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FRISCO, Texas – David Ferreira has moved heaven and earth to overcome almost two years of injury problems due to a broken ankle, but now the 2010 MLS MVP is dealing with a very different ailment. "El Torito" returned to the training field on Wednesday morning sporting a white protective mask after the midfielder suffered a broken nose in training last Friday.
"It's really strange, isn't it?" said head coach Schellas Hyndman. "You don't know when your injuries are going to come. You don't know who it's going to come to and you don't know what injury. [Wearing the mask] is an adjustment and it's not easy."
Ferreira was inadvertently hit by midfielder James Marcelin last week, and had surgery on the injured nose on Saturday morning. He says that while the new mask is annoying, a better fitting one is on its way and the injury won't slow him down for Dallas' huge matchup in San Jose this weekend (10:30 pm ET, watch LIVE online).
"I'm not expecting any problems against San Jose this weekend," Ferreira told MLSsoccer.com through a translator. "I trained for the first time today with the mask. It's a little bit uncomfortable and I'm not used to it, but I'm expecting to adapt to it fast and the team is requesting a different mask that adapts better to my face. Hopefully that will be ready soon enough."
Rarely do opposing defenses lose track of the dynamic midfielder, but if Ferreira's replacement mask is anything like the white one he wore today, even the highest spectator in the last row will be cognizant of the masked marauder running the FC Dallas midfield on Saturday evening.
"It's funny, he headed the ball today in practice and I thought it must be miserable," defender Matt Hedges said of Ferreira. "[The mask] is kind of funny-looking, but at the same time it's necessary. It just looks weird."
All joking aside, Hyndman knows if there's one player that won't be affected by an annoying injury like this one, it's his talisman Ferreira.
"It's not something that's going to bring the best out of him," Hyndman said. "But what I can say is there's probably no one on the team that would respond to it better than David."


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Mediator plea to separating couples
Separating couples have been urged to consider third-party mediators in a bid to avoid "traumatic" courtroom battles at a time when the number of broken marriages is expected to peak.
The post-Christmas period sees enquiries about separation and divorce soar, with the first working day in January dubbed "Divorce Day" by the legal sector, said the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).
Last year, searches for divorce on the department's website nearly doubled in January.
The Government said it would pump a further £10 million into mediation services, which on average save publicly-funded clients £3,500 and take a quarter of the time.
Family justice minister Lord Thomas McNally said: "All too often money is wasted on expensive and traumatic court hearings that can take far too long to resolve - and that is why we want to help people to use mediation, a quicker and simpler approach which brings better outcomes."
Mediation services involve the use of an independent and qualified third-party to help couple's divide their assets or arrange child contact without going to court.
Legal advice from a solicitor can be part of the mediation process.
The new funding, which will bring the total spent in 2013 to £25 million, comes after changes to court processes last year which mean couples seeking a court order about child contact or a financial matter attend a mediation assessment session first.
The average cost of resolving property and finance disputes caused by separation is roughly £500 through mediation for a publicly funded client, compared to £4,000 for issues settled through the courts.
And the average time for a mediated case is 110 days compared to 435 days for non-mediated cases.

subset: commoncrawl


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Are you saying the debate should reiterate the original posters point of view? As far as debate goes... wouldn't that be slightly self-defeating? It's my impression that the "great rebirth debate" has been established in order to... well, debate rebirth.PeterB wrote:This is the op . I posted to support its general thrust.
The debate about the nature of rebirth took the thread away from the posters intent...which was " to focus ...on ones daily practice " instead of engaging in speculation and proliferation.
Daily practice and rebirth are quite different topics, wouldn't you agree? Perhaps we can find out whether rebirth does or does not have importance for daily practice. That might be one of the benefits of this discussion. And it might touch upon the point that the original poster made. This does require that we clarify what we mean by rebirth. My understanding in this regard coincides with the traditional view of Buddhism. It means that there is a continuance of what you and I perceive as "self" beyond this physical existence and beyond this lifetime, although there is actually no self. This is in accordance with Buddhist teaching as I understand it. Furthermore, I believe that it has very important implications for practice, because practice begins with and ends with "right view". If there is no right view, then practice cannot be "right" either. It is likely misguided. Is that a point we can agree on?
The importance of the question of rebirth (in the literal sense) is obvious: it defines the larger perspective of our practice. The goal of Buddhist practice is -as you rightly say- the end of suffering. Now if rebirth is true, suffering means not just one life, but endless rounds of existence and endless suffering. For you personally. That sounds a little more dramatic and a little more personal, doesn't it? It implies that there is no escape. Death is not an end to suffering, but merely one link in the chain. It opens up an entirely different understanding of the universe. That's why I think it is an important question and that is why everyone who is interested in Buddhism should endeavour to find out about it.
Cheers, Thomas


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The Eye of the Thundera gazes upon us in 2011...
Toy Fair 2011 coverage brought to you by the following fine sponsors: BigBadToyStore.com, Sekaido.com, and Collectibles Insurance.
Perhaps one of the most iconic cartoons from the eighties has finally made its long overdue return and with a new animated series premiering on Cartoon Network later this year, the Thundercats will be set loose to prowl the world once again. At this year's New York Toy Fair, Bandai has finally revealed their entire Thundercats product line to the press and we were forunate to be a part of this crucial historical event the "resurrection" of the Thundercats!
Although the new look of the Thundercats cartoon have been circling the web for a few weeks now, the entire product line has not been seen until now. The toy line will consist of a highly detailed 4" scale figure assortment with 11 to 12 points of articulation, removable weapons and new magnetic technology called Thunder Lynx which will activate electronic features and sounds available on the playsets and vehicles.
The 4" figures will have an SRP of $7.99 and the first assortment will consist of:
- Lion-O
- Mumm Ra (dormant version)
- Tygra
- Cheetara
- Panthro
There will also be a deluxe assotment featuring which will have an SRP of $11.99. The first assortment of the deluxe figure include:
- Mumm Ra
- Tygra
- Lion-O
- Grune the Destroyer
The toy line will be stronly supported with mini and deluxe vehicles adding to the playability of the line which will significantly appeal to younger fans new to the brand. A deluxe electronic Thundertank vehicle will include Snarf which activates the iconic Thuncats , Ho sound effect and lights up when placed in the cockpit. The Thundertank will also ineract with the Thunder cycle vehicles and will retail for $30.00.
An additional collector-based 8" scale action figure assortment will also be released at an SRP of $14.99. These larger figures will feature highly-detailed sculpts and extensive articulation ( approximatelly 16 points of articulation) for maximum poseability. This assortment will not be play feature focused as the 4" figures and geared more towards collectors.
But that's not all folks... The classic cartoon from the eighties will also make its long-awaid debut to the action figure world with the release of new Thundercats Classics 8" action figures! These new figures will retail at $16.99 each and will be amazingly detailed and faithful interpretation of the classic Thundercats. The figures will be feature a nostalgic look and feel that pays homage to the classic LJN action figures and will features 18 points of articulation.
The first set of figures to come out will be:
- Classic Lion with fully extended and dormant versions of the sword of Omens
- Tygra with poseable whip
Click HERE to check out tons of additional Bandai Thundercats images in our Toy Fair gallery.
For a great selection of action figures and collectibles, check out BigBadToyStore.com, ToyDorks.com, BriansToys.com, ToyWiz.com, SmallJoes.com, PastGenerationToys.com, Urban-Collector.com, MonkeyDepot.com, HobbyLinkJapan.com, and Sekaido.com.
To insure your action figure collection, get in touch with our sponsor Collectibles Insurance.


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An overview of ADEP, including the capabilities that are included in each edition
An overview of the ADEP architecture and how the Experience Server fits into your network
How to quickly set up your development environment, build and deploy a simple application and use the sample applications
Tutorials for learning the basics of ADEP application development
Overview of ADEP Document Services, including the services that are included in the licensable modules
Description of services that developers can use to create Document Services applications
Tutorial that introduces you to the end-to-end process of creating a Document Services application to automate a business process. You will create, manage, and test an application using Workbench, Designer, Administration Console, and Workspace.
Describes the Interactive Statements Solution
Describes the Correspondence Management Solution
Describes the Integrated Content Review Solution
Provides the supported platform combinations for ADEP Document Services. For Experience Services, see the Installing Experience Services guide.
An overview of the ADEP installers and instructions on what installation topics to use for your installation
How to install, configure, and deploy ADEP Experience Services.
How to install, configure, and deploy ADEP Experience Services in a clustered environment
How to install, configure, and deploy Solutions
How to install the ICR Task List Extension
How to prepare a single server environment before you install, configure, and deploy ADEP Document Services
How to install and configure ADEP Document Sercies for JBoss and MySQL using the turnkey method. Use for rapid evaluation, development, and small production deployments.
How to install, configure, and deploy ADEP Document Services
How to prepare a clustered server environment before you install, configure, and deploy ADEP Document Services
How to install, configure, and deploy ADEP Document Services on a clustered environment
How to install and configure Workbench to set it up as your development environment
A checklist of tasks to be performed before, while, and after upgrading to ADEP
How to prepare your server environment before you upgrade to ADEP Document Services
How to use the Enterprise Readiness Tool
How to upgrade to ADEP Document Services
How to administer the Experience Server
How to administer ADEP Document Services applications and services, how to configure system settings to improve performance, and administrative tasks that keep an ADEP Document Services installation running smoothly
How to maximize the security of an ADEP production environment
How to troubleshoot installation, configuration, and administration issues that may arise within an ADEP production environment
Detailed descriptions and possible actions to take to address error codes displayed in ADEP
How to configure the Connector for SharePoint to integrate SharePoint and ADEP Document Services workflows and processes from SharePoint context
How to implement a Mobile solution in your organization
Information for administrators and developers responsible for managing access to the services available for users from their desktops using the Launch Pad components
Information about the administration and customization tasks for Content Services
How to use the administration console in Contentspace Includes managing content categories, importing and exporting spaces, viewing system information, and using the Node Browser.
How to install and use the Plug-in for Hyperic HQ
Provides information on leveraging the capabilities for developing Rich Internet Applications, composite user interfaces, and single applications targeted at different client platforms and devices
Describes the ActionScript language elements, core libraries, and component packages and classes for the tools, runtimes, services and servers in the Flash Platform
Describes the Experience Services Java API interfaces and classes, which you can use to create dynamic remoting destinations, service requests, and manage endpoints using data services
Describes how to use the composite application framework to build applications that contain various types of content
Describes how to use models and Data Services to accelerate ADEP application development.
Describes how to use Data Services functionality within ADEP. Data Services enables you to build in real-time messaging, data management, and remoting functionality into your applications
How to use the Discovery plugin for Flash Builder 4
Information about the syntax and usage of the Mosaic JavaScript classes
Describes the Mosaic server tasks, which you use to manage applications and catalogs that reside on a Mosaic server
Information about the composite rich Internet application XML schemas included with Mosaic
Provides information for developers on customizing the ICR Solution and integrating it into their environment
Describes the Review, Commenting, and Approval building block and how to use it for custom implementations
Describes the Project Management building block and how to use it for custom implementations
Provides information for developers on customizing the Correspondence Management Solution and integrating it into their environment
Describes the Asset Composer building block and how to use it for custom implementations
Describes the Data Dictionary building block and how to use it for custom implementations
Describes the Expression Manager building block and how to use it for custom implementations
Provides information for developers on customizing the Interactive Statements Solution and integrating it into their environment
Describes the Batch Processor building block and how to use it for custom implementations
Describes the Personalization Manager building block and how to use it for custom implementations
A part of the Personalization Manager building block 10.0, the plug-in includes features and specialized Adobe Flex components that allow developers to build interactive statement templates
Describes the Solutions Java API interfaces and classes, which you can use to develop, extend, or customize the solutions.
How to develop applications using Workbench
Information on Guide concepts, how to create Guides, and how to debug Guides
Outlines the XML Form Object Model scripting events, objects, properties, and methods that are available for forms rendered in HTML and as Guides. Intended for form developers interested in either creating scripts for forms that will be rendered into HTML or as Guides, or in maintaining existing scripting capabilities across several form output types.
How to create custom Guide layouts, panel layouts, and controls using Adobe Flash Builder
Describes how to create and test assembly descriptors without working directly in XML
Information to guide users to successfully assemble customized forms and fragments into dynamic documents
How to use Designer, a tool that simplifies the creation of forms
How to use Designer calculations and scripts to develop and enhance forms created in Designer. Introduces you to calculations and scripting, examples, and references to additional resources.
Describes the different objects available in the XML Form Object Model for scripting and their associated properties and methods. Includes scripting examples that illustrate how to use the properties and methods to perform various tasks.
Information about FormCalc, a simple calculation language created by Adobe for Designer. Includes information on FormCalc functions and an introduction to the building blocks that make up FormCalc expressions.
Tutorials that guide you through the process of creating a purchase order form, creating and using fragments in form designs, and creating a purchase order form that has a flowable layout
Complete sample forms that demonstrate the behavior of dynamic, interactive, and dynamic interactive PDF forms
Describes what to consider when using Designer to design forms that will be rendered using Output
Identifies which Designer properties are supported by each target version of Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat
Information for developers who want to build components and client applications that programmatically interact with services in ADEP. Includes step-by-step information about using the APIs and complete code examples called Quick Starts that you can use to get up and running immediately.
Describes the ADEP Document Services Java API interfaces and classes, which you can use to develop applications, such as J2EE entity beans, that run within an Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB) container that interact with ADEP Document Services
Information about using the Assembler service to assemble, disassemble, and manipulate PDF and XDP documents. Includes information on DDX documents.
How to use the components in Launch Pad to access services
How to use Reader Extensions, including adding usage rights to PDF documents
How to use Rights Management, which ensures that only authorized users can use your documents
How to use Workspace to start or participate in business processes
Describes how SharePoint users can access ADEP Document Services features such as invoking processes and workflows, assigning and managing tasks in SharePoint that uses LiveCycle features, and initiating other LiveCycle processes for SharePoint users
How to use an Android device to start and participate in business processes
How to use a BlackBerry smartphone to start and participate in business processes
How to use an iPhone or iPad to start and participate in business processes, and to access documents on a WebDAV server
Tutorial that explains how to use the basic functionality of Contentspace
How to use Contentspace, including navigating content spaces, working with content, using smart spaces and content rules, using the plug-ins for Microsoft Office, creating PDF files from content, and automating processes
Known installation, administration, development, and documentation issues for ADEP Experience Services
Known installation, administration, development, and documentation issues for ADEP Customer Experience Solutions
Known issues for ICR Task List Extension
Known installation, administration, services, guides, Workbench, end user, and documentation issues for ADEP Document Services
Known issues for Designer
Describes Production Print (10.0), its integration with ADEP Document Services, how to work with the different form templates, and how to run and verify the sample project.
Describes the new functionality and changes as well as known issues in ADEP Extension - Production Print.
Describes how to install or upgrade this version of ADEP Extension - Production Print.
Provides a list of the new features developed for this release of the product. (StreamServe)


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Nova sharp, Stewart homers in win over Tigers
By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com
TAMPA, Fla. -- Chris Stewart hit a two-run homer, Ivan Nova turned in a sharp first start of the year and the Yankees snapped their seven-game Spring Training skid, posting a 10-3 victory over the Tigers on Saturday at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Stewart, who is competing with Francisco Cervelli to serve as the Opening Day catcher, cleared the left-field fence with a line-drive shot in the fourth inning off Detroit reliever Kyle Lobstein.
Saying that he has been focusing on attacking the strike zone, Nova threw two scoreless innings, limiting Detroit to one hit with a strikeout. He threw 27 pitches, 22 for strikes.
Tigers starter Shawn Hill permitted two runs (one earned) over 2 2/3 innings in his third appearance and first start of the spring. He struck out two in a 54-pitch outing, tossing 30 strikes.
The Yankees scored both runs against Hill in the third inning. Brett Gardner -- who has hit in all six of his spring games -- singled, stole second and scored on a Robinson Cano single.
Left-hander Kenny Faulk issued a bases-loaded walk to Travis Hafner that forced home New York's second run.
David Aardsma allowed a run to Detroit in the third inning, when Danny Worth doubled and scored on Omar Infante's sacrifice fly. The Tigers tied the score against Clay Rapada in the fourth, as Don Kelly tripled and scored on a Kevin Russo sac fly.
The Yanks added three runs in the sixth off Detroit's Michael Morrison. Tyler Austin worked a bases-loaded walk, Corban Joseph collected an RBI groundout and a wild pitch permitted Adonis Garcia to score.
Up next: Right-hander Adam Warren will make his second start of the spring on Sunday as the Yankees travel to play the Red Sox in a 1:35 p.m. ET game in Fort Myers. New York's lineup will include Gardner, Eduardo Nunez and outfield hopeful Juan Rivera. The Red Sox will start right-hander Ryan Dempster.
Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Please Read before posting
I think the PS is an MS tech, not an EMS tech and here's why.
Susanoo carries many forms and this could just be the final form that only Madara has mastered so far.
Susanoo already has forms; rib cage, skeletal, full, completed, and perfect
With perfect Susanoo, Madara just stabilized the chakra of the completed Susanoo form.....
Both Sasuke and Itachi have the completed Susanoo already with their MS.
Sasuke's...look at how the arms resemble Madara's full form and the cloak.
Itachi has the same unstable fiery chakra and cloak form
The Susanoo tech awakens with the MS, not EMS; and having the Susanoo is a rarity in itself. So imagine how rare a PS would be then? I don't think it's an EMS tech since Itachi mentioned that the EMS "gives birth to a completely new tech" and the PS is just an improved version of susanoo.
And if Susanoo is indeed rare, then PS is like the rarest pokemon out there. Getting both would then be like hitting a jackpot.
I somewhat compare the Perfect Susanoo to Naruto's rasengan progression where he had to struggle to maintain control of his chakra and also use clones to help stabilize it for a rasengan.
It's like saying Naruto's chakra mode is MS and bijuu mode is EMS.....but it's not, it's just the mastery over the bijuu, same thing with Susanoo.
One last note. Madara fought Hashirama countless times with just the MS and Hashirama can easily break through a regular susanoo. If he didn't have PS, how would he have survived each time?


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A series of articles about heart-healthy exercise
Answering the Exercise QuestionStraight Talk by Dr. Coulterfrom the Center for Women's Heart & Vascular Health
American Heart Association September 2014
Exercise For Life
Exercise Safely All Year
Get tips for cold-weather exercise.
Learn about hydration and hot and humid conditions.
Visit Project Heart, where kids lead the way to heart-healthy exercise.
Exercise can help your body in many ways. Aside from helping you to keep a healthy body weight, exercise increases your mobility, protects against bone loss, reduces your stress levels, and helps you feel better about yourself. And, research has shown that people who exercise are less likely to develop heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels. People of any age or fitness level can benefit from some type of exercise, be it running, walking, ballroom dancing, water aerobics, gardening, or any activity you choose.
Before you start an exercise program
If you have decided to start an exercise program, you are already on your way to a healthier heart and a fitter body. The first step you should take is to see your doctor, especially if you have any of the health risks listed below:
What kind of exercise should I do?
There are 3 categories of exercises: cardiovascular, strength-building, and flexibility.
Cardiovascular exercise is also known as aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise uses your large muscles and can be continued for long periods. For example, walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling are aerobic activities. These types of exercises drive your body to use oxygen more efficiently and deliver maximum benefits to your heart, lungs, and circulatory system.
Strength-building and flexibility exercises are known as anaerobic exercise. Anaerobic exercise does not have cardiovascular benefits, but it makes your muscles and bones stronger. Strength-building exercises require short, intense effort. Flexibility exercises, which are also anaerobic, tone your muscles through stretching and can prevent muscle and joint problems later in life.
A well-balanced exercise program should include some type of exercise from each category.
Cardiovascular Exercise
A simple definition of cardiovascular exercise is any exercise that raises your heart rate to a level where you can still talk, but you start to sweat a little.
At least 20 minutes of cardiovascular exercise 3 or 4 days a week should be enough to maintain a good fitness level. Any movement is good, even house or yard work. But if your goal is to lose weight, you will need to do some form of cardiovascular exercise for 4 or more days a week for 30 to 45 minutes or longer.
The ideal cardiovascular exercise program starts with a 5- to 10-minute warm-up, which includes gentle movements that will slightly increase your heart rate.
Then, slowly move into 20 or more minutes of a cardiovascular exercise of your choice, such as aerobics, jogging on a treadmill, or walking, to reach what is called your target heart rate. (The chart below can help you find your target heart rate zone.) Your target heart rate is a guideline that can help you measure your fitness level before the start of your program and help you keep track of your progress after you begin an exercise program. Target heart rate also lets you know how hard you are exercising. If you are beginning an exercise program, you should aim for the low end of your target heart rate zone. If you exercise regularly, you may want to work out at the high end of the zone.
To stay within your target heart rate zone, you will need to take your pulse every so often as you exercise. You can find your pulse in 2 places: at the base of your thumb on either hand (called the radial pulse), or at the side of your neck (called the carotid pulse). Put your first 2 fingers over your pulse and count the number of beats within a 10-second period. Multiply this number by 6, and you will have the number of heartbeats in a minute. For example, if you counted your pulse to be 20 during the 10-second pulse count, your heart rate would be 120 beats per minute.
Target Heart Rates by Age Heartbeats per Minute (% of maximum heart rate)
Low (50%)
High (75%)
Note: If you are taking certain medicines, like beta blockers, you may not be able to reach your target heart rate. Remember, always have your doctor's approval before beginning any exercise program.
You never want to begin exercising by immediately reaching your target heart rate, because your muscles and circulatory system need to warm up slowly. Intensify your activity slowly during exercise until you reach your target heart rate. There is no need to exceed your target heart rate during exercise.
End your exercise program with a 5- to 10-minute cool down, which will help to lower your heart rate and prevent your muscles from tightening up.
It's important to stay hydrated (drink enough water) while exercising because you must replenish water lost through sweating (your body's natural cooling system). Exercising in hot and humid weather can be especially challenging; see hydration tips to lessen the risk of heat-related illness. Hydration is just as important during the winter months; see cold-weather exercise.
Strength-Building Exercise
People who lift weights or who use any type of equipment that requires weights are doing strength-building exercise. Strength-building exercise makes your muscles and bones stronger and increases your metabolism. Strength exercises also make your muscles larger. Your muscles use calories for energy even when your body is at rest. So, by increasing your muscle mass, you are burning more calories all of the time. If you strength train regularly, you will find that your body looks leaner and you will lose fat.
Strength-building exercises should be performed 2 to 3 times a week for best results. Always warm up your muscles for 5 to 10 minutes before you begin lifting any type of weight or before performing any resistance exercises.
Find a weight that you can comfortably lift for between 8 and 12 repetitions (reps). Reps are the number of times the exercise is performed. When you can easily do 12 to 15 reps of an exercise, it is time to increase the amount of weight you are lifting.
You should choose exercises that work your legs, arms, chest, back, and stomach. Make sure that each movement is performed in a slow, controlled way. Do not jerk the weights or use too much force.
Also, do not hold your breath during the movements. Remember to breathe out as you lift the weight and breathe in as you lower the weight.
Flexibility Exercises
Flexibility exercises are the most neglected part of a fitness program. Having flexibility can improve your posture, reduce your risk of injury, give you more freedom of movement, and release muscle tension and soreness.
Before you start the stretching phase of your program, always do 5 to 10 minutes of warm-up to loosen your muscles. Stretching cold muscles can lead to injury. Some examples of a warm-up are walking around, marching in place, slowly riding an exercise bike, or lightly jogging. If stretching is part of a longer program that includes a cardiovascular workout, always stretch after the cool-down section of your program. You want to make sure that your heart rate has slowed before you begin the stretching phase.
You should try to do stretching exercises for each muscle group. Each stretch should be done slowly and held for at least 10 to 30 seconds.
Do not bounce while you stretch, because bouncing can injure your muscles. Also, do not over stretch a muscle, because it can cause strain or even a tear. Try not to hold your breath while you stretch. Instead, take long, deep breaths throughout your stretching program.
Choosing the right program
Whether you decide to join a health club or to exercise on your own, you will make exercise a regular part of your life if you like doing it. So try to find one or more activities that you like to do or that give you satisfaction. Remember that exercise does not have to feel like a strenuous workout. Your body benefits from any type of movement. So if running or weight lifting are not for you, think about an activity like tai chi or yoga.
If you decide to join a group exercise program like an aerobics class or water-fitness class, here are some tips for choosing a program:
If you decide that you would like a personal trainer to help you with your exercise program, here are some tips to help you get started:
Instructors or personal trainers who are certified by a nationally recognized certification program have special training that helps them meet your needs. To prepare for the certification exam, instructors must learn the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology and know all types of safe and effective exercise. Certified instructors and personal trainers know how to develop an exercise program and can specialize in developing programs for elderly people, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. Certified instructors also know how to perform CPR in an emergency.
Preventing exercise injuries
One of the most important parts of an exercise program is the warm-up, but most people do not take the time to warm up properly.
A warm up increases your body temperature and makes your muscles loose and ready to exercise. Marching in place, walking for a few minutes, doing some jumping jacks, or jogging in place are all ways to get the blood flowing to the muscles and to prepare them for exercise.
These same exercises can and should be done to cool down after you exercise.
Buying good shoes before you begin an exercise program is one of the most important ways to make sure that you do not get hurt. Your shoes not only protect your feet but also give you a cushion for the weight of your whole body. That is why it is so important that your shoes fit properly.
You should go shoe shopping at the end of the day, when your foot is at its largest size. When you try on a shoe, there should be one-half inch between the end of your toe and the end of the shoe, and your foot should not slip or slide around inside.
Your shoes should feel good when you buy them, and they should not need a "breaking-in" period. If you are exercising regularly, you will most likely need to buy new shoes about every 3 to 6 months. Shoes that are used regularly lose the ability to absorb your weight during exercise and may cause injury to your knees and ankles.
If you are new to an exercise program, and you are exercising at a health club or fitness facility, ask for help before you try something new. The staff should be able to show you how to work any exercise equipment that you do not know how to use. Asking for help will stop you from lifting too much weight or from using the wrong posture when you use the machine. This, in turn, leads to fewer injuries.
No matter what exercise you choose, remember to drink enough water before, during, and after to prevent dehydration (see Hydration Tips).
Finally, use your good judgment and stay within your exercise limits. Light exercise performed regularly is always better than one gut-wrenching workout session a week. Your body will tell you if you are pushing it too hard. Pain, dizziness, fainting, a cold sweat, or pale skin are signs to stop. Even professional athletes and coaches will tell you that physical fitness is gained a little at a time.
Remember that exercise is not limited to working out in a health club or jogging around a track. Pushing a lawn mower, putting up storm windows, and vacuuming a rug are all forms of exercise, although they are not cardiovascular exercise. If you do not have a job that requires physical activity, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther away from your office, or taking a brief walk at lunch are all ways to find fitness during your day.
See also on this site:
Project Heart–Activities for the Classroom has exercise lesson plans and activities for each grade level.
See on other sites:
President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutritionhttp://fitness.gov
MedlinePlushttps://medlineplus.gov/fitnessandexercise.html Fitness and Exercise
American Heart Association www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/PhysicalActivity/Physical-Activity_UCM_001080_SubHomePage.jsp Get Moving - Easy Tips to Get Active
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/index.htm Physical Activity Basics


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The Invisible Font is a nifty feature makes text virtually invisible against the post background colour. Excellent when writing potentially spoilery information. (But please be sure to preview your post to make sure it really did come out invisible!).
To make text invisible, just highlight and then click on the Inv button (next to Font colour button) at the top of the Post Composition window (this will insert [ inv] BBCode into your text).
To read "invisible" text in a post, just highlight it with your mouse -- the letters magically appear. Like this: Edward is hot: shhhh, don't tell! <-- (invisible text here)
Please note that the Invisible Font is for use with permitted spoiler-type information (for example, giving away the plot of an unrelated book or movie in an off-topic discussion thread). GENUINE TWILIGHT SPOILERS MAY NOT BE POSTED EVER -- NO MATTER WHAT FONT YOU USE!!!. See our Rules About Spoilers if you're not sure what that means!!!


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Read the full story here Web Link posted Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 10:41 AM
Town Square
Towns face steep hike in costs for services of Sheriff's Office
Original post made on May 6, 2009
Read the full story here Web Link posted Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 10:41 AM
a resident of Portola Valley: other
on May 6, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Now the Los tranco Water District is starting to look a little selfish, aren't they, what with taking up all of those taxpayer dollars that should be distributed to meet our Town's school or community service needs.
a resident of another community
on May 6, 2009 at 5:13 pm
$10,000.00 for the weeds and "young indigenous plants." Don't even know where to start with this one. The comedy value alone of this little tid bit is just priceless.
a resident of Atherton: Lloyden Park
on May 6, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Even with the increases in Sheriff's costs,what PV and Woodside pay is a bargain compared to what Atherton has to shell out for its own PD.
a resident of Portola Valley: Brookside Park
on May 6, 2009 at 9:43 pm
I am all for paying police properly and giving them benefits. It's a travesty that in this country police have to beg by telephoning for donations or pleading citizens to go to a police ball. Everything the police need - pensions, health care, equipment should be fully funded by appropriate governments.
a resident of Menlo Park: Downtown
on May 6, 2009 at 11:09 pm
Pretty words, Angela. In an ideal world, I would even support your position.
But what about the real world? What about a police officer who has worked since the age of 20, who now makes $112,000 a year, and now decides to retire at the age of 50, guaranteed to get 90 percent of his salary annually (approx. $102,000) for the rest of his life, courtesy of taxpayers -- many who will never be able to retire because they have no decent pension options, or who will retire at 65 or 70 or 75 and live on a paltry fixed income?
In an ideal world, I would love to support the retirement of people who have been good public employees. But in the real world, I know that not only will I never be able to retire, but that my expectations of what my city government -- and county and state governments -- will be able to provide in terms of services to me and my fellow taxpaying citizens must continue to sink. Public services will steadily decrease because in order to continue funding ideal annual salary increases and ideal pension benefits for public employees, there will be steadily diminishing dollars to pay for the services that these good employees are supposed to be providing to the public.
Can you understand that there is something wrong with this picture? Can you figure out that something's got to change or, eventually, the public will be footing the bill for keeping people employed and happily retired while the money left over will barely be enough to keep the lights on in city hall? Do you know what the word "unsustainable" means?
a resident of Portola Valley: other
on May 7, 2009 at 2:19 am
The answer is simple. We need to cut back on patrol cars! All they do here is give people tickets for California stops at Alpine and Portola and for doing 45 in the 35.
a resident of another community
on May 7, 2009 at 7:25 am
Just another suburb? 10,000 for a weed checker? What's next - - Screw cap wine, unripened brie, polyester. Now this is a crisis.
a resident of Woodside: Emerald Hills
on May 7, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Where do you think all the money goes after tickets are written? For weeds and "young indigenous plants. Listen to yourselves. Many cities both small and big are going bankrupt, law enforcement and fire agencies across the county are cutting staff and you are worried about weeds.
From what I understand, Half Moon Bay and Millbrae would love it if the Sheriff's Office moved in and patrolled their streets. Woodside and PV both get great service from the deputies who patrol their town. They are ordered to give tickets, and get a lot of BS when a local feels he or she is immune because they live on several acres and are friends with important people.
You get what you pay for, and how I interrupted this article was that the towns of Woodside and PV think they can get better law enforcement services. Well, happy hunting!
From a concerned citizen and life-long resident of Woodside.
a resident of another community
on May 7, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Town Manager Angela Howard, you have no business representing the citizens of PV & Woodside with the statements I have just read. $569,000 a year for law enforcement services from the Sheriff's Office, that is cheap at the price. For over 30 plus years the citizens of PV & Woodside have never received better service from the Sheriff's Office. You talk about the $10,000 fee to pay someone to check on weeds? You talk about 22 toilets where there used to 4? If you think you can obtain a better law enforcement agency for a cheaper price, knock yourself out.
Some residents complain about getting traffic citations for a California stop or 10 miles over the posted speed limit. PV & Woodside pay for a complete package for law enforcement. Some of those citizens think they are above and beyond getting these citation because of where they live!!! Ms. Howard and other residents that feel the way you do better get a life in the real world.
a resident of Woodside: other
on May 8, 2009 at 11:09 am
Angela Howard isn't questioning whether the service provided by the sheriff's office is adequate, so give up the red herring already, please.
The issue is: The town (and probably Woodside as well) is going to be asked to increase payment to the sheriff's office by 27 percent -- 27 percent!!! -- and the increase is mostly because of rising costs of employee costs.
You want to talk about living in the real world? In the real world, this kind of situation is not only unreasonable, it's not sustainable.
a resident of Woodside: other
on May 8, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Frankly, the Sheriff's Office has not charged PV actual cost for service for quite some time. Do we think when large storms and deadly vehicle accidents occur only two paid patrol units are on the scene, no numerous Sheriff cars respond at no cost to the Town. Good luck finding a cheaper price.
a resident of Woodside: other
on May 9, 2009 at 12:11 am
I agree with Nick. There is also no mention of the investigative services provided by the Sheriff, etc. A new police department would cost many times the paltry sum paid for Sheriff services.
a resident of Portola Valley: Portola Valley Ranch
on May 11, 2009 at 12:38 pm
It seems that people with an interest in not changing compensation and benefits for sheriff officers have taken to posting here, because the last few posts have nothing to do with the issue. The investigative services and the quality of services provided by the sheriff department are not being questioned. To throw those "arguments" into this discussion is to blow smoke.
The issue, as I see it, is employee costs, and the question: have they gotten so out of control that during economic hard times they've become too much of a burden on the public pocket book? I believe the answer is yes, definitely.
Look what's happening in other cities and agencies. Employee groups are returning to the table to renogotiate salaries and benefits. One example: Palo Alto firefighters. This is going to have to happen unless we want to see large numbers of public employees losing their jobs, and public services cut beyond the bone.
a resident of another community
on May 16, 2009 at 7:46 am
In the mid to late 70's a certain San Mateo County Sheriff Officer Boyd would chase us in his cruiser all over the valley on our mini bikes...we knew all the trails and would not get caught until they got the helicopter out there. Back then, there were many open fields of oats and oak trees and few fences. I think less than 3000 people lived in Portola Valley back then. Funny looking at the almanac on line now from so far away physically and in time...seems like in the valley, a few folks wring their hands about this or that issue, but compared to the rest of the world, life in The Bubble is relatively easy. If this issue is consuming you, maybe a reexamination of your priorities is in order. If it just another issue to be dealt with, count your blessings. Happy trails, all.
a resident of Portola Valley: Westridge
on Dec 16, 2012 at 9:05 am
After reading this article from 2009, now I know why we face a fiscal cliff inn 2013...


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Kemp nets Player of Week three-peat
By Doug Miller / MLB.com
On Monday, the Dodgers center fielder was named the recipient of the award for the second consecutive week to begin the 2012 regular season, and combined with his winning of the honor in the last week of the 2011 season, he's earned three in a row, becoming the first player to accomplish the three-peat since the award's inception in 1974.
The only other player to capture consecutive Player of the Week awards to begin a season was Tony Armas, who accomplished the feat in the American League in 1981 while with the Oakland Athletics.
In six games from April 9-15, the right-handed-hitting slugger led all Major Leaguers with a .545 (12-for-22) batting average, four home runs, a 1.182 slugging percentage, .615 on-base percentage and 26 total bases. His seven runs scored tied for first in the NL, and his 12 hits and eight RBIs both tied for second. His torrid start has helped the Dodgers to a Major League-best 9-1 record, marking the club's best start through 10 games since 1981.
Kemp dominated in the Dodgers' weekend series sweep over the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium, going 7-for-10 with four homers and seven RBIs in the three-game set. Kemp went 3-for-4 with a home run on Sunday as the Dodgers edged the Padres, 5-4. On Saturday, last year's runner-up for league MVP hit two homers and drove in four en route to a 6-1 Dodgers victory.
Kemp also notched multihit efforts on Wednesday and Thursday, leading the Dodgers to a three-game sweep of the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates. Kemp, 27, already has seven multihit games this season and entered Monday's play leading the Majors in hitting (.487), home runs (6) and RBIs (16).
This is his fourth career weekly award, having won previously for the weeks of May 4, 2008; Sept. 25, 2011; and April 8, 2012.
Doug Miller is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @DougMillerMLB and read his MLBlog, Youneverknow. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Dodger Stadium is the second-oldest facility in the National League, and when Yankee Stadium is torn down after the 2008 season, the Dodgers will have the third-oldest venue in all of baseball. Because it was designed for a very different era, Dodger Stadium is currently bursting at the seams and unable to deliver many of the modern amenities and experiences that fans have come to enjoy and expect at ballparks around the country. The modern-day space requirements for technology, concessions, storage, and office space could not have been envisioned by architects five decades ago.
"We're creating a new stadium without tearing down the old," said Dodger owner Frank McCourt. "That may take more effort and more resources, but we're talking about Dodger Stadium. This stadium sits in the heart of Los Angeles and in the hearts of Angelenos. The Dodgers are a world class organization, a world class brand and a franchise with a history of courage and vision. What we're announcing today honors that history by protecting and modernizing Dodger Stadium and making sure that it lives on and thrives for the next 50 years."
"We are very pleased to see the Dodgers commit to remain at a 'new' Dodger Stadium," said Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. "The plans to add trees, landscaping, attractions, and picnic areas will enhance the experience for families, and they will help usher in a whole new generation of baseball fans. We commend Frank and Jamie McCourt for their vision and their dedication to grow the game in the 21st Century."
The renowned architecture and planning firms of Johnson Fain and HKS lead an accomplished team of designers on this ambitious project that features the following components:
Dodger Way - A dramatic, new tree-lined entrance will lead to a beautifully landscaped grand plaza where fans can gather beyond center field. The plaza will connect to a modern, bustling promenade that features restaurants, shops and the Dodger Experience museum showcasing the history of the Dodgers in an interactive setting.
Green Necklace - The vibrant street setting of Dodger Way links to a beautiful perimeter around Dodger Stadium, enabling fans to walk around the park, outdoors yet inside the stadium gates. This Green Necklace will transform acres of parking lots into a landscaped outdoor walkway connecting the plaza and promenade to the rest of the ballpark.
Top of the Park - The Green Necklace connects to a large scale outdoor plaza featuring breathtaking 360 degree views spanning the downtown skyline and Santa Monica Bay, the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains, and the Dodger Stadium diamond.
This renewal plan comes on the heels of extensive stadium improvements since Frank and Jamie McCourt became stewards of the Dodgers in 2004. Past improvements include replacing nearly all of the seats in the stadium bowl; planting a new playing field and upgrading the warning track; renovating the concourses with updated concessions and other amenities; and reconfiguring stadium parking.
As a result of these extensive improvements, the stadium will become a destination for fans all year long and a place where, especially on game days, families can go early and stay late. Dodger Stadium will be a place to visit year-round to shop, dine and play.
"We hope to deliver all the modern amenities and conveniences of new ballparks, while protecting and preserving the greatest and most romantic venue in professional sports," said Dodger President Jamie McCourt. "Families will have a reason to come early and stay late any day of the year. Getting to the ballpark will be easier and spending time at the ballpark will be more comfortable and more fun."
As part of the ambitious stadium project, the Dodgers will "Think Blue and Act Green." The stadium will become as environmentally responsible a baseball stadium as there is in America. The Dodgers plans reflect the environmentally-sensitive practices supported by the Natural Resources Defense Council in their "Team Greening Program," a collaboration with Major League Baseball. The new facilities will be designed to meet silver "LEED" sustainability standards.
The renovations call for planting trees around the stadium and a focus on conserving water as well as promoting recycling and other environmental initiatives. The Dodgers will use the latest technologies to save millions of gallons of water each year. Recycling measures include post-consumer waste recycling, and recycling materials that will be removed throughout the building process. The Dodgers will use native or drought-resistant plants for landscaping and, where possible, energy efficient bulbs in all stadium and scoreboard lighting. Other environmental practices will include installing energy efficient appliances in all kitchen and concession facilities, and purchasing building materials and items used in concession kiosks that are made from recycled or quality, durable products.
The ambitious stadium improvement plan also addresses the need for operational enhancements including completing the concourse transformations, started this year with the Field Level Concourse, to include new restrooms, concession facilities and improved kitchen areas so food for fans and guests can be prepared in a fast and convenient manner. In addition to the new Dodger Experience museum, new buildings will include the ultimate Dodger retail store and a central ticketing facility for fans. Above these uses, there will be room for Dodger-related office space and work areas for onsite security personnel, Dodger operational staff and the Dodgers Dream Foundation. Parking improvements include two terraced parking structures on either side of the stadium that will replace existing surface parking, along with below-grade parking under the two new plazas.
"We commit to embodying the vision and spirit of this storied Dodger franchise," Frank McCourt said. "We're keeping this wonderful ballpark where it is, and providing more gathering places in the heart of Los Angeles. When completed in 2012, Dodger Stadium will continue to reflect the world class history and future of this storied franchise."
For Dodger fans interested in learning more about the stadium improvements, please visit the official Dodger website at dodgers.com


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The company I work for is currently trying to take the scheduling from a piece of paper like it has been for years and move it to a digital scheduling system.
We are an autobody shop and we need to schedule cars in and track how many units (relates to labor hours) that are scheduled. These do not need to even be distributed over different days but need to be tracked so we can tell if we are under or over our goals.
The simplest way is obviously an excel sheet but I run into the problem of multiple people being in the file and overwriting changes that others have made.
I am looking for the easiest and most cost effective way to do this. It doesn't matter if it is a pre made program that we can tailor to our needs or something simple that I can learn to program. The key is that the boss doesn't want to go out of the office for labor if we don't have too. Since I already manage all of the computers and website I was the chosen one for the job.
Any help would be appreciated.


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Discussion in 'General Pro Player Discussion' started by kragster, Mar 15, 2012.
Please only serious comments.
0%. No one currently playing on the tour has any chance to get to 20.
In response to the poll, 44%.
lol nice troll job there.
says "only serious comments." and posts ridiculously close percentage options of no relevance.
Rafa has a better chance of getting 20 Slams (from Djokovic) than you getting serious comments.
it's too cold for this time of the year in Southern California.
The only way he gets there is to win 10 more French Opens....
He has a 42% chance of making it to 20 slams. 20 slam finals that is. Even then I wish there was a lower choice for that one.
Making it to 20 slams is in the 0 to 1% percent area. Meaning you have a better chance of hitting double zero in Vegas.
Actually I believe he has already surpassed that - he has gotten into 31 slams so far IIRC.
His chance of winning 20 slams is <1%
He's nearly 26, he essentially needs to repeat his career up to this point to do that.
Zero,zilch,nada,none. In other words not a single solitary chance in h*ll.
I don't see Rafa winning Cincinnati any time soon
None. Troll thread.
This. Don't feed the troll.
Beat me to it. As we well know around here he so far has 0 true slams.
Chances are he won't be getting any.
LOL. He won't even reach Pete's 14. Get real.
Isn't the correct answer supposed to be: 'Connors in five'?
BTW, celoft, do you really think it's so laughable to imagine that Nadal could reach 14 Majors?
Here's a serious comment.... 0%
20 majors? That implies Nadal has currently won half the number of his eventual career majors.
Let's see Nadal get number 11 first, eh?
I say he will get about 15 slams, 20 seems impossible with Nole around
Rafa is looking extremely fresh and has not dropped a set all week. Nole OTOH was exhausted at AO and is still carrying his fatigues.
Rafa will have a great 2012, even better than 2011 or 2010, but won't win any more majors. With some luck he may one day win one more major but 11 will be his max.
Therefore in conclusion, 45.5%.
Duh ! He is winning a major this weekend and adding the Crappy Slam to his collection.
I don't think Rafa's chances of getting 20 slams are very high because as long as Djokovic is around and playing well.. the slams are going his way unless Nadal can get on top of him somehow :-?
This thread is not as bad as the "Serena will end up with 20 slams by the end of 2013" thread.
If he didn't lose the last 3 finals, he'd be sitting on 13 right now
If my auntie had balls....
If they didn't slow down the court even further Nadal wouldn't be sitting on 10 slams.
Don't be an ass and take my comment out of context. Im not playing the "if" this and "if" that game. Just making a simple statement that Djokovic just in the past months stopped him from getting 13.
If David Beckham were a woman, he would use premiership sanitary towels!
It's funny how things go in circles. Now we have Nadal fans behaving much like some Fed fans wondering what it would be like had their player won X slam finals.
If Djokovic was twice as good as he is now, he'd be the GOAT of all time!
If I didn't have a butthole then where would the...
If Djokovic hadn't stopped Nadal from reaching 13 Slams by this stage, then Nadal would have good chances to reach 20 Slams and beyond!
That's mah boy!
You brought it out lol
lol. I've succeeded in life. Can I get a yeehee - naah, just kiddin'.
If Ivanovic were a man... I'd be gay for him.
Side note, clearly I should have used 25 slams instead of 20 given that people are actually seriously evaluating this.
Dad is that you?
The only player had a real chance to win 20 slams was Federer.
He has won 16 and missed couple of GS by small margin e.g 2005 AO, 2009 USO.
And if Fed hadn't lost finals to Ralph, he'd have already crossed 20 slams. :lol:
Only serious comments, in a hilarious thread, bahahahaha. Oh sorry, zero.
Federer has a 1% chance, the rest none.
no one can win 20 cincis. no one.
What's the story (in short) behind the whole Cincytard stuff?
Then why are the poll choices what they are?
I agree. Djokovic and possibly others are going to stop Nadal from winning anything other than Roland Garros, and even if he was absolutely the best player in the sport right now, I would still think his chances are remote just because I don't think he'll play long enough due to his style being so hard on his body.
im afraid there is no short story to this http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=282818
none that would do it justice anyway
He has no chance. Period.
He could get to 16 or 17 GS if Djokovic2.0 didn't exist (and it is a bit shocking to think about it) but 20 GS is just too much for everybody.
I think he will end up with 11 or 12 GS (it depends on Djokovic2.0 heavily).
LOL, thanks, that whole thread can be read many times over. 4 months 26 days to the Real Slam!
On topic, IIRC since Rafa hasn't won the Real Slam yet, so getting from 0 to 20 is impossible.
the silliest thread ever... 20 GS, whatever
Separate names with a comma.


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It's not like I'm asking these women where they live and what hospital they're giving birth at. I was just asking for their last name to see what whould go well with it and to avoid rhyming first and last names.
Looking back on it asking for their last names wasn't the best way to go. I don't want anyone to feel unsafe. I'd delete the post so people won't feel worried or judged for giving out their last name, but I can't.


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Earlier this year several Boston media outlets reported that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) had launched an investigation into Marylou's Coffee, a popular East Coast coffee shop chain known for hiring attractive female baristas.
The case highlights a growing debate over "beauty bias" in hiring and employment, which has led various jurisdictions to ban discrimination based on factors such as height, weight or personal appearance. In InsideCounsel's September issue, experts weigh in on the legal precedent involved and advise in-house attorneys on how to avoid charges of discrimination.
What are the facts?
Marylou's Coffee is famous for hiring young, pretty female employees, clad in the chain's signature pink shirts and black shorts. This spring, Marylou Sandry, owner of the eponymous coffee shop, accused the EEOC of leading a "witch hunt" to investigate her allegedly discriminatory hiring practices. According to published reports, the investigation was initiated by an EEOC commissioner, and not based on a complaint from an injured party.
This led some to speculate that the EEOC is actively trying to establish beauty bias as a form of discrimination. The agency adamantly denies that, and will not confirm or deny it is investigating Marylou's. EEOC spokesperson Justine Lisser said the agency uses commissioner charges "within the scope of our enforcement authority and [does] not view them as tools to write new laws or expand existing ones."
What is "beauty bias"?
Research has suggested that attractive people are more likely to be hired, typically earn higher salaries and are promoted more often. And standards of beauty are not as subjective as many believe, according to Deborah Rhode, Stanford University Law School professor and author of "The Beauty Bias: The Injustice of Appearance in Life and Law." On the contrary, people—regardless of age, race or class—consistently rate certain individuals as attractive in studies.
What effect would federal recognition have on beauty bias cases? James McDonald, a partner at Fisher & Phillips, believes that the number of unjust discrimination claims would rise. But Deborah Rhode says that current laws have had little effect on the number of complaints, and that federal legislation would likely "raise consciousness and deter employers from making irrelevant characteristics the basis of decisions."
According to Carol Miaskoff, the EEOC's assistant legal counsel for Title VII, there is often a fine line between discrimination based on attractiveness and discrimination based on other protected categories. "If someone grew up in a culture where they never saw people wearing certain religious garb, and therefore doesn't find it attractive, he could slip into not hiring people wearing that clothing," she notes. "And that would be exclusion on the basis of religion."


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This week's momentous decision to retire the Crystal River reactor should remind Floridians that one of nuclear power's greatest vulnerabilities comes in the shape of dollar signs.
The $1.4 billion-and-rising cost of repairing the plant's containment wall was a key factor in the decision to throw in the towel. The company's power customers paid for much of the repair effort. They will get some reimbursement, thanks to an insurance settlement, but may not get all their money back, depending on how regulators set rates.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, Crystal River — which lies along the Gulf north of Tampa — will be the first major nuclear plant in the Southeast to permanently close. The reactor has been shut down since 2009, when the containment building was damaged during an effort to upgrade the 35-year-old facility. The site's coal-fired generators — which contribute to greenhouse gas pollution and smog — continue to operate.
Consumers in Sarasota and Manatee counties aren't dependent on power from Crystal River; we get ours elsewhere, from a different utility. But some of our electricity supply is produced by aging nuclear reactors in South Florida, so the lessons of Crystal River are relevant.
The case also exposes weaknesses in consumer-protection and rate-setting aspects of statewide regulation. Florida's Public Service Commission long has been accused of putting the financial interests of utilities before the pocketbook concerns of customers.
Ultimately, Crystal River also raises questions about the wisdom of Florida's plans for future reactors — one of them proposed just miles from the reactor that is being decommissioned.
Advocates contend that next-generation nuclear power is needed in order to reduce fossil-fuel pollution, which contributes to dangerous climate change. They also say nuclear energy provides a steady source of power with long-term price predictability, unlike fossil fuels.
But Crystal River's unexpectedly expensive containment-wall problem — some estimates indicated repair costs could have exceeded $3 billion — undercuts the price-predictability argument.
There are other reasons, as well, to question the push for new nuclear plants. Their up-front price (about $24 billion) is so huge that the private sector won't touch such projects without federal guarantees and subsidies, shifting risk onto taxpayers. The proposals rely on new reactor designs whose long-term safety has not been proven. Reactors produce radioactive waste, for which no permanent storage site has been established. If an accident occurs, the potential for irremediable loss cannot be dismissed. And decommissioning takes decades and hundreds of millions of dollars.
Other sustainable-energy developments, including solar panels and simple conservation, look smarter in comparison to nuclear.
Duke Energy, a subsidiary of which owns the Crystal River site, reportedly is considering building a new natural-gas-fired plant there.
When a company as large as Duke — whose utility portfolio includes other reactors — decides that a vintage nuclear power plant is too costly to fix, it's a sign industry proponents should not ignore.
They tell us nuclear technology will produce safe, reasonably priced energy. But Crystal River says otherwise.
After the shutdown
Duke Energy will not immediately dismantle the Crystal River plant.
It must meet Nuclear Regulatory Commission rules for decommissioning. Duke reportedly has chosen the method in which a facility is maintained and monitored as the radioactivity decays. The plant eventually is dismantled and the property decontaminated.
The NRC says decommissioning must be completed within 60 years. "Before a nuclear power plant begins operations, the licensee must establish or obtain a financial mechanism – such as a trust fund or a guarantee from its parent company – to ensure that there will be sufficient money to pay for the ultimate decommissioning of the facility," an NRC fact sheet states. For more information: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/fact-sheets/ decommissioning.html
Closed reactor reaction
This week's momentous decision to retire the Crystal River reactor should remind Floridians that one of nuclear power's greatest vulnerabilities comes in the shape of dollar signs.


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By Margaret McKinney
Highlands University
The New Mexico Highlands University music faculty will present a free recital at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19 featuring contemporary compositions by faculty as well as works by Mozart, Bach, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, and more.
The recital is in the Margaret Kennedy Alumni Hall.
The musical program begins with Johann Sebastian Bach's Benedictus, from Mass in B Minor with Andre Garcia-Nuthmann at tenor, Billie Matthews on flute, and Linda King on piano.
Roy "Puffy" Gonzales dedicated his life to teaching music to students of West Las Vegas. He taught in the Valley area for more than 30 years. He touched many of his students' lives in such a positive way.
Submitted to the Optic
The Literacy Council of Northeastern New Mexico, a division of the Las Vegas Arts Council, will host the fourth annual Literacy Fair from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Abe Montoya Recreation Center gymnasium. The theme for this year's event is "Reach for the Stars: Read, Read, Read."
To commemorate the Centennial of New Mexico statehood in 2012 the museum will be offering programs each month. Under the general series Centennial Adventures there will be family programs called Crafting the Centennial and scholarly discussions called Museum Cafes.
Copyright © 2018
The Las Vegas Optic is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in San Miguel County and Las Vegas, NM, and the surrounding area.


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Prosecutors on Friday charged Joshua Johnson, 38, of New Blaine in the Wednesday shooting death of Lora Karras, 30, at Karras' home in Scranton. Authorities said three children were in the home at the time but were not injured.
Johnson is jailed on $1 million bond and has not yet entered a plea.
Logan County sheriff's investigators said they have not discovered a motive for the shooting.


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Phillies Take One From The BoSox
In this 3-game series against a very good Red Sox team, the Phillies managed to escape with one win yesterday. The game did not start out great, as JA Happ struggled in the 2nd inning and gave up 4 runs, including back-to-back homers. But Happ went to his Happ-Y place and recovered nicely; although he walked 6 and allowed 5 runs total, Happ still managed to pitch though almost 6 innings to give the bullpen a much needed rest.
The Phillies offense battled back and scored 4 runs in the 5th and then 6 in the 7th inning. Singles by Pedro Feliz, Chris Coste and Chase Utley and a double from Ryan Howard led the charge in the 5th. Then in the 7th, Jimmy Rollins emerged from his slump and hit a lead-off home run. The rest of the team jumped on his back, decided to Hang Ten and ride the wave for 6 more runs which included 2 of those runs scored after Sox pitching hit J-Roll in his 2nd at-bat of the inning and then issued a walk to Shane Victorino all with the bases loaded to force in runs. The game ended with a score of 11-6; the exact same score of the previous day's game, but this time, it was in the Phillies favor.
Moyer Foundation
So the Phillies get a break from baseball today, but Jamie Moyer and many other players will do their part for charity tonight at the Philly Celebrity Waiters Dinner at the ballpark. Benefiting the Moyer Foundation's Camp Erin, which assists children in distress, many players will don aprons and serve food and drink to Philly locals in an effort to raise money for the cause. It is always nice to see athletes using their free time to help the community. Now just try not to drop a serving tray on anyone's head… ;O)
Up Next
Tuesday night, the Phillies will host the Toronto Blue Jays for some more nerve-wracking interleague play. Cole Hamels will take the mound at 7:05pm and Phillies fans will get to say hello to a few old friends; Scott Rolen and Rod Barajas. So I know how Philly fans feel about Rolen, who publicly criticized the team years ago when he left, but he is still a cutie. Please try to be gracious and not boo him…asking too much? Oh well.
"The Pen"
Last night, the MLB Network premiered its new reality TV series, "The Pen," which will follow the Phillies bullpen from Spring Training all the way to the All-Star break this year. Last night's episode gave a behind the scenes look at how pitchers are evaluated in Spring Training, how the 5th starter was chosen, what some of the players do in their free time with their kids and family, the impact of losing Harry Kalas and everything in between. They even showed the agony that JA Happ went through when he had to call home to tell his family that Chan Ho Park was given the 5th spot and that he was unsure if he would make the team. Cameras followed him as he sat on his bed in the hotel and made the phone call. Gut wrenching, emotion stuff. It was absolutely outstanding and after the hour was up, I was sad that it had to end. But luckily, a new episode will air every Sunday night. Make sure to tune in!
Remember to keep VOTING for our Phillies All-Stars! VOTE up to 25 times per day, per email address!
Rollins Photo – Jenn
*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin' Phils Phorum in the My Team Rivals network*


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GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Florida offensive coordinator Brent Pease is apologizing for using obscenities after being caught on camera obviously swearing during the Gators' season opener.
The former Boise State coordinator came to Gainesville with a reputation for being emotional, and it showed Saturday during a 27-14 victory in which the Florida offense sputtered.
Pease says, "I probably got a little potty mouth. I apologize for that. I hear it more from my mom than anybody else."
What did mom say? "My mother said to be careful and I need to watch my mouth. I had my mouth washed out with soap when I was like 9. It's not going to happen now."
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Ministers block HS2 report release
Ministers have blocked the release of a report into the controversial HS2 rail project by over-ruling a decision by the freedom of information watchdog that it should be disclosed to campaigners.
Campaigners against construction of the high-speed line between London and the north of England are demanding the publication of a review of the £42 billion scheme drawn up in 2011 for the Major Projects Authority (MPA).
They were hopeful that the Information Commissioner's decision last year to back their freedom of information request would lead to the revelation of damning information about doubts over the scheme's value for money.
But Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said he was taking the "exceptional" step of vetoing the Information Commissioner's ruling that the project assessment review should be released, arguing that there was a "strong public interest against disclosure".
Announcing his decision in a statement to MPs, Mr McLoughlin said: "The Major Projects Review was conducted to inform the development of the HS2 project. The public interest in ensuring that projects of this scale, importance and cost are properly controlled and overseen is very high indeed.
"The assurance of confidentiality is important in the conduct of the review. In my view, there is nothing in the nature or content of this particular report which outweighs that strong public interest against disclosure."
The MPA has carried out reviews of dozens of high-value Government schemes to assess the effectiveness with which they can be delivered, and none of them are ever intended for publication. In 2013, the authority released a traffic-light rating for each of the schemes, which gave HS2 an "amber/red" assessment.
A Government spokesman said: "This Government is proud to lead the world on transparency and last year we published the first ever Major Projects Authority report which included information on all major projects.
"Hard-working people rightly expect the Government to keep tight control over how their taxes are spent on major projects and that's just what the Government's Major Projects Authority is working with departments to do.
"It's important to strike a balance between the benefits of transparency and protecting the ability of officials to 'speak truth to power'. The Major Projects Authority will not be truly effective if officials fear that their frank advice to ministers could be disclosed. We have already published project-level data in our annual report of major projects and have no plans to go further.
"The Government has decided that it is not in the public interest to release this report."
Information Commissioner Christopher Graham said: "This is a disappointing decision, and I'll be studying the Secretary of State's explanation to understand why this has been ruled an exceptional case.
"There's important legal issues to be considered here, and I'll be highlighting our view of them in an open letter to the Justice Committee in due course."
Richard Houghton of the HS2 Action Alliance, which is opposing the new rail link, said: "So far as we can see, the last time secrecy laws of this nature were invoked was during the Iraq war. The implications are immense.
" We obviously have not had access to the MPA report into HS2 although, as with everything of this nature, there are leaks and rumours which lead us to believe that the report is damning and could see heads rolling in both the Department for Transport and other sections of government.
"Secrecy and withholding of information kills governments - especially in an era when public and business alike are deeply suspicious of politicians. That is something which should be carefully considered, not just by the current Government, but any likely future Labour-led government."
Paul Thornton, who brought the original freedom of information request, said the issue was likely to go to judicial review.
He said the ministerial veto applied only to internal Government documents, but the review had been shared with HS2 Ltd, which is a company wholly owned by the Department for Transport with a remit to design and promote the new rail link.
"The veto can only be used when there is a dispute over public interest, and that cannot be used in this case because the report is not an internal communication," said Dr Thornton.
"This is a delaying tactic on the part of Government as they know decision is likely to go to judicial review. This should not be necessary as Parliament should be scrutinising this arbitrary decision and ensuring that it is overturned, as it creates an alarming precedent."
Stop HS2 campaign manager Joe Rukin said: "It is absolutely disgraceful that the Government doesn't want MPs, who should be fully informed before voting on the colossal expenditure HS2 entails, to actually have all the information about the project.
"This just proves that there has been, and continues to be, an agenda from Government to deceive MPs and the public with spin and dismiss any independent information showing just how bad the HS2 project is.
"It also shows that this Government's supposed 'transparency agenda' is as transparent as a lump of coal. What is the point in having reports on projects if they cannot be used to inform the debate around them?"


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OCEAN CITY – One man is in custody, another believed missing for about 24 hours on Tuesday is alive and well and Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) have still not abandoned a search for another "John" this week after a bizarre story unfolded involving the theft of a fishing boat from a marina in West Ocean City, its collision with the Route 50 bridge and later grounding on a sandbar in the bay.
Around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Christopher Bornaschella, 24, of Chincoteague, allegedly stole the "Hooked Up" fishing boat from its dock at Fisherman's Marina in West Ocean City and attempted to flee when the boat's propeller became disabled and the vessel crashed into the Route 50 bridge as many as three times. Bornaschella did not untie the boat from its moorings before pulling out of the slip, breaking off a piling and dragging it behind the boat.
Eventually, the rope tied to the piling got wrapped around the boat's propeller and disabled the vessel, hampering its navigation ability. It didn't help that the suspect, Bornaschella, was intoxicated at the time. After striking the bridge, the "Hooked Up" ran aground just south of the span.
NRP personnel arrived on the scene shortly thereafter and questioned Bornaschella, who told police another man he met earlier that night known only as "John" had stolen the boat with him and he believed "John" had gone overboard during the collision with the bridge. The conversation touched off a massive search effort for the missing man including Coast Guard and NRP vessels along with a Coast Guard helicopter.
Early Tuesday, the search focused on John Edward Cropper, 42, of Ocean City. Cropper, a local waterman, did not show up for work on Tuesday and NRP officials believed he might have been the "John" that Bornaschella said was with him and could have gone overboard. However, Cropper turned up alive and well on Wednesday. Despite his being found okay, NRP officials have not ruled anything out in terms of Cropper's involvement in the case.
"We did locate John Edward Cropper and he is just fine," said NRP Sgt. Ken Turner. "We're not saying we're finished with him yet. This investigation is ongoing."
Meanwhile, Turner said the NRP has not abandoned a search for another possible "John" although the efforts have been scaled back and now include just the normal marine patrol in the area. It remains uncertain if there was ever another man aboard the vessel when it was stolen, but witnesses have reported never seeing a second suspect.
Nonetheless, the NRP must do its due diligence and continue to look for a possible missing person because of the testimony given by Bornaschella.
"We're still searching, although it's been scaled back quite a bit," said Turner. "John is a pretty common name and there are still a lot of unanswered questions, but we have to follow through."
Bornaschella was arrested by NRP officers on the vessel and taken to the Maryland State Police barrack in Berlin for processing. He has been charged with felony theft over $500, operating a vessel while intoxicated and operating a vessel in a reckless manner.
In addition, he was found wanted in Virginia on a warrant for burglary and theft and is being held as a fugitive from justice from that state. Bornaschella had a bail review on Wednesday and was ordered held on a $50,000 bond.
The "Hooked Up" was pulled off the sandbar by mid-day on Tuesday during a high tide and was towed into nearby Sunset Marina. Greg Hall of Maryland Coast Towing said the boat was beat up and the propeller was bent from being wrapped with the rope, but it could have been much worse.
"The damage is not too bad," he said. "There is a dent in the side and the prop is fouled, but it could have been a thousand times worse."


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Phillips looking to snap out of offensive funk
By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- It hasn't been a robust spring offensively for Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips, who was batting .161 with a .235 on-base percentage entering Monday's Cactus League action against the Indians.
On Sunday vs. the A's, however, Phillips crushed a two-run homer in the seventh inning with a nice swing that left no doubt the ball was clearing the left-field fence. It was the game-winner in a 7-6 victory.
"It was terrific for a multitude of reasons. No. 1, it was nice to see him really barrel up a pitch and drive it," Reds manager Bryan Price said.
Phillips struggled offensively down the stretch last season, partly because of the effects of being hit by a pitch on his left forearm on June 1. After considering multiple options, Phillips and the team decided against surgery.
Instead, Phillips went the route of therapy and rehabilitation.
"Since he's been here when he was hitting, it's been a non-issue," Price said. "I think it's more of a timing thing. He's seeing the ball really well. Talking to him, he feels like he's going out trying to get pitches a little bit early in his swing. It's just a matter of seeing more pitches, having more at-bats and getting his timing down. I couldn't be less concerned about his spring offense to this point."
Bailey questionable for start against Royals
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Still working back from a mild right groin strain, Reds pitcher Homer Bailey is not a lock to make his next start on Friday vs. the Royals.
"I would say at this point in time it's questionable," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "We don't know for sure. He has made improvement, but with a groin, just like a hamstring, we would want him to take the field without concern of re-injury or making a relatively benign issue a significant one."
Bailey was scratched from his last scheduled start on Saturday against the Brewers after he was injured while throwing last Friday.
"Every day it gets a little bit better," said Bailey, who signed a six-year, $105 million contract in February. "It's a little bruised up [Monday] just from some of the treatment we were doing."
Bailey was also non-committal over whether he thought he could make the next start.
"We'll see. I threw a little bit [Sunday]," Bailey said. "I knew there was a certain point where I had to start backing off once my stride gets a little further."
S. Marshall reports no problems after bullpen
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Reds reliever Sean Marshall, who has been bothered by a sore left shoulder for much of camp, threw off of a mound in the bullpen for the second time on Monday. Marshall threw 30 pitches and showed no visible signs of discomfort.
Considering he has yet to get into a game this spring, Marshall is expected to begin the regular season on the disabled list. He was limited to 16 appearances last season because of shoulder injuries.
"I'm disappointed," Marshall said before his bullpen session. "I've kind of struggled with this shoulder a little bit where I can't rush. I did rush at the beginning. I had a good throwing program and when I got here in camp, I ramped it up too quick, too early. I threw a 60-pitch bullpen one day working on things. I felt the repercussions of that a couple of days later. I know I can't rush. I have to stay on their pace that the therapists and trainers recommend. I don't think I will be that much behind."
Marshall has been working to fine-tune his delivery to try and prevent more shoulder irritation.
"I've felt really good the last three days and I bounced back good," Marshall said. "I had the slow down at the beginning of camp but I've made steady progress since then. ... The thing about me is, I do a little too much. That's what they're saying. They want me to throw 15 pitches and I will throw 25-30 pitches. I think that's what led to them slowing me down earlier in camp."
Reds mulling multitude of roster possibilities
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- With exactly two weeks remaining before Opening Day, the Reds are faced with numerous roster questions -- in part because of injuries. Manager Bryan Price, the coaches and front office have to consider who fits the club's needs, and also how some could be added to the big league roster.
"It's really important to get a better understanding of what our roster could look like if guys like [Jack] Hannahan, [Sean] Marshall, [Jonathan] Broxton and [Mat] Latos aren't ready for the season," Price said. "Some of those that I mentioned, we aren't confident they will start the year with us."
If Latos isn't able to return from left knee surgery in time for Opening Day, Alfredo Simon would shift from the bullpen to take his place in the rotation. Broxton (forearm) and Marshall (shoulder) not being ready would mean three open bullpen spots for five leading contenders -- Pedro Beato, Trevor Bell, Nick Christiani, Jose Diaz and Lee Hyde.
Hannahan was slow to return from shoulder surgery and resumed playing this week. Ramon Santiago, Chris Nelson, Kris Negron, Neftali Soto are seeking infield spots. Non-roster invites Roger Bernadina and Jason Bourgeois are vying for outfield spots.
"We have to take a hard look at the guys that are ... and where our depth is," Price said. "Are we better served with having another outfielder? There are guys out there that have really been impressive. The question will be what are our needs breaking camp? If Hannahan isn't ready to go, do we need somebody that can spell [Todd] Frazier? Do we need somebody that gives us a stronger bench bat, pinch-hitting? Someone that can steal a base for us? Those will be some of the questions we try to answer these next two weeks."
Also complicating matters are contracts. For example, Bernadina can opt-out of his Minor League contract on Tuesday if he doesn't think he will make the team.
"You don't want to be held hostage by those situations," Price said. "Guys we have in camp we like, we like that they're here. We like the depth they provide. We feel like many of them could help our club this year either on Opening Day or at some point during the year. That's why we got these guys. We got them to provide support if we had injuries, No. 1, and support for depth over the course of the season."
Worth noting
• The Reds will use Rob Coughlin as their replay coordinator to alert the bench when manager Bryan Price should ask for a review on disputed calls this season. Coughlin already serves as the team's video coordinator and will continue in that capacity as well.
Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Anyone have any idea if the Ministry taxes? I'm thinking there's no canon info on it, but it makes sense, yes? Do you think they charge for things like health care, upkeep of roads (though I suppose they don't have many), protections against...evil things, etc? We know the kiddies have to pay for Hogwarts, but what about St. Mungo's or something? Do you think they would use tax brackets like we do (I'm in America)? Anyone have ideas?
Thanks for any help!