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ICU Day Celebrated, Internationally
On Oct. 17, four credit unions in and around Muncie, Ind., will be sending out "kindness crews" to perform random good deeds, buying coffee and bagging groceries for unsuspecting consumers.
It will be another effort by Credit Unions United for a Cause, a co-op of Delaware County, Ind., institutions to give back to the communities they serve.
Across the Atlantic Ocean, Swords & District Credit Union in Dublin, Ireland, will be decorating its office, offering free premium items and holding competitions for members who visit the institution.
In both situations, credit unions are scheduling activities that will help celebrate International Credit Union Day, an annual event held the third Thursday in October each year.
World Council of Credit Unions, the Madison, Wis.-based global trade association, sponsors the event, serving as an information resource for credit unions worldwide.
This year's theme, "Credit Unions Unite for Good: A Better Way," and the CUNA-designed poster art was chosen from themes submitted by World Council member organizations.
Activities celebrating ICU Day vary from credit union to credit union and from country to country, but the movement's cooperative spirit and the benefits it brings to members form the guiding philosophy behind each celebration, according to Brian Branch, WOCCU president/CEO.
"Cooperation within the financial cooperative industry has historically been considered a philosophical principle, but today there is a market-driven business rationale for finding cooperative solutions to consumer demands," said Branch. "It is fitting that we celebrate this year's ICU Day with this recognition — that credit unions uniting for the good of our consumers truly is a better way of doing business."
Although celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948, the first official credit union holiday occurred much earlier, according to the World Council web site. On Jan. 17, 1927, the then-Credit Union League of Massachusetts established the first Credit Union Day for members and workers.
The date was chosen because it also was the birthday of Benjamin Franklin, America's "apostle of thrift" whom organizers believe embodied credit unions' cooperative spirit. Changing times and a growing credit union movement caused the day to be forgotten until it was revived and repositioned by CUNA shortly after World War II.
The World Council website offers a variety of resources credit unions can use to help celebrate ICU Day, including sample news releases, letters to the editor, speeches and other activities.
WOCCU formerly distributed posters with the theme and artwork for its member groups worldwide to share with their credit unions, but ceased the practice last year due to budget considerations. It now provides downloadable poster art on its website.
Social media has played an increasingly stronger role in connecting credit unions around the world that are celebrating ICU Day. The World Council is attracting Facebook posts and Tweets to a special ICU Day page.
CUNA has been posting its own ICU Day content on Storify.


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The Kurt Files has just launched a new bulletin board for fans of Kurt Browning to gather together to discuss and share news on Kurt's career and other skating topics. With Kurt branching out into so many areas - choreography, commentary, acting, etc - there's a fair bit to talk about! News, reviews, polls, info on events, tape trading, video sharing, event discussions, discussions on Kurt's or others' skating, choreography, commentary, etc, are all welcome. Come join us!
The Kurt Files Bulletin Board
PS - we have details on the AWESOME contest from Chatelaine magazine to "win a date with Kurt Browning and Brian Orser" posted on the board.

subset: commoncrawl


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Farnsworth to take over Mets' closing duties
By Spencer Fordin / MLB.com
NEW YORK -- They signed him to a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training, and then they released him. They re-signed him, and less than a month later, he's now their closer. Kyle Farnsworth has had an interesting road with the Mets this spring, and he's ready to work the ninth inning.
Farnsworth, a 14-year veteran of the big leagues, was tabbed as the Mets' closer on Sunday morning, replacing fellow veteran and fellow ex-Tiger Jose Valverde as the team's relief ace. Farnsworth has 54 career saves, and the 38-year-old said he's ready to contribute wherever the Mets need him.
"We're all a team here," said Farnsworth of his role change. "We all have the same goal: Try to go out there and win the best we can. I'm not going to change anything I've done, and neither should anybody else. We're in it together. We've got to contribute one way or another to help this team win."
Farnsworth has pitched in 866 big league games over his career, and he's been the final pitcher on the mound for his team in roughly a third of those games (279 times.) The right-hander saved a career-best 25 games for Tampa Bay in 2011, but he has just two saves in the last two seasons.
Still, Farnsworth said that it isn't really anything different to take his stuff to the ninth inning.
"I'm not going to approach it any way different than I've pitched my whole life," he said of closing. "I'm just going to go out there and compete to the best of my ability and go from there."
And as for the crazy trajectory his season has taken? Farnsworth was released by the Mets on March 23 and re-signed on the 26th, and he broke Spring Training with the club. Now, barely two weeks into the season, the reliever is suddenly set to work the most important innings.
"That's the way baseball is," said Farnsworth. "You've just got to be always grateful you've got a uniform on and take the opportunities that come along and run with them. Just keep on going."
Struggling Valverde re-assigned to setup role
NEW YORK -- The first loss of Jose Valverde's season was the loss of his role. Valverde struggled in the first two weeks of the year as the Mets' closer, and manager Terry Collins announced Sunday that he was switching to veteran Kyle Farnsworth in save situations for the foreseeable future.
Valverde started the year with five straight scoreless appearances, but he had given up at least one home run in each of his last three outings before pitching a scoreless 14th to earn the win Sunday as the Mets outlasted the Braves, 4-3.
The right-hander has one blown save, and he allowed a three-run homer in Saturday night's loss before Collins elected to try a different option in the ninth inning
"I'm going to close with Farnsworth right now," Collins said Sunday. "I talked with Jose about it. I know he's still got the stuff to get people out. I want him to start using his other pitches a little bit. His fastball is certainly not 97 [mph] anymore, but it's good enough. He's just got to mix up some pitches."
Valverde has 288 career saves, but the 36-year-old struggled to a 5.59 ERA in 20 appearances for the American League champion Tigers last season. Valverde signed with the Mets before Spring Training and won the closer's job, but he has an 8.00 ERA in his first eight appearances.
Valverde was playful and dismissive Sunday morning when he met with the media, but he said that he understands the manager's position and wants to do the best he can for the team. Valverde, who has cracked 40 saves three times in his career, didn't want to dwell too much on his adversity.
"It's a part of the game," said Valverde of his recent struggles. "There's nothing you can do. It's over already. You know what I mean? It's a new game today. Try to win today, and that's it."
Valverde stressed several times on Sunday that everybody in the Mets' clubhouse wants to win, and he said he's going to work with his pitching coach and catchers to find his best form. But he's not taking his new role as a slight, and he doesn't think pitching earlier in the game will be any easier.
"I've never had pressure in my life," he said of taking a less stressful role. "The people who have pressure can go home. If you want to play baseball, play it because you like it. You enjoy it. You want to win. If you [fear] pressure, you have to go home, because this is not the situation you want."
Granderson moved to two-spot in batting order
NEW YORK -- It was just 65 at-bats, but they were 65 highly visible at-bats. Curtis Granderson entered Sunday hitting .140 in his first 16 games as a Met, and most of those struggles have come as the team's cleanup hitter. That's about to change, though, and Granderson was listed as the No. 2 hitter on Sunday.
The new spot in the order didn't exactly jump-start Granderson, who went 0-for-6 and left five men on base, but he did launch a walk-off sacrifice fly to win the game for the Mets in the 14th inning.
Prior to this season, Granderson had rarely hit in the No. 4 slot, and the Mets think that may have played into his early struggles. Now, they like the idea of Granderson batting high in the order, where he can be more patient and get on base in front of David Wright and Daniel Murphy.
"I've been thinking about doing it for a few days," said manager Terry Collins of making the move. "On the off-day, I had a little chance to look at his history. He's got great numbers hitting second, no matter where he's played. I just said, 'You know what? Maybe that's the spot for him.' I know that with the rate right now that [Eric Young] is getting on, maybe he'll get some fastballs to hit."
Granderson has logged career-best numbers in both on-base percentage (.359) and slugging (.546) out of the No. 2 slot, and he's batted there more than any other spot except leadoff. Collins just wants the veteran to feel comfortable, and after that, he wants Granderson to get hot and stay hot.
"He works as hard as anybody. He's going to get it going," he said. "Everybody wants him to do so well because he's such a great guy. ... He's a perfect example of a guy that didn't play very much last year. Playing at this level, when the bright lights come on, it takes a little while to get used to it."
Indeed, Granderson was hampered by injuries and missed most of 2013, playing just 61 games in his final season with the Yankees. Granderson performed well in Spring Training, and he said Saturday that it's only a matter of time before the production translates into the regular season.
"You've got to get pitches to hit. And once you get those pitches to hit, you can't miss them," said Granderson. "Once you do that, you've got to give credit to the defense out there. They're going to be trying to do whatever they can to catch as many of them as they can. The thing is to find grass. Once you get some grass and put a little dirt on the ball, things start to move in your direction."
Granderson had a four-game hitting streak last week, but he's batting .143 with just one extra-base hit in his last eight contests. He's had only one multihit game this season. The Mets know that everybody slumps at some point, though, and they're not overly worried about starting slow in April.
"We're starting to see some bright spots," Collins said of Granderson's at-bats. "As always happens, everybody wants immediate results. I continue to go back to the fact that I've had history with guys who are slow starters. He's not necessarily one of those, but I know when he gets it going, he can carry it. I just don't think not playing him is going to help him. I think he's got to play."
Spencer Fordin 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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Hannah Lukemeyer Wins Elite 89 Award for NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship
March 14, 2013
Greencastle, Ind. - Hannah Lukemeyer, a sophomore at DePauw University, is the recipient of the Elite 89 award for the 2013 NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Championship.
Lukemeyer (Bloomington, Ind./Bloomington North) is majoring in kinesiology and currently carries a 3.973 cumulative grade point average. She was presented with the award during this evening at the Championship team banquet in Holland, Mich. She is a member of the 32-0 women's basketball team that is preparing for tomorrow night's NCAA semifinal contest against Williams College.
The Elite 89, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 89 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's championships.
Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years with their school. They must be an active member of the team, traveling and a designated member of the squad size at the championship. All ties are broken by the number of credits completed.
For more information on the Elite 89 award winners, log on to NCAA.com/elite89.Back


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This Fan Essentials NCAA 28 in. x 44 in. house flag helps show your school loyalty. The decorative flag is protected against UV radiation for outdoor durability. Flag is designed to be viewed from either side for more versatility in placement.
- Heavy-duty polyester construction helps resist the wear and tear from frequent use
- 2-sided design on flag provides viewing from either direction
- Double stitching on sleeve to provide lasting strength
- Wide sleeve slips easily onto flagpole
- UV-resistant flag to show your true colors all season long


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This is the 5'-tall plush North American bull elk (Cervus canadensis) meticulously crafted entirely by skilled artists' hands to a convincing realism. Requiring up to 40 man-hours to complete, each elk is created from 80 individual pieces that are made from a custom-designed fabric "hide" hand sewn using an "inside out" stitching method that minimizes visible seams. Carefully situated fabric stuffing is sewn in place to replicate a realistic, lifelike musculature beneath the surface, notably its powerful hindquarters, as well as the other familiar details of the animal, such as the shaggy brown mane that extends below its body to its rump. Delicate airbrushing brings out subtle color differences in the animal's coat, replicating the grey-brown hue of a male wintering in the mountains. With a shoulder height of 34 1/2", it is built with a structural steel frame that supports a rider up to 150 lbs. Ages 3 and up. 60" H x 14" W x 55" L. (21 1/2 lbs.)
Lifetime Guarantee
The Handcrafted Plush Elk comes with The Hammacher Schlemmer Lifetime Guarantee. If this product ever disappoints you, for any reason, you may return your Hammacher Schlemmer purchase for exchange, credit, or refund.
Should you have any questions, we are available seven days a week (8:00 am – midnight EST). Please call 1-800-321-1484 to speak with a specialist or email us at firstname.lastname@example.com to receive a response within three business hours or less.
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Police appeal to motorists after spate of car crime in Great Yarmouth
PUBLISHED: 17:00 15 November 2012
A recent spate of thefts from cars in Great Yarmouth has left police urging people to take care to deter criminals.
Police in Yarmouth are urging motorists to lock their vehicles and remove all valuables when leaving them parked after several recent thefts from cars in the area.
Most recently, a car parked in Yarmouth Road in Caister-on-Sea was broken into between 8.30pm on Friday, November 9 and 3pm Monday, November 12, and a white iPhone 4 stolen.
There have been about a dozen thefts from vehicles across the borough since the start of the month, with items including rucksacks, satellite navigation systems, cash, an iPod and wallet containing bank cards among those stolen.
Police are urging people not to leave valuables in their car vehicle even if only leaving it unattended for a short time, and are asking anyone who may notice any suspicious activity near vehicles to call 999 immediately.
Anyone who saw the Yarmouth Road theft or has any information about who took the phone are asked to call PC Craig Johnstone on 101.


text: I do agree with you about being dq'ed. My point is about it being fair is this. If I go out and I join a AA-3 team, I should have enough common sense to know what I'm getting myself into. I have yet to see a 3.0 playing in this league. I know that not only will my raiting be AA-3, I will move up if the team wins. So they are basically allowing you to rate yourself at the beginning. I think it works well. I have scores of friends that the whole team plays like a-9 and B-1. You never see those players playing with my other friends that play a-1 and AA. I think that is better than me going out and say losing x amount of matches to guys by a break and having a below .500 record and getting bumped(which I've seen that happen) versus a guy that went 10-0 and didn't get bumped(I've seen this). Everyone body wants to throw around loose terms like dynamic rating and what not, but nobody can explain how the above happened. So it tends to tick people off. I don't have a problem with fees. I have a problem with what I think are excessive fees. If I can play basically 4 leagues for 20 or 25 bucks, I don't see why I should have to pay more money for the registration fee and then still have to pay per league. They aren't maintaining any courts. The various subdivisions take care of their own courts and furthermore, most of the tennis that is played in usta is played on the same courts as Alta. So that's why I'm very careful of what teams I play with. It has to be friends because playing with a bunch of Aholes would make it much worse.


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JESC 2017: Gianluca Cilia to Sing in Position #12
The running order of this year's Junior Eurovision Song Contest has been determined this evening, during the event's official opening ceremony – held at the regal Georgian national library in Tbilisi. In addition to seeing this year's participants on the red carpet, viewers and guests of the opening ceremony were treated to performances by Georgian national ballet, Sukhishvili – alongside previous entrants of Georgia at Junior Eurovision.
The countries performing in the first and last position were chosen by random draw, along with the running position of the host country. The draw was also carried out by the hosts of the opening ceremony, which included last year's winner Mariam Mamadashvili. The remainder of the running order was chosen by the contest producers to ensure an entertaining show. This was announced by the European Broadcasting Union later in the evening.
01. Cyprus
02. Poland
03. The Netherlands
04. Armenia
05. Belarus
06. Portugal
07. Ireland
08. F.Y.R. Macedonia
09. Georgia
10. Albania
11. Ukraine
12. Malta
13. Russia
14. Serbia
15. Australia
16. Italy
As you may have noticed, our very own Gianluca Cilia, and his entry 'Dawra Tond', penned by Emil Calleja Bayliss with music by Dominic Cini will be performed towards the latter part of the show. Over the next few days, each country be rehearsing on the stage at the Olympic Palace in Tbilisi. The live show will be airing at 16:00 CET, and Maltese viewers will be able to follow all the latest on Television Malta (TVM). In the meantime, for all the updates throughout the week, we urge you to follow escflashmalta.com even on Facebook and Twitter.
Source: junioreurovision.tv, tvm.com.mt
JESC 2016: First Rehearsals on the MCC Stage
The Junior Eurovision Song Contest rehearsals kicked off yesterday at the Mediterranean Conference Centre with all countries being allocated forty minutes each and divided over two days. Escflashmalta.com was on site to bring you a recap of the first run of rehearsals.
Italy kicks off the rehearsals with a simple performance yet one must note it is extremely effective and works well with the song. The singer delivers a strong vocal performance this early in the morning and there's nothing much that is hindering this from doing well.
Ireland is about next and the focus here is once again on the singer's interpretation of her number. She does a good job at it. They are keeping things simple here yet again, with the use of smoke. I feel this might not appeal to the kids voting unfortunately, although they're doing nothing wrong.
Cyprus follows Ireland and the singer is oozing confidence on stage. He follows an extremely busy routine yet he his vocals are nearly spot on. Visually it is looking good and the dancers give the song the boost it needs. I guess this will go down well with kids.
The Netherlands delivers an energetic performance, vocally the singers are quite strong yet in certain parts of the song it is looking a bit too busy on screen, possibly cause of their outfits and the backdrop which seem to clash a bit. I guess with a bit more work this could do well.
Israel is the first country to rehearse after the break and the duo does a great job at it. The focus is on the voices and ensuring they connect well with the audience at home. Great camera work and everything looks very polished for Israel. They look sweet and surely enjoying this experience.
FYR Macedonia is up next and delivers strongly during her runs, she is has on stage three dancers and they all seem to be having a good time on stage, perhaps some shots need adjusting but overall it is a great effort for this number and it will probably appeal lots to teenagers.
Malta is next on stage and Christina is slowly adjusting to the stage, she is accompanied on stage by five dancers and the backdrop is rather colourful. Christina does a great job on the vocals for the first day of rehearsals. One would expect the whole act to be polished by Sunday.
Poland is last to rehearse today and the singer sings her heart out, simple visuals yet effective for this kind of song. Not sure on how this will grab the kids jury, but she is surely doing everything the way it should be done.
Russia kick start the rehearsals for today, they have a strong message and the four girls do a good job in delivering their entry. Some of the moves they are doing looked too rehearsed and slightly unnatural but things that surely can be fixed by Sunday.
Ukraine are next on stage and the whole act is rather impressive, the dancer gives the song the extra boost it needs and the singer delivers an emotional performance of this lovely ballad, apart from a couple of shots everything looks great and I guess it will be a contender on Sunday.
Albania is third on stage and the girl stands there and delivers her entry strongly. The visuals really compliment the whole performance and the girl's vocals are rather impressive. I guess this might not appeal to the kids' jury but it is impressive anyways. She surely has the cute factor in her favour.
Belarus take on the stage with a extremely slick performance – the song is a catchy one and they deliver one of the best performances we have seen so far. The singer is extremely confident and seems to be having a great time on stage. There's some camera work that needs to be adjusted but will surely be done by Sunday.
Bulgaria is up next and there seems to be a certain buzz around this one, the singers sings her heart out, she clearly looks like she is enjoying her performance and everything blends really well. I would surely say this has a great chance of winning the contest this year.
Armenia, the girls can surely sing and they give a good performance. They are surely not holding back and all of them seem to be having a great time on stage. This number has a retro feel to it and the graphics boost this element. Good to note, that only one of the singers is currently on voice rest to ensure that she is hundred percent by Sunday.
Georgia takes the stage next and the girl has some of the most controlled vocals this year, the song is nothing extraordinary but has a good buildup after the grand opening. It is good to point out that this song will be closing off the show so that might give a slight advantage.
Serbia is up next with one of the most infectious numbers at this year's Junior Eurovision, the girl has some strong pipes and she really performs her number well. She starts off on a hover board and she gets off it toward the latter part of the song. Stands a good chance of doing well I guess as the kids will be singing along to this number after the first minute.
Australia picked up yet another strong song to represent them at a Eurovision event. The singer delivers the song really well and her charm comes across on camera. She takes the stage alone but it does not hinder the performance at all, one would expect that this scores well.
That brings to an end the first run of rehearsals for each and every country, each delegation will be looking at what they can improve and better, so tomorrow each and every element will be finalized before heading into the run-throughs of the rehearsal.
We urge you to stay tuned to escflashmalta.com even through Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news about Christina Magrin and her participation in this year's Junior Eurovision Song Contest, in Valletta.
Source: escflashmalta.com, junioreurovision.tv
JESC 2016: The Final Running Order Made Public
During the opening ceremony which took place last night, the allocation draw of the Junior Eurovision which will be taking place on Sunday, 20th November was decided. During the show, they actually chose at random the country singing in first place and the country singing in last – Ireland drew first, whilst Georgia drew last.
The other countries then were either drawn in either the first half of the show or in the second part of the show. Malta was drawn up in the first half of the draw. The final running order is determined by the producers of the show. The running order of the 2016 edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest is as follows:
01. Ireland: Zena Donnelly - Brice Ar Bhrice
02. Armenia: Anahit & Mary - Tarber
03. Albania: Klesta Qehaja - Besoj
04. Russia: The Water of Life Project - Water of Life
05. Malta: Christina Magrin - Parachute
06. Bulgaria: Lidia Ganeva - Magical Day
07. FYR Macedonia: Martija Stanokjkovic - Love Will Lead Our Way (Ljubovta ne Vodi)
08. Poland: Olivia Wieczorek - Nie Zapomnij
09. Belarus: Alexander Minyonok - Musyka Moih Pobed (Music is my Only Way)
10. Ukraine: Sofia Rol - Planet Craves for Love
11. Italy: Fiamma Boccia - Cara Mamma - Dear Mum
12. Serbia: Dunja Jelicic - U La La La
13. Israel: Shir & Tim - Follow My Heart
14. Australia: Alexa Curtis - We Are
15. The Netherlands: Kisses - Kisses & Dancin'
16. Cyprus: George Michaelides - Dance Floor
17. Georgia: Mariam Mamadashvili - Mzeo
Throughout the week, escflashmalta.com will be on hand at the Mediterranean Conference Centre proving you with recaps of the events that take place during the day, while giving extra attention to Christina Magrin, who is representing Malta at this year's Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Stay tuned to this portal even on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news.
Source: junioreurovision.tv
Eurovision 2016: Running Order of the Grand Final
In just over 24 hours, the Grand Final of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest will be taking place with 26 participants; 10 from the 1st semi-final, 10 from the 2nd semi-final, the 'Big 5' and the 'host country' all vying for the trophy, and the chance to host the international spectacle next year.
Following the aftermath of the Thursday show, the production team of the competition led by SVT sat down with the EBU and created a running order based on the halves that they drew at the post show press conference.
As a matter of fact, the proposed draw was unanimously approved by the EBU Executive Supervisor, Jon Ola Sand and the Chairman of the Reference Group, Dr. Frank-Dieter. This year's final will be taking place at the Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden and will be hosted by Mans Zelmerlow and Petra Mede, who have led the two semi-finals successfully.
01. Belgium
02. Czech Republic
03. The Netherlands
04. Azerbaijan
05. Hungary
06. Italy
07. Israel
08. Bulgaria
09. Sweden
10. Germany
11. France
12. Poland
13. Australia
14. Cyprus
15. Serbia
16. Lithuania
17. Croatia
18. Russia
19. Spain
20. Latvia
21. Ukraine
22. Malta
23. Georgia
24. Austria
25. United Kingdom
26. Armenia
On behalf of the escflashmalta.com, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for following the minute-by-minute commentary on Facebook and Twitter, led by Claudia Faniello and Karen DeBattista during the 1st semi-final, and by Janice Debattista and Brooke Borg during the 2nd semi-final. In the final, it will be conducted by Julie Pomorski and Franklin Calleja.
We urge you to stay tuned to escflashmalta.com for all the latest news about Malta's participation in the final of the Eurovision Song Contest, led by singer/songwriter Ira Losco who will be performing "Walk on Water", co-written alongside Tim Larsson, Tobias Lundgren, Molly Pettersson Hammar and Lisa Desmond in slot #22.
Source: eurovision.tv
Eurovision 2016: Malta Among Top Ten in 1st Semi
Malta returns to the final of the Eurovision Song Contest after a 1 year absence with Ira Losco giving a spectacular performance of "Walk on Water", an original song which she co-wrote alongside Molly Pettersson-Hammar, Tobias Lundgren, Tim Larsson and Lisa Desmond. Revealed as the 10th qualifier with seconds to go before the closing of the show, it was truly a nerve wrecking experience for the Maltese delegation, and the fans at home and in the arena.
In the Press Conference following the 1st semi-final, Ira drew her starting position half, and Malta will once more be singing towards the end of the 26 participant show, with ten of those being qualifiers revealed tonight including: Azerbaijan, Russia, The Netherlands, Hungary, Croatia, Austria, Armenia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, and of course Malta. There were some gasps in the audience when Iceland and Estonia failed to get through to the next phase.
During the course of the evening, escflashmalta.com through Facebook and Twitter ran a minute-by-minute #live commentary featuring Claudia Faniello and Karen DeBattista, whom we would like to publicly thank for their ongoing support. Make sure to join in on Thursday as the baton is handed to Janice DeBattista and Brooke. On behalf of the escflashmalta.com, we would like to congratulate Ira Losco and her behind-the-scenes team for their hard work and dedication. Stay tuned for all the latest news.
Source: escflashmalta.com, eurovision.tv
Russia: Gaia Cauchi Triumphs in New Wave Festival
Gaia Cauchi, winner of the 2013 Junior Eurovision Song Contest with "The Start", an original song co-written by Elton Zarb, Matt 'Muxu' Mercieca and Gillian Attard, was recently the subject of much attention, after having successfully been the first representative of Malta at the prestigious 'New Wave Festival' in Russia.
In contention with several other participants from all around the globe, the young bundle of joy was awarded top spot by the professional panel of judges, closely followed by Krisia of Bulgaria, whom had also participated in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, albeit in 2014, also finishing in the 1st runner-up position.
"I was a little bit scared ... but it was a true honour and honestly, I worked really hard for it ..." stated Gaia Cauchi in exclusive comments to escflashmalta.com following her victory. Once more, this was not only a personal achievement but also one for Malta. For more information about Gaia and other eurostars, we urge you to stay tuned to escflashmalta.com even through Facebook and Twitter.
Source: New Wave Festival
Eurovision 2015: Final Running Order Made Public
In Vienna, the capital city of Austria, dress rehearsals for the final night of the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 are currently taking place, as twenty (20) participating countries were selected from the semi-finals through a mixture of public and jury voting in order to join the seven (7) pre-determined finalists, who secured their place as part of the guidelines of the event, as set forth by the European Broadcasting Union.
As participants drew their part of the running order in the post semi-final press conferences, the excitement grew with regards to how the final line-up will look like, and in the wee hours of morning, the European Broadcasting Union made public the running order in which each of the finalists will be presenting their respective entry.
01. Slovenia
02. France
03. Israel
04. Estonia
05. United Kingdom
06. Armenia
07. Lithuania
08. Serbia
09. Norway
10. Sweden
11. Cyprus
12. Australia
13. Belgium
14. Austria
15. Greece
16. Montenegro
17. Germany
18. Poland
19. Latvia
20. Romania
21. Spain
22. Hungary
23. Georgia
24. Azerbaijan
25. Russia
26. Albania
27. Italy
Unfortunately, Malta is not part of this line-up, despite the fact that Amber gave a stunning interpretation of her entry "Warrior", her original entry penned by Matt 'Muxu' Mercieca to the composition of Elton Zarb. Nevertheless, we urge you to stay tuned to escflashmalta.com even through Facebook and Twitter as our LIVE blogging continues, with Antoine Farrugia, Marc Calleja Bayliss, Brooke Borg and Davinia Pace during the final night of the worlds' most prestigious event in Malta.
Source: eurovision.tv
Eurovision 2015: Deo Grech in 1st Semi-Final Review
In Malta, excitement was somewhat contained for the latter months of 2014, with both the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, and the Malta Eurovision Song Contest taking place in the space of a fortnight. Nevertheless, as this year's edition of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place over three (3) evenings next week, we have called upon Deo Grech to assess the entries which will be presented in this year's competition.
He has not only given his opinion, but also compiled together the points of his panel of guests, some of which have already been to the Eurovision Song Contest in the past. Deo Grech is the host of "The Celebrity Night" on F Living.
Moldova: Eduard Romanyuta - "I Want Your Love"
It's a pity that the very first song we're going to listen to at this year's Eurovision is this track from Moldova. It could have done really well if it participated at the contest ... 15 years ago! This song is reminiscent of the early Britney Spears' Pop tunes. I am really sorry for Moldova but I can't see this reaching the finals.
According to the OGAE fans and the Bookmakers, Moldova should not make it to the finals.
The Celebrity Night's Eurovision Fever panel score: 18pts (15th)
Armenia: Genealogy - "Face The Shadow"
6 countries – 5 continents – 1 song. This is an amazing concept indeed. The music sounds really deep and heavy after the light-pop tune from Moldova. Their voices sound excellent together. The problem I see with this entry is that there is a fine line between Dramatic-Pop-Opera singing and Screaming and Screeching till your ears bleed, especially towards the end of the song. Visually this will look great if they go for a Retro look. However, they must avoid being labelled as Old-Fashioned though! I guess this will make it to the finals.
According to the OGAE fans, Armenia might not make it to the finals. Whilst the bookmakers feel that it might scrape through.
The Celebrity Night's Eurovision Fever panel score: 33pts (8th)
Belgium: Loic Nottet - "Rhythm Inside"
Okay! This is so 2015, so different from the first two entries and from the ones coming up after it. Talented Loic takes care of all details but will he be able to face the Eurovision pressure? This can do really well but can also crash flat on its back if vocals won't be spot-on. With some luck Belgium can make it to the finals.
According to the OGAE fans and the Bookmakers, Belgium will make it to the finals.
The Celebrity Night's Eurovision Fever panel score: 30pts (11th)
The Netherlands: Trijntje Oosterhuis - "Walk Along"
Anouk, Ilse De Lange and now Trijntje. Fantastic trio indeed from the Netherlands. However, I expected more quality from this year's entry. Somehow the Dutch went for a more popish and ear-friendly entry this year. I am afraid ''Walk Along'' won't beat last year's result from the Netherlands. I am afraid that this will sound too repetitive and too safe after the Belgian entry and will stop at the semis round.
According to the OGAE fans and the Bookmakers, the Netherlands might scrape through the finals.
The Celebrity Night's Eurovision Fever panel score: 27pts (13th)
Finland: PKN – "Aina Mun Pitaa"
I ain't a fan of this kind of punk-rock music at all. It's too repetitive, too harsh on my ears. Lyrics are too silly for my tastes as well. They will surely attract the sympathy-televotes but will that be enough to eventually crown them the winners of Eurovision 2015? I don't want to think about that! Sorry.
According to the OGAE fans, Finland might not make it to the finals. Whilst the bookmakers feel that it might end top-3 in the semi-final.
The Celebrity Night's Eurovision Fever panel score: 12pts (16th)
Greece: Maria Elena Kyrikaou - "One Last Breath"
Big ballads have a special place in the Eurovision Song Contest. Each year we are entertained with a Celine Dion-ish ballad singer and Greece carries that honour proudly this year. Maria Elena surely knows how to belt those notes out. Passion, charisma, beauty and technique together with a powerful key-change make this a safe qualifier.
According to the OGAE fans, this might make it to the finals. Whilst the bookmakers feel that Greece may not.
The Celebrity Night's Eurovision Fever panel score: 41pts (2nd)
Estonia: Elina & Stig - "Goodbye to Yesterday"
Country-pop meets Eurovision standards once again. This recipee did wonders for Netherlands last year and I am pretty sure that it will be replicated this year. Circles close to the Estonian team claim that their only issue this year is to calm down Stig's anxiety. I hope though that his live vocal performance will be as solid as in the studio recording. Sure qualifier and a candidate for a top-5 position in the finals!
According to the OGAE fans and the Bookamers, Estonia will easily make it to the finals and end up as the winner of the first semi.
The Celebrity Night's Eurovision Fever panel score: 36pts (5th)
FYR Macedonia: Daniel Kajmakoski - "Autumn Leaves"
Awesome entry from Macedonia. I have a very positive feeling about this entry. It builds up nicely with hues of Balkan undertones. I get the impression that Macedonia are heading for one of their best results ever at the Eurovision Song Contest. With a stylish and polished staging this will be a sure qualifier. With a weak staging this will fail to make it through.
According to the OGAE fans and the Bookmakers, Macedonia might make it to the finals.
The Celebrity Night's Eurovision Fever panel score: 32pts (10th)
Serbia: Bojana Stamenov - "Beauty Never Lies"
She can surely belt out those high notes! My only concern here is that those notes might sound screechy. It reminds me of 'Je ne sais quoi' for more than one reason, of course! The song is a typical Eurovision upbeat track. We've heard a million versions of this track over the past years which make it quite a tried and tested formula. With some luck it will make it through.
According to the OGAE fans, Serbia might make it to the finals. Whilst the bookmakers feel that it may not.
The Celebrity Night's Eurovision Fever panel score: 30pts (12th)
Hungary: Boggie - "Wars For Nothing"
A calm tune always goes well after a loud one, however this is too calm for my tastes. Coffee-break anyone? The idea behind the song is very positive but the song conveys a sad feeling. It lacks the oomph and the star-quality which a winning entry requires to stand out from the pack. Sorry Hungary, I can't see you in the finals, this year.
According to the OGAE fans and the Bookmakers, Hungary will not make it to the finals.
The Celebrity Night's Eurovision Fever panel score: 20pts (14th)
Belarus: Uzari & Maimuna - "Time"
Some months ago, I discovered the violinist-singer Lyndsay Sterling and her brilliant performances on YouTube. It seems I wasn't the one who did so! This entry will surely go well in the arena. I can already see the flags flying high to the powerful beats of this uptempo tune. Uzari's diction needs some polishing, especially in the introduction of the song. It's also a good dance-floor filler and I am pretty sure that this will be one of the hottest tunes played at the Euroclub in Vienna. All in all, it's a great tune and I hope they will make it to the finals.
According to the OGAE fans, Belarus might not make it to the finals. Whilst the Bookmakers feel that it will eventually be one of the finalists.
The Celebrity Night's Eurovision Fever panel score: 33pts (7th)
Russia: Polina Gagarina - "A Million Voices"
This entry has 'Star Quality' written all over it. Polina ticks all the boxes of a potential international star - she's got the looks, the voice and the diction. The song builds up strongly in a typical power ballad fashion. The backing choir adds to the anthemic atmosphere. This is a strong contender for the final prize. Polina's only drawback is that she is representing a country which has antagonized the typical Eurovision fan with various decisions...including political ones. The sense of hostility from the Eurovision fans towards the Russian entry singers was witnessed both at last year's Eurovision as well as at this year's 60th Anniversary Show hosted by the BBC. To add insult to injury, fan-favourite-Ukraine opted out of this year's Eurovision as a result of the political dispute with Russia.
According to the OGAE fans and the Bookmakers, the Russian entry will make it to the finals and end up as the first runner up of this semifinal round.
The Celebrity Night's Eurovision Fever panel score: 42pts (1st)
Denmark: Anti Social Media - "The Way You Are"
Yeah! We need such a happy tune at the Eurovision Song Contest by a fresh boy-band. Beatles meet A friend in London. This will surely go well at the Eurovision as it reaches out the audience and televiewers alike with its positive energy. With some luck this will also make it to the finals.
According to the OGAE fans and the Bookmakers, Denmark might not make it to the finals.
The Celebrity Night's Eurovision Fever panel score: 34pts (6th)
Albania: Elhaida Dani - "I'm Alive"
Elhaida has a great command over her vocal abilities. Thankfully, the Albanian delegation gave its consent for the replacement of the original entry by the present one. This song has grown over me over the past weeks and is now standing in my overall top 10. This explains why I am so positive about it. I think that together with Estonia and Russia, Albania will be the one to watch out for from the first semifinal.
According to the OGAE fans andthe Bookmakers, Albania will make it to the finals.
The Celebrity Night's Eurovision Fever panel score: 38pts (4th)
Romania: Voltaj - "All Over Again"
I am taken in by the #AllOverAgain campaign. It has placed a spotlight on a reality which most of us were unaware of. The message is stronger than the song itself. I am pretty sure that this will gain support from the middle-aged televiewers who will be touched by the campaign that this song represents at this year's Eurovision. Well done Voltaj. Kudos!
According to the OGAE fans, this might make it to the finals. Whilst the Bookmakers feel that it may not.
The Celebrity Night's Eurovision Fever panel score: 33pts (9th)
Georgia: Nina Sublatti - "Warrior"
The Georgian warrior sounds stronger than ever before. Nina is powerful indeed and this helps her stand her ground as a warrior! She needs to improve her diction drastically, though. The strong drum beats which accompany the song through the whole 3 minutes bring back memories of Eurovision 2004 when the Ukrainian Ruslana took the stage by storm with her 'Wild Dances'. I guess Nina Sublatti and her team will do their best to present something as powerful as Ruslana did eleven years ago.
According to the OGAE fans and the Bookmakers, the Georgian Warrior might make it to the finals.
The Celebrity Night's Eurovision Fever panel score: 40pts (3rd)
Eurovision 2015: 39 Countries Confirm Participation
The European Broadcasting Union made an official announcement this morning that 39 countries have submit paperwork to participate in the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria. Despite the withdrawal of Ukraine, this is relatively exciting news, as the event will feature two more countries than last year, following the return of Serbia, Cyprus and the Czech Republic. Malta is one of the few countries to have selected both the singer, and the entry, with Amber set to perform "Warrior" written by Elton Zarb and Matthew Mercieca in one of the two semi-finals.
The participating countries are as follow; Albania, Armenia, Austria (Host), Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France (Big 5), FYR Macedonia, Georgia, Germany (Big 5), Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy (Big 5), Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain (Big 5), Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom (Big 5).
The European Broadcasting Union has also divided the semi-finals with respective number of participants, due to the fact that the number of participating countries is odd. As a result, 16 countries will partake in the 1st semi-final on the 19th May, as opposed to 17 countries which will partake in the 2nd semi-final on the 21st May. The allocation draw will take place on the 26th January, and will be streamed live through the official website of the Eurovision Song Contest. We urge you to stay tuned to escflashmalta.com even through Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news about the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest.
Source: eurovision.tv
JESC 2014: First Run of Rehearsals Complete
escflashmalta.com has always been present to bring you the latest updates from the local music industry and with the Junior Eurovision Song Contest taking place in Malta, it should not come as a surprise that this event will be wholly covered as well. Members of the editorial team have been viewing the first rehearsals, and have recapitulated their thoughts. LIVE blogging will kick-off as from tomorrow through Facebook and Twitter.
The Netherlands kicked off proceedings yesterday and things surely started on a positive note as Julia gave a strong vocal rendition of her up-tempo number. The visuals on stage are spectacular and the predominant colours are orange and red. This will be closing the show on Saturday and it is surely one to watch out for.
Sweden have stayed true to their craft with the choice of song, noting that there is a mixture of dance, and pop, something which Thomas G:son is very much known for. Julia is joined on stage by four female dancers, whose choreography is very well adapted to the tune. The vocals are good, and the overall outcome is positive but the song is not too memorable to place highly.
The song from Bulgaria has been considering as one of the favourites heading into the event. Sadly, we did not get to hear the singer sing live as she is currently unwell and we wish her a speedy recovery. The visuals of this one are once again strong and the predominant colours are purple and blue. The main attraction is definitely the huge castle projected on the screens.
Russia sends Alisa, the young girl in the white dress with a big ballad! Last year's winning formula for Malta. It is a very strong song and its orchestration is fantastic. The visuals are simple and let the singer be the focus of this song. The vocals are good but nothing extraordinary. Russia still remains as one of the favourites for this Junior Eurovision but they need to up their game to stand a chance.
Vincenzo Cantiello took the stage all alone for Italy and it is quite remarkable that he is the only guy in the competition. He sings his big emotional ballad right from the heart and impresses everyone present with his big voice. He went all out in the first rehearsal but held back on all the other takes. It seems that blues and red will be used for this number. He is surely one to watch out for as he has got the total package.
Ukraine's Sympho-Nick singers are the first ones to make full use of the stage as they also use the catwalks. The intro and the end of the song remind me of 'Gravity' yet the three girls do a very good job vocally. The visually are impressive and suit the song perfectly. Not sure on how this will do but few if any think it stands a chance of doing well.
The smiling girl from Armenia is surely having fun on stage. She truly feels at home and it shows in every run. The backdrop is extremely busy and might distract a bit but it still manages to transmit the positive energy of the song. She is accompanied on stage by five dancers and towards the latter part of the song she joins in the routine despite this she does a good job on the vocals. This might surprise on the night!
Sophia from Cyprus seemed to have been eagerly waiting to get on this stage for a long time as she nails every take she does. The visuals are surely one of the very best and although she is all alone on stage she makes full use of it. She is surely having fun and making the most of this experience – the only drawback this song has is that she is early in the draw and people expect to see dancers other than that she has everything going for her.
And the second day of rehearsals kicks off. It's a happy day for Georgia as Lizi had a good rehearsal this morning. The graphics scream Junior Eurovision but blend well with the thought behind the song. Lizi is accompanied on stage by four dancers. She gives a good vocal performance yet the song seems to lack something and it is a tad too repetitive.
Montenegro are embracing the fact that from this year the Junior Eurovision is aiming more towards adolescents as their two female teenagers take the stage. Their vocals are on but the girls look uncomfortable on stage – they seem to be over rehearsed and the simple routine they have makes them look awkward. Hopefully things get better for them.
Josie from Croatia took the stage with Game Over and she is accompanied on stage by two dancers. The song is repetitive and some might find it boring. The visuals are quite particular and naturally feature graphics from games with different codes. This is another number which few people see it doing well. Sadly, it is very difficult at this stage to make significant changes.
Up next was San Marino and their girl band 'The Peppermints'. This is surely another number which one would consider weak. The girls did a good job on the vocals yet nothing impressive. Their staging looked a bit all over the place and they definitely need to work on that area. The visuals are good and the graphics look good but that is where it stops.
Serbia's Emilija starts on stage sitting on the piano and then moves on to centre stage. She delivers her song to perfection and surely makes it one of the best entries rehearsing today. Her vocals were spot on and the graphics although plain they really blend in well with the entry. Nothing much to criticize here, one can say simplicity at its best.
Ula, the sweetheart from Slovenia is up next and this is another strong rehearsal. Some of the media in the press centre expressed a liking to this song. There is nothing outstanding about it but it is a song performed well and everything is coming together on stage. The visuals are dark and one expects the girl to wear something light in order to let her be the focal point.
Federica for Malta was on next and she proved why she is one of the hot favourites to do the double for Malta. She tried her song four times in total and she delivered vocally every single time – it was truly impressive. The journalists in the hall were as impressed and it seems like they all gathered here for Malta's rehearsal which is definitely a good omen.
Belarus is up next and this is a surprise today. Visually it looks really strong and the same thing can be said for the choreography. The song is catchy and surely has a lot of potential to do extremely well. The singer is confident and looks great on screen. The visuals are impressive and this is another song that has the whole package. A very pleasant ending for the first round of rehearsals!
#Together is a slogan which greatly encompasses the feeling felt throughout the venue, whether among the technical staff, members of the press or the delegations. We urge you to stay tuned to escflashmalta.com even through Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news about the 2014 edition of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest.


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Michael Jordan said there's no way Kobe Bryant and this year's USA Olympic basketball team could've beaten the 1992 Dream Team.
Jordan told The Associated Press Thursday that he laughed - "I absolutely laughed" - when hearing Bryant's comments that the squad training in Las Vegas could take Jordan and company.
Jordan said there's "no comparison" which team is better.
"For him to compare those two teams is not one of the smarter things he ever could have done," Jordan said prior playing in a celebrity golf tournament in Charlotte.
Jordan said the 1992 team, which included 11 future Hall of Famers and won its six Olympic games by an average of more than 43 points en route to capturing the gold medal, was a better overall team largely because of the experience it put on the floor.
"I heard Kobe say we were not athletic," said a smiling Jordan as he sat in a golf cart puffing on his cigar while waiting to tee off. "But we were smart. He said we were too old, but I was 29 and in the prime of my career. Pip (Scottie Pippen) was 26 or 27, (Charles) Barkley was 29, Patrick (Ewing) was 29 and Chris Mullin was 29. Almost everybody was still in their twenties."
Jordan's response came after Bryant told reporters in Las Vegas that this year's team could pull out a win against the Dream Team if they faced each other in their primes. Bryant said this year's team has a bunch of racehorses, players who are incredibly athletic while the Dream Team consisted mainly of players at the tail end of their careers."
Bryant's comments received immediate and sharp rebuttal from some members of the Dream Team, including Barkley.
"How old is Kobe Bryant? He's 34? And he's calling us old? At the time, we were only like 28, 29. Michael Jordan and me were the same age. We were both 29," Barkley said in a radio interview, ESPN reported. "Other than Kobe, LeBron and Kevin Durant, I don't think anybody else on that team makes our team."
Jordan joined in on Thursday.
"Most of us were in the prime of our careers, at a point where athleticism doesn't really matter," said Jordan, the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. "You have to know how to play the game."
Jordan shook his head when asked why he thinks Bryant made the comments.
"I imagine he's trying to say it to legitimize his own Dream Team," Jordan said. "But to me it's not even a question what team is better."
Jordan said Bryant is certainly entitled to his opinion - even though he said it's just plain wrong.
"For him to make that comparison, it's one of those things where it creates conversation," Jordan said. "I guess we'll never know. I'd like to think that we had 11 Hall of Famers on that team and whenever they get 11 Hall of Famers you call and ask me who had the better Dream Team. Remember now, they learned from us. We didn't learn from them."


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Whilst on a walk just today, I stumbled upon this sizeable caterpillar crossing the road. By sizeable , I mean about 3 or 4 inches long, which I find a somewhat incredible size for a British Catapillar. If anyone who watches the below video can tell me what it is, i'd be very grateful! it was found in rural Lincolnshire, uk.
Hi Edward
This is a Drinker Moth Caterpillar, usually found in the Southern half of Britain, they can be found along woodland edges parks and gardens, the adults are on the wing during July/ August time. The caterpillars are supposed to be partial to drinking from dew drops or rain drops wether this is true or not I'm not sure.The Caterpillars will feed on grasses and other low lying plants. Hope this helps
Thank you very much for your response. Looking online, it does look a lot like a drinker moth caterpillar. However, i'm still curious as to whether they reach such a large size normally, it does seem like rather an unnatural size for a specimen.
Hi again Edward
Yes the Drinker Moth Caterpillar does grow incredibly big and this is quite normal for this species, I have just reared some at home which have just pupated, great you manged to see one though.


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First Ever DJ Photo Exhibition: Rukes at W Times Square
Considered the #1 DJ photographer in the world, "Rukes is like a ninja," according to mix master, Dirty South. The shutterbug, "beautifully captured the rise of a movement and the musicians that lead it that otherwise would have continued to go unnoticed if not for his amazing photographs," superstar DJ-producer Kaskade adds.
The worldwide client list of Rukes includes Swedish House Mafia, Deadmau5, Avicii, Zedd, Steve Aoki, Skrillex, Porter Robinson, Calvin Harris, Dada Life, Sub Focus and even Tommy Lee. When not on tour with DJ's he can be found photographing massive events including Electric Daisy Carnival, Holy Ship! and Stereosonic in Australia, keeping Rukes constantly on the move
W Times Square approached Rukes with the idea of co-curating an exhibit as the brand is deeply committed to music and EDM in particular. Thus, "Inside the Booth" was born. The show will feature never before seen images of famous DJs shot by Rukes.. Next to each DJs photograph, a listening station will be installed, allowing guests to enjoy the artist's music while they fully immerse themselves in the moment as if they themselves were on stage.
Check these amazing shots, then head over to BlackBook for even more photos and an exclusive interview the man himself, Rukes.


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by Jamie Buckingham
No book influenced my young life more than the Boy Scout handbook. In it I found a wonderful world of semaphore flags, sheepshanks, clove hitches, lean-tos and reflector ovens.
It was my personal guidebook from the time I was 12 until I was 16. It took me from Tenderfoot, through the exciting world of merit badges, all the way to the coveted rank of Eagle Scout.
Youth activities in our little town—aside from a spitball fight in Sunday school or a Friday night dance—were non-existent. Scouting was everything. In Scouting, I felt the tug toward manhood. Older boys discipled younger boys.
Scoutmasters took us on camping and canoe trips. I learned how to apply a tourniquet and a splint, salute my superiors, have my uniform inspected and feel pride—with hard-earned accomplishments.
As a Scout, I learned all the important concepts that would later make life rich and meaningful. I learned to relate to a small group in my patrol and troop. I learned to respect—not fear or destroy—nature.
With only a hatchet, knife, rope and compass I could live in the wilderness. I learned Indian lore, loyalty and how to be part of a world brotherhood. A Boy Scout loved God and country.
He respected his parents. He went to church. He believed in good deeds, loyalty, thrift, courage, physical fitness and—most of all—being prepared. I took a vow that I still try to uphold.
He must be prepared at any time to save life, help injured persons and share the home duties. He must do at least one "good turn" to somebody every day. But with the good times were times of disappointment—the same disappointment I have suffered in adult life and in my church.
It wasn't with Scouting; it was with Scouts. Particularly with Scout leaders. One August afternoon five of us—young teenagers—headed for the girly show at the annual summer carnival on the fairgrounds.
The sideshow barker had gathered a small crowd of mostly teenage boys. Two tired, flabby women were gyrating on the platform in bathing suits. Inside, the barker told us, we could "see it all" for 50 cents.
We gave each other knowing looks, told the ticket-taker we were "of age" (we were all 13) and entered the semi-dark tent where scratchy Egyptian music was playing. An old bump-and-grind woman came out on the tiny stage and began to strip. She finally got down to what I imagined was the fabled G-string.
Then, in a whirl and a flash, she pulled it down. Before we could blink, she looked at us, gave her hips a hunch and disappeared behind the drape. The show was over. I felt dirty. It was the first time I had seen a naked woman. I felt degraded, and yes, cheated.
I had wasted a week's allowance for a scar that would remain in my memory for a lifetime. But the worst part was when we turned around to leave. There, in the back of the little tent, was our new scoutmaster.
I knew we had been caught, yet inwardly I was relieved. I sensed I needed both punishment and help. Especially help. I didn't like what I had done and needed to he absolved. But the scoutmaster didn't see us in the dark tent. He had something else on his mind.
Walking around the inside edge of the tent, he had found the other stripper and was talking to her in a hushed conversation. We kept out of his sight, laughing quietly that we hadn't been caught—but had caught him instead.
We got down on hands and knees and crawled under the edge of the tent into the hot Saturday afternoon sunlight. Ordinarily I would have been excited by the midway: the music. the roar of the motorcycles in the pit, the whirling colors of the octopus and the tilt-a-whirl.
But I was sick at my stomach. My technicolor world had turned to gray. Overshadowing everything was a deep sense of moral revulsion—sadness—over the woman who had degraded herself in front of a bunch of teenage boys.
From my father, I had inherited such a lofty concept of womanhood. I stood when a woman entered the room. I helped my mother or my sister with her chair at the table. To have spoken harshly to a woman, much less struck her, would have been a sin of the first magnitude.
Now that pristine image of womanhood had been soiled by my first cheap glimpse of flesh—an image that remains in my mind even to this day.
Then there was the searing guilt. I had violated that deep sense of morality ingrained by the Boy Scout oath: 'On my honor I will do my best to do my duly to God and my country...to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight."
I desperately needed forgiveness, absolution. But the only man who could give it, my scoutmaster, was still in the tent. That, perhaps, was the deepest wound of all.
I had seen the dark side of a man I looked to for light. As my scoutmaster he had been my hero, the bearer of the torch, the lifter of the standard. He was the man who challenged us to excel, to be noble, to do right. If I couldn't trust my scoutmaster, how could I ever be cleansed of my own sin?
It was my first introduction to life the way it really is—unfair and full of disappointments. But it prepared me for what I later discovered was truth It is God who cleanses and absolves—not man.
While Scouts strive to be trustworthy, God alone can be trusted. My task: to forgive and love—for love covers a multitude of sins—even the sins of leaders.
From 1979 until his death, Jamie Buckingham (1932-1992) wrote the "Last Word" column for Charisma magazine, which originally published this article. He was the editor of Ministry Today magazine at his untimely death in February 1992—more than 20 years ago.
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Man Gets Five Years Probation for Stealing $460,000 in Quarters
Thomas Rica, a former public works inspector for the city of Ridgewood, NJ, was sentenced to five years probation after he stole $460,000 worth of quarters taken from parking meters. He stole the quarters over the course of two years from a storage room, and pled guilty to four counts of theft as part of a plea deal.
"I am sorry for what I have done," Rica told Judge Patrick Roma. "I am very sorry. I'm...I'm just sorry." As part of his plea deal, Rica will only have to pay back part of what he stole (his lawyer came with a check for $64,337.55 today, his down payment). From CBS New York:
Under the plea deal, Rica will pay back a little more than half of what he admits he stole. Some critics have said Rica should have received some prison time and paid back all the money he stole, but Bergen County prosecutors have defended the deal given to Rica.
Assistant County Prosecutor Daniel Keitel told the newspaper that the deal took months to negotiate and will "get as much of the money back to the public as quickly as possible." Had the state tried Rica for second-degree theft, Keitel said he may have faced five years behind bars, but would not have been legally bound to return any of the stolen money.
According to the Record, Rica would tamper with the security camera in the storage room holding the coins so that he was never caught on camera lifting the quarters. And by spreading the money he was stealing across multiple bank accounts, Assistant Bergen County Prosecutor Daniel Keitel says, he was able to obscure exactly how much he stole.
"It was very difficult to determine the amount of the theft," Keitel admitted, explaining investigators using both bank records and Rica's own admissions "established an exact amount that we think is accurate."
"I am not enthusiastic about an arrangement of this nature," Judge Roma said, "but I understand the details that go into it. A lot of time has gone into this, and five years is a long time to be on probation."


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The Counting Crows just finished up a summer tour, but they're already heading back out on the road.
The band's fall tour kicks off in Port Chester, NY on October 23, making stops along the way in Florida, Texas and California.
With a little help from bands Mean Creek and Tender Mercies, the Crows plan to play a little bit from each of their six studio albums, included their latest release, Underwater Sunshine.
While their summer tour had the band showcasing their favorite young indie musicians, this time around they're going back to the basics. Though frontman, Adam Duritz admits their summer gig did reignite something in them.
"This summer on 'The Outlaw Roadshow,' was the best time I've ever had on tour. When you watch great bands play killer sets every night it makes you want to go out and play even better sets yourself," he said in a statement. "It's not competition, it's just…rock & roll is a drug and watching great bands gets you high. The fans reap the benefits of that every night. Going out this fall with Mean Creek and Tender Mercies is going to be a hell of a ride. Plus, we promised the people in the South and the West that we were coming back this year. Well…here we come."
Check out a full list of tourdates below to see when the band is coming to your town.
Oct 23 Port Chester, NY- The Capitol Theatre
Oct 25 New York, NY- Roseland Ballroom
Oct 26 Huntington, NY- The Paramount
Oct 28 Charlottesville, VA- nTelos Wireless Pavilion
Nov 1 Boca Raton, FL- Mizner Park Amphitheater
Nov 4 Orlando, FL- Hard Rock Live
Nov 7 New Orleans, LA- Mahalia Jackson Theatre
Nov 9 Thackerville, OK- Winstar Casino
Nov 10 Austin, TX- Stubb's
Nov 12 Houston, TX- Bayou Music Center
Nov 14 Albuquerque, NM- Kiva Auditorium
Nov 16 Tucson, AZ- AVA Amphitheatre
Nov 20 San Francisco, CA- Nob Hill Masonic Center
Nov 24 Los Angeles, CA- The Wiltern
– Shannon Carlin, CBS Local
Read More On Fresh1027.com:


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SCQ 46133 - Private Marine Container May 2013 Rates
Announcement Number: IM2013-244
Categories: Domestic Price,International Price
Posted Date: April 24, 2013
SCQ 46133 Rate Adjustment
Effective Date: May 15, 2013
Dear Intermodal Customer:
Union Pacific will be adjusting Private Marine Container rates in rate authority SCQ 46133, effective May 15, 2013. All rates in SCQ 46133, with the exception of the lanes identified below, will be increased by 2.5%. Please refer to the rate matrix attached below for specific rates. The revised SCQ 46133 will be posted to the secure "MyUPRR" web site as a PDF file (after May 15th).
The following SCQ 46133 lanes will not take an increase on May 15, 2013:
- Rates to and from SAIT, TX (San Antonio)
- Rates to and from El Paso, TX
- Rates to and from SLCIT, UT (Salt Lake City)
- Rates to and from Denver, CO
Thank you for your commitment to Intermodal and Union Pacific Railroad.
Intermodal Business Team
SCQ 46133 W ver 5-15-13.pdf SCQ 46133 W ver 5-15-13.xlsx
If you have any questions please contact your Union Pacific representative.


text: Le mer 27/11/2002 à 01:43, Thomas Zheng a écrit : > Hi, > I am deciding between Scyld and CLIC Mandrake to run on my cluster. Could > someone tell me the pros and cons of both systems? CLIC could be view as a "beowulf one" cluster with some enhancements, CLIC is a full GPL clustering distro and features -"Ka-deploy" tool for a fast deployment of a golden node. You can reinstall a full cluster in less than 3 minutes. The installation time doesn't depend on the cluster size. -"Urpmi parallel" for keeping your cluster up to date RPMS packages are uploaded from the server to the nodes farm using a parallel technology (ka-run). -Multiple file system support The next Clic release (in 2 weeks) will support XFS, JFS, ReiserFS, Ext3. -Non homogeous SCSI drives Next release will support non homogeous brand of SCSI adapters installed on nodes. -Hudge number of librairies CLIC contains lots of librairies such as lapack, scalapack, atlas, petsc, ... -Autoconfiguration CLIC autoconfigures automaticaly your cluster building a full network services architecture using : PXE, DHCP, NIS, NFS, NTP, DNS, MPICH, LAM, PVM , MAUI (Next Release), OPENPBS, GANGLIA. Note: SSH keys are automaticaly deployed on the cluster farm. -Others applications Vrjuggler & netjuggler, povray, distcc, ccache are included. CLIC will be available on Itanium 2 at the beginning of 2003 then AMD X86-64. CLIC doesn't support the Single System Image (SSI). CLIC doesn't support myrinet, sci, quadrix (Future Next Release) -- Erwan Velu Linux Cluster Distribution Project Manager (CLIC) MandrakeSoft 43 rue d'aboukir 75002 Paris Phone Number : +33 (0) 1 40 41 17 94 Fax Number : +33 (0) 1 40 41 92 00 Email : erwan at mandrakesoft.com Web site : http://clic.mandrakesoft.com OpenPGP key : http://www.mandrakesecure.net/cks/ -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: signature.asc Type: application/pgp-signature Size: 189 bytes Desc: not available URL: <http://www.clustermonkey.net/pipermail/beowulf/attachments/20021128/a0bdb0b8/attachment.sig>


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A cradle of historical, philosophical, literary, scientific, and religious ideas, the ancient lbrary of Alexandria was unparalleled in the world. But 1,500 years ago, it vanished into the mists of myth and legend.
Now a cartel of wealthy international moguls is desperate to breach the library's hallowed halls, and only Malone possesses the information they need to succeed.
Pursued by a lethal mercenary, Malone crosses the globe in search of answers. His quest will lead him to England and Portugal, to the highest levels of the American government, and to a shattering outcome will have worldwide repercussions.
©2007 Steve Berry; (P)2007 Random House Inc.
"Berry [makes] intriguing use of ancient history, and the action certainly zooms along." (Booklist)
"Utterly brilliant...!"
Epic, fast-paced thriller!
Cotton Malone, it couldn't really be anyone else!
Some great depth portrayal from Scott Brick. He's really at home with this sort of story
James Bond meets Indiana Jones, with a bit of Dan Brown thrown in for good measure!
"nice book, shame about the narrator"
Once again Steve Berry delivers the goods. What spoilt it for me though, was the narrator. Scott brick has an annoying habit of letting his voice get overly dramatic with no reason - after a while it gets pretty irritating and for me spoilt what is an excellent book.
"narrator murders story"
The narrator kills this story with his baffling insistence on reading every sentence with high drama making it exhausting and confusing to listen to. I would have rated the story higher... but it is completely spoilt by this narrator. Save your money and listen to another of the author's audiobooks.
"worth a listen"
not as good as the first but this book was still a good story and I will definitely be reading the next one
"An excellent book, well worth the time to listen"
This is the second cotton book, I was a bit concerned with the feedback on the reader but he was ok and you get used to his style after a while. For me it's been good to listen to the books in the written order. Enjoy, I did!
"A fascinatingly good yarn."
Car journeys just got quicker! Well written and excellent narration. Book 3 here I come.
Excellent book, can't wait to listen to the next cotton Malone story. narrator was excellent, loved listening to his voice, made the book even better.
"Good Story but narrator lets this book down"
An interesting story
The main characters continue to develop from the first book The Templar Legacy - which gives them more depth and interest
No - I'm afraid I didn't like the narrator he was not easy to listen to - if I hadn't enjoyed the story, I would not have persevered listening to it. I will in future be buying Steve Berry's books and reading them for myself.
"Terribly narrated"
Gave up after bravely enduring three hours of horrible narration, thus unable to say anything about the story.
"Very Entertaining"
Before I got this book I read the reviews, first this narrator is just fine I foud this very easy to listen to. The subject matter may challenge your accepted ideas on the Bible, but we learn all the time. The story moves just fine, but maybe a little predictable. I travel often and have between 200 and 300 books on audible to I listen too, this one will be replayed. If you pass it up it is your loss.
"Great Sequel"
Very much enjoy Steve Berry's novels. Love the integration of fact and fiction. Novel is fast passed with lots of twists and turns. At the end of part 2 there is an interview with Steve Berry about the book and also a section discussing which places/events/people were real and which were fictional. Great Book!
"Can't wait for the credit"
I usually only download audio books when I have credits but after listening to The Alexandria Link and finding it such a great story, I can't wait to back track and read The Templar Legacy. I was very sad to hear Robert Ludlum pasted away but I think i've found a new favorite author in Mr. Berry. Cotton is a character that rivals Jason Bourne and Mitch Rapp (vince flynn). Thank you Mr. Berry for your stories, please keep Paul Michael or Scott Brick as your narrators.
Don't buy this book. If science fiction requires good science before it can be good fiction, good religious historical fiction (adding up to a modern mystery) requires a good grasp of both. The author has made so many egregious errors that the book is, essentially, unreadable. Of course, he also makes mistakes in modern places and events.
I almost put it down about a third of the way through, then at the half way mark. I finally finished and, frankly, I should have followed my first instinct.
Again, this book is a disaster.
"Hey, it's Steve Berry."
Steve Berry: Flat characters, impossible plots, questionable dialogue, everything the critics say is pretty much right. But, these books are entertaining and will get you through just about any road trip without too much thinking.
Mr. Berry may never win a Nobel for literature, but he writes a good, quick moving "shoot 'em up" mystery in the style of the old Shadow or Doc Savage dime novels.
"Berry Good Read"
Without Scott Brick it would've only got 3 stars. The story line itself, the search for the lost library of Alexandria is worthy of writing about. The part about the Old Testament is kind of "out there", but the characters were well thought out and interesting. The action was mostly fast paced. I got lost a few times, but I always caught up. Not one I would choose to re-listen to, but was worth one listen, if only for Brick's performance alone.
"Very Enjoyable"
I've enjoyed all of Steve Berry's books and this one did not disappoint. Bringing back Cotton Malone was a great idea as he seems to be an interesting character to build around. Good spin on taking a topic that everyone knows about and putting a different story around it. Also enjoyed the narrator who's done many other audible books.
A totally plausible and fascinating story concept. It kept my attention throughout. The weaving of three groups of characters operating simultaneously and independently help weave a tightly designed plot with a narrative that flows at a natural yet fast pace.
"good till the end."
The book is good, reading is good. You move quickly through the story & feel drawn into it.
The only problem is the same with most of the "DaVinci Knock Offs (historic thrillers"...... bad or incomplete ending. The lack luster "keep the status quo" endings are junk & we have seen it a hundred times before.
Don't know if I will read the author again.... seems like another guy trying to cash in on the fad without a well defined story ....beginning..middle... end.... simple reciepe
The story is excellent, but almost destroyed by a narrator who is a ham, continually emoting and sounding more like the background voice to Disney's Haunted House than a narrator of a modern adventure novel. He tries to put excitement and emotion into simple declaratory sentences, e.g., "I'M GOING TO DO SOMETHING!!!". This sort of silliness is painful to listen to. I'll buy a Steve Berry book anytime, but will never buy one narrated by Scott Brick.
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The boy just can't keep his shirt on - no complaints here :)
"It's something that I've been actively going after because I'd die to put the weight back on," he told us at last night's Division-E party at Lisa Kline in L.A. "I'm tired of playing young; I want to be the big guy that I was."
Just how close is he to winning the role? "I've been auditioning," Kellan, 24, said. "They're finalizing so they're trying to figure out what happens next. I've been waiting for a while, doing screen tests. There are just so many cooks in the kitchen. If it happens, it happens…Regardless, it's not gonna be the new Arnold Schwarzenegger type of movie, no one's going to try and play that role. I think they're going younger, a different type of story. I'm just excited, because the script is great."
Via E! thanks Irene
- Lorabell


text:
Digital Juice® announced today the release of Texture Toolkit™ 1, a 5 DVD library featuring over 1000 high-resolution textured graphical backgrounds and images. Artists will find a broad selection of themes like Elements, Materials, Food and Drink, Nature and Shapes as well as style categories such as Abstract, Clean, Decorative and Pastel to mention just a few. Professionally designed and completely useful, print designers, motion graphics artists and video editors will find the textures in Texture Toolkit to be a refreshing starting point for their creative endeavors.
"Good textures – particularly high resolution and seamless textures – can be hard to find," says David Hebel, CEO of Digital Juice. "These long misunderstood workhorses of the creative industry are an essential tool when working with photos, illustrations, videos and animations of any kind. The best textures are not meant to be the stars of the show. They're there to do a job, leave an impression, perhaps evoke a feeling or convey a tone but then get out of the way. The right texture can take a simple photo and make it more dramatic or give a simple object the weather-beaten look of a treasured antique."
An important and unique feature of the textures is that most were designed to be seamless. That means they can be repeated infinitely without showing any noticeable edge or join between repeating tiles. This makes them perfect for a wide variety of design applications including use as animation or video fills and backgrounds, as a base to build a virtual studio or scene, or as a way to add realistic texture and depth to any part of a designed graphic, static or moving. "The seamless nature of most Texture Toolkit textures is essential," says Jacqui Dawson, Senior Creative Director at Digital Juice. "Just about anyone can create a bad seamless texture, but creating a good one is hard, tedious work and requires the skill and trained eye of an experienced artist. That's why this collection is so valuable."
Designed at a maximum resolution of 4000 x 4000 pixels, the textures offer superb flexibility and enormous value when incorporated into the demanding workflow of today's HD video, 3D animation and high resolution printing applications. Files are delivered in either JPG or PNG format with over 300 having some alpha channel transparency. "That means a large portion of these textures can be instantly dropped on top of other graphics to add a subtle texture or pattern effect without completely obscuring the image below," says Dawson. "A video editor could easily drop one of these textures on top of a video clip to give it a subtle grain, a grungy vibe or a delicate filigree or sparkle effect."
Browse, Search & Select Digital Juice® provides a free Windows® and Mac® utility, Juicer™ 3, that makes it easy to browse, search, and select from the Texture Toolkit™ collection. Juicer™ 3 preview technology allows users to preview the Texture Toolkit's content within the Juicer™ 3 browser without having to first load the full resolution file into Photoshop®, Illustrator® or any other editing application. In addition to using the JPG or PNG files right off the disc, Juicer™ 3 technology allows users to render a texture from disc to hard drive into most major file formats including TGA, TIF, PSD, and BMP.
Pricing & Availability The new Texture Toolkit™ 1 can be ordered through Digital Juice's online store (www.digitaljuice.com) or by calling the company's customer service center toll-free at 800-525-2203. The package's retail price is $249.95 but it can often be purchased in special promotions for as much as 40% off. Check the website for details on specials. The company's free Juicer™ 3 software can be found at www.digitaljuice.com/juicer.


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Although Ponte Vedra is the team that carried away the district championship trophy, Wednesday's District 4-5A baseball final at Nease pushed both the Sharks and Panthers into the state playoffs with some momentum.
Ponte Vedra (16-11) took advantage of Nease errors in the first two innings to score three times and held on for a 3-2 victory. The Sharks will play host to the District 3-4A loser (Bishop Kenny vs. Baker County) on May 2.
Nease (21-5) rallied for two runs in the top of the fifth against Ponte Vedra starter Byron Yelverton. But reliever Jackson Johnson stranded Nease runners at every base to end the threat and send the Panthers on the road for the regional quarterfinals next week.
"That's the way we play these guys," Nease coach Brian Thomas said of Ponte Vedra. "That's the way you want a championship game to be played."
Added Yelverton: "They're a good ballclub. I think both teams look forward to playing each other."
Nease might have been a little too excited early. Even with the proven Brooks Calvo on the mound, the Panthers were shaky at the start.
Ponte Vedra leadoff man Max Miller reached on an error and moved up when No. 2 hitter Brett Poling was hit by a pitch. After a strikeout, Alex Willich and Jordan McKenna hit RBI singles to make it 2-0.
The Panthers avoided further trouble by picking off Willich at third base to end the frame.
In the second inning, a two-out walk to Ben Ohno was followed by another error on Miller's grounder. Poling's infield single extended the lead to 3-0.
"It's something you have to take advantage of," Ponte Vedra coach Tom Stanton said. "Our philosophy is if we throw strikes and catch the ball, a 2-0 lead feels like a 4-0 lead."
It nearly turned into a blowout in the third when Ponte Vedra knocked Calvo out of the game on a two-out walk and a single.
Reliever Daniel Williams came in and walked Eric Smith to load the bases before getting Ohno to ground out.
At that point, it didn't appear as if a missed scoring opportunity would matter. Yelverton was in complete command. Through four innings, he allowed just three two-out singles and no walks.
But in the fifth, it was Nease's turn to cash in on some miscues.
Jared Bassett reached on an error to lead off, scampering all the way to second.
A solid single by Blair Calvo put runners on the corners.
Drew Linder pushed a bunt to the right side to easily score Bassett and move up Calvo.
After a flyout, Williams battled Yelverton in a 10-pitch at-bat before ripping a single. Sean Bryan was then hit by a pitch, and Yelverton was relieved by Johnson.
A lefty like Yelverton, Johnson skipped a pitch off the plate, which bounced away and allowed a second run to score.
Dan Brookman finished his at-bat for a walk to load the bases again, but Johnson got Sean O'Farrell to bounce back to the mound. He threw home for the fielder's choice that ended the inning.
While both teams got a few runners on base the rest of the way, the relievers never did let another run come home. Johnson went 1 1/3 innings with no hits, two walks and a strikeout. Walker Sheller closed the game for Ponte Vedra. He allowed a walk, hit a batter and struck out two. Nease's two runs were charged to Yelverton, who struck out two and hit a batter while allowing four hits and no walks for the win.
"We've both got really good pitching staffs," Yelverton said. "I definitely have confidence in both of them (Johnson and Sheller)."
For Nease, Williams worked 3 1/3 innings of shutout baseball with five strikeouts, a walk, a hit batsman and just one hit. Calvo pitched 2 2/3 innings with four hits, two walks and four strikeouts.
Because of that quality pitching, there wasn't much offense in the game. Neither team had an extra-base hit. McKenna (2 for 3) was the only player with more than one hit.


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What if Giants spring training were like March Madness?
It's March Madness time, and everyone is busy filling out NCAA Tournament brackets (well, except MoreSplashHits. We need to get busy on that).
But it did get us thinking. What would Giants spring training look like if we set the players in camp up into a March Madness-styled bracket.
So we based these seedings on the probability of each player in camp this spring making a significant contribution to the success of the Giants in 2012.
And this is what we came up with. Debate at will.
(1) P Tim Lincecum vs. (16) P Danny Otero
(8) P Heath Hembree vs. (9) OF Francisco Peguero
(4) OF Nate Schierholtz vs. (13) OF Tyler Graham
(5) 2B Freddy Sanchez vs. (12) SS Ehire Adrianza
(6) C Eli Whiteside vs. (11) 3B Chris Dominguez
(3) OF Melky Cabrera vs. (14) C Jackson Williams
(7) P Barry Zito vs. (10) 3B Conor Gillaspie
(2) P Ryan Vogelsong vs. (15) IF Joaquin Arias
(1) P Matt Cain vs. (16) P Shane Loux
(8) C Chris Stewart vs. (9) C Hector Sanchez
(4) P Santiago Casilla vs. (13) OF Jarrett Parker
(5) SS Brandon Crawford vs. (12) OF Justin Christian
(6) IF-OF Emmanuel Burriss vs. (11) C Andrew Sugac
(3) 1B Aubrey Huff vs. (14) IF Nick Noonan
(7) P Clay Hensley vs. (10) P Hector Correia
(2) P Sergio Romo vs. (15) OF Juan Perez
(1) P Brian Wilson vs. (16) P Matt Yourkin
(8) OF Gary Brown vs. (9) SS Joe Panik
(4) 1B Brandon Belt vs. (13) OF Roger Kieschnik
(5) P Guillermo Mota vs. (12) P Andrew Kown
(6) IF Ryan Theriot vs. (11) P Brian Burres
(3) P Javier Lopez vs. (14) P Seth Rosin
(7) OF Gregor Blanco vs. (10) C Tommy Joseph
(2) C Buster Posey vs. (15) P Stephen Harold
(1) 3B Pablo Sandoval vs. (16) P Jake Dunning
(8) P Eric Surkamp vs. (9) P Steve Edlefsen
(4) P Jeremy Affeldt vs. (13) P Dan Otero
(5) 1B Brett Pill vs. (12) P Wilmin Rodriguez
(6) IF Mike Fonteno vs. (11) P Ramon Ortiz
(3) OF Angel Pagan vs. (14) P Justin Fitzgerald
(7) P Dan Runzler vs. (10) 2B Charlie Culberson
(2) P Madison Bumgarner vs. (15) P David Quinowski


text:
Unemployment held steady at 6.8 percent in Santa Clarita last month, officials said Friday, while it dropped slightly statewide and in Los Angeles County.
Unemployment in Santa Clarita was the same as last month, but down an entire percentage point compared to June last year, when it stood at 7.8 percent, city officials said.
In the state, unemployment dropped to 10.7 percent in June compared to 10.8 percent in May, the Employment Development Department reported Friday.
In Los Angeles County, the unemployment rate stood at 11.1 percent in June, state officials said, down from 11.4 percent in May.
Nationwide, unemployment stood at 8.2 percent for June.
"We're thrilled to be a full point lower than we were last year at this time," said Jason Crawford, marketing and economic development manager for Santa Clarita.
Last month's announcement that Morton Manufacturing — a longtime Santa Clarita Valley firm that makes fasteners for the aerospace industry — is leaving the valley for Lancaster was a blow to the city's plans to create and retain local jobs, Crawford said.
But the city, working in conjunction with the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corp., is seeing success in attracting new employers to the SCV, he said.
Precision Dynamics Corp. will be moving to the Santa Clarita Valley soon, bringing 300 to 400 jobs with it, Crawford said.
In addition, plans are moving ahead to build Needham Ranch, a planned office/industrial business park in Newhall that will offer more than a million square feet of space for businesses, he said. Builders are due to break ground on Needham Ranch soon, Crawford said.
Unemployment numbers released by states Friday show joblessness increased in 27 states last month, the most in almost a year and a reflection of weaker hiring nationwide.
Still, 29 states added jobs in June, up from 27 in May. Among them was California, which added 38,300 jobs.
Unemployment rates can rise even if more jobs are created if more of those out of work start looking for jobs. The number of Americans searching for jobs nationwide increased last month.


text:
Hell Square To Get Twice As Mexican
Hell Square, epicenter of the blogosphere, recently lost its favorite horrendously shitty diner Loside. Happily in its stead will be Calle Catorce, which can't possibly be worse than its predecessor. The place filed for a full liquor license on April 16th, so it looks like along with the Hat, the Toilet and El Castillo De Jagua, internet losers will have yet another South of the Border place in which to gather with their "One Tequila Two Tequila Three Tequila Floor" t-shirts and Macbook Pros. For now however, such a convivium is only speculative, as, absent an opaque window frosting, nothing much is yet doing. But ! Around the corner, another Mexican place is much closer to being open. As Eat for Victory's Nina Lalli reports, Mole, "A Mexican Bar and Grill," will be arriving in mere days. Two! Trend! Hell Square is all about Mexican now!


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ArtsWatch: GAO Questions Industry Estimates Of Piracy's Harm
The Recording Academy actively represents the music community on such issues as intellectual property rights, music piracy, archiving and preservation, and censorship concerns. In pursuing its commitment to addressing these and other issues, The Recording Academy undertakes a variety of national initiatives. ArtsWatch is a key part of an agenda aimed at raising public awareness of and support for the rights of artists. To become more involved, visit Advocacy Action @ GRAMMY.com and sign up for Advocacy Action E-lerts.
On April 12 the U.S. Government Accountability Office reported on its efforts to quantify the damages caused to the economy by counterfeiting and piracy. Industry efforts were smacked down as inadequately rigorous, but the GAO was unable to recommend a proper approach. The illicit nature of piracy received most of the blame since it causes a lack of data. The report suggested a more careful approach would be needed, using formulas based on assumptions that dealt with each of the many industries affected. The Copyright Alliance called attention to the agency's acknowledgement that damages go beyond lost sales and said, "…it is important to note GAO's endorsement of the fact that piracy has a multiplier effect that ripples throughout the economy." The report notably included views expressed by consumer advocates that infringement produces benefits such as saving consumers money and granting access to creative works before their release date. This report was called for by the same legislation that created the new position of U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator and relates to comments the IPEC received last month. Although the quantitative estimates produced by content industries are severely questioned by this GAO report, the consequences are worse for consumer advocates' insistence that enforcement actions should only be taken after a rigorous cost-benefit analysis has been performed. When it comes to quantifying economic harms caused by piracy — let alone so-called "benefits" — it seems an adequately rigorous approach remains beyond what today's state of the art can accomplish.
The House of Representatives passed H.R. 3125, the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act, on April 14. Describing the bipartisan bill before its passage by a vote of 394–18, Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.) said, "It directs the [Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration] and the [Federal Communications Commission] to undertake a comprehensive survey of the nation's spectrum and report to us on current spectrum utilization, with recommendations of which, if any, of the least utilized blocks of spectrum should be reallocated for commercial use or be subjected to spectrum sharing with commercial users. The measure is a thoughtful approach to meeting the extraordinary spectrum demands the nation will soon face." Companion legislation S. 649 is pending in the Senate.
On April 14 the Senate Commerce Committee heard testimony from FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski regarding the National Broadband Plan. Genachowski expressed confidence in his agency's ability to make satisfactory progress despite the size of the job, the court setback to FCC authority covered in last week's ArtsWatch, and some senators' strong opposition to the FCC reclassifying Internet service to gain greater regulatory authority. Consumer advocates Public Knowledge noted that no senators complained in 2005 when the FCC used its own authority to reclassify Internet service under looser regulations.
Speaking to a group of French regulators holding a Net neutrality conference on April 13, European Commission Vice President and Commissioner for the Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes announced she will launch a public consultation on Net neutrality by summer and report the results before next year. In her remarks she endorsed the FCC's other five Open Internet rules but suggested Net neutrality needed an agreed-upon definition before a regulatory approach could be determined. She observed that some concerns could be met by enforcing other regulatory approaches such as minimum quality of service requirements, fair competition rules, or restrictions on Internet service providers' marketing language. Kroes seemed to believe it would be regulatory overkill to forbid charging companies a fee to guarantee high-speed delivery of their content because such a prohibition would inhibit future business models.
Since the UK's Digital Economy Bill became law earlier this month with strict antipiracy provisions included, attention has shifted to questions of what regulatory details remain to be put in place. On April 13 the Los Angeles Times editorialized that the focus on account-holder liability could stifle public Internet use at libraries and coffee shops. Separately, BPI Chief Executive Geoff Taylor told Billboard.biz that the UK recording industry organization would have to initiate lawsuits against some individual Internet users because the bill's legal protections for consumers make that a necessary first step before technical measures can be used to reduce online infringement.
Anticipation of Common Sense Media's upcoming digital literacy curriculum has included coverage in The New York Times and Cnet News. Designed for grades 5–8, it includes a standalone unit on "Respecting Creative Work. How to get credit for original creations and respect other's creative property."
On April 14 the Library of Congress announced it will archive public Twitter posts since the service's inception in 2006. The most recent tweets will be preserved after a six-month delay. The library portrays this as consistent with its efforts to preserve other digital material of historical importance.