idea at 13."
Usually, within one weekend of the Draft, Laumann and his staff have a pretty good idea of "seven to 10 guys" who could fall to the White Sox. But the nature of this year's talent base alters that thought process.
"The problem with this year's Draft is that the top is pretty thin," Laumann said. "You look at those top three or four guys, and it opens wide up from there."
The scoop
Don't look for the White Sox to take a player at 13 simply because mock drafts and the experts dictate that a certain individual should fall in that slot.
"Sometimes the industry might look at us and say, 'Wow, they might have reached out a little bit with that guy,' " Laumann said. "But any time you are working with Kenny, he wants that [impact] guy. We are not in a position where he wants us to take a safe pick. That has been Kenny's philosophy, and it will stay his philosophy."
|Current team
|Jared Mitchell
|Kannapolis (A)
|Gordon Beckham
|White Sox (MLB)
|Aaron Poreda
|San Antonio (AA)
|Kyle McCulloch
|Charlotte (AAA)
|Lance Broadway
|Las Vegas (AAA)
So it's up to Laumann and his staff to help replenish that system with a Draft infusion.
First-round buzz
Such players as third baseman Nick Castellanos or right-hander Asher Wojciechowski have been attached to the White Sox 13th pick in pre-Draft prognostications. But as Laumann explained above, there's precious little certainty as to who will be around, even at that relatively early stage.
One thing is certain: The White Sox will not be drafting by need. They will be looking for a player who can make the quickest impact at the big league level.
Shopping list
Beyond Beckham and Alexei Ramirez, the White Sox look extremely thin in the middle-infield area throughout the organization.
"We've tried to focus on middle infielders because we've not done a good job internationally in that area," Laumann said. "If you look at the big leagues or even the Minors, a great percentage [of middle infielders] are from Latin America.
"We are not getting them from that influx, so we have tried to find them domestically. But quite honestly, there are not many domestic shortstops [in the Draft]."
Laumann pointed out how the strength in this year's Draft is college pitching depth, so the White Sox could target that spot at 13. With the depth being a strength, though, and the White Sox having four picks in the first 115, they could go a different direction at 13 and load up on pitchers afterward.
Even if the White Sox seem deep at certain positions, such as third base or in the outfield, they won't necessarily shy away from a player who anchors that same spot -- even with their top pick.
"Back in the '90s, we thought we had five or six catching prospects," Laumann said. "Two proved they couldn't play, two got hurt and one got traded. With the way baseball is, you can't think you are deep enough at any one spot where you don't need additional help."
Trend watch
Since 2001, when the White Sox selected local pitcher Kris Honel in the first round, they have run off a streak of eight consecutive collegiate players as their top selection. Half of those picks have been pitchers, but the last two, Jared Mitchell and Beckham, were position players.
"On the field and, emotionally, off the field, we tend to lean more to college guys," Laumann said. "You have core guys that are already there, and you are thinking about adding to that core in the next two or three years. So we have been apt to take college guys who can move right in."
An example was given by Laumann of drafting Beckham, Danks or Morel, all of whom had collegiate experience, as opposed to a player such as Trayce Thompson, who was taken straight out of high school.
"We love Thompson, but we can't think about him getting [to the big leagues] for four or five years," Laumann said. "So it's two or three years vs. four or five years."
That analysis doesn't preclude high school players from being scattered among Chicago's first three or four picks.
Recent Draft History
Rising fast
Morel was selected two rounds behind Beckham in 2008, and his climb to the Majors could take just a little less time. The third baseman has hit at every level since batting .375 for Great Falls in 2008 and has a slick-fielding glove, compared with that of Joe Crede, in the making. Morel was recently promoted to Triple-A Charlotte, and with Mark Teahen out of action because of injury, the right-handed-hitting Morel could be an outside candidate for promotion if platoon candidates Jayson Nix and Omar Vizquel don't get the job done at third.
Cinderella story
Left fielder Brandon Short made his presence known during Spring Training by hitting a home run against the Cubs. And the 28th-round pick from the 2008 Draft built on that moment with a 26-game hitting streak this season for Class A Winston-Salem, the fifth-longest such streak in Carolina League history.
Short has a .346 average, topping a hot-hitting group in that category, to go with his 40 RBIs and 18 doubles. About the only thing off the mark for him this season is his three stolen bases in nine attempts.
For a second sleeper candidate, look no farther than Winston-Salem center fielder Justin Greene, the 20th-round selection in 2008. Greene has a .322 average, 35 RBIs, 38 runs scored and a team-leading 13 stolen bases.
In the Show
It took Beckham less than one full year in professional baseball to go from his selection as the White Sox top pick in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft as a projected shortstop to the team's starting third baseman in 2009. Although he has struggled mightily during the first two months of 2010 as the White Sox second baseman, he was good enough in '09 to earn a pair of American League Rookie of the Year honors, as voted on by his peers.
Peavy hasn't been part of the Draft since 1999, but he was acquired from San Diego by Chicago at last year's non-waiver Trade Deadline in exchange for Aaron Poreda, the team's top pick in 2007, and Dexter Carter, the 13th-round selection in 2008. John Ely, the team's third-round pick in 2007, has been dominant during his first month pitching in the Majors, but he showed that dominance for the Dodgers, who acquired Ely in the offseason as part of the Pierre deal.
Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Welcome to Local 6 Theme World
March 3, 2014
Easing Magic Kingdom's Crowds
Disney had to do something. The Magic Kingdom is hands-down the most visited theme park on Earth. According to the Themed Entertainment Association, in 2012 an estimated 17.5 million people descended on the Magic Kingdom, and by all accounts that number has only gone up since New Fantasyland (mostly) opened. That is 1.5 MILLION people more than the number 2 park: Disneyland in California (just shy of 16 million). To further put MK's crowds in perspective: Epcot -- which is almost twice as large a park - hosted just over 11 million in 2012. That means Magic Kingdom hosted 6.5 million more people than Epcot. 6.5 million is less than Universal Studios Florida or SeaWorld drew in 2012, according to TEA.
Price hikes aren't turning guests away, and imagineers and ops people tell me that New Fantasyland wasn't really done to increase attendance as much as spread out crowds. You know what a good chunk of those crowds like to do? Watch fireworks and parades from in front of the castle.
That means the Hub (as the circular plaza is called) is swamped with far more crowds than it was designed to handle.
It's called the hub because all paths lead to and from it. That design was aimed at helping guests not feel lost as they look for Tomorrowland or Liberty Square.
That means most people need to make their way through the hub several times a day. Word of a hub redesign has been in the works for a while now. Well. last week Disney made it official.
Those are still grabs of a video Disney released showing what the new hub will look like when it is finished sometime next year. The video is below. What's different? Basically they are building a second ring of the hub: adding pathways and bridges while shrinking the castle moat. There will be fewer trees and a lot more flowers, plus a couple of extra fountains. Disney calls it a homage to the manicured gardens found outside many European castles. The design should let more people watch from the inner hub, while crowds can keep moving on the outer ring. There's also a FastPass+ artificial lawn for watching the fireworks. It also means trimming back the rose garden and eliminating the dock from the Plaza Swan Boats (which closed back in 1983)
But that's not Disney's only trick to better manage crowds. One goal of MyMagic+/FastPass+ is to encourage the masses to spread out to less-crowded parts of the park -- and even head to other parks. Disney is also adding a second ferry dock outside the Magic Kingdom.
And a second ferry dock at the Transportation & Ticket Center to allow two ferries to load and unload at the same time: speeding up your trip to and from the Magic Kingdom.
That's especially helpful considering Disney has been performing much-needed maintenance on its iconic monorails. Most weekdays, the Magic Kingdom loops are shut down in the middle of the day. Crews are working on the trains, and getting the beams ready for upgrades that are coming soon to make the fleet safer.
The final way Disney is helping the crowds: adding another attraction.
Yes, after more than two & a half years of work, testing is finally underway on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Sky 6 showed us Friday the dwarfs' cottage is shaping up nicely.
Rockwork appears done on the main drop.
A waterfall is running and trees both real and fake dot the top of the hill.
I've heard of a few frustrations during construction, but nothing unexpected on a first-of-its-kind ride system (the coaster cars swing back and forth).
It should be a nice addition to the MK lineup: a coaster more intense than Barnstormer, but less than Thunder Mountain. All but the littlest ones will be able to travel through the mine where a million diamonds shine.
While Disney has not yet announced an opening date, expect soft-openings in the next few weeks if work keeps going as planned.
More from Theme World all week including a look at what's new with Universal's popular Mardi Gras and big changes coming to one of Disney's most iconic resorts.
keep your emails, questions, tips and comments coming! I always appreciate the feedback. You can always find all of my blog entries at www.clickorlando.com/themeparks
Copyright 2014 by ClickOrlando.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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I was looking at the Raps all time points leader the other day and to my surprise DD is already in the top 10.
1. Bosh
3. Bargnani
4. MoPete
5. Calderon
6. Christie
7. DeRozan
8. A. Davis
9. Stoudamire
10. A. Williams
DeMar needs about 400+ points to surpass Christie. He'll probably do that this year.
If DeMar plays 5 more years here and average about 18ppg the next 5 years. He's going to surpass Bosh(according to my math).
What do you guys think of it? DeMar DeRozan the Raptors all time points leader.


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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Samantha Stosur, 2011 U.S. open champion, lost a spot in the rankings one week before heading out to defend her title.
Stosur topped Serena Williams in straight sets last year in winning her first Grand Slam title. She is ranked No. 7 as the . Open goes through the seeding and draw processes before beginning next Monday.
Li Na defeated Angelique Kerber in Sunday's final at the Western and South Open in Cincinnati. The result leaves Li in the No. 9 ranking slot but the finals appearance boosts Kerber to a career-high No. 6, pushing Stosur down to No. 7.
The winners of the year's first three Grand Slam events are ranked in the Top Four. No. 1-ranked Victoria Azarenka, who has 9,025 points, won the Australian Open while Maria Sharapova won the French Open and is ranked third with 7,695. Williams, ranked fourth, won at the Championships and the Olympics, both at Wimbledon, and has 7,300 points.
Agnieszka Radwanska, who lost to Williams in the finals at Wimbledon but has three tournament wins this year, is ranked second with 8,115 points.
Petra Kvitova (6,170) is No. 5 while Kerber has 5,715 points and Stosur is close behind with 5,700.
Caroline Wozniacki has 4,605 points for the No. 8 spot and Li has 4,570. Sara Errani (3,730) comes in 10th.


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The Impossible Specimen Art Print
Gallery quality Giclée print on natural white, matte, ultra smooth, 100% cotton rag, acid and lignin free archival paper using Epson K3 archival inks. Custom trimmed with 1" border for framing.
"The Impossible Specimen is an Ocular Inebriate. It radiates a stupendous Pestilence that, when seen by Ratt or Catt or Man or Grasshopper, infects the Host with a Disease of Absurdity; symptoms include crying and laughing and asking questions to mirrors, sudden song and revelations, synaesthesia, oscillopsia, the belief that Church Bells have Conversations, Etc., Etc. Thus, it is impossible for the Impossible Specimen to be fully seen. In its short residence (1661-1666) beneathe the City of London, five Natural Philosophers, on commission from the Royal Society, attempted to depict the Impossible Specimen. None finished; three died. The image before you was drawn by August Bellweather, the Earl of Umpteenth. It took four days. Before he died, Bellweather recited his memories backwards, painted himself blue, bowed before the Great Glass Tank, painted himself red, danced a tragic Mazurka and produced at odd intervals a kind of Catamount's wail. He died a sweaty purple. Blindfolded Gonfaloniers, whispering platitudes, carried him away and removed the Canvass to Trinity College, where Maximilian Van Duult and Robert Hooke and the Reverend Wilkins studied the picture and, in order to mourn another dead Artist, ate dandelions soaked in Blessed Wine for by now, as you too may be, Everyone was Infected with the Wonderful Plague."
- Rozologue Bagumphious IIV, Head Toad of the Great Black Swamp, translated by Sir Oooleyipsire, premier Translator of the Toads.


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A Ridiculously Expensive Thanksgiving
A big turkey is so spectacular you hardly need to do anything to embellish it. But brining can be that extra touch that makes it so juicy and flavorful that you'll remember it for years to come. Brining the turkey takes 3 days so you'll need to plan ahead, but the lengthy brining time really pays off with fabulous flavor. Make sure you start with an all-natural bird without any added water and sodium solution. (Recipe adapted from Alice Waters.)
Recipe: Brine-Cured Roast Turkey
Bacon plays a key role when updating the classic Thanksgiving turkey. This modernization is all about the flavors: a succulent combination of salty, tangy, and sweet. Not to mention the joy of adding a crispy piece of bacon to your plate.
Recipe: Bacon Maple-Orange Turkey
8 Top Thanksgiving Destinations


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Due to suspension, Aceves can't fly on team plane
By Evan Drellich / MLB.com
The Red Sox's closer served the last of the team's three-game suspension Monday, against the Royals at Fenway Park. The Sox leave for Anaheim afterward, but Aceves won't be on the team plane.
"On the same plane, no," manager Bobby Valentine said. "I expect him to be in California though."
Aceves was suspended Saturday for throwing a fit when Andrew Bailey was asked to close out a 4-3 win over Kansas City on Friday. With Bailey hurt most of the season, Aceves has served as Boston's closer. But the night before Bailey recorded that save, Aceves allowed five runs in the ninth and 10th innings.
"Like I said, it just deals with being responsible for your actions and understanding that all actions have consequence," Valentine said Monday. "It's just a simple rule. Remember, I don't have a lot of rules, but one of the rules I stated early on is that you don't do anything to embarrass yourself, your teammates or your organization."
Valentine hasn't talked to Aceves since the suspension was handed down Saturday, although Valentine said there had been communication with Aceves elsewhere. Aceves hasn't been at the park, to Valentine's knowledge.
Valentine still hasn't declared a closer for the rest of the season, but he expects Aceves to be ready to go if called upon in Anaheim.
"I haven't made that determination," Valentine said of Bailey closing. "He's in that role today, though."
Ortiz lands back on DL, hopes to return this season
BOSTON -- David Ortiz isn't calling it a season yet.
The Red Sox's designated hitter went back on the 15-day disabled list Monday because of his bothersome right Achilles, but he intends to return this season. He was slated to receive a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection Monday and will fly to the West Coast separately from the team.
"That helps you heal a little faster," Ortiz said. "The doctor said there's a 60-70 percent chance of that to help. I had that done before, and I believe in it big time. The thing is that we didn't get it done before because we thought it wasn't needed in my case, but at this stage, this point, I've got to get through it. When I heard them talking about it this morning, it kind of made me happy, because the one thing I was listening about before was hanging it up for the rest of the season, which is something that came into my head a little bit, just for being out with no hope [of coming back]. But the doctor brought that up and I want to give it a try."
With the Red Sox's playoff chances fading, Ortiz likely won't be back on the field again unless the circumstances are ideal for him, but the plan is to try. He's a free agent again this year with his sights set on a multiyear deal, and he has the numbers for one: a .318 average with 23 home runs and a .611 slugging percentage.
Ortiz has played in just one game since July 16. On Friday, in a 4-3 win over the Royals, he rattled off two hits, one a double. It was legging out the double that showed him he still wasn't right.
"If everyone felt, if he had that desire and the medical staff thought that it was the best thing for his career, that would definitely be done," manager Bobby Valentine said of shutting Ortiz down. "But with the meeting of the minds [we held Monday], with David wanting to get back in uniform and the medical staff believing that there's a chance that he could, we figured that's the best way to go."
Outfielder Ryan Kalish was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket to take Ortiz's spot on the active roster. Right-hander Pedro Beato was optioned to Pawtucket to make room for Monday's starter, Daisuke Matsuzaka, who came off the DL.
The decision for Ortiz to do PRP was in place of doing shockwave treatment immediately. He will still undergo that form of therapy, he said, but to do it now would definitively mean ending his season.
"It was going to be my next step, which is something that you've got to be out of activity, baseball activity, for four to five weeks," Ortiz said. "That's why, in my mind, I was like that's what we've got left for the season, so I guess if I'm going to go and have that done, it's going to be a wrap. But we came out with some ideas, different ideas today, and that's what we're going to go and do now, the next couple days, and if I'm good to go, I'm good to go. I'll be happy to come back and play."
Ortiz again said surgery isn't necessary as things stand now. He also reinforced that he wants to be with the Red Sox next year, accounting for the team's makeover.
"Through the years, I always keep telling everyone how important it is for me to be part of this organization," Ortiz said. "This is what I know and this is something I want to be part of. I know we've been having a lot of issues through the years, but I always try to be honest with you guys. I know how hard sometimes it can be to perform at the highest level here. Things will get better. I think a lot of it has to do with the way the team is playing at the time. When things are going good, you don't hear any of it. Hopefully for the years to come, we start performing better and all the negativity and stuff just goes away."
Sox not sure who'll get promoted in September
BOSTON -- Rosters expand to 40 Saturday when the Red Sox are in Oakland, but manager Bobby Valentine hasn't had much time to go over potential new faces.
"I talked with [assistant general manager Brian O'Halloran] just generally about a week ago," Valentine said. "What it should look like. No names."
The Triple-A PawSox had a half-game lead for the International League's only Wild Card spot entering Monday, at 73-63 in the 140-game schedule. The Lehigh Valley IronPigs are on their heels, with the next three closest teams ranging between four and 5 1/2 games back.
The International League regular season runs through Sept. 3, and if the PawSox make the playoffs, the organization may elect to keep most of that team together until the run is over.
Jose Iglesias, Pawtucket's shortstop this season, has been in the Majors for three days, but he hasn't started yet. Valentine said the rest could actually do Iglesias good, despite the common thought that a developing player needs regular time in the field.
"He's going to try to help us. He's here to help us win games when needed," Valentine said. "Probably needed the rest."
Evan Drellich is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @EvanDrellich. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text: Advanced breast imaging is available at Willis-Knighton hospitals and outpatient imaging centers. This provides women and their physicians with the most sophisticated technology to detect breast cancer at its earliest stages when it can be effectively treated. The American Cancer Society recommends that every woman over 40 be examined for breast cancer once a year. Learn more about the imaging options available to you at Willis-Knighton.


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Mr. Marlin receives mobile enshrinement
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
MIAMI -- One of the most popular all-time Marlins is now recognized on a two-tiered tour bus roaming the streets of South Florida.
Jeff Conine, widely known as Mr. Marlin, on Tuesday was named the first inductee in the Miami Ride of Fame.
The Ride of Fame program began in New York City and the expanded fleet of red buses with an upper deck is sweeping across the country. The Conine bus was at Marlins Park on the West Plaza on Tuesday.
Conine took part in a ribbon-cutting celebration.
The Ride of Fame is an on-going series of mobile monuments dedicated to public figures respected for their lifetime achievements.
"To be the first one was quite an honor," Conine said.
On the front of the two-tiered tour bus is an image of Conine during his playing days, and it notes the date he was named to the Ride of Fame.
Turner to come off DL, rejoin rotation Saturday
MIAMI -- The beard has been shaved off, and a clean-shaven Jacob Turner is ready to get back into the rotation.
The Marlins also are eager for the 22-year-old right-hander to return, and he will do so on Saturday night.
Miami manager Mike Redmond on Tuesday announced that Turner is set to be reinstated from the disabled list, and start in the second game of the three-game series this weekend against the Dodgers at Marlins Park.
The rotation for Los Angeles shapes up with Tom Koehler going on Friday night, Turner on Saturday and Jose Fernandez on Sunday.
"[Turner] said he shaved off his DL beard, and he was ready to go," Redmond said.
Entering the season, Turner was Miami's No. 4 starter, but he has been on the disabled list since April 9, retroactive to April 4, with a right shoulder sprain.
It was a fluke injury.
On April 7, the day before he was set to pitch at Washington, he took batting practice in the cages with the pitchers. During one round, he felt discomfort in the back of his throwing shoulder after taking a swing.
When Turner went on the disabled list, Brad Hand and Kevin Slowey each made two starts to fill the rotation spot.
"The rotation, overall, has been throwing well," Redmond said. "I think we scrambled there initially when we had some spot starts, and trying to find guys to fill that role while Jacob was gone.
"I think overall guys have stepped up, and hopefully, settled in. That's the biggest part, not only our starters but our bullpen. I saw glimpses of that over the weekend."
Turner made two rehab assignment starts at Class A Jupiter. On Monday night, he was dominant in seven innings, allowing one run while striking out seven.
"I felt good," Turner said. "The ball was coming out fine. Most importantly, I was able to get up and down seven times. That's probably the most important thing I was able to take away from it.
"I feel like I'm ready to compete."
The Marlins have a young, but gifted rotation. Turner won't turn 23 until May 21. The ace of the staff is Fernandez, who is 21.
"Our starters are going to be the key to our success," Redmond said. "Going out there, eating up innings, giving us a chance to win ballgames. At the same time, too, they're young. It's a young rotation, no doubt. There are going to be some ups and downs with those guys, but in the process, this experience is invaluable to them."
Furcal optimistic groin injury not serious
MIAMI -- Before his latest setback, Rafael Furcal was so close to returning. Now, he remains optimistic he still isn't that far away.
The 36-year-old second baseman is dealing with a right groin strain, which he suffered last Friday night while participating in a rehab assignment game for Double-A Jacksonville.
Running from first to third base on a hit, his right groin tightened. He remained in the game, and scored a run, but was replaced after the inning.
Prior to the groin injury, Furcal was hopeful to join the Marlins around May 6, when the Mets visit Marlins Park.
Now, the best-case scenario is he will return to a rehab assignment, most likely at Triple-A New Orleans, either Thursday or Friday.
"I'm feeling good," Furcal said. "Just a little tight in my groin. But in a couple of days, I'll go back there and play again."
Furcal opened the season on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain. He says that isn't an issue right now.
"My hammy is good," he said. "Everything is feeling fine."
The Marlins signed Furcal as a free agent to play second base, but the 36-year-old has dealt with the hamstring issue since mid-March.
Furcal is in Miami this week, getting treatment with the team. On Tuesday he went through infield drills and took batting practice.
"I want to make sure everything is fine," he said.
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. He writes a blog, called The Fish Pond. Follow him on Twitter @JoeFrisaro. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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A roundup of what you may have missed overnight from Victoria Azarenka's 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over Li Na in the Australian Open final.
WERTHEIM: Azarenka overcomes Li, Internet spanking
Azarenka's trophy has unfortunate error
ESPN's opening promo for the final. Who knew its over the top dramatics were actually appropriate for what was about to unfold?
After taking the first set, Li rolled her left ankle and went tumbling to the ground:
After a 10-minute break for an Australia Day fireworks celebration in the third set, play resumed with Li falling and slamming her head on the court:
Australian Open TV's highlight reel:
Match point and celebration:
Trophy ceremony:
Go Figure
• Azarenka is the first woman since 1979 to successfully defend her maiden Slam title.
• Azarenka became the eighth woman to repeat at the Australian Open.
• Azarenka becomes the fifth active player to hold two or more major titles, joining Serena and Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova.
• Azarenka now has 21 straight wins in January dating to 2011.
• For the second time, Li has lost in a Slam final after winning the first set.
• Li won only one one game after the 10-minute break for fireworks.
• Li and Azarenka hit 85 unforced errors for the match.
• Azarenka has a 355-point lead over Serena Williams for the No. 1 ranking.
• Li on why she tripped so many times:
"Because I'm stupid."
"How many years I didn't falling down in the court? I mean, it was amazing today. It was twice on the court even. Maybe like 5 percent I was falling down again. What are you doing on the court, like juniors."
• Li on her concerns after hitting her head on the court in the third set:
"Two second I couldn't really see anything. It was totally black. So when the physio come, she was like, 'Focus on my finger.' I was start laughing. I was thinking, 'This is tennis court, not like hospital.'"
• Azarenka on the lukewarm crowd reception during the final:
"Well, I was expecting way worse, to be honest actually."
• Azarenka on what she learned from the whole medical time-out debacle:
"How to talk a lot on TV. Way more than any win I ever got."
"What happened with Sloane, it was a big deal, for sure. It came out as a big deal. It wasn't a big deal on the court."
• Azarenka on the distractions over the last 48 hours:
"It isn't easy, that's for sure, but I knew what I had to do. I had to stay calm. I had to stay positive. I just had to deal with the things that came onto me. And that's pretty much it. I was actually really happy that I went through so many things knowing that I can still produce the tennis that I can and keep the focus that I can. It just motivates me to be a better player."


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Lady Gaga To Offer Free Counseling To Her Fans On Tour
12 30 12'
Lady Gaga wants her fans to seek help - if they need it. And she's making it easier for them by providing counselling services during her concert tour. The singer will resume her "Born This Way Ball" concerts on January 11 in Vancouver, Canada, and she wants to help her fans, known as Little Monsters, who are experiencing personal problems. In a series of posts on her Twitter, Gaga writes, "For those wondering about the 'counseling' at the BTWBall BornBrave pre-show, it will be a fun tailgating experience for monsters (fans) to unite. "At the BornBrave Bus you have access to professional private or group chats about mental health, depression, bullying, school & friends. "There will also be food and games... BornBrave Bus Is a place where mental health + depression are taken seriously (with) no judgement, FREE real help available to all. "I feel like most kids don't look for help because they feel embarrassed so mom + I wanted to break the stigmas around 'help' and make it fun."
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SearchSpecific information on classifications can be searched in several ways, using the official text of the classification, the alphabetical indexes or specific comments and decisions made on these classifications. Specific information is available for each search method.
Search the alphabetical index
Search the classifications text
Search for specific registry entries
Search the correspondence tables


text: In the Relaunch novels, Dukat's first name is Skrain. But, according to Memory Alpha Ronald D. Moore frequently said Dukat's first name was Elmo when someone asked him about it. Leaving aside the fact that he was obviously joking, which name do you prefer? Skrain Dukat, Elmo Dukat, or will he always just be Gul Dukat to you?


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Dubai's charity team arrived Sunday in Afghanistan at the refugee camp set up by the Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation (MRCHF) in Spin Boldak.
Ibrahim Mohammad Bu Melha, Dubai public prosecutor and deputy chairman of the MRCHF, headed the delegation, which was received at Quetta Airport by top government officials.
The delegation was later escorted to the foundation's camp in Spin Boldak where the head of the facility, Abdur Rahman, received them, said the Gulf News.
Bu Melha flew to Quetta in a cargo plane carrying relief goods for the Afghan refugees.
He told the Dubai-based paper that it was the third planeload of relief goods to land in Quetta, noting that "two more planes will arrive in Quetta during the next two days, carrying relief goods."
Bu Melha said "it is a continuous process and the foundation has now built a 'bridge' to bring relief goods for Afghan refugees" taking shelter in their camp in Spin Boldak in Afghanistan, some seven kilometers from the Pakistan-Afghan Chaman border.
"The foundation is providing immediate help for the suffering Afghan refugees, following the directions of Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the crown prince of Dubai and the UAE's defense minister," he said.
He noted that he had come personally to visit the camp in order to gain first-hand knowledge about the progress made there.
"I will see what has been done so far and what needs to be done. We will expand the scope of our relief efforts and set up new camps if there is need to do so," he said.
According to the daily, the MRCHF was the first to be allowed by the Afghan authorities to set up camps inside Afghanistan.
The foundation's first camp, which comprises 1,200 tents, can shelter up to 10,000 refugees.
The foundation has already provided the refugees with food, warm clothes and blankets, in addition to setting up a field clinic, a mosque and water tanks.
Work on the second camp started on Saturday and around 500 tents were set up in just one day. Some 5,000 refugees have already taken shelter in this camp.
Another camp – which will accommodate some 10,000 more refugees who are expected to reach to that spot in the coming days - will be set up this week, the report said – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com [1])
[1] http://www.albawaba.com