text: The Diving Bell and the ButterflyCarr, CoeliNeurology Now: November-December 2007 - Volume 3 - Issue 6 - p 12 doi: 10.1097/01.NNN.0000300607.13197.fb Department: the Waiting Room: Screening Room Figure (Focus Features, 2007; in French, with subtitles) Strokes can cause varying degrees of disability. However, you probably won't be prepared for the level of confinement meticulously described in The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. The film tells the true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, a fashion magazine editor in Paris who, after his stroke and subsequent coma at the age of 43, was totally paralyzed except for the muscles in his left eye. Directed by Julian Schnabel (whose work here netted him the top director award at Cannes), the film is shot from the point of view and through the eyes of Bauby, portrayed by Mathieu Amalric. Bauby hears everything—including the horrifyingly dire prognosis of his doctors about his fate to live in this "locked-in" syndrome indefinitely while his intellect and imagination remain indelibly sharp. His awareness that the life he once knew is over is represented by the recurring image running through his head of being trapped in a diving bell, an old-fashion underwater suit, sinking to the bottom of the ocean. What the film also conveys—magnificently—is Bauby's triumph in achieving communication. One caregiver creates a system that involves speaking the letters of the alphabet, which allows Bauby to blink when the sound he wants is spoken. Stringing those sound-representations together, although time consuming, allows him to create sentences. The miracle is that Bauby dictated an entire book, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (on which the film is based) using this blink system. The symbolic butterfly of the title is the unfettered, sky-bound antithesis of the leaden diving gear. Bauby died days after his book was published in 1996, but The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a testament to the power of the imagination to transcend the confines of illness. Although much of the film's content is somber, with Amalric giving an unselfconscious and deglamorized portrayal of an extreme invalid state, we see the relentless spirit of several women, including the mother of his children, a former lover, and various therapists at the facility in Normandy where he was cared for. Those who are caregivers to loved ones who have suffered strokes will draw strength from watching what one man accomplished because people refused to give up on him, which allowed Bauby not to give up on himself. Coeli CarrCopyright © 2007, AAN Enterprises, Inc.


text:
Redman's outing one for the books
Rockies' starter makes history with Saturday's 10-run frame
By Thomas Harding / MLB.com
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the official statistician for Major League Baseball, Redman is the first starter since 1900 to finish a first inning after giving up 10 or more runs. The history didn't stop there.
No other starter had lasted six innings after giving up 10 or more runs. Redman and Jose Capellan combined to hold the Dodgers to one run in the final eight innings. The last team to give up 10 or more in the first and hold the opponent to one or fewer was the Twins, who spotted the Rangers 11 in the first but gave up just one more on Aug. 21, 1995.
Rockies manager Clint Hurdle wasn't exactly impressed.
"After giving up 10 the first inning, he needed to find a way to help the ballclub -- that's how I look at it," he said.
Had Redman's first inning occurred at Coors Field, he and Hurdle would have been excoriated by the crowd. But Hurdle said it wouldn't have changed his decision to leave him in to preserve a bullpen that now has thrown 90 2/3 innings in less than a month.
"I can't let geography change the wear and tear of the bullpen," Hurdle said. "That's the biggest positive out of last night. We were able to get our bullpen legs underneath us completely.
"I guess if you were worried about what other people think, maybe you could be swayed by that. Unfortunately, I'm pretty short when it comes to that suit. I mean, I listen to other people's opinions, but if it be fans booing or something like that, I've got to do what's best for the ballclub. There's a lot of fans out there that don't know the innings our bullpen has pitched."
Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Illegal palm oil from an Indonesian national park used by Asian Agri, Wilmar, WWF report says
Illegal palm oil expansion inside Indonesia's Tesso Nilo National Park is threatening protected forests and the reputation of two companies who claim to be sources of sustainably-produced palm oil, says a new WWF-Indonesia report.
In its June 26 report, "Palming Off a National Park," WWF-Indonesia found that over 52,000 hectares of natural forests in the area have already been illegally converted into palm oil plantations. And fruits from the illegal plantations have made their way into the supply chains of at least two global companies – Asian Agri and Wilmar.
WWF-Indonesia urged all parties to take immediate action to stop the encroachment, including through implementation of what it called a "win-win solution" – a voluntary relocation program for smallholders already operating illegally inside the park, which was recently proposed by the local government of Pelalawan district and the Ministry of Forestry.
The report documented encroachment inside the Tesso Nilo forest complex, a 167,618-hectare area in Indonesia's Riau province that includes the national park and two logging concessions – areas zoned for timber exploitation but not for plantation development. Up until 2012, over 52,000 hectares of natural forest in the Tesso Nilo forest complex had already been illegally converted to palm oil plantations, the report found, including over 15,000 ha inside the national park itself.
By examining the chain-of-custody of the illegally-produced palm oil fruits – tracking fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) through the supply chain from the smallholder farmers to the processors – WWF found that Asian Agri and Wilmar, both members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), had allowed fruits from illegal plantations inside the national park to enter their supply chain. Both companies have since responded to the situation and said they are no longer purchasing fruits from suppliers inside the national park.
"WWF welcomes immediate responses taken by Asian Agri and Wilmar in the area. As dutiful members of RSPO they are obliged to make improvements to tackle this problem," said Irwan Gunawan, deputy director for WWF-Indonesia's market transformation initiative.
However, Irwan added, this is not an isolated problem. By looking at just 10 of the 50 mills surrounding the Tesso Nilo forest complex, WWF was able to find evidence that two global companies were using illegally-grown FFBs, indicating that palm oil exported from Indonesia to the global market has likely been contaminated with fruits grown illegally and linked to tropical forest destruction.
Continue reading at MONGABAY.COM.
Palm image via Shutterstock.


text:
MongoDB C Driver
This is then 10gen-supported MongoDB C driver. There are two goals for this driver. The first is to provide a strict, default compilation option for ultimate portability, no dependencies, and generic embeddability.
The second is to support more advanced, platform-specific features, like socket timeout, by providing an interface for platform-specific modules.
Until the 1.0 release, this driver should be considered alpha. Keep in mind that the API will be in flux until then.
Documentation exists in the project's
docs folder. You can read the latest
docs online at (http://api.mongodb.org/c/current/).
The docs are built using Sphinx and Doxygen. If you have these tools installed, then you can build the docs with scons:
scons docs
The html docs will appear in docs/html.
First check out the version you want to build. Always build from a particular tag, since HEAD may be a work in progress. For example, to build version 0.6, run:
git checkout v0.6
You can then build the driver with scons:
For more build options, see the docs.
Running the tests
Make sure that you're running mongod on 127.0.0.1 on the default port (27017). The replica set test assumes a replica set with at least three nodes running at 127.0.0.1 and starting at port 30000. Note that the driver does not recognize 'localhost' as a valid host name.
To compile and run the tests:
scons test
Error Handling
Most functions return MONGO_OK or BSON_OK on success and MONGO_ERROR or BSON_ERROR on failure.
Specific error codes and error strings are then stored in the
err and
errstr fields of the
mongo and
bson objects. It is the client's responsibility to check for errors and handle
them appropriately.
You can report bugs, request new features, and view this driver's roadmap using JIRA.
- Gergely Nagy - Non-null-terminated string support.
- Josh Rotenberg - Initial Doxygen setup and a significant chunk of documentation.
Unless otherwise specified in a source file, sources in this repository are published under the terms of the Apache License version 2.0, a copy of which is in this repository as APACHE-2.0.txt.


text:
Synthesis: A Pathway to Intentional Learning
The Western Carolina experience is built on a foundation of engaged, intentional learning. Life goals are like climbing mountains. Working as partners in learning, students, faculty, and staff will choose the mountains to climb and the best pathway to get there.
The overarching goal of Intentional Learning is to empower students to integrate knowledge and skills from their academic and co-curricular experiences to become intentional participants in their own learning. To that end, WCU hopes to impact students' understanding of self, intellectual flexibility and versatility, and capacity for integrated learning.
As a result, WCU expects students to:
*Formerly known as the Quality Enhancement Plan 2007


text: Message-ID: <firstname.lastname@example.com> X-Archived-At: <URL:http://www.qz.to/erotica/assm/Year98/12805.txt> From: firstname.lastname@example.com (Sundance Tales) Subject: {Sundance - NEW!!!} "Amy Visits for the Summer" - Part V : Comments Welcome! Newsgroups: alt.sex.stories,alt.sex.stories.hetero,alt.sex.stories.moderated,alt.stories.erotic Followup-To: alt.sex.stories.d Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Path: qz!not-for-mail Organization: The Committee To Thwart Spam Approved: <email@example.com> X-Moderator-Contact: Eli the Bearded <email@example.com> X-Story-Submission: <firstname.lastname@example.com> X-Original-Message-ID: <email@example.com> Amy Visits for the Summer Part V of ??? By Sundance (Copyright, 1998) First Posted - June 1998 Last Repost - July 1998 Please don't repost unless you include this header and all installments of the story. Thanks! ==================================================================== If you enjoy this story, could I make a shameless request? Drop me a line and let me know. Comments and criticisms are what motivate myself and many other spam-free internet authors to keep writing. Just a line or two letting me know you liked the story is fine. Certainly more is appreciated. Criticism is also always welcome, as long as it is constructive and helps me to improve. Lastly, if you're reading along with the series and have already written, I won't mind if you write again... :) I can be reached at: email@example.com Thanks and enjoy! Sundance +===================+Now the disclaimer +==================+ The following is a work of total fiction. The characters, names, and places are all products of my imagination and any resemblance to anybody or anything, living or dead, is purely coincidental. This story contains potentially obscene terms and sexually explicit content that some may find to be offensive. If you are offended by such material, or if you are under 21 years old, you have the option to stop now and not continue reading. By continuing to read you are making the following legal statement: I am over 21, I want to view a list of potentially obscene terms, and it is legal for me to view potentially obscene terms in my community, state, nation or province. If you're not sure... STOP now ..... Delete this text ..... This isn't being forced on you. +======================================================+ I moved to the living room, put some slow jazz in the CD player, and took a seat on the couch, waiting for Sarah and Amy to return from the kitchen. It was only a short time and they both appeared, Sarah carrying a tray with a pitcher of Margaritas and Amy following with the half emptied bottle of Tequila and some shot glasses for good measure. "Party time with the new Partner", Sarah said, sitting the drinks and tray on the table. "Sarah, Amy's not exactly of legal drinking age" Wasn't exactly of legal fucking age either, but that hadn't stopped me, and I'm finding out now that it hadn't stopped Sarah either. "Oh Mike, don't be such a fuddy-duddy. It's not like she's driving. One drinky won't hurt. Besides, she's amongst friends" 'Drinky' I thought to myself. Where did THAT come from? It dawned on me that Sarah was pretty buzzed when I got back from the store and had continued drinking. It was catching up with her. Based on this most recent news that her and Amy had been rolling in the hay, I needed a drink myself right now and decided not to spend any more time arguing. I filled my glass and sat back against the sofa cushion and just glared at Amy. Part of me just wanted to pick up our conversation where we left off. There were so many questions I still wanted answers to. Who seduced who, what exactly happened, were battery operated appliances involved, how bout some Polaroids? Funny part about it, I wasn't jealous. I don't know how I would have reacted if I found out my wife was sharing her body with another man, but it didn't seem to bother me that she was sharing it with another woman, at least with Amy. In reality, I was intrigued. As I continued to ponder this recent discovery I found myself becoming aroused (again). I had experienced very intimate circumstances with both of these women. I knew how they touched, how they moaned, how they tasted, even how they smelled during the throes of passion. Imagining the details of them together, intertwined, enjoying every aspect of one another was a pretty easy thing to do. No doubt about it, I was getting hard. Sarah broke the silence of my erotic daydream. "I want to do something fun! Something to celebrate!" "I can go rent movies", volunteering an idea. "Noooooo... that's no fun. We can rent movies any day. No, I want to do something out of the ordinary. I know!!! Let's play a game!" Great, lose my wife to the babysitter, lose my ass in Monopoly I thought to myself. "What can we play", she went on. "I've got it! Truth or Dare!" "Oh for Pete's sake Sarah", I moaned. "Truth or Dare? What's next? Cramming for finals? I feel like I'm seventeen again" "Uh Hum". Amy was clearing her throat. "Excuse me... I AM seventeen. Is something wrong with being seventeen, and for the record, I haven't played 'truth or dare' for years" "Cmon, it will be fun", Sarah continued. "Something crazy, Something out of the ordinary.", and she and gulped another slug of her Margarita. "Ok, I'll go first. Mike... Truth or Dare...." "Truth or Dare Sarah", I repeated back to her. "Have you... Ever..... Wondered what it would be like to sleep with another man?" "No, can't say that I have", I replied. "Never? Not even curious" "Nope, not even curious" "Ok then, it's your turn to ask the next question" I thought about it. The easy thing would be to turn the same question around on her. 'Have you ever wanted to sleep with another woman', but I knew Amy considered her earlier confession a secret and she had been loyal in maintaining our discretion. Best idea was to play dumb all the way around. "Amy....Have you ever slept with a boy?" Sarah leaned forward, listening for Amy's answer with intense interest. Obviously they hadn't reached this point in conversation the other night. "Yes, I have slept with a boy", Amy replied, "But that's all I'm saying", and we exchanged knowing smiles before she continued. "Ok, my turn.... Mike.. you again... Truth or Dare... Have you ever had sex in public?" I thought about that one. Sarah and I had never had public sex, but there was that time my ex-girlfriend Lisa and I did it on the top of that picnic table in that campground, only to be discovered by the church group on retreat. That was a funny story, but Sarah hated Lisa and spat venom every time I mentioned her name, so I better stay away from that one. I tried to think of another, less controversial situation, but was drawing a total blank. Best to keep quiet on this one. "I'd rather not say" "Then you'll take the dare, that's good...", Sarah interrupted, and her eyes lit up with a mischievous grin. She didn't even care about why I didn't want to answer the question. She only wanted the dare. I hated to admit it, but I was having fun at this goofy game. "Yeah, I guess I'll take the dare. What's next? Make me stand on my head in the corner for 10 minutes until all the blood rushes to my skull and I get a headache?" . "Amy, can I think up the dare", Sarah pleaded, ignoring my suggestion of a head stand. "Sure, go for it" Sarah seemed to think about it for some time. I started to get nervous. "I've got it! I know! You have .... to show Amy your weenie. Yeah, that's it.... show her your weenie", and she took another gulp of her drink. Amy was laughing hysterically at this point. Sarah began to laugh also, almost to the point her drink came out her nose. "I don't think so Sarah. Next idea. This game is getting out of control" "YES! Mike! That's the rules. Don't tell the truth, you take the dare. Now whip it out". I felt myself blushing. Then Sarah turned to Amy. "Actually, you want to know a seeekrit?" She was slurring her words now. "Yes, I love secrets", Amy replied, and again glanced at me with a knowing smile. "Mike has a really BIG weenie. It's really quite impressive", her words followed by yet another gulp of her drink. I halfway expected Amy to respond with something like 'tell me about it', but was glad she was still being discrete. Instead, she caught a breath between laughs and in her most inquisitive voice asked, "Really Mike, do you have an impressive weenie?" I didn't even bother to answer. "Cmon Mike..", and Sarah started to chant. "Whip - it - out, Whip - it - out". Before long, Amy had joined her and they were calling out in harmony, even starting to clap their hands in unison. They were getting louder and I was afraid they would wake up the boys. "Alright, alright", I said, standing to my feet, "Just keep it down, would you" "Pull em down and we'll keep it down", Sarah giggled. Sarah had always been a loony drunk, so this idea of hers was no big surprise. In addition, with the exception of Lisa the ex-girlfriend, she had never been what I would call a jealous woman. Considering the place Amy held in the family, this all seemed like nothing more than good fun. I poured myself a shot of tequila for courage and tipped it back, shaking off the aftershock. The room was spinning a bit and I took a moment to gather my senses, moving to the CD player to put in some up-tempo tunes. I realized quickly that just standing there and pulling my pants down just wouldn't do. Instead, I started hamming it up, spinning and almost falling from in front of the stereo unit. I slid my belt slowly from my shorts and used my hands to run it back and forth across my butt in some poor imitation of a male stripper. I unbuttoned first my shirt and then my shorts and slowly pulled down the zipper, one quarter-inch at a time. The girls were laughing and so was I, but the reality was, I was also getting mildly excited. Slowly I grabbed the bands of my shorts and pulled them down my hips until just a tuft of pubic hair was sticking out. Sarah quickly grabbed her purse and whipped out a 5-dollar-bill and started waving it over her head in some swami like dance. "Wooooo Wooooo", she heckled. Amy was swaying to the music, sipping her Margarita, and grinning from ear to ear. I moved closer to Amy with my gyrating hips until I was about a foot away from where she seated. Even though my dancing was far from professional, I watched her eyes remain transfixed on my crotch, adding quickly to my arousal. I might not be very good at this, but I was sure having fun faking it. I glanced over at Sarah and she was still waving her 5-dollar-bill around, laughing. "You'll pay more than five dollars for making me do this, that much you can be sure of", I warned Sarah before returning to my grinding. Laughing, Sarah jumped from her place and moved on the love seat next to Amy. "I'm not missing all the action", she said, sitting down. I decided the wait was over and ran my hands inside my shorts. Slowly I pulled them down, revealing a bit more of my cock as I went, until my shorts hit the floor and my partially aroused member bounced in the air for both women to see. If it wasn't obvious before, it was obvious now how much I was enjoying this 15 minutes of living room fame. Sarah elbowed Amy, as she reached out taking my cock in her hand, holding it up on display like a prize trout. "See, pretty impressive, isn't it?" The feel of Sarah's grip tight around me and Amy's eyes fixed on my naked lower body sent shivers down my spine and I started to become fully erect. Amy played along beautifully. "Oh my...!.", her only words as she stared at me, growing in Sarah's hand. "That IS one handsome cock", and both women started laughing again. "Ok, you're getting a little bit too excited Mister. You can put it back in your pants". Sarah was finished with the dare but I wasn't. I just continued to move from side to side with my hips, my cock swaying with the music, in no obvious hurry to pull up my pants. "NOW Mike, before you make a mess!", Sarah scolded. I pouted, reached to the floor, pulled up my shorts, and pushed my engorged member back into my underwear. I buttoned my shirt, tucked it back in, and resumed my seat on the couch. "I don't think that's really fair ladies. Get me all worked up and then send me away". "Yeah? Deal with it", was Sarah's reply. "Ok, Ok, my turn to ask the next question" "That doesn't seem right, Sarah. I was the one who just took the dare. It should be my turn". My unresolved horniness was making me down right difficult to get along with. "Yeah, well I made Partner tonight. I get more turns". I looked to Amy for support, but she only shrugged her shoulders and smiled. Before I could even respond, Sarah was back to quizzing Amy about her sex life. "Amy....Truth or Dare... Have you ever....taken a guy in your mouth? You know, given him a blow job". "Sheez Sarah", I interrupted, "being a little nosey aren't you?" Sarah ignored me and waited for Amy's answer. Amy paused for a minute. "Yes, but only twice". Sarah had gotten her truthful answer, but seemed to lose track of the game. "Really, did you like it?" "Well, I liked it, but I don't think the guy did" I started to object, but figured it wasn't my turn to cross-examine and Amy was obviously talking about lobotomy Rick. I had no complaints regarding her technique, even if she was new at it. "Why not?", Sarah asked in a very serious tone. "Well, he kind of went soft in my mouth. Said I was hurting him. I guess I'm just not sure how to do it right". "It just takes practice", Sarah responded. "Mike says I give some of the best blow jobs around, don't I Mike" "Yes, Dear". I shook my head to myself. Wait until tomorrow when she remembers THIS conversation. Amy was laughing again, this time holding her palms against her face, covering her mouth. "I can't believe we're talking about this", she gasped between giggles. Sarah sat up straight and took on a very analytical tone. "You see, it's really all in how you use your teeth. I mean, you can you use your teeth to excite a guy, or you can use them to hurt him. You have to know which is which and when to do what. The other key is relaxing your throat muscles, especially if he's really big. If you don't relax your throat muscles, you won't be able to take enough of him in and you might even choke, both of which will take something away from the moment, you know?" "Sarah, I think you've had enough to drink", and I moved her glass further away from her on the table. "I guess I understand", Amy answered, still a bit embarrassed by Sarah's descriptions, but still interested in her advice. "How did you learn to do it right?" "Feedback girlfriend! Listen to your man and have him tell you what feels the best. Nothing beats good old fashion moans and a little honesty" "But, if I don't know how to do it, I'll continue to do it wrong, and the guy won't want to do it with me anymore, and then I won't get any better" The sound logic of a seventeen year old I thought to myself. "Why don't you teach her Sarah", I mocked sarcastically. "Like on a cucumber or something. I DARE you". Sarah deserved some ribbing for everything she'd put me through. I figured demonstrating her fellatio prowess on a garden-variety vegetable wasn't too much to ask. "I have a better idea", she quipped, glaring back at me. She reached forward, grabbing her Margarita and tipping it back in one final gulp before slamming the empty glass down on the table. "I'll show her on you, Mike. What do you think about that", and got up from her chair and started towards me. "Can you handle it?" I knew she was bluffing. I tried to keep a straight face but we both started to laugh at the same time. "Alright Sarah, you win", and half expected her to resume her seat and her quizzing of Amy. She continued towards me, a look of deviance in her eyes. "Ok, Ok, this is going too far", and I held up my hands in surrender. Amy was laughing hysterically again. "Oh Mike, you know you would love it. It was obvious how excited you were earlier. Don't you want me to finish the job, or are you too embarrassed to have Amy watch? Afraid you won't be able to get it up? She's already seen your wanker, so what do you have to hide?" She was doing the mocking now. I knew she was bluffing and having too much fun watching me squirm. She'd fold eventually. It was only a matter of waiting her out. "Come here Amy...over hear on the couch... so you can see", I motioned with my hand patting the empty seat next to me. Two could play at this game of bluffing. I looked at Sarah and grinned. I could see in her eyes the competition that was forming between us. Who would back down first? Sarah grabbed a pillow from the couch, threw it between my feet, and fell to her knees on top of it as she nestled herself between my legs. Amy hesitated, then took the seat next to me. "You're not really going to do this, are you Sarah", Amy asked. "Well, how else are you going to learn", Sarah teased. "Ok then, I'm ready", Amy said with anticipation. I just sat with my fingers laced behind my neck waiting for this game to end. Sarah was cool though, and didn't miss a beat. "Ok. First rule of thumb. Don't go right for the cock. Tease him. Make him want it. Make him know you want it too" Sarah slowly unbuttoned my Hawaiian shirt and spread it open. She used her hands to run leisurely up my stomach and across my nipples, massaging firmly and sensually. Even though we hadn't made love for some time, our years of marriage gave Sarah in-depth knowledge of everything I liked best. Her sense of touch was hitting all the right buttons and she knew it. For the first time I started to wonder how far she would take this. I realized long ago how competitive Sarah could be. One doesn't make Partner within a prestigious law firm by backing down easy. My heart started to beat faster. She ran her hands up and squeezed my shoulders, then to my neck, and finally my cheeks, continuing her massage. "Don't you think Mike has a sexy mouth, Amy", and she ran her fingers lightly across my lips. I was heating up in a hurry. I could see where this was headed. Get me all worked up and then leave me even more flustered than I was during my dancing days. She used her fingernails to run down the length of my chest, scraping my skin in erotic torment, until she finally reached the snap of my shorts. I wasn't even undressed, yet an unavoidable mountain in my shorts made my full arousal obvious. "Hmmmmmmm.. I think he likes this", Sarah moaned in a hoarse whisper, starting to rub my cock. "I think you're right", Amy replied, watching intently Sarah's technique. "Alright Sarah, game is over. Show me a little mercy would you", I pleaded. "Is mercy what you want Mike", as she rubbed her hands back and forth through the thin material of my shorts using her fingers to squeeze and provide attention to the sensitive head of my raging hard-on. My arms were outstretched on the couch and my head was leaning back, staring at the ceiling, as I took in every sensation. "I don't want to be tortured Sarah, and that's what you're doing to me now. Give me a break would you". She didn't slow her movements. Finally, I pleaded, "If this is really happening, can we at least turn down the lights, give ourselves some atmosphere?" "Say no more", Amy replied, and she jumped from her seated position and ran to the wall, folding down all the switches in a single swat. She ran from there to the corner of the living room and turned on a single corner lamp which provided the perfect sense of dusk, enough light to still see, but enough darkness to make for an alluring effect. She ran back over to the couch, her enthusiasm obvious. She resumed her seat next to me, closer this time, her knee resting against my thigh. While she was gone, Sarah had continued her massage of me with her hand, making sure the time involved with turning down the lights wouldn't detract from the lesson at hand. . With Amy now back at my side, she resumed. She looked up at me as she slowly unfastened my shorts, followed by a slow drag of my zipper all the way down. I looked next to me and Amy smiled a smile rich in anticipation. I looked down to Sarah, who first exchanged glances with Amy, then with me. She was also smiling and the look of deviance had been replaced with one of arousal. "Lift up Mike", Sarah whispered. I obeyed, and she slid my shorts and underwear down and eased them off my feet. My cock was straight up and Amy shuffled in the seat next to me. I looked over to her and she was staring, seemingly mesmerized by my enthusiasm. Sarah looked to the side as she tossed my shorts, then back to my cock. "See how big he gets when he's really into it", Sarah commented. "Um.... yeah", Amy's voice seemed to crack a bit. I glanced down and her nipples were showing through her Hawaiian midriff. Slowly Sarah started with the front of my thighs, near my feet, running her hands upwards, slowly, only an inch at a time. "What do you think Amy? I think he's still enjoying it, and my mouth hasn't even come into play. Do you see what I mean by making sure he knows how much I want it?" "I think I'm getting the idea", Amy moaned. Amy's ability to remain as a spectator weakened and she began to user her hand, almost subconsciously, to rub my bare chest as Sarah continued with my legs. Sarah ran her hands up across the tops of my thighs and near, but not touching, my swollen member. She slowly ran her fingers along the edge, grazing just enough to make me sense how close she was, but still not taking me in her hands. "Alright Sarah, Alright. I think she's getting the idea". I felt, again, my pleas were being ignored. "Next", Sarah whispered, "When your man gets REALLY hard, like Mike is now, give him just a taste of what he will be enjoying soon. But make sure it's just a taste" Slowly she leaned over and with her hands massaging my chest she ran the tip of her tongue, starting at the base of my cock, slowly, all the way up the shaft until she was making tiny half circles around the ridges of my head. "Oh God Sarah", and I tried to take her head gently in my hands to guide more of my cock into her mouth. "Not yet my love, not yet", as she took my hands in hers, guiding them back to my sides. I obeyed for a moment, but reached out with one arm around Amy's shoulder and used it to pull her closer to me. The sensation of Amy's body sitting next to me, her hand lightly caressing my chest while Sarah sat between my legs was too much for words. "This is REALLY turning me on", Amy's only words, doing her best to pay objective attention to what was happening, but obviously becoming as lost in the moment as I was. I probably should have second-guessed my next reaction, as I still wasn't certain how Sarah would react, but the Tequila shot I did earlier washed away any remaining judgement. I pulled against Amy's shoulder, drawing her close to me, placed my other hand on her cheek, and began kissing her, sensuously, brushing my tongue around the edge of her lips. She leaned into me willingly meeting me with her mouth, her erect nipples pressing into my bare ribcage. Sarah looked up to see what I was doing and stopped for a moment. "Hey, none of that. I know you're turned on, but this is Amy's lesson. She can't see what's going on when your tongue is rammed down her throat". Amy sat up a bit embarrassed. "Ok, Ok, I've got the message". Sarah and I returned smiles and she resumed. The irony was the absence of anger or jealousy in Sarah's voice as she made me sit back so that Amy could watch her continue. I sensed Sarah was enjoying this education as much as Amy and I. "Remember, just because you're using your mouth", Sarah continued, "Your hand is always there as a back-up". She used her fingernails to clutch me in her palm and squeeze hard, forcing all the blood to rush to the swollen, purple head. She released me and began a long methodical stroke. As my moans became louder I felt Amy's hand pressing harder against me, massaging my chest, almost as you would console a friend in pain. "Mike likes it fast, and then slow, and then fast again, don't you Mike", her hand motions matching her descriptions. "Yes, baby, you know just how I like it.... Ohhhh...babeeee....". My breathing was heavy and I was finding it difficult to answer. "Now the hard part Amy. When you take him in your mouth, you have to start slow. You'll know it's time to speed up when he finally starts to beg", and she giggled as she leaned closer. Sarah pulled back on my cock and looked deep in my eyes. While she moved slowly, she didn't move with any hesitance. She took only the sensitive swollen head in between her lips at first and sucked it like you would an ice cream, slowly forward, slowly back, peeling her lips across me as she savored each drop. "Oh God", my only words as I felt her mouth against me. "More Sarah... please.... Take more of me" "I told you he would beg", and both girls laughed out loud. "Do you think we've made him wait long enough Amy?" "Well, I don't know", and she giggled a sinister giggle. "Yeah, I guess he's waited long enough" Sarah didn't reply and I watched as she smiled at first and then leaned forward and devoured half my cock. Suddenly she wasn't moving slowly, but was taking long strokes of me in between her cheeks. I felt my hips moving with her rhythm as I fucked her mouth, her hands holding on to the sides of my thighs for support. Amy's hand was still against my chest, but was now massaging up and down from my neck to my stomach, pausing to stimulate each nipple. Amy leaned close into me, her breasts pressing against me, and whispered in my ear. "This is making me so HOT Mike, watching your hard cock in her mouth like that", and she slid her tongue against me as she pulled away to continue watching Sarah. Sarah continued, squeezing tighter with her mouth, then loosening to take more of me, then tightening her mouth around me again, sucking tight and pulling backwards with her head, almost as if trying to lift me from the couch. "Oooohhhh...god", my moans were piercing and I was going to cum. Sarah was a master at gauging my arousal and she slowed down and raised up, clearly out of breath. Sitting up, her breathing heavy, she reached for Amy's hand and placed it around my swollen cock. "Keep him interested, but not too interested, or you'll drive him over the edge". Amy responded with gently strokes of my length as Sarah caught her breath. "That's something else you have to watch out for". She was out of breath but continued to talk. "Sometimes they won't tell you and they'll just cum in your mouth. Mike is really good about warning me... USUALLY', and she looked at me disapprovingly as if this time I wouldn't have said anything. "I was going to tell you!". I felt like I was whining. "Now the hard part", Sarah continued. "When your man is really big, you have to learn something called 'deep throating'. Have you ever heard of that?" "I think so", Amy said hesitantly, continuing to stroke my cock as Sarah watched. "That's a movie isn't it. I've seen it at the movie store" "Uh huh", Sarah replied. "It's when you relax your throat muscles so you can take more of his cock in your mouth. It's hard at first, but once you learn how, you can actually take all of him into your throat. Your man will love you for it, right Mike?" I was getting rock hard listening to her descriptions, remembering the feeling. I nodded enthusiastically. Sarah continued. "What you do is take as much of him into your mouth as you can, right up to the point you feel yourself start to gag. Then, back off just a little, but don't pull completely away. Once your throat has relaxed, take a little more of him, more than you could before, until you feel the gagging sensation again. Back off a little, rest, and resume. Eventually you'll be able to plunge down on him and he'll ride the back of your throat". "You're a master at this", Amy giggled. "You're wasting time", I added. "Alright.... poor guy", Sarah said soothingly. Sarah moved back closer to me. Amy removed her hand and Sarah replaced it with hers, grabbing and holding my cock at attention as she pressed her wonderful mouth around me, resuming long, luxurious strokes, using her fingers to knead the base where her mouth had not yet reached. The pleasure was indescribable. She was a little more than half way down when she paused, her hand gliding to Amy's upper thigh in what I took as a signal that this was her first checkpoint. She paused only for a moment, then pushed down, taking a half inch or more of me in her throat. She was about three-quarters of the way down my shaft and resumed the same long strokes with her mouth. A moment passed, and she paused again, returning her hands to massage my upper thighs. Finally, she drove down again with her head and I disappeared into her throat. I was in absolute heaven. "Oh my god!", I could hear Amy next to me in a faint blur. "You've got all of him in your mouth!" Sarah pulled all the way up, almost releasing me from her cheeks, then all the way down to the base of my engorged cock. I could feel the head riding the back of her throat as she repeated, again and again. My thighs began to tremble with the ecstasy. My head was leaned back and I wanted so desperately to scream, but knew I couldn't. Sarah continued, all the way up, all the way down, pausing occasionally, but never releasing. I felt the familiar hum in my balls of an impending explosion in Sarah's mouth. I grappled for her shoulder as a signal. She immediately pulled up, narrowly avoiding tasting my second orgasm of the evening. "Now, you want to try", she said to Amy in between labored breaths. My eyes were closed, but opened as I heard her words. I looked down at Sarah who was staring at Amy. Amy was staring back, likely not sure how to answer. "One learns best by doing, my dear". Amy didn't respond but instead stood from the couch and moved next to me. Sarah shuffled to her feet and stepped out from between my legs. Amy leaned into Sarah and gently, but tenderly, kissed her on the lips. 'Secret is out', I thought to myself. Sarah whispered to Amy, "It's ok, really... I'll guide you through it. Do you want to try?" Amy paused for a second. "Yes, I want to, but on one condition" "What's that", Sarah asked? "When I'm finished with Mike, I can go down on you". Amy's words seemed to hang in the air as she stared at Sarah for a reaction. Sarah glanced at me with a look of concern, obviously interested in how I would react to Amy's proposition. I smiled, put my hand on Sarah's hip for reassurance and whispered, "It's ok baby. But I have one condition too". She looked in my eyes but didn't respond. "I get to watch". A sense of relief and even anticipation appeared behind Sarah's eyes and she glanced at Amy. Neither woman said anything out loud, but the communication between them was clear. "In fact", I continued, "I'll just sit this one out. I could use the rest". "I'll be right back", Sarah said as she stood and disappeared out of the room. I could hear her climbing the stairs. Amy sat back down next to me. I turned to her, smiled, and started to reach for my shorts. Amy gently touched my hand and eased me back in my seat. Reaching across, she took my cock in her small hand and started to stroke me. "Let me keep you company until Sarah gets back", she whispered. I came immediately back to life, growing hard in her grip. She leaned closer to me and began to moan in my ear. "I was getting so turned on watching Sarah suck your cock like that. I almost couldn't believe it when she took all of you. All I could think about was when we were outside earlier tonight. How big you felt inside me. How at first I didn't know if I could take all of you... but I did. Then, to see Sarah do the same with her mouth", and her hand began to pump faster around me. My mind swam back to the scene Amy was describing, remembering every sensuous detail. I glanced down and Amy's nipples were erect through her shirt. I reached across and started to untie the knot that held closed her midriff. "I have a bra on again", she commented. "That's ok, I just want to look at you". I continued with the knot until it was loose and opened her top, fanning the edges to her sides. The vision of her large breasts being held captive in the white lace bra, the outline of her nipples penetrating the material, was so erotic. My cock was starting to ache from so much stimulation but I didn't want her to stop. "Do you want to cum before she gets back", Amy whispered, "cum like you did on my stomach", and she took the lobe of my ear in her lips, dancing her tongue against me neck as her hand started to pump faster. I heard Sarah descend the stairs and enter the kitchen, opening and closing the refrigerator door. Eventually she entered the room carrying 3 bottles of water, placing two on the table and opening one for herself to drink. She was wearing a clinging red silk robe that hugged perfectly her full breasts. The outline of her bare nipples pressed against the fabric making it obvious she was nude underneath. Glancing to my left, I could see Amy taking in Sarah's presence also. Sarah looked down at Amy pumping my cock and then back to me. "I thought you were sitting this one out?", and she smiled. "You're going to be worn out by tomorrow" "I am. Sitting it out I mean. Amy was just keeping me company until..... Uhhhhhh.... you returned". The sensation of Amy's hand around me, the presence of Sarah's nude form shielded only by the robe in front of me. My kingdom to keep this moment alive. Sarah watched my expression and I saw a smile trace her lips as she recognized I was close again to orgasm. "You better slow that down Amy. I don't think he can take much more" I looked down at Amy's hand wrapped tight around me, pumping furiously. I looked up at Sarah's red robe clinging to her nude form. I looked into Amy's eyes, brown and so innocent. Her lips were slightly parted, her tongue brushing between her white teeth. She smiled. Amy looked to Sarah who was watching intently... waiting. She looked at me, scooted back slightly and leaned down, wrapping her young mouth tight around my engorged cock. She couldn't take as much of me as Sarah had, but it didn't matter. She took as much as she could, taking long, slow, tight, strides with her mouth. "Aimeee... you need to stop" She started to pull up and, at first and I felt relieved, as it was almost too late. Then, without warning, she didn't withdraw, but instead resumed, moving slower, taking a bit more of me into her throat. She went as far down on me as she could, paused, and then just as Sarah had instructed, pushed further, taking almost all of me. Her lips were tight around me and I couldn't hold back any longer. I felt my cum storming into her throat in wave after wave. She never let up, but instead just moved and down my shaft in a slow, methodical suck. All the way down, all the way up, as she bled me of my remaining juices. Finally she sat up, out of breath. Sarah handed her the opened bottle of water and Amy drank it back, taking long swallows as if famished from a desert heat. Sarah looked down at my wet limp cock which laid lifeless in my lap. She was almost laughing, staring at me with her hands on her hips. "Did you cum in her mouth Michael Jennings? Shame on YOU!" I couldn't speak. I just held my hands up as if to confess my guilt. Amy, looking down at me from behind the water bottle as she drank, noticed my lifeless expression, and started laughing, almost spilling the water. Beads of moisture dribbled down her chest and on to her bra. "Did you like that", she purred innocently "Beyond words", I grunted, and we all laughed Sarah tossed me the silk robe she had draped over her arm, I looked it over and recognized it as last year's Father's day present. "Put that on lover boy, in case we have company", motioning upstairs to the boy's room. It was unlikely either would descend the stairs as they rarely got up during the night, but her point was well taken. I stood, dropped my shirt, and started to put on the robe. As I did Sarah grabbed the two bottled waters from the table, handed me one and kept one for herself. She took Amy's hand in her own and started to lead her away. "We'll be upstairs. In case you're still interested" "Oh, I'm interested. I'm interested" "Well, Don't doddle then", her final words. I stood watching the two women disappear into the dark house as I tied the front of my robe closed. I reached down and picked up the shorts and shirt that were still lying on the floor. Humming that old Carpenter's tune, 'We've only just begun' and feeling a lot like Hugh Hefner, I swaggered over to turn out the light in the corner and turned to make my way upstairs. End of Part V -- +----------------' Story submission `-+-' Moderator contact `--------------+ | <firstname.lastname@example.com> | <firstname.lastname@example.com> | | Archive site +----------------------+--------------------+ Newsgroup FAQ | <http://www.qz.to/erotica/assm/>----<http://www.qz.to/erotica/assm/faq.html>


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I have ZoneAlarm Internet Security 8.0.059 on 2 machines running Vista Media Center. On 1 machine everything runs fine. on the other one, I noted that the guide cannot be downloaded and therefore programs cannot be recorded. the guide download gets stuck and the only way to download the guide is to unload ZA and restart the computer. I think I have tried every suggestion that I found in this site for similar problems but nothing works. I have also checked the firewall program entries in ZA between the 2 machines and they are similar.
has anyone run into the same issue?
Operating System:Windows Vista Home Premium
Software Version:8.0
Product Name:ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite


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SEATTLE – LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena's postgame comments following LA's 1-1 draw with Seattle Sounders FC.
The comments are below...
(On the game…)
ARENA: "Competitive game. Pretty even game. It was a good result for us."
(On the missed call on the apparent goal…)
ARENA: "Obviously I don't see it from where I am, but I was told it was about a yard over the line. For some reason, I think we should be able to see that one. We're fortunate to get out of it, not using that as a major sticking point in the game."
(On Robbie Keane's goal…)
ARENA: "It was a big goal. The second half, we played better. The game slowed down a little bit and we got a little more comfortable on the surface. We're pleased with the point."
(On the team's defense…)
ARENA: "They played well tonight. I thought it was Omar's [Gonzalez] best game in a while. Kofi Opare has been really solid for us. He's a good young player. We play two first-year players with Kofi and [Greg] Cochrane so I'm real pleased with those young players. And Gyasi [Zardes] as well, so we got incredible experience tonight for our young kids. I think down the stretch, our veteran players made a difference for us."
(On the tough defending at the end…)
ARENA: "It was a good game in preparation for the playoffs for us. We're pleased with that."
(On Robbie Rogers…)
ARENA: "I thought Robbie held up really well physically. We have to get him a little more comfortable in the attack, but I thought his game was fairly balanced. He certainly did a good job defensively. If we can get a little more out of him in the attack, it will be a positive."
(On facing Salt Lake…)
ARENA: "I don't remember the last time we've seen them. We had a good series with them this year. They're a very talented team. We look forward to the game. It will be a good series."
(On Robbie Keane's play…)
ARENA: "He had a solid game and when he gets that goal, you have to say he had a very good game. Goals are rare in this sport and Robbie seems to get them at the right time. Overall, I thought the last 10 or 15 minutes of the game, he was very influential for us in terms of leadership. He and Landon [Donovan] really stepped up and got the players organized and confident so we could walk off the field with a point."
(On being undefeated in the black kits…)
ARENA: "I mean whatever. I'm not quite sure it's the uniforms. You put 11 bad players in that kit and I don't think you're going to win too many games."
(On how this game propels them into the playoffs…)
ARENA: "We'll only know once we're done with the season. We've had a good run since August. We've done a good job and we'll hopefully be healthy by the weekend when we play. We'll be in a good position to be competitive and hopefully win the first series."
(On how the team is physically…)
ARENA: "We had a few scrapes [tonight], but for the most part I think we held up OK."


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4.1401 Finding and purpose.Cite as [A.S.C.A. § 4.1401 ]
(a) "Act" means this act plus the federal legislation under which these programs are authorized such as; the 1964 Bill of Rights; Public Law 99-319 Protection and Advocacy for the Mentally Ill Individuals (PAMII); Public Law 95-602 Protection and Advocacy for the Developmentally Disabled (PADD); and Public Law 98-516 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Amended 1986, Client Assistance Program (CAP.
(b) "Developmental disability" means a severe, and chronic mental or physical disability that is manifested before age 22, which is likely to continue indefinitely, and will substantially limit three or more of the following areas of major functional activities:
(1) self-care;
(2) language;
(3) learning;
(4) self-direction;
(5) mobility;
(6) capacity for independent living; and
(7) economic self-sufficiency;
(c) "Mentally ill individual" means a person who has significant mental illness or emotional impairment, as determined by a certified mental health professional.
(d) "Client assistance program" means a program that assists the disabled individuals who are either clients or client applicants of the vocational rehabilitation program.
(e) "Service provider" means any agency which provides care, treatment, employment or other necessary services to the disabled.
(f) "Abuse" means any act or failure to act by an employee of a service provider
which causes, or may cause injury to a disabled individual.
(g) "Neglect" means a negligent act or omission by a service provider which causes or may cause injury to a disabled person, or which places a disabled person at risk of injury. It also includes the act or omission such as failure to establish or carry out an appropriate individualized program plan or treatment plan, or adequate care for the disabled.
(h) "Client" means an individual who is receiving services from this program, and who has already been determined to qualify for service from a service provider.
(i) "Client applicant" means an individual who has submitted an application for assistance to a service provider, and is waiting to qualify for such assistance.History: 1991, PL 22-9.


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Apple here is translation, and scratches are B grade apples.
Crack climbing, scratched into the skinRingo who is real's most popular in retail stores!
Difficult to look is so much deals than regular products!
"You want to eat a lot of apples are safe!
Scratches in the skin is good ~」
Those who take a look at m (_ _) m
This is Apple's B grade.
Looks difficult there is no problem a little taste!
↓ ↓ ↓
* Last year compared to previous years, the appearance of bad apples is larger.
Cracking the vine and root of the stalk is broken.
There is a stain.
Some disease-ravaged one.
Only a portion of the skin is discolored, stiff
The branches, with scratches
Dent (for example, pressed during transport)
Time to absorb a lot of moisture and sugar apples, grow, growth of the surface
Physiological symptoms would hibi割rete to keep up with the actual vines surrounding "vine cracking" is.
And cut as shown above there apples inside the crack, but that part
It is okay to cut and eaten.
This vine of cracking Apple goes, so please kindly.
Vine cracking Apple is a trend can be seen in easy-to-enter the honey apples (Fuji, etc.).
(Please note that there are things that do not like honey. )
* Vine cracking, rotting or discolored Brown in and enters the bacteria to others.
We are selectively as possible in the region, we have internal damage or rotting ones
Please inform us we will respond.
Above apparently in difficulties, as is & vine cracking the normal taste of Apple who is houzumi's
As Ringo, pulp, moisture rich comes in.
These B grade apples in hand we take a look on our
And unsuitable for selling on the Internet since you purchased your
So, did not sell so far, and
However, many of your staff and your business is a big fan of this B-grade apples (^ ^;
Would many people pleased this Apple in a content-oriented! And,
Decided to take the plunge, we sell B grade apples!
Please, if you use m (_ _) m
|< Please when ordering:
Sorry, translation and claims due to defects of appearance, returns will not be accepted for the B grade, so please purchase prior to pleasant on the order you please.
* If you have a big pain inside happy to Exchange, refund your money.
< Storage guidelines >
B grade apples, some damage can be faster.
Put into a plastic bag storage, ask in the refrigerator.
(Good save after 2-3 weeks more than okay. )
|About < recent weather conditions and an Apple harvest:
Receipt of order by 2015, an Apple will start the early-maturing varieties "one turn" of shipments will soon begin. We appreciate that this year safe and sound to deliver a Ringo. After this continued "Jonagold", "Ruby", "Fuji" and "Orin" harvest refrains.
The situation in 2012, under the influence of the weather than usual fall houzumi farms apples taste and inconvenience to customers was very unfortunately. The taste of an Apple in 2013 and 2014, more or less stable, we appreciate the texture, taste and level. I'm hoping this year, pleased to taste an Apple and you want.
Here you have been struggling very houzumi plantations in the region but in the cultivation of apples in harsh weather conditions for several years,. Because it keeps the natural cultivation of the Apple more than 40 years, an Apple things of that nature is still comes out Apple finish difference depending on the year. And two years ago, many variations in the quality of the flagship varieties Fuji, not enough sweet flesh inside from the outside don't know pain is also more thank you very much. It was really disappointing. However, that we have support to a lot of situations like that, I thank you.
Apples are from harvest time over freshness is gradually disappearing and the flesh is tender and tastes a little slowly performs to keep to a minimum low-quality Nikkor lens has been a super chilled area, depending on the number of orders for the changeover will continue. Effort aiming for Apple pleased many people.
I think because it is for Apple Apple there is also variation in some Apple taste somewhat inferior might not used chemical pesticides, chemical fertilizers, with confidence and enjoy our "Sun foods" houzumi farm's natural cultivation of Apple hard me continues longtime honor wants to pay. Appreciated your support would be greatly appreciated.
In the future, please see Apple's houzumi"thank you.
9/12/2015 Rakuten shop, store manager: 有留 true spring
This product cannot be shipped to United States from the store.
Please contact the store for further information.


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Crédit photo: Dan Toulgoet, Vancouver Courier
I love stories about kids who crochet, especially boys who crochet, and there is one I just have to share with you. The crafter is Nathan Coburn, a tween who I found out about recently from a news story about his yarnbombing workshops.
Who is Nathan Coburn?
Nathan, aka Knit Kid, describes himself on his blog:
"I am a young boy who likes to crochet, who lives in Vancouver, and has a passion for fiber arts."
Plus précisément, he is an 11-year-old boy who loves his Vancouver home, yarn stores and the creative life. He is a ballet student, an entrepreneur who takes custom orders for crochet work and
Yarnbombing Classes
In August of this year Nathan shared his first yarnbomb on his blog:
It's actually his first large guerilla crochet tag; his first smaller ones are incorporates into the design at the top of the piece. He's been yarnbombing for about two years after coming across the Livre Bombing filé in the library. You can pop over to his blog to see more of his work.
I learned about this yarnbombing work from a article de presse about how Coburn had received a neighborhood grant to teach yarnbombing classes in his area. He won the grant previously and used the money to teach origami, which he had learned in his Montessori school. This year it was yarnbombing. He did four sessions of yarnbombing lessons in his area; Vérifier Week One on his blog.
What an awesome kid!


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FIFA report shows why this is the best World Cup ever
A report on a World Cup being hailed as one of the greatest ever will be compiled by FIFA's Technical Studies Group and presented to all national associations.
With eight games remaining, and the World Cup record of 171 goals under threat, the TSG's early verdict is that a combination of coaches' -"audacious" tactics, an unparalleled generation of attacking talent, and intelligent preparation has helped make Brazil 2014 so special.
"This is my ninth World Cup and this is the best one in terms of quality of football and entertainment,'' said former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier of the TSG. "Some games are like basketball, end to end, like Germany and Ghana and USA versus Belgium. I was struck by coaches saying, 'because we are here, let's have a go, whatever happens'.
"You know that after a World Cup, 15 coaches minimum leave their jobs, so it's, 'let's have a go'. It's the end of a four-year cycle or the results have not been good enough, so they are dismissed.
"The record of goals is 171 at France 98; we are 154 with eight games to play and with an average of 2.75 goals per game, this record could be beaten. The football gets better each tournament. There's been the recent contribution of Spanish football, with Barcelona and the national team, and that has passed on to a lot of teams, raising the tempo and quality, and this World Cup has taken it higher.
"A lot of teams play with two strikers, sometimes three. Argentina played three up against Switzerland with Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Ezequiel Lavezzi. In Europe, they used to play with one lone striker and a line of three behind [like England did in Brazil]; now usually they have two strikers."
Agreement on the attacking verve came from Sunday Oliseh, another respected member of the TSG. "The group stage is about racking up points, trying to finish top,'' said the former Nigeria captain who played in the World Cups of 1994 and 1998, "and you would have thought that in the second round teams might be more cautious, get compact and play off the errors of the other team but no no no. Everyone has come out blazing. Full-backs are coming into midfield, overlapping. In South Africa we saw the level better than 2006 and this is one is even better."
The environment helps, the tournament staged in a football nation obsessed with attacking. "I ask myself is there this vibrancy because the World Cup is in Brazil?'' said Houllier. "The South American teams have got an aggressive bite here which I don't see when they travel away - teams like Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay, although with Uruguay maybe bite is not a good word to use!
"Chile are out of the competition but summarised practically everything that is needed: an audacious system, technique, good spirit, good energy, plus real desire to win.''
Houllier ventured that the World Cup has never seen "so many good strikers at one time", although the 1970 tournament of Pele, Teofilio Cubillas and Gerd Muller was pretty special. "We have a generation of outstanding strikers now, Neymar, Messi, Benzema, Van Persie, Robben, James Rodriguez, top players who really give everything,'' said Houllier. "Great players make a difference like Messi against Bosnia, Neymar against Croatia.
"Rodriguez is the leading scorer with five goals and two assists. His [volley] goal for Colombia against Uruguay, with his position between the line and control, was one of the best goals of the tournament along with Tim Cahill [volley against Holland] or the goal scored by the Americans against Belgium [Julian Green's volley]. These strikers are more protected than before with video and referees are probably better in terms of physical conditioning and game reading. There a lot of rules taken which encourage attacking football, changes on the tackle from behind, the last-defender rule.''
Oliseh, a former defensive midfielder, elaborated. "You can't do like you did in the past, just put a bulldog on a great player and hound him around,'' said Oliseh. "You can't do that now with referees - and players are smarter. You want to know one of the reasons why it's difficult to play against Messi? When Argentina don't have possession, Messi walks to the side, and the defensive player follows him, his team doesn't have balance now and Angel di Maria says, 'thank you'. Di Maria finished off a quick counter against Switzerland on Tuesday helped by Messi.
"We've not had a Roberto Carlos goal [a la Tournoi in '97] when the ball that goes out and swings in,'' continued Oliseh. "Most of the goals we've seen here have been combinations, like Argentina's counter-attack, that is nothing to do with the ball. That is all about the talent of the player.''
And fitness. Still as lean as in his playing pomp, the 39-year-old Oliseh said: "When you go to watch teams train it is not long, it is meticulous, so they don't get problems with lactic acid because they do too much. The Germans are expert at what you eat and drink. Players are better -prepared.''
Houllier was impressed by the effort put in by the Americans and Belgians. "They gave everything,'' said Houllier. "What surprised me in the World Cup is the physical commitment of all the teams. The tempo, the pace of the World Cup has never been faster. The level and intensity of the drama has never been so high. Five of the round of 16 games were not decided in normal time, a record [the first time since 1938].
"Nearly a quarter of the goals have been scored in the final 15 minutes. Subs play an important part: 29 goals have been scored by subs, a record. You normally have 10 per cent goals scored by subs."
Houllier's group is to lobby IFAB to permit a fourth substitute in extra time. "When you see the intensity of the game, and players with cramp, it is needed.
"It is also a World Cup with good goalkeepers, Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belgium, and others [like the US]. Training of goalkeepers is the area that's improved most over the last 20 years. When I started as a coach, I was doing also the training of the goalkeeper. Now you have a former goalkeeper and an expert in their development. One of the best goalkeeper coaches, who teaches a lot, is the one with Louis van Gaal, Frans Hoek, who makes everyone step forward."
It is not just about the technical or tactical or the coaching. It is also about the desire within, an emotion seen in many of the players here from anthems to final whistles.
"I spoke with Teofilo Cubillas, a good friend of mine,'' added Oliseh, "and he said if you're a footballer and you don't go to a World Cup it's like going to a school without graduating. I got eliminated from the World Cup of '94 and the painful thing is you have to wait four times Christmas.
"With total respect to your club, you are playing for your nation. It's like going to war on behalf of 170 million people, a friendly war. It hurts so much to go out. That shows to the world that players love this game.
"When players are crying here that shows you how much they care. We saw the Algeria coach crying and he's not even Algerian. It shows the love for football and the World Cup.''
The Telegraph, London
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Great Stereo
Item met and exceeded expectations, the 50W pre-amp is fairly stout and the touch display is fairly responsive. Out of the box recognized my Iphone 5, I know that it is limited pre-download but very cool suprise that it does work both blue tooth and wired.
Pros: Clear display, good acoustics, sleek appearance, mounts in dash with ease, works well with reverse camera
Cons: Updating system for Iphone5


text:
Curly Formal Half Up Hairstyle with Layered Bangs (Auburn)
Description(Added: 7th July 2011 )
This is fancy 'do with plenty of color splashes added for contrast. The bounce and movement of the curls gives this style shape and style for a sweet and soft finish. This look is great for any occasion and will need regular trims every 4-6 weeks to maintain shape and style.
- Hair Category: Formal
- Hair Length: Half Up Long
- Hair Elasticity: Curly
- Gender: Women
- Face Shape: Round, Oval, Square, Heart, and Triangular
- Hair Density: Thin/Medium
- Hair Texture: Fine/Medium
- Age: Under 21, 21 - 30, 31 - 40, and 41 - 50
- Height: Any
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- Glasses: Suits with and without
- Styling Time: 30+ minutes
- Styling Tip: Allow up to 2 hours styling time for hot roller setting, teasing, pinning and spraying. This long lasting style is great for all occasions and all weather conditions.


text: Gaining experiential educational opportunities while in college is very important when it comes finding employment after graduation. During this 30- 40 minute workshop, students learn how to search for internship opportunities, how to conduct one's self during an internship, and how to network with companies employees post internships. Finally, students will become familiar with resources at The Career Center aimed at helping them through the process.


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Harnessing the Wind Part 1
Lesson 8 of 9
Objective: SWBAT ask and answer questions to understand key details in an informational text.
Big Idea: Objects move in proportion to the force that pushes and pulls them. Today, students work to find out important information in a text about this powerful force and learn important content knowledge for our final inventors lesson tomorrow.
Lesson Overview and Context
My students need much content knowledge about many areas in order to gain the vocabulary and schema they will need to succeed academically. Today, the students are learning about the wind as a pull and push force. This lesson prepares them for tomorrow's lesson on a invention by a young man that saved the lives of the people in his village by harnessing that power, and that is why I included this lesson in this unit.
We will be looking at two different sources to gather information about the wind, which is an expectation in teaching students research skills. One of our sources is a video and the other is a book. For the video, I have developed a template with text dependent questions to make the viewing experience an interactive one.
Before we dive into that, I will start with the students on the rug. I will have them brainstorm what they know about the wind and then ask them what questions they have about the wind. Then, I will ask to evaluate the questions to see if we repeat any of the questions. If they repeat, then we will combine the sentences.
At the end of gathering information from both sources, students will have an opportunity to integrate that information and write about what they learned.
Afterwards, students will share their learning with their peers.
Opening Activity
On the rug, I share the student friendly objective: "I can ask and answer questions to understand the wind as a push and pull force."
Then, I will ask, "What do you know about the wind?" I will have the students pair share with each other before they share with the whole group. I record their responses on a circle map.
Resources (1)
Resources (1)
Questions About the Wind
I ask students to tell me what questions they have about the Wind. Students pair share. Then, I write the questions on a Chart. After we make a list of the questions, I ask the students to look at the questions to evaluate them by asking them:
- Are there any questions that repeat themselves?
- Also, what type of questions do we have: thin or thick questions? (we have gone over categorizing our questions in previous lessons)
I want them to start internalizing how to critique their own questions so that they can determine the value of a question in comprehending texts. At this juncture, I expect them to know that how and why questions can usually take them deeper into an analysis of a text because they need to work harder at answering the questions. Unlike the who, what, when, where, and what questions, the answer is not as obvious.
Students write two questions in their science journal for possible research later. After watching the video, I ask students, "what questions on our list have been answered?" In asking this question, I make them aware of what has been answered and that asking questions is not a frivolous act.
Resources (2)
Video: Wind
My students watch a video on the power of wind. They take notes on a template I have provided: What is the wind?. I pause the video at certain points to give them an opportunity to take notes. Once we are done the students reread their notes and write down three keywords. I have them share the keywords with each other. I have them identity keywords because it gives me an idea whether they are really understanding what they are watching.
Here are some examples of my students' notes:
Here is the video:
Resources (5)
Now, my students sit on the rug. They have a blank piece of paper on a clipboard. As I read a page from the book, Feel The Wind, I pause and my students take notes on new information they are hearing about the wind. I read half of the story.
Here are some examples of the students' notes:
As I read, I remind them to think about the following question: "What new information did you hear about the wind?"
I expect them to write two or three new pieces of information per page. I remind them to write down words or phrases instead of sentences: Taking Notes.
Resources (8)
Independent Writing
Now, my students write about what they learned about the wind. They are writing in their science journals. I remind them about writing complete sentences and spelling accurately. I state that if they are using one of the words that is found on their template, then, they need to take the time to pay attention to how it is written. Again, I seek to create awareness about print.
Here are examples of journal entries:
- Everywhere Is The Wind
- I Can Feel The Wind Too
- The Wind Can Do Many Things
- Today I Learned...
- I Wonder What Type of Problems The Wind Causes
This writing time allows them to think about what they learned and to express it on paper to the best of their ability. I walk around and monitor their progress and give assistance as needed. Some students need help with getting started. Others need help with spelling words. Yet, others need help to stay on task.
Resources (5)
Whole Group Sharing
A common routine in my classroom is giving my students the opportunity to share their work with the whole group. During this time, they are practicing listening and speaking skills. The speakers are practicing how to speak clearly and loud enough for all to hear: What She Learned About The Wind.
The audience practices listening skills because once the speaker is done, it is up to them to give them feedback.
Our feedback protocol includes giving two stars and a wish:
- Two stars: Two different students tell what specifically they liked about the writing.
- A wish: Another student shares one way the writing can be improved.


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The folks at Experience Hendrix are preparing a couple of new reissues to celebrate what would havebeen Jimi Hendrix's 70th birthday. On July 10, the newly restored and expanded edition of Jimi Plays Berkeley will be available on BluRay and DVD. The film documents the two concerts Hendrix played at the Berkeley Community Theatre on Saturday, May 30, 1970. The new version will contain more than 15 minutes of previously unseen footage, including performances of "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," "Machine Gun" and "Hear My Train A Comin'."
Jimi Plays Berkeley will include the audio of Jimi's complete second show from May 30, mixed in 5.1 surround sound. The setlist for that show includes "Hey Baby (New Rising Sun)," "Stone Free," "Hey Joe," "I Don't Live Today," "Foxey Lady," "Purple Haze" and "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)." That second show will be a separate release on CD and LP.
Not enough Hendrix for you? July 10 will also see the release of the film Voodoo Child on BluRay. Originally included as a DVD in the 2010's West Coast Seattle Boy box set, the film is narrated in Hendrix's own words, via his letters (read in the film by Bootsy Collins).
— Brian Ives, CBS Local


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Forty-one eighth graders at Woodside Elementary School took part in the school's graduation and received diplomas in the school's amphitheater on June 14.
Commencement exercises began with the Woodside School Band, directed by Beth Dameron, playing the processional, and eighth-grade Student Council presidents Ria Calcagno and Dea Dressel leading the salute to the flag and the national anthem.
Woodside School Superintendent/Principal Beth Polito welcomed parents, guests and students before the eighth-grade students performed songs and gave addresses.
The class of 2013 chose and sang as its class song, "Gone, Gone, Gone," with music and lyrics by Phillip Phillips. Woodside School board trustee and parent Bettina Pike gave the commencement address. Steve Frank, assistant principal, presented the class of 2013 to the Woodside School board of trustees.
A-D Sydney Munro Ashworth, Kaitlin Ann Baldwin, James Timothy Bamford, Jack Coltman Belton, Sophia Rosalinda Brown, Andrew Mason Bruch, Anna Maria Ayars Calcagno, Jacob Elliot Schaeffer Campbell, Anika Ber Clark, Jasmine Rose Congress, Andre M. Crooks, Amelie Isabelle Diaz, Dea Elizabeth Dressel
E-K Annalise Rosalia Eder, Reeff Wiegand Edwards, Jad Elam, Brittany Ann Flores, Jessica Lee Flores, Olivia Holland Hooper, Chase Tyler Hovden, Matthew Robert Isackson, Lindsey Eleanor Johnson, Neal Linwood Kelly
L-P Emma May Lara, Caroline Kaori Laubscher, Shay Partch Lebovitz, Alex Madden Lehr, Sophia Louise McDevitt, Joseph Bernardo Montero III, Hudson Gregg Waterfield Nash, Michael Jeffrey Ngo, Daniel Frank Ohara, George Farrar Pike, Kadianne Busby Pollioni
Q-S Etienne Yves Rappaport, Amelia Danielle Shoch, Anna Lorraine Shoch
T-Z Griffin Schillinger Tarpenning, Luis Fernando Valle, Michael Byrnes Wampler, Swain Nicholas Yakupitiyage
This story contains 284 words.
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Please take advantage of the free swatch service available on this item. To order your free fabric sample please call 0845 026 45 49, quoting range name and colour. Please measure access via corridors, doors and stairways for all large and heavy items.


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Branch Evolution More than Adding Technology: Guest Opinion
It's estimated that consumers spend at least two days per year waiting in line for services at retail environments. This cross-market frustration, spurred on by the preferences of the Gen Y consumer, is leading credit unions to transform branch operations, with an emphasis on providing interactive, self-service options.
The branch isn't entering an end cycle; rather it is evolving with more of a concentration on sales than service. As technologies such as mobile and mobile remote deposit capture contribute to the decline of basic branch transactions, the value of the branch channel remains significant. In fact, the unique credit union concept of shared branching is becoming more important than ever. As the number of individual credit union branches decrease, the nationwide network of shared branch locations will enable credit unions to maintain their community presence.
Market indicators conclude that branches are increasingly viewed by members as destinations to conduct advanced transactions such as loans and opening new accounts. This will require a branch transformation process based on new technologies, but much more than that – it will also involve restructuring employee responsibilities and enhancing environmental designs.
To sustain the vitality of the branch model, credit unions must decrease overall expenses and determine ways to increase revenue. The best solution is to intertwine self-service technologies with human interaction and oversight.
For instance, video-based solutions based on Skype-like technology enable credit unions to provide a person-to-person experience using a combination of personal member service with the high touch of remote video capabilities. Branch transformation may have a self-service view of the world with personal interactions reserved for more complex types of transactions.
Moving Toward Automation
New technologies at credit union branches can include self-service stations, teller automation, alternative communication channels and integrated channel support. Traditional physical branches will need to morph into multiple channel delivery centers.
At first glance, this technology may seem cost prohibitive. However, transforming a branch is commonly done by enhancing existing hardware and software. Credit unions can leverage their investments in facilities and technology to create a more effective branch. Components like video technology at the ATM, dedicated video rooms, intelligent use of digital signage and in-branch kiosks for simple transactions are all within reach of credit unions to employ today.
Automation may, in fact, reduce risk as human error is taken out of equation. At the same time, advanced fraud detection technologies are built into many self-service solutions.
Branch Transformation and Employees
For many credit unions, undertaking a branch transformation of the physical environment may include placement of free flowing teller pods, automated sections of the branch where self-service is available and 24/7 self-service access options such as ATMs outside of the branch. It is imperative that employees understand how to use and explain these new service options to members. Traditional branch users can easily be overwhelmed by the process-pulling too much of the human element out of the branch is not a good thing.
The increase of automated tellers does not necessarily have a negative impact on branch employees; however, it does redefine respective roles. Southwest Airlines is a successful self-service model because while self-service kiosks have increased operations efficiency, the company also provides employees on site to help with questions. Credit unions can take the same dual approach.
Integration of Mobile Services
In the U.S., 57% of smartphone owners use mobile banking features. We will see a decline in branch traffic as more members and consumers become more mobile savvy for deposits.
Yet, when credit union employees interact with members, the member-customer relationship is strengthened. This can be achieved, in part, through the combination of mobile banking within the branch environment.
One example is when an employee with a tablet approaches people waiting in line for a teller. By offering to help them deposit their checks via mobile deposit, credit union employees can demonstrate that they are there to make the member's life easier. They are also providing training so that the member is more comfortable using that channel in the future.
Credit unions will have to reconsider service models, phone- and Internet-based account services, lending services and plastic card support as part of their branch transformation. In addition, call center support may need to include help desk services for multiple channel access. Regardless of channel or technology, however, members will need to feel you're adding value and convenience.
Sarah Canepa Bang is president/chief operating officer of FSCC LLC and chief strategy officer of CO-OP Shared Branching.
800-782-9042 ext. 1205 or email@example.com


text:
Overview Incidence Risk Factors Symptoms Evaluation Treatment specialist Home Care taking control warning signs Outlook Complications Underlying Cause Anatomy
Elevated Parathyroid Hormone Risk Factors
Risk factors for hyperparathyroidism include:
- Menopause
- Exposure to radiation
Continue to Elevated Parathyroid Hormone Symptoms
Last Updated: Mar 20, 2009 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
Copyright DSHI Systems, Inc. Powered by: FreeMD - Your Virtual Doctor
PubMed Elevated Parathyroid Hormone References
- Damiani D, Aguiar CH, Bueno VS, Montenegro FL, Koch VH, Cocozza AM, Cordeiro AC, Dichtchekenian V, Setian N. Primary hyperparathyroidism in children: patient report and review of the literature. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 1998 Jan-Feb;11(1):83-6. [9642634]
- Reeve TS, Babidge WJ, Parkyn RF, Edis AJ, Delbridge LW, Devitt PG, Maddern GJ. Minimally invasive surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism: systematic review. Arch Surg. 2000 Apr;135(4):481-7. [10768716]
- Ruda JM, Hollenbeak CS, Stack BC Jr. A systematic review of the diagnosis and treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism from 1995 to 2003. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2005 Mar;132(3):359-72. [15746845]


text: Find a unique assortment of speakers right here! Check out all of the amazing designs on our speakers ready for purchase. We have a wide selection of plug-in or Bluetooth speakers, and all of the designs on them can be printed in full color. Find the perfect speaker for your music!


text:
Santana pulls magic bat trick
Cubs baffled by ball hitting maple multiple times during single
By Jon Blau / MLB.com
Depending on your account, Mets pitcher Johan Santana at least completed the first couple steps of the trifecta in the fifth inning Tuesday, breaking his bat on Cubs pitcher Sean Marshall's fastball and sending it toward second base.
Remarkably, his maple wood speared into the ball and distracted Marshall near the mound. Then, as shortstop Ronny Cedeno came over to field a grounder with Nick Evans already safe at second base, again, the ball and bat met. Santana, hustling over to first, beat out the throw, extending the inning for a Luis Castillo walk and a two-run single by David Wright to tie the score and splinter the Cubs' early hold on the game.
In chorus, the Cubs said, "I have never seen that before."
"Well, you know, Marshall did fine," Cubs manager Lou Pinella said. "The only problem is he hits the eighth hitter [Evans], and then Santana pulls a magic bat trick -- I have never seen that before -- and then he gets [Jose] Reyes, and then he walks Castillo to get to their hot hitter.
"That doesn't work, usually."
Cedeno, who played the ball with second baseman Mark DeRosa covering first, initially saw a routine grounder coming his way. Add one skip past Marshall and another diversion before he grasped the ball, and you have the magic bat trick.
"It's unbelievable. I've never seen that before," Cedeno said.
"It happened so fast," Marshall said. "I was trying to track the ball, and the bat kind of got my attention, I don't know if the ball hit the bat twice. It hit in front of me and it hit back there with Ronny. It was definitely a tough play to make for Ronny and I."
That sequence was Marshall's undoing and liberated Santana from a deficit. A four-run sixth inning broke open the game for the Mets while their ace continued to battle on the mound, lasting eight innings, allowing two runs and striking out 10.
Surely, Santana would have loved to have pitched longer. He jokingly heard from manager Jerry Manuel that he was scheduled to throw 220 pitches, so Santana decided to up the ante to 250. They met halfway, settling on 125 pitches and a career high.
And don't forget, Santana wants credit for two hits in that at-bat.
"It's just lucky, whatever, I don't even know what to call that," Santana said. "I hit the ball and then I was just running hard. I knew that if I made contact, I didn't want to hit for a double play, and then, all of a sudden, the ball hit the bat again -- which should count for two hits -- I don't know. That was just lucky. It worked out well for us."
Jon Blau is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Parents Accused of Murdering Daughter's Pimp After Authorities Refused to Help
Barry Gilton and Lupe Mercado of San Francisco have been formally charged with the murder of 22-year-old Calvin Sneed, an alleged gang member who had reportedly been pimping out their 17-year-old daughter in North Hollywood.
The couple tracked their daughter down after she ran away from home, and learned she had been prostituting for Sneed. Police say the two tried unsuccessfully to kill Sneed one week before he was shot to death inside his Toyota Camry in San Francisco.
Gilton, 38, and Mercado, 37, maintain their innocence, but Gilton's lawyer, Eric Safire, said the pair had been stymied in their efforts to deal with Sneed through official channels. "They had gone out to local police agencies, agencies in Southern California - they had even tried talking to national organizations," Safire said. "Every place they turned to turned them away."
Prosecutors claim that, on June 4, frustration with the authorities' inaction led Gilton to fire into Sneed's car with a .40-caliber handgun, causing him to crash into another vehicle. He was pronounced dead at San Francisco General Hospital a short time later.
Mercado's attorney, Tony Tamburello, says prosecutors are basing their entire case on motive, but D.A. spokesman Alex Bastian insisted the case had been thoroughly investigated by police. "We would not charge a case unless we had a good-faith basis that we could prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt," Bastian said.
Sneed was alleged to be a member of the Nutty Block Crip gang, and was the victim of an LA drive-by last year.
Gilton and Mercado's daughter is currently in the care of relatives along with their three other children.


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WWII pilot cited for valor avenging friend's death
By LOU MICHEL | The Buffalo News, N.Y. | Published: October 15, 2012
Jacob L. Cooper discovered that his dream of becoming a military pilot might not be all that it was cracked up to be.
In the Army Air Forces' Aviation Cadet Program at Corsicana, Texas, in April 1943, Cooper recalled not feeling "all that comfortable" up in the air with his flight instructor, whom he sat behind in a two-seat, 175-horsepower PT-19A aircraft.
While the instructor could speak to his student through a flexible tube hooked up to the trainee's leather flight helmet, Cooper said, "You couldn't talk back."
He recalled that "we had to learn how to recover from tailspins by climbing with little power until the engine stalled. The airplane would then descend nose-first, rolling over and over. I had difficulty putting the plane into the tailspin. It was a very uncomfortable feeling.
"Finally, my instructor took over and told me to watch. He went into a spin, took his hands off the controls, and the plane recovered by itself. I had no problems after that."
Cooper's yearning to engage in dogfights with the enemy steadily increased as his training advanced, and on March 28, 1944, he and his squadron set sail from New York Harbor for Europe. Among the Utica-area native's comrades was Jim Watson, who hailed from Herkimer, a few miles from Cooper's hometown of Ilion.
"Also onboard were personnel from a military hospital. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that this group included 98 nurses. Many of the young flyboys were real eager to meet the nurses; however, I was still my shy, bashful self."
The number 98, in time, would hold special significance for Cooper. By war's end, he would fly a total of 98 combat missions in his trusty P-47 Thunderbolt. Liftoff for his first mission was May 23, 1944, with the 493rd Fighter-Bomber Squadron stationed at Ibsley in southern England.
"Many of these missions were conducted just across the English Channel in northwest France. We dive-bombed bridges and German positions, also strafing personnel and equipment. Practically all our missions were in direct support of the forthcoming invasion of France."
Cooper, of course, was referring to D-Day, June 6, 1944, when the Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy.
By the end of June, crude airstrips were constructed near Deux-Jumeaux, a small Normandy village, and Cooper and his fellow airmen lived in tents in a nearby apple orchard.
"We were so close to the front lines that we could hear the noise of the large guns. Most of us did not venture away from the airstrips," he said, recalling that much of the region had been devastated.
By July 7, he was up in the air going after the enemy. But he had to be especially careful.
"Many of our missions during this time were for short durations because we were dive-bombing and strafing targets which were located directly in front of our ground troops."
Just how close were the landing zones to the enemy?
"If you made a wide traffic pattern when taking off or landing, the German troops would shoot at you."
On July 11, while bombing enemy tanks west of Saint-L", Cooper said, ammo from a 20 mm anti-aircraft gun punched a few holes in his left wing. But taking enemy fire, he said, soon became commonplace. During one harrowing landing, his right tire blew out, and the plane skidded off the airstrip before coming to a stop.
Later that year, during a turning point in the war, the Battle of the Bulge, it was hoped that American aircraft would play a major support role, but because of miserable winter weather conditions, he said, planes were initially grounded.
But on the second day of the famous battle, Dec. 17, the agony of war hit home for Cooper.
"My very good friend Jim Watson was shot down by a German pilot," he said. "Another one of our pilots was lost on the same mission, one that I did not participate in. It was my day off. Our squadron was about to attack some ground targets when German planes attacked them from above and out of the sun."
Watson's death weighed heavily. He and Cooper had been friends since basic flying school. But, as Cooper explained, there was no "timeout" in war, and "before long, the weather improved so that I was kept busy with my flying duties."
On the final day of the battle, Jan. 25, 1945, he avenged Watson's death, and for that heroism, Cooper was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The order approving the medal stated, in part:
"While leading a squadron in close support of the ground forces, Lt. Cooper attacked an enemy truck and tank column with telling effect. Heedless of intense anti-aircraft fire and demonstrating superior airmanship and aggressiveness, Lt. Cooper returned alone to make numerous strafing passes until his ammunition was exhausted, inflicting additional damage on vital enemy equipment."
By the end of the war, he had flown more than 202 hours of combat time and decided to return home for a visit, before shipping off to the Pacific for a planned invasion of Japan.
While home enjoying his mom's cooking, word came that the war against Japan had ended.
"There was a big celebration in Ilion, even a parade," he said. "I would not be going to the Pacific Theater after all."
President Harry S. Truman's decision to drop two atomic bombs on Japan had made further fighting unnecessary.
Cooper, who was honorably discharged from World War II service as a captain and went on to write a book about his experiences with the 493rd Squadron, said, "It is possible that my life and the lives of thousands of other servicemen were saved" by Truman's decision.
It is something for which the old flyboy says he'll be forever grateful.
Jacob L. Cooper, 88
Hometown: Ilion, Herkimer County
Residence: Cheektowaga
Branch: Army Air Forces
Rank: Colonel
War Zone: Europe
Years of service: 1943-45; recalled to active duty 1953; retired 1970.
Most prominent honors: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 15 oak leaf clusters.
Specialty: Fighter pilot


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The Tri County Regional Water Distribution District is preparing to take the next step in developing a new water treatment plant and reservoir at Shoal Creek in east Logan County. The district's directors voted Tuesday to have General Manager Harry Willard investigate the cost of a feasibility study on the project.
"We're going to have to spend a little money and commission a study," Willard told the panel.
The proposed plant and reservoir would be a new regional water supply that would serve as a secondary source to Russellville City Corp.'s Huckleberry Reservoir. It would help alleviate some of the pressure placed on local water systems by the water demands of local poultry farms.
"If somebody doesn't take the initiative on this, then it's going to die," said Verlin Taylor, a Tri County director who represents Pope County. "If [the plant] is a success, then we'll recoup our money in the years to come."
Director Ross Rogers reported a recent meeting with east Logan County officials had gone well. "Everybody I've talked to has been really supportive," he said. "We need to move forward."
Willard told the board the feasibility study is the first step in formulating a plan for the development, which can then be used to try and secure federal financing for the project. He estimated once financing is in place, the project would take three to five years to complete.
Willard will report on the study's cost at the next Tri County meeting Dec. 8.
In other business, director Danny Bunting reported the Dardanelle City Council will review changes made to the memorandum of understanding between Tri County and City Corp., which will affect Dardanelle's purchase of water from Tri County at their meeting Dec. 4.
The directors approved the district's 2007 budget. Total projected income is $3.54 million with about $3.04 million in expenses. Combined with a $500,000 carryover from 2006, projected revenue available for system improvements and equipment purchases totals approximately $900,000.