text:
Creators' and consumers' common ground
As the Creators' Rights Alliance observes in its March 2012 submission to government, in the new digital environment, changes to copyright law affect every citizen.
We have therefore co-organised with Consumer Focus, the statutory consumer champion, meetings to explore areas of common ground. The latest of these was at the House of Commons on 13 March, under the auspices of PICTFOR, the Parliamentary, Internet, Communications and Technology Forum which is the lead parliamentary group in Information and Communications Technology.
We are broadly in agreement:
- on the need for automatic moral rights, particularly attribution, and better metadata identifying creators throughout the distribution chain;
- on the importance of addressing problems with contracts - both those between end-users and intermediaries and between creators and intermediaries;
- that we share considerable interest in the idea that economic rights could revert to creators after a certain time or when not exploited.
Detailed notes of the meeting:
Alun Michael MP in his introduction from the chair welcomed the constructive move by the Creators' Rights Alliance and Consumer Focus to seek common ground.
Saskia Waltzel, senior policy advocate for Consumer Focus, opened by introducing Consumer Focus and their work. Their interest in copyright exceptions and licensing grew out of their work on infringement. CF want to see licensing made easier, to get works to market.
Research shows consumers to be broadly supportive of copyright - so long as their money is going back to the creator. They are, however, bewildered by aspects of current law, for example the part that disallows format shifting. Consumers have not traditionally been regarded as stakeholders in the debate on copyright but this is changing.
CF supports many of the recommendations made in the Hargreaves Review, such as bringing the right to limited private copying up to date. Consumers expect private copying to be legal, and P2P file-copying to be illegal.
CF is aligned with creators on exceptions on review and criticism. In the digital age lots of the exceptions that were made with professional creators in mind are being used by consumers - such as that for reporting current events to copy quotes onto blogs. Exceptions must work for consumers and creators.
There is also common ground on enforcement. CF has long argued for a small claims track for copyright, which will hopefully be introduced in October of this year. Previously the expense of bringing a case deterred both consumers and creators.
The report by Professor Ian Hargreaves focuses heavily on markets and made lots of suggestions to ease licensing of copyrighted works. Copyright law should ensure that the money filters back to the original creators - but this is scarcely looked at in the report and moral rights and contracts are similarly disregarded.
The focus on economic rights overlooks the rights of creators - and historically creators have not had a strong voice in the debate.
The link between economic growth and creators' rights is under-examined - although the Mergers and Monopolies Commission looked at the question of monopoly in the music business and discovered that this meant that unfavourable contracts were imposed on artists, it took no action.
The question is: how can we create a copyright system that recognises the many intermediaries in the chain, but gets the money back to creators?
Mike Holderness, chair of the CRA, agreed with Hargreaves that the creative industries are central to the UK's economic growth: but there's a problem with encouraging sustainable growth because there is, as Saskia acknowleged, a problem getting money back to the individuals who do the creative work, so they can sustain themselves to do more.
Probably most people working in this field are freelance – that is, sole traders. This means that the playing field is far from level when it comes to bargaining power.
Hargreaves and the current review have focused on the role of the intermediaries rather than creators - whether they be the traditional intermediaries such as publishers or those who aim to "organise all the world's knowledge" and sell advertising on the back of it.
And also, at at time when practically every child now in school will be a "published" or "broadcast" creator before they can vote – thanks to YouTube and FaceBook and so on – changes to copyright will affect every citizen's rights, not least the right to complain when their work is abused.
Wikpedia is a marvel of what people will do in their spare time - as though a creative economy could be built on such work for free. But if an entry in the encyclopaedia fails to cite professionals in the field - whether chemists or journalists - it's flagged as unreliable. The free work builds on professionals' work.
Hargreaves says little about how the UK can retain a professional cadre of creators.
It is particularly important that journalists take responsibility for their work outputs. Currently journalists lack the right to defend the integrity of their work - an editor can change their piece without asking permission. They don't have a right to be identified as authors of their work. Journalists - and other creators - need an enforceable, unwaivable right to be named. This is as much in the interest of the "consumer" - who needs to know the provenance of what they're seeing or hearing – as the creator.
Moral rights are a precondition for many of Hargreaves recommendations. They are important, not just for professional creators, but for consumers and for every child who will now leave school a published writer or broadcaster.
Gwen Thomas, consultant to the Asssociation of Phogographers, spoke about contracts and moral rights. Recent research in the field had shown that
- 50% of photographers said their bargaining power has worsened;
- 40% reported an increase in assignments of copyright and other rights;
- 24% reported an increase in moral rights waivers and a decline in attribution; and
- 31% saw attribution decreasing going forward.
The reality of the situation is that for every photographer who wants to retain their rights there is a queue of others who will sign any contract on any terms. While there is no mechanism in the UK to help photographers retain their rights, this is unlikely to improve.
Moral rights are particularly important to photographers, not least in preventing works from becoming orphaned; in giving photographers a way to defend their work against distortion and manipulation; and in helping people be remunerated - if you can't be traced, you can't be paid.
Photography is not the preserve of the professional alone, and nor is digital manipulation of images. People must understand how their reputation might be damaged if their photo is misused, and the implications for any people who could be identified in their images. Moral rights are critical and the UK lags behind many other EU countries already.
On orphan works, Gwen pointed out that the "metadata" that should embed identifying information within a digital photograph is often removed during the process of uploading a photo to a sharing site. She called for strong sanctions against its removal, alongside more money to research how to do metadata more effectively. She concluded by saying that moral rights are essential for the public and for economic growth.
Simon Indelicate of the band The Indelicates described the various references in his song "Savages", from musical ideas to literary works. Despite the song being deeply personal, he finds it difficult to describe what is his in the song. Copyright as a concept sits uneasily with him as references to other works help him to communicate. Creators must consume other creative works; creativity demands constant access to culture and copyright law should not restrict this access.
In conclusion, Alun Michael said that legislation based on values and principles should be the way forward. The Digital Copyright Exchange idea gives an opportunity to do this.
- See also notes on the meeting from PICTFOR


text:
Then I threw up in my mouth. Ack.
The letter in plain text, my comments in bold.
My comments will not be kind.
My comments will not be kind.
May 8, 2012
John R. ReadChief, Litigation III Section United States Department of Justice 450 5th St NW Suite 4000 Washington DC 20530
Dear Mr. Read,
I write to you as the President of the AAR, the largest organization of literary and dramatic agents in the United States, and on behalf of the unanimous AAR Board of Directors. Our more than four hundred seventy-five members represent writers who number in the tens of thousands. We want you to know in the strongest terms possible that we firmly oppose the proposed settlement between the Justice Department and three publishers with respect to e-book pricing.
Translation: We're about to put our collective foot in our mouth. Stay tuned!
Joe sez: I count thirteen names on this letter. I don't see the names of the other 462 AAR members, nor the names of the tens of thousands of authors they seem to be insinuating they speak for.
They DO NOT speak for me. And I hope the majority of the AAR who didn't sign their name to this nonsense show some guts and leave an organization that erroneously claims to speak for them. Or at least fire the board members that sent this without getting a majority vote.
Readers, writers and the general public benefit when there is a healthy competitive literary marketplace. Two and a half years ago Amazon, with its proprietary Kindle devices and its willingness to discount e-book "bestsellers" to a level at which it sustained a significant loss on each copy sold, threatened the entire marketplace for books.
Translation: Amazon invented a device that consumers wanted. That's BAD. Readers were getting cheap ebooks. That's BAD. It may not seem bad on the surface, and we don't back-up our claim with any actual evidence, but boy oh boy trust us it really is because we say so.
Amazon's practice of targeting the very titles that drive profitability of our entire industry and pricing them several dollars below cost was clearly leading to the demise of the independent bookstore, hastened the loss of Borders, and threatened the existence of Barnes & Noble, the one remaining large chain store that sells books.
Translation: Customers were changing how and where they shopped because Amazon gave them a clearly better alternative; ebooks delivered instantly for less.
Joe sez: Apparently the AAR doesn't remember that under the previous model, their authors were making more damn money.
Doesn't AAR stand for Association of AUTHORS Representatives? Why are they suddenly spokesmen for Barnes and Noble?
And Borders? Weren't they on the verge of bankruptcy (or at least in serious trouble) before Amazon even introduced the Kindle? Blaming Amazon for Borders' woes is bullshit correlation. Or as a friend of mine calls it: causality magical thinking.
This was not healthy for competition or for authors or indeed for consumers in the long-term.
Translation: Trying to outsell your competition, or attract customers with lower prices and better service, is bad.
And it's bad when authors get paid more for each copy sold and sell more copies because of lower prices.
And lower prices are bad for consumers, because maybe one day Amazon will again raise prices, possibly even up to the lofty heights publishers have them raised to now under the current Agency Model.
Retailers shouldn't be allowed to set their own prices. That's bad. It's much better for the wholesaler to set both the wholesale and the retail price, because THAT and THAT ALONE encourages healthy competition. ESPECIALLY when there are several wholesalers in lockstep.
Nothing is better for consumers than a group of companies who set wholesale and retail. And even though they set the SAME prices, it really still is competition! Really!
The steep discounting from Amazon was a practice of selling our clients' work at a loss in order to make it impossible for other businesses to enter the e-book marketplace in a way that made financial sense for them.
Translation: This predatory pricing is driving competitors out of business, like it did with... um... what's that famous case where a company lowered prices, destroyed competition, and then became a monopoly and raised prices?
It must happen all the time, right?
Or if it doesn't, it's because the government steps in and stops it. Like in the case of... um...
Joe sez: Like in the case of the DOJ stepping in because 5 of the Big 6 were colluding to raise ebook prices?
This artificially low pricing unfairly threatened the world of publishing and bookselling and would ultimately have a devastating effect on the choices available to book consumers.
Translation: Apparently starting a company that allowed writers to self-publish their books, and that sold all the major publishers' books for less, is VERY BAD for authors and readers. Because more titles being sold at lower prices means less choice.
Joe sez: How could they write that with a straight face? What's worse, knowing you're spouting BS and doing it anyway to further your own self-interests, or actually believing the BS you're spouting?
Joe sez: How could they write that with a straight face? What's worse, knowing you're spouting BS and doing it anyway to further your own self-interests, or actually believing the BS you're spouting?
What's a better quality to have for an agent? Someone more concerned with buddying up with Big Publishing at your expense, and making bullshit arguments to defend Big Publishing? Or being so stupid they actually believe they're correct?
Personally, I want my agents to be smart and to look out for my best interests. I want them to recognize they work for me, not the Big 6 or bookstores. And if I were repped by one of the 13 agents who signed their name to this, I'd be a lot angrier than I am right now.
When Apple launched the iPad and offered to sell books at the "agency model" terms it was already using for other media sales, our members breathed a sigh of relief. This would create a fair playing field for Barnes & Noble, Apple and others to develop devices and join the e-book marketplace.
Translation: For healthy competition to exist we need to disregard consumer preference and put floundering competitors on life support. Because no one can ever start a company to compete with Amazon.
Which is odd, because Amazon started a company to compete with bookstores and did just fine.
And soon Amazon will compete with publishers as its imprints begin to outsell theirs.
Which is what we're REALLY afraid of, because Amazon doesn't return our calls. Or take us out to lunch all the time at posh Manhattan restaurants.
Consumers would be able to buy their books at various retailers or e-booksellers; the threat of a monopoly was diminished.
Translation: Consumers couldn't buy ebooks from other retailers prior to the agency model. After all, there was only Kindle.
And the Nook.
And the Kobo.
And the Sony Reader.
And even though publishers band together to control price, making it impossible for these different companies to ACTUALLY compete on price, it really really still is competition.
And even though publishers band together to control price, making it impossible for these different companies to ACTUALLY compete on price, it really really still is competition.
We cheered this development despite the fact that, as you no doubt know, under the agency model publishers were taking in less money per copy sold and therefore we and our clients were getting less in royalties and commissions. But we believe this sacrifice was in the best interests of the book landscape and therefore our clients long-term.
Translation: We're in bed with Big Publishing, even though we allegedly work for authors.
Joe sez: How noble of you guys to sacrifice your authors' incomes by taking up this worthy cause, without consulting us.
How about changing your name to the Association of Book Landscape Protectors? Or the Champions of What We Call Healthy Competition Even if Authors Get Screwed?
The proposed settlement would allow for a resumption of predatory discounting of our clients' most important and profitable new 'frontlist' and bestselling titles and undermines the growth of a competitive marketplace for books.
Translation: Discounting is predatory, even if it benefits our authors and consumers in general. But higher ebook prices via collusion and lower royalties isn't predatory, it encourages a competitive marketplace.
Also, the Big 6 in no way ever undermined the growth of a competitive marketplace for books.
Sure, the Big 6 never created an ereader or an ebook store. And never innovated anything.
Sure, the Big 6 all price their books comparably.
Sure, the Big 6 offer authors shockingly similar contract terms and royalty rates.
Sure, the Big 6 fit the definition of a cartel.
But Amazon is the real enemy here! Can't you see?
Joe sez: This is the part in the letter where Mr. Reid is laughing so hard he falls off his chair.
It seems to us outrageous that the Department of Justice would choose to interfere in a functioning marketplace where consumers can choose from a broad array of titles with huge differential in prices and formats with a very unclear picture of whether or not 'agency pricing' did indeed raise e-book prices on anything but a select number of titles that had been targeted for underselling by Amazon.
Translation: The marketplace can only function to our satisfaction with collusion and price-fixing, even though we admit it is harmful to our clients' wallets. You DOJ folks should just mind your own business. Stop picking on our crooked industry!
We do not want to return to an environment in which our clients' intellectual property is irrationally priced in order to stifle innovation and harm consumer choice.
Translation: Because the only choice consumers should be allowed is paying more money for ebooks, which is what Big Publishing wants.
Joe sez: Where is there more choice—the legacy way? Or via the kind of self-publishing Amazon has enabled? Which system produces more titles and more variety? Which bestseller list has more variety—the NYT? Or the Kindle Store? Which bookstore has more variety, a brick and mortar shop stocking 200 copies of Patterson's latest near the front door, or an online bookstore were EVERY title ever in print is available and given equal virtual shelf space?
Joe sez: Where is there more choice—the legacy way? Or via the kind of self-publishing Amazon has enabled? Which system produces more titles and more variety? Which bestseller list has more variety—the NYT? Or the Kindle Store? Which bookstore has more variety, a brick and mortar shop stocking 200 copies of Patterson's latest near the front door, or an online bookstore were EVERY title ever in print is available and given equal virtual shelf space?
Of course we have no way of knowing if there was collusion among the publishers and Apple.
Translation: We didn't do nothing! We swear! We can't look to the lockstep royalties, the draconian rights lockups, and the absolute absence of innovation from legacy publishing, to see if maybe there's been some collusion. We can't even read the allegations in the DOJ's own complaint or in the complaint brought by sixteen states! There's just no way to know! What are we, psychic or something?
But this proposed settlement damages our clients and the industry in a way that goes beyond any appropriate remedy for any possible misconduct.
Translation: Any possible misconduct?!
Look, I know we did a crappy job of presenting our terrible argument, but it should be okay for the Big 6 to break the law. So can you allow it? Just this once?
We urge you to reject the proposed settlement and allow the market to return to one that protects the value of our clients' intellectual property from unfair and predatory discounting. This will protect and encourage broader competition among all booksellers, will allow the consumer the protection of a range of choices in format, price, and retailer, and will encourage digital innovation in the burgeoning field of e-book publishing and retailing.
Translation: If we keep repeating the same bullshit over and over, maybe someone will believe it.
Gail Hochman,
President, AAR
The AAR Board of Directors:
Brian Defiore
Mitchell S. Waters
Anne Edelstein
Beth Blickers
Sarah Lazin
Jim Rutman
Jodi Reamer
Liza Dawson
Ellen Geiger
Dorian Karchmar
Barbara Hogenson
Anne Reingold
Here is my response, which they won't reply to but will be seen by over a hundred thousand people this week thanks to readers like you.
Dear AAR-
I understand these are uncertain, even scary times. But methinks you're forgetting who you work for.
Your clients are writers, not publishers. Your job is to make them more money, not support a program (the Agency Model) that makes them less money.
Your job isn't to defend publishers—that would be the job of the Association of Publisher Representatives.
Your job isn't to make sure Pop's Books on 3rd Street doesn't go out of business—that would be the job of the Association of Brick-and-Mortar Representatives.
Again, last I checked, you were calling yourselves the Association of Author Representatives. If the name you've bestowed on yourselves means anything, you should be representing authors. By costing us money without even consulting us, you're not representing us. You're screwing us.
I know you're worried that without the Big 6, more and more authors will self-publish, and won't require your services to the extent they do now. But the disservice you're doing your authors with this letter is damn near unforgivable.
You are taking the side of the companies you're hired to negotiate with. You really don't see a problem with that? Even worse, the side you're taking is one that continues to screw authors--your clients--in many, many ways.
Am I the only one who sees ethical problems with this stance? First the Writers Guild, now the AAR. Those who are supposed to protect authors, are betraying authors.
It's appeasement, caused by fear.
Winston Churchill said it best. "An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile—hoping it will eat him last."
I've accused authors of having Stockholm Syndrome. Apparently it is alive and well in the agent biz as well.
I know you feel threatened by Amazon just like publishers do. But your letter is bullshit. To imply that the tens of thousands of writers you represent agree with your bullshit is even more bullshit.
I assume John R. Read will be able to detect bullshit when he hears it, but I'm going to send him a copy of this blog post just the same.
If this blog post made you mad, your anger is misplaced. You shouldn't be pissed at me, or the DOJ. You should be mad at Big Publishing, which has screwed you guys the same way it has screwed your clients for decades. Think about all the books they abandoned or orphaned or tanked or passed up on, all the hoops you had to jump through to get your clients slightly better terms, all the onerous, unfair clauses in those archaic, one-sided contracts that they en masse refuse to consider changing, all the accounting errors and questionable royalty statements, all the shitty covers and poor editing jobs, all the late checks and late contracts, all the pain and depression your writers have had to deal with because they had no power and no other choice. Now publishers have forced Amazon--a company that benefits authors and readers--to accept the Agency Model, which I've clearly explained sucks.
And how do you react? You defend them.
Your clients trusted you. You were supposed to be advocates for authors. Champions for authors.
Instead, you've shown yourself to be self-interested cowards.
You've sold out. Shame on you.
Once upon a time I praised the AAR for its ethics and standards.
I won't be doing that in the future. Your behavior has made it impossible.
Joe Konrath
Addendum: Many have asked why I haven't taken agent Simon Lipskar to task for his bullshit letter to the DOJ. Now I have. http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2012/05/simon-says.html
Bestselling author Bob Mayer also wrote a terrific piece worth checking out. http://www.digitalbookworld.com/2012/aar-publishers-bookstores-facilitators-need-to-adapt-not-defend/

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Enter your City Government of Baguio username.
Enter the password that accompanies your username.
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
Enter the characters shown in the image.
In an effort to help improve and understand your needs and improve our service, we have created a short survey.
The survey should not take more than 3 minutes to complete.
We thank you for taking the time to complete the survey and apprepriate your honest feedback.


text:
Online reservations are used by travellers to book anything from a hotel room, hire car or a table in a restaurant. A Central Reservation System (CRS) will help you to manage your sales and to upload rates and availabilities to be seen by various different channels from the individual to travel agencies.
Be first to write a review


text:
Monday, November 24, 2008
The spill has been contained
I used to work with radiation - 32P to be specific. If there was a bad spill or contamination outside the designated "hot" area, Radiation Safety (complete with jumpsuits and Geiger counters) was called in for the cleanup. It was a serious process, and the responsible grad student/postdoc/technician was made to feel like a criminal. Believe it or not, I never actually caused a serious infraction. I was scared of that stuff, and treated it with the greatest of reverence (which I owe entirely to the meticulous people I worked with). I still have nightmares about it, in fact. A recurring one involves me finding vial of neon green stuff in my home freezer and trying to figure out how to dispose of it properly without getting caught.
Anyways, dealing with my awful mess of fabric was the closest thing to a decontamination effort I've experienced in a long time. The sheer volume of "waste" was overwhelming - it was tangled, disorganized, and full of evidence that I have some personality disorders working.
Cleaning always inspires self-reflection, right? Here are my theories on how my fabric mess got so out of control:
1) I am a PACK RAT. This is no new revelation here. I'll hang on to a gum wrapper if it is pretty, shiny, and possibly useful.
2) I used to sew for very tiny dolls, so even the smallest scrap could be enough for a tiny dress. I used to buy 1/8 yard cuts, can you believe???
3) I currently do applique, so even the tiniest scrap could be just the thing I need for a beak or a lug-nut. I still buy 1/8 yard cuts, can you believe???
4) I really do myself I disservice by not "cleaning up" my fabric before releasing it back into a drawer. Those strips hanging off the usuable fabric love to entwine.
5) Without a system, I have to rifle. Rifling causes even more disarray.
It took me a couple of days, but I was able to organize my stash into categories that made sense to me. I then placed the nice, folded pieces back into the clean drawers. I even have room to spare!!!
I learned so much about my stash throughout this process. For one, I don't have as much "folding fabric" as I thought. The bulk of my pile was composed of teeny, tiny scraps. So I had to make some choices - if it was big enough (and the appropriate scale print) for an applique, I saved it. I only allowed myself two drawers of teeny scraps. Stuff that absolutely was too small to use was trashed. This is the resulting bag:
This is probably two drawers worth of stuff. I feel terrible about putting it in the landfill, but really...it is beyond usable. Heck, most people would deem the stuff I saved for applique unusable!
I also learned that the stuff I LOVE and the stuff I HAVE are entirely different things. I thought for sure I would have a drawer full of polka dots and stripes. Nope! I could really stand to bulk up that aspect of my stash. I have a few nice, long cuts of designer fabrics, but the things I am more likely to grab and use up are the good old basics.
The stuff I DO have...many small cuts of homespuns, ginghams and tiny floral calicos (some go back to the 80's, some are relatively modern)! There are lotsa lovely little pieces of fabric in there. I'm sure I would have used them up by now if I had continued sewing for teeny-tiny dollies. As far current usefulness goes, I found TONS of great fabrics for making gifts. I'm not going to have to buy a single fraction of a yard! There is stuff in there that I had completely forgotten about, and it will be absolutely perfect for the projects I have in mind.
My next few days will be filled with cleaning, eating, enjoying family (yay), and shopping (yuck). When the Thanksgiving holiday is over, I will be happy to return to an organized stash and a "scintillatingly" clean sewing room!
2 comments:
- Dana said...
I've been reading your blog since the "Thrifty Fifty" but was just now able to take the time to look over all of it.
I have a terribly unorganized stash. In fact, I think my new blog theme for next year is going to be something like "Slash the Stash" and post about using up your stash--starting with organization. The inspiration is, of course, the Thrifty 50 challenge.
Those little scraps are the hardest to organize so you can know what you have. I tend to save little bitty pieces for applique also.
Love your blog. Looking forward to more in the New Year!
Dana in Indiana
- December 28, 2008 at 3:05 PM
I used follow your doll creations on ebay religiously. (As a matter of fact, a member of the SAGA guild I belonged to, bought one of your early creations -- after I brought it to her attention)
And then a while back, I realized that something I saw on YCMT(?) was designed/written by you -- and I might add with the same meticulous attention to detail as your doll designs -- They too are fabulous -- and sew cute to boot!
Although I'm an experienced sewist, have taken drafting classes, and have a plethora of patterns, I would buy some of yours if I had anyone that size to sew for anymore, since they're so inspiring!
Although I've been reading blogs for some time now (2 years +?), I'm still now sure of all the ins and outs, so I STILL don't know if I make a comment on a blog post that's over a year old, if You'll ever see it.
I'm SEW happy to find your blog. I'm sure I'll be spending (too much) time in the days to come, reading all your past posts. Can't wait.
PS: I'm a packrat too, so I can relate
- February 22, 2010 at 1:48 AM


text:
HOUSTON (April 2, 2012) – The Lone Star College System Board of Trustees will hold its workshop and regular meeting on Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 5 p.m. in the board room of the Lone Star College Training and Development Center, 5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381.
The link for the board agenda is available on line at http://wwwappsdstc.lonestar.edu/board the Monday prior to the meeting. For more information, contact Jed Young, Executive Director of Communications, at 832.813.6521.
This notice is given pursuant to Section 551.001 et seq. of the Texas Government Code.
With 75,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, five centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.


text:
We're throwing a benefit show for the Zine Fair on August 24th at the Mr. Roboto Project. There will be live music from Dewey Marquee & Andre Costello as well as live readings from Daniel McCloskey, Artnoose, Max Wheeler and Paul Scott. We'll also have some zine fair merch for sale in addition to zines/comics and original art. All proceeds from the evening go towards the continuation of the Pittsburgh Zine Fair annually. It's $5 to get in the door and it's for a great cause! The Pittsburgh Zine Fair would also like to thank the Sprout Fund for their shared support in ensuring the success of this year's event. Without them this may not be happening. Here's a little bit about Sprout for those who don't know:
The Sprout Fund enriches the Pittsburgh region's vitality by engaging citizens, amplifying voices, supporting creativity and innovation, and cultivating connected communities. Founded in 2001, Sprout facilitates community-led solutions to regional challenges and supports efforts to create a thriving, progressive, and culturally diverse region. With strong working relationships to many community organizations and regional stakeholders, The Sprout Fund is one of Southwestern Pennsylvania's leading agencies on issues related to civic engagement, talent attraction and retention, public art, and catalytic small-scale funding.
In addition we'd also like to thank the following organizations/individuals for the continued support of the Zine Fair, I'm sure this list will grow significantly over the next month:
The Mr. Roboto Project
Carnegie Libraries of Pittsburgh (Zine Department, Jude Vachon)
Cyberpunk Apocalypse Writers and Comics Collective
Carnegie Mellon University
Elizabeth Brophy
Erin Oldynski
Steph Neary
Thom Delair
Ryan Firkel


text:
Colorful polygons revealing your text, giving to your projects a fantastic intro.
No 3rd party plugins needed because it's included a pre-rendered particles effect. However, if you want to customize the particles you will need the Trapcode Particular plugin.
Music. http://audiojungle.net/item/welcome-logo/475627?WT.ac=new_item
Render & Enjoy! Please rate this project if you like it!


text:
Italy has only one serious economic problem. It is in the wrong currency.
The nation is richer than Germany in per capita terms, with some €9 trillion of private wealth. It has the biggest primary budget surplus in the G7 bloc. Its combined public and private debt is 265pc of GDP, lower than in France, Holland, the UK, the US or Japan.
It scores top of the International Monetary Fund's index for "long-term debt sustainability" among key industrial nations, precisely because it reformed the pension structure long ago under Silvio Berlusconi.
"They have a vibrant export sector, and a primary surplus. If there is any country in EMU that would benefit from leaving the euro and restoring competitiveness, it is obviously Italy," said Andrew Roberts from RBS.
"The numbers are staring them in the face. We think the story of 2013 is not about countries being forced to leave EMU but whether they choose to leave."
A "game theory" study by Bank of America concluded that Italy would gain more than other EMU members from breaking free and restoring sovereign control over its policy levers.
Its International Investment Position is near balance, in stark contrast to Spain and Portugal (both in deficit by more than 90pc of GDP). Its primary surplus implies it can leave EMU at any moment it wishes without facing a funding crisis.
A high savings rate means that any interest rate shock after returning to the lira would mostly flow back into the economy through higher payments to Italian bondholders - and it is often forgotten that Italy's "real" rates were much lower under the Banca d'Italia.
Rome holds a clutch of trump cards. The one great obstacle is premier Mario Monti, installed at the head of a technocrat team in the November Putsch of 2011 by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the European Central Bank - to the applause of Europe's media and political class.
Mr Monti may be one of Europe's great gentlemen but he is also a high priest of the EU Project and a key author of Italy's euro membership. The sooner he goes, the sooner Italy can halt the slide into chronic depression.
Markets are, of course, horrified that he will resign once the 2013 budget is passed, opening the door to political mayhem early next year. Yields on 10-year Italian debt spiked 30 basis points to 4.85pc on Monday. "The armistice lasted 13 months. Now the war continues. The world watches us with incredulity," wrote Corriere della Sera.
The immediate risk for bond investors is a fractured parliament, with a "25pc" chance of victory by the eurosceptic forces of Mr Berlusconi, the Northern League and comedian Beppe Grillo, now running near 18pc in the polls. "We're doomed if there is no clear majority in parliament," said Prof Giuseppe Ragusa from Luis Guido Carli Unversity in Rome.
Any such outcome would leave the bond markets as nakedly exposed as they were in July during the last spasm of Europe's debt crisis. Rome would be even less likely to request a rescue and sign a "Memorandum" giving up fiscal sovereignty - the preconditions for ECB action to cap Italian bond yields.
All those investors who rushed into Italian debt - or Spanish debt - after the ECB's Mario Draghi pledged to do whatever it takes to hold EMU together would find that Mr Draghi cannot deliver. His hands are tied by politics. Bondholders should be worried. But the interests of Italian democracy and foreign creditors are no longer aligned. The 1930s deflation policies imposed by Berlin and Brussels have pushed the country into a Grecian vortex. The business lobby Confindustria said the nation is being reduced to "social rubble".
The latest data confirm that Italy's industrial output is in accelating freefall, down 6.2pc in October from a year earlier. "We have seen a complete capitulation of the private sector over the last 12 months," said Dario Perkins, from Lombard Street Research. "Business confidence is back to levels in the depths of the financial crisis. Consumer confidence is the lowest ever. Berlusconi is right that austerity has been a complete disaster."
Consumption has fallen 4.8pc over the past year as higher taxes bite. "There is no precedent for this in data. The risk for 2013 is that that fall will be even worse," said consumer group Confcommercio.
The origins of this crisis go back to the mid 1990s when the D-Mark and the Lira were fixed in perpetuity. Italy had the Scala Mobile wage system and inflation habits. Old ways die hard.
It lost 30pc to 40pc in labour competitiveness against Germany by a slow ratchet effect. Its historic trade surplus with Germany has become a big structural deficit.
The damage is now done. You cannot set the clock back. Yet that is exactly what the EU policy elites are trying to do by means of drastic austerity and an "internal devaluation".
Such a policy may work in a small open economy with a high trade-gearing like Ireland. In Italy it is replicating Britain's experience after Winston Churchill put sterling back on Gold at an over-valued rate in 1925. As Keynes said acidly, wages are "sticky" going down. British pay scarcely moved for the next five years. The chief effect of such a policy is to drive unemployment sky high. Italy's youth jobless rate is 36.5pc and rising.
Mr Monti has rammed through fiscal tightening of 3.2pc of GDP this year, three times the therapeutic dose. There is no economic reason to do this. Italy has had a budget near primary balance over the past six years. It has been, and was under Berlusconi, a rare model of rectitude.
The primary surplus will reach 3.6pc of GDP this year and 4.9pc next year. You could not be more virtuous. Yet the pain has been worse than useless. Fiscal tightening itself has pushed Italy's public debt from a stable equilibrium into the danger zone. The IMF says the debt ratio is rising much faster than before, jumping from 120pc last year to 126pc this year and to 128pc in 2013.
The economy has been contracting for five quarters. Citigroup says this will grind on, with falls of 1.2pc in 2013 and 1.5pc in 2014, with near zero growth thereafter as far as 2017, and debt restructuring along the way.
It would be remarkable if Italian voters tolerate this debacle for long, even if Pier Luigi Bersani wins the election on a centre-Left, pro-reform, pro-euro ticket. Survey data from the PEW Trust show that just 30pc now think the euro has been a "good thing".
The chorus in favour of EMU exit turned silent after Mr Draghi pledged salvation. Five months later it is clear that the deeper crisis is still festering. The voices are growing louder again. Mr Berlusconi plays mischievously with the theme, one day floating his "crazy idea" of telling the Banca d'Italia to print euros defiantly, the next saying "it's not blasphemy to talk of leaving the euro".
His language had a harder edge this week. "Italy is on the edge of the abyss. I can't allow my country to plunge into an endless recessionary spiral.
"The situation today is far worse than a year ago when I left the government. We have an extra million unemployed, the debt is rising, firms are closing, property is collapsing, and the car market is destroyed. We can't keep going on like this."
Indeed not.


text:
Assistant Professor
Research Areas
Neurodevelopment; neurodegeneration; brain aging
Dr. King received her Bachelor's Degree in Molecular Biology from Purdue University. She received Master and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Michigan. She was a postdoctoral fellow under Drs. Maria Castro and Pedro Lowenstein at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center/UCLA where she was awarded an F32 fellowship from NINDS. Her work focused on neuroimmunology and the development of novel glioma therapeutics using adenoviral vectors. She worked with Carmela Abraham at Boston University School of Medicine as an Instructor to understand the role of the anti-aging gene Klotho in the brain. At BUSM she was awarded a K99/R00 from NIA. She joined the faculty at UAB in 2011.
Work in the King Lab is centered around understanding the difference between pathological and non-pathological brain aging. While every brain ages, not every brain develops neurodegenerative disorders. It is clear that to treat neurodegeneration, therapies must target the earliest breakpoints from what is considered normal. As such, greater understanding of the process of brain aging must be elucidated.
Current work in the lab involves characterizing the anti-aging gene Klotho. Very little is known about the role of Klotho in the brain beyond descriptions of what occurs when Klotho is knocked out of the entire body. As Klotho is naturally age-downregulated in humans and rodents, it is one of a select group of proteins that is decreased by the aging process. The lab is working to determine why and how it is downregulated. As well, the lab is working to characterize the overall regulation of Klotho both pre and post-transcriptionally to understand the pathways in which Klotho is directly involved. Recent investigations indicate that there may be a role for Klotho in both glioma therapy and as a synaptic protein. The lab is working to understand both the normal role of Klotho in the brain and how its expression may be therapeutic in brain disorders.
Graduate School
Ph.D., University of Michigan
Graduate School
MS, University of Michigan
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Boston University
Office Location
Shelby 913


text:
ReleasesBack to
Jason Moran
With his second album Black Action Figure, Stefon Harris still is finding his footing as an innovator, yet he is well on his way to developing his own exciting sense of style. At its core, this is fairly traditionalist hard bop, but there is energy and unpredictability to Harris' playing that makes it feel chancier -- and he does push harder at the borders of bop this time around. That added sense of adventure, along with the robust spirit of his supporting band, makes Black Action Figure another winner for Harris. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine


text:
Dogue De Bordeaux Puppies For Sale in Lakeview, Utah - Find More Info About Taking Home a Dogue De Bordeaux Puppy Right Here
Dogue de Bordeaux Dog Breed is also known as Bordeaux Mastiff, French Mastiff or Bordeauxdog. It is brave, alert, faithful and friendly. All of our breeders remain an important part of our site, which is why our friendly, local dog and puppy listing directory is recognized as top of the line, healthy, happy puppies. We take tremendous pride in the reputation we have developed and are proud of our presence in the area. If you are interested in our puppies for sale, then indeed take a peek at our spectacular selection and choose the newest member to your family. You'll definitely be glad you did!!
Scroll down to check out all the puppies and breeders near you.
Contact us now to learn how we can help you locate the type of breeder or puppy you are looking for if you don't see what you are looking for.


text:
Trace Order
We offer a choice of two shipping options, FedEx or EMS. These are both highly reliable, international express delivery services and deliver globally in an average of FIVE DAYS. If the delivery is made by EMS, once the package arrives in your country, your national postal service will deliver it to your door.
It is important to keep track of your order using your trace number. You will receive your trace number by email on the next working day after you place your order. To ensure that our email to you does not get filtered, please add our email address, email@example.com to your contacts.
Orders are processed each weekday morning and if you order over the weekend, your order will be processed and shipped on Monday morning. As soon as we process your order we will email you your trace number.
Because reliability of delivery is as important to us as it is to y a signature on delivery is required for every package we send. If you are not available at the time of delivery, you should contact your local post office or FedEx office to reschedule the delivery time.
If you have an FEDEX trace number (12 numbers, no letters. eg; 123456789012) please use this link: http://fedex.com/Tracking
If you have an EMS trace number (starting with EA, EE & ending in HK) please use this link: www.speedpost.hk
Россия, Ελλάδα, Türkiye, Magyarország
For customers who have items sent via AIR PARCEL, AIR MAIL (starting RC & ending HK) Please use your countries Post Office website once the package arrives in your country.


text:
Search BMW Inventory
BMW of Devon
20 Lancaster Ave
Devon, PA 19333
- Sales: 610-687-9350
BMW of Devon
20 Lancaster Ave
Directions Devon, PA 19333
- Sales: 610-687-9350
- Service: 610-687-9350
- Parts: 610-687-9350
- Monday 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
- Tuesday 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
- Wednesday 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
- Thursday 9:00 AM-8:00 PM
- Friday 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
- Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
- Sunday Closed
Welcome to BMW of Devon
Welcome to the All-New BMW Of Devon - Serving Malvern, Berwyn, Wayne, Pennsylvania and Beyond!
Formerly Devon Hill now with new ownership and new management BMW of Devon is part of the Sloane Automotive Group you will find the BMW models that you would expect from a premium BMW dealership, serving the Malvern, Villanova , King of Prussia, Berwyn, Wayne & Norristown, areas. You will also find a friendly and professional staff eager to assist you and deliver premier customer service.
That's true no matter what you're looking for - be it a test drive in a new 2018-2019 BMW or used car, auto financing options, car service appointments, or help figuring out what auto part you might need.
People wishing to upgrade to a new BMW 3 Series, BMW 4 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW X3 or BMW X5 are invited to visit our showroom and take a test drive today. Just a short jaunt away from Malvern, we have a model for every driving style.
Of course, BMW of Devon also has an extensive assortment of well-maintained Certified Pre-Owned BMWs and used cars showcased at our Devon showroom. These include BMW models, as well as those made by other reputable automakers. If you find it here, you know it's backed by integrity.
Time to Talk Auto Financing at BMW of Devon
You don't have to fret about auto financing in Devon. That's because our car loan and BMW specialists want to help you reach your goal: to drive home in the vehicle you desire. BMW of Devon part of the Sloane Auto Group takes the time to explain all the details, making sure you understand every comfort, safety and entertainment feature (there are many!) and get the best deal possible. It's part of our job; but also, we enjoy helping turn dreams into reality.
So you've driven off the lot and are on your way home, but out of sight certainly does not mean out of mind. Our on-site car service and repair experts are at your beck and call when you need routine maintenance or a bigger fix, if necessary. We only use genuine BMW parts, so you can be sure that quick and quality work is the name of the game.
Want to find out more about Sloane Automotive's BMW of Devon? We're more than happy to help. Feel free to come by and chat with us at 20 Lancaster Ave, Devon, PA, or reach us on the phone or via our website. We're a friendly and accommodating group of professionals, and we always enjoy getting to know drivers in the greater Malvern, Villanova , King of Prussia, Berwyn, Wayne & Norristown, Pennsylvania areas.


text:
Have Your Company Become SPFA PCP Accredited
Have Your Company Become SPFA PCP Accredited
An Enhanced Listing in
SPFA Membership Directory and Buyers' Guide
Is Just One of the Perks of Accreditation!
SPFA Membership Directory and Buyers' Guide
was just sent for review to everyone listed in the Directory. Over the next few weeks, SPFA Members and PCP accredited companies receive special designation in the directory and online! We encourage you to join this esteemed list!
The first companies that have achieved the designation of SPFA PCP Accredited Companies are identified with the customized Accreditation Mark next to their listing. This is just one more way to set yourself apart from your competition.
If you have any questions about how to become accredited, please visit
or contact
Kelly Marcavage


text:
Alderson says the more likely way to improve the team will be via trade as he believes they definitely have trade chips.
"The clubs system is in a much better position today then it was two or three years ago."
In addition, Alderson said:
- He does not rule out adding left handed power hitter that could cost upwards of $12 million, although he does not know what his budget will be since he has not yet had those conversations.
- Lucas Duda is still in the clubs plans and may see some time in left field.
- He believes Jason Bay still has some value. He will not just wave him goodbye, though he didn't sign him so he is not "totally invested" in him.
- Bay may still be a viable asset in a Left Field platoon with Lucas Duda.
- He is interested in seeing how Matt Harvey develops, as well as, Jordany Valdespin, Duda, and some September call-ups.
- They need to have enough depth that they do not count on Zack Wheeler as being a part of the rotation to start next season.
- He believes his team has strengthened the scouting and "have been patient in light of some of the overall issues we have faced." It may appear to be passive, but it is more of "knowing when to hold 'em" approach.
To listen to Alderson's full interview with Francesa, go here on WFAN.com.


text:
VIDEO: Damian Lillard was a man on a mission in Portland's win over Cleveland
HANG TIME SOUTHWEST — Damian Lillard is an assassin.
Get this: When Steph Curry buried a buzzer-beater to lift Golden State over Dallas last week, it was the first time the surest shooter in the league had collected a game-winner since … high school? At least that was the last one the fifth-year Golden State Warriors point guard who spent the previous three seasons shooting the lights out at Davidson, could recall.
That puts into perspective what Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers' dazzling second-year point guard, has done in the last two games: Consecutive buzzer-beating game-winners.
At Detroit on Sunday with the game tied in overtime at 109, Lillard, with about 12 seconds on the clock, went one-on-one with Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey. Lillard dribbled up top, came around a LaMarcus Aldridge screen but it didn't free him up. He kept dribbling, spun at the free-throw line to get inside the paint and drained a fallaway with 0.1 seconds left. He finished with 23 points, eight in overtime.
At Cleveland on Tuesday, the Cavs made a furious comeback from 10 down in the final 2:15 to tie the game at 116-116 with 7.1 seconds left in regulation. This time Lillard lulled Cavs defender Alonzo Gee several feet beyond the top of the 3-point arc. With Gee allowing space presumably to protect against the dribble-drive, Lillard rose up and splashed the 3-pointer as the horn blew. The official play-by-play called it from 30 feet. He finished with 36 points — 12 in the fourth quarter — 10 assists and eight rebounds.
"You're watching a superstar being born right in front our eyes," were the in-the-moment words spoken by Cavs color commentator Austin Carr, who has the nightly privilege of watching another cool clutch performer in Kyrie Irving.
And just like his stoic reaction at Detroit, Lillard acted as though he expected no other outcome. And why not? He's now pocketed four game-winners on the season and has established himself as the game's top clutch-time performer:
In clutch situations (defined as the final five minutes of regulation or overtime and the team ahead or behind by five or fewer points), no one's been better than the 6-foot-3 reigning Rookie of the Year out of Weber State.
In 49 clutch minutes, he's scored 55 points in 49 minutes on 15-for-30 shooting from the floor (8-for-16 on 3s), 17-for-19 from the free-throw line, plus seven assists and seven rebounds. No matter how you slice up the situations — three minutes to go in a three-point game, two minutes left in a two-point game, in the final minute and behind by two or tied — Lillard's point production stands at the top of the list of clutch performers.
His career overtime stats are mind-boggling (courtesy NBA.com/Stats): 45 minutes, 43 points, 15-for-19 from the floor (10-for-10 inside the arc), 8-for-8 on free throws and a plus-31 rating. Portland is 7-1 in those games.
Some of it is simply due to the number of close games a team plays (Portland is 4-1 in games decided by three points or less and 2-0 in overtime), but coming through in such situations rarely occurs at the success rate Lillard has demonstrated over and over.
In the standard definition of a clutch situation (ahead or behind by five points with five minutes to go), Lillard's plus-minus rating ranks No. 1 at plus-52. It's little surprise that his teammates — Nicolas Batum, plus-51; Wesley Matthews, plus-50; and Aldridge plus-49 — rank second through fourth. Robin Lopez is seventh at plus-32.
However, in terms of clutch-time points, Aldridge is Portland's next-highest scorer with 28 points — 27 fewer than the stone-cold Lillard.


text:
Blue-White spring football game set for April 12 in 2014
Blue-White spring football game set for April 12 in 2014
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The dates for one of the highlights of the Penn State sports calendar, Blue-White Weekend presented by AAA, have been set for 2014.
Blue-White Weekend will be held April 11 to 13, 2014, with the Blue-White football game on Saturday, April 12, as the centerpiece for numerous activities throughout the weekend in and around Beaver Stadium.
Numerous events are held during Blue-White Weekend including a carnival, fireworks, food, vendors, live music and performances at the entertainment stage, in addition to other Penn State athletic events.
Blue-White Weekend presented by AAA has become the University's unofficial annual spring reunion. The game has drawn more than 50,000 fans in five of the past seven years, which included three consecutive crowds of more than 70,000.
Coach Bill O'Brien's Penn State squad returns 16 starters and 38 letterwinners for this fall, and season tickets are available for the 2013 campaign. The Nittany Lions will host five bowl teams from 2012, including three teams that finished in the BCS Top 25: Michigan (5 p.m. Oct. 12-Homecoming), Nebraska (Nov. 23) and Kent State (Sept. 21). Purdue (Nov. 16), Illinois (Nov. 2), UCF (6 p.m. Sept. 14) and Eastern Michigan (noon Sept. 7) also will visit Beaver Stadium this fall.
The Nittany Lions will launch their 127th season vs. Syracuse on Aug. 31 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. For tickets in the Penn State seating sections, fans can call 800-NITTANY from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. Nittany Lion Club members can order tickets at 800-NITTANY or online via their Account Manager.
For information on joining the Nittany Lion Club and purchasing season tickets, as well as club seating in Beaver Stadium, fans can visit www.GoPSUsports.com or call 800-NITTANY from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.
Penn State Athletics is on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pennstatenittanylions) and Twitter (http://www.gopsusports.com/ot/socialmedia.html).


text:
The United States imprisons more people than any other country. But In California, the money is finally running short, and a new policy aims to reduce the number of people in state prison. It's called 're-alignment' and the state says it's working. On this edition, Making Contact producer George Lavender investigates: is re-alignment the answer to the prison crisis? Could the incarceration nation finally be slowing down?
Thanks to the Omnia Foundation for partially funding this program.
Alisha Coleman, San Francisco County Jail inmate; Ruthie Wilson Gilmore, City University of New York Graduate Center professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences; Matthew Cate, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation secretary; Jennifer Prince, San Mateo County Women's Jail inmate; Wendy Still, San Francisco Chief Probation officer; Don Horsley, San Mateo county supervisor; Greg Munks, San Mateo County sheriff; Daniel Macallair; Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice executive director; Emily Harris, Californians United for a Responsible Budget statewide coordinator.


text:
House GOP: '80 to 90' told of Bergdahl before us
The Obama administration had its first chance to convince House lawmakers it made the right call to trade five Taliban detainees for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.
It didn't work.
Story Continued Below
House Republicans came out of a more than hourlong classified briefing by top national security officials on Monday complaining they'd learned nothing new about the incident that hasn't already been disclosed in the news media.
( Also on POLITICO: Obama: Why I couldn't tell Congress)
GOP lawmakers, in particular, were upset that an estimated 80 to 90 executive branch officials in the Pentagon, White House and the intelligence agencies, but no members of Congress, were informed beforehand, including the chairs of the House and Senate intelligence panels.
"It strikes me as unfortunate that they could have 80 to 90 people in the administration and not be able to trust a single Republican or Democrat in the House or the Senate," said Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.).
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has publicly stated that he was informed the day before the Bergdahl exchange took place, but administration officials now claim that was not the case.
( QUIZ: How well do you know Robert Bergdahl?)
The conflicting public viewpoints are rare between the administration and its chief partner on Capitol Hill.
After ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl tweeted on June 3 that a senior administration official said Reid was told of the swap on Saturday, Reid spokesman Adam Jentleson tweeted back: "This is mildly awkward but someone at the WH must be confused …"
Jentleson added: "We were alerted earlier in the week that a significant notification was imminent & learned on Fri that Bergdahl op was going fwd."
( Also on POLITICO: Feinstein: No threat to Bergdahl)
But it appears Reid was the only lawmaker who knew of the controversial trade ahead of time.
Former House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King (R-N.Y.) said the administration briefers offered few details on who specifically in the Obama administration knew about the swap beforehand but said the officials were in logistical roles.
"They weren't precise, but the number they gave was 80 to 90, and they said they would get back to us. The implication to me was that those 80 to 90 all knew more than anybody in the Congress knew," he said.
King said the officials were likely from the State and Defense departments, the National Security Council and the White House.
Rank-and-file Republicans were exasperated by what they see as more stonewalling by the Obama administration as the White House tries to ride out yet another furor.
"They [administration officials] made abundantly clear from the stage that we received no classified information," said Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), a longtime critic of President Barack Obama who also serves on the House Intelligence Committee. "I asked them why in the world they didn't turn this into a press conference."
The members — who had to remove all their electronic devices before entering a secure room in the basement of the Capitol — were shown a so-called proof of life video of Bergdahl from January made by his Taliban captors to prove to U.S. officials that he was still alive, according to several lawmakers at the briefing. Bergdahl reportedly told American military officials that he was held in a cage in total darkness for weeks at a time, according to The New York Times.
While expressing sympathy for Bergdahl and his family — and still professing to adhere to the code of "leaving no one behind" — Republican lawmakers blasted the swap as improper and possibly illegal, since Obama was supposed to consult with Congress 30 days before making such a move. Some administration officials have privately claimed that if word of the U.S.-Taliban talks leaked, Bergdahl's life would have been in jeopardy.
Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) — a major in the Air National Guard who has served in Afghanistan and Iraq — said people asked about assurances that the Taliban detainees couldn't return to the battlefield and the briefers skipped over the question.
Some Democrats sought to defend the White House handling of the Bergdahl incident, saying they understood why the administration wouldn't share info with Capitol Hill about such a sensitive matter.


text: Home > Search for a project or place > Parkes Way Acton - 064586-16ACT-RTR Parkes Way Acton - 064586-16ACT-RTR Funding Program:Roads to Recovery Program Status:Completed Transport Mode:Road Expected Start/Finish:Aug 2016 - May 2017 Australian Government Contribution:$535,000 State:ACT Project DescriptionCracks and potholes on pavement. The surface life has expired and needs to be resurfaced to extend the life of underlying road pavement.Road pavement will be resurfaced Disclaimer: The material contained in this site is made available on the understanding that the Department is not thereby engaged in rendering professional advice for a particular purpose. Before relying on the material in any important matter, users should carefully evaluate the accuracy, completeness and relevance of the information for their purposes and should obtain appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances. Project details last updated: 10/07/2017


text:
Affordable Dog Diving Around Canton OH
Dog Diving To Help Your Dog Stay In Shape!
Splash Your Pup is the leading indoor dog dock diving and training facility in the greater Canton OH area! Our certified trainers and coaches will offer you and your dog a chance to freely dive and swim, getting them ready for a dock diving competition or just to have fun in the water! Dogs love the water, but living in the midwest we only have a few short precious months where our dogs can enjoy the water. That's where Splash Your Pup differs! Our pool is indoors, meaning you can come by anytime to reap the benefits! We're a nationally recognized dog swimming facility, and are owned & operated by certified dog training specialists. That means you and your dog are in the best of hands.
Our indoor pool provides you and your dog a safe place to swim, with ramps and diving platforms that are designed to help facilitate practice, casual exercise, train, or just splash and have fun with you! Many owners enjoy playing a game of fetch with their dogs in the pool, and the dogs love it too! We have the highest quality ozone filtration system that's available, and we combine that with our safe and non-toxic minerals - this ensures that you and your best friend are safe, sanitary, and clean in our pools. We wouldn't let your dogs swim in our pools if they weren't safe, which is why we keep our pools clean of harsh chemicals. Our members enjoy private swimming sessions, one-on-one dock diving and jumping training, group swimming, and much more!
Indoor Dog Diving Close To Canton OH
We're taking the country by storm! Our indoor dock jumping and diving pool are the FIRST to offer year-round dog diving, jumping, swimming & training. No matter the size, breed, or age of your dog - they can all enjoy and reap the benefits of swimming in our indoor pool. Dog dock jumping and diving has recently become a competitive sport enjoyed by all! We're proud to offer training activities for you and your dog, centered around dock jumping and diving. There are different leagues that you can join and compete within as well, and we'd be more than happy to inform you about those.
- Year-Round Pool Access
- Advanced Filtration System
- One-on-One Attention from Experienced Trainers to Help Improve Technique
- Private Swim Sessions
- A Friendly, Welcoming Atmosphere
- Group Diving Lessons for All Ability Levels
- A Convenient Online Booking System
- Drying Area and Drying Towels for Your Pup
- Changing Rooms
How Much It Costs
Pricing and Options
30 Minute Open Splash - $30
To become eligible for Open SPLASH your dog must be evaluated by our knowledgeable staff to determine that he/she can exit the pool safely, swim comfortably (life vests are always allowed), and is not in any visible stress or pain. Visit our Become a Member page to learn more, and remember - Splash Your Pup, LLC is based on FUN!
Open SPLASH is perfect for:
- Fitness
- Rehabilitation
- Dock Diving -- Fun or competition practice
- Harnessing your dog's inner fish
30 Minutes Assisted Splash - $50
Trainer assisted SPLASHes are for dogs that are not yet ready for Open SPLASHes, or for owners who want extra guidance on the dock. A trainer assisted SPLASH is perfect for Rookie SPLASHers who need more time to love the pool.
If you are a current Dock Diver, we recommend scheduling your assisted SPLASH when Cheri or Danielle are on the dock. If your dog needs rehabilitation from an injury or weight loss, we recommend your SPLASH with Kathleen, our massage therapist and FitPAWS Master Trainer.
Buy 4 Open Splash Sessions, Get One Free - $120
Get 5 thirty-minute swimming sessions for the price of four, a savings of $30!
Buy 4 Assisted Splash Sessions, Get One Free - $200
Get 5 thirty-minute splash training sessions for the price of four, a savings of $50!
First Time Guide:
How Should I Prepare my Dog Prior to Arriving?
- Do not feed your dog 3-4 hours before a swim session.
- Make sure to potty your dog prior to swimming. There is a designated potty area on the front of the building. Anyone who does not clean up after their dog will not be allowed to use our facility. This also includes cleaning up after your dog indoors.
- Dogs should be brushed out prior to entering the pool. Brushes are available for use in the wash/dry area. If the dog is dirty or muddy, you will be required to rinse your dog before entering the pool.
- Toenails must be trimmed with smooth edges. Nails will be checked prior to swim, and if trimming or filing is required, there will be a $10 fee. Sharp/long toenails can damage the pool.
- Defecation in the pool will result in a clean-up fee, that fee can range from $25-$150, depending on the extent of the stool in the pool and whether or not the pool needs to be shut down for the rest of the day. Session will end and no refund will be given.
- Dogs should be in good health and free of any communicable conditions.


text:
Pianist Patricia Zander (1942–2008) died on July 22, 2008, after a long battle with cancer, through which she had continued to teach.
In 1972 Zander joined NEC's chamber music faculty, where her then-husband Benjamin Zander had taught since 1970. By the mid-'70s she was also a member of the piano studio faculty, and quickly justified her characterization as "probably the most influential music teacher in the city," in the words of former Boston Globe music critic Richard Dyer.
Already in 1983, the year her student Stephen Drury won a Concert Artists Guild award, Bernard Holland of The New York Times profiled her under the headline "Music Teaching Is Alive and Changing," describing a lesson with Drury where "when she does talk it is not to pontificate but to ask questions."
Quoted by Holland, Zander said: "As I teach, I find my own voice. And when I'm at home at my own piano with my own problems to solve, I think back to a lesson I've given and try to take my own advice. Sometimes I think it would have been nice if I could have studied with myself."
As a soloist and chamber musician, Zander performed throughout the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Korea, and toured and recorded with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Her discography with Ma ranges from Paganini works to chamber arrangements of Japanese traditional melodies. She coached lieder and opera and presented piano masterclasses in China and Japan. Before coming to NEC, she served on the faculty of Harvard University. She also served as coordinator of the chamber music program of the Round Top Festival in Texas through the early 1990s.
As a teacher, Zander exerted a profound influence on many musicians — not only her piano students but string players and others whom she coached, mentored, and accompanied. The list of students who worked with her includes Sarah Bob, David Breitman, Stephen Drury, Itamar Golan, Judith Gordon, and Max Levinson, and non-pianists Stefan Jackiw, Yo-Yo Ma, Irina Muresanu, and Sanford Sylvan. "Everything she did, she played with such laser-like intensity and razor sharp characterization," Ma recalled. "She made music leap off the page. She inhabited the many rooms in the mansion of music and was very comfortable in all of them."
Though Zander maintained close relations with many of her former students and continued to influence them as a friend and mentor, she often expressed the view that students should receive multiple viewpoints during their development, and would typically decline to continue as "teacher of record" past four years with any given student.
Beyond her work as a teacher, Zander was often consulted on important matters at NEC. She served on the committee that recommends nominees for honorary degrees and was a member of the Presidential Search Committee that chose Tony Woodcock to succeed the late Daniel Steiner. Those who worked with her on those committees could always be certain she would speak her mind with frankness, discernment, and sometimes devastating wit.
A.R.C.M., L.R.A.M., Royal College of Music, London. Studies with Cyril Smith. French government scholarship for study with Vlado Perlemuter and Nadia Boulanger. Fellowship from Arts Council of Great Britain for study in New York with Leonard Shure. Former faculty of Harvard University.
A memorial for Patricia Zander was held at NEC on October 5, 2008. As a visitor to NEC's Firestone Library of audio materials, you may listen to this and thousands of other recordings of unique NEC performances.


text:
Monday, January 7, 2013
Fayette County High Senior Goes Gold!
Sarah, a senior at Fayette County High School, recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. Sarah earned her Gold Award for her project Grief Insight for Teens (G.I.F.T. at Fayette County High School). After her own father died, Sarah noticed a need for grief counseling in her high school. Her project focused on creating an environment where students experiencing the death of a friend or loved one at Fayette County High School could openly discuss their feelings. The school counselor will continue the monthly meetings.
"Students will not have the struggle I did in trying to find a comfortable environment. Also, this gives students a chance to talk about their problems instead of letting it build up inside them," said Sarah.
"By earning the Girl Scout Gold Award," said Trish Coghlan, chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, "Sarah has become a community leader. Her accomplishments reflect leadership and citizenship skills that set her apart."
The girl who goes for the Gold embraces challenges, achieves excellence, and works diligently to make the world a better place, in her own unique way. Her leadership, vision, and boundless energy is an inspiration to all Girl Scouts. Each girl earning her Gold Award demonstrates excellence through a leadership project totaling more than 65 hours. Girls who earn their Gold Award are also recognized by the President of the United States, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Armed Services, state legislatures, colleges and universities for admission and scholarship opportunities, and the American Legion. Some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award recipients, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.
The Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting; it recognizes girls in grades 9 through 12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take Action projects. Since 1916, girls have successfully answered the call to go gold, an act that indelibly marks them as accomplished members of their communities and the world. For more information about the Gold Award, visit girlscoutsnca.org/gogold.


text:
These true wireless stereo ear buds come with a noise cancellation feature to deliver great sound for up to 4 hours. They come with their own 400mAh charging storage case. It has built-in CVC 6.0 to reduce outside noises from microphone and excellent moisture resistance. Product size: 1.25" x 4" x 1.25".
Pricing & Options
Customize your product based on the available color options and decorating methods. If you need more information, simply add this product to the Wish List and we will get back to you with answers.


text:
My interest in genealogy started when I was a child. My dad's mom use to tell me that the family history book had been burned in a fire, but she knew we were related to Daniel Boone. I never forgot that, nor have I ever found the connection haha. Along with doing genealogy I spend a lot of my time doing photo restorations, namely for victims of Sandy through Care for Sandy, and also of family photos that I add to the books I write on our family history.
03 January 2011
Madness Monday - Edward H. Kaufman
But I was, at least in part, able to put together another man's life from the Old Paupers Cemetery.
On my list is a man named Edward H. Kaufman. He died 25 May 1940 and is buried at the Old Paupers Cemetery. According to the county list of burials he was born 28 Sept 1879 in Saranac, Michigan. The first record I found on Ancestry was the Idaho Death Index 1911-51. In this index his county of death is Shoshone in the city of Osburn. This is interesting. Why would a man die in Shoshone County, ID and then be buried by Kootenai County in their Pauper's Cemetery. I'll need to look into this further. This record confirms the same death and birth dates I had.
I found a 1930 census, Lakeshore, Coeur d'Alene City, Kootenai County, Idaho, Enumeration district - 28-12, sheet 11A, written pg 8351, Enumerated 10 April 1930 by Mrs Mary Eastburn, living at 822 Mullen Ave, Dwelling - 286, Family 286. Edward Kaufman a 49 year old single male is a boarder at the home of Marshall Pearson. He was born in Michigan, father in Ireland and mother in Canada. He is a laborer at the lumber mill. Later we'll find out that Marshall Pearson is his brother-in-law.
Next I found an Edward Kaufman with an Irish father and Canadian mother born in Michigan in the 1880 census. I searched through many, even more in Michigan, but this was the only one that fit. Sanilac, Sanilac, Michigan, page no 39, Sup. dist. 3, Enum dist. 342, enumerated 30 June 1880 by John H Hopkins, Port Sanilac Vil., Dwelling - 354, Family- 357, Daniel Kaufman head of house age 40 born in Ireland, Emily his wife age 39 born in Michigan, but her parents in Canada. Julia - 13 born in Canada, Willie - 11, Louisa - 10, Fred - 7 and Eddie - 9 mo. The rest of the children were born in Michigan. I still wanted to dig deeper to see if this family was the right one. I had a head scratching moment when I looked at the census further. Daniels occupation is listed at Hustler. Wow, I bet there is a story behind that. I will look deeper in Sanilac County records when I can.
I did another search for Edward and found him and his mother in Saginaw Ward 6, Saginaw, Michigan, sheet 5B, Enumeration District 53, they are living at 109 Bristol St, Dwelling 94, Family 104. This time however, I have my doubts that I am on the right path. This Edward is listed as being born in June (not Sept) of 1880 (not 1879). This concerns me. But he was born in Michigan. Once again it states his mother is born in Canada and that she immigrated in 1860. That would be before Julia was born. If Julia was indeed born in Canada then they must have traveled back and forth for some time. Edward's occupation is an Iron Worker.
I still wanted to find more, but was unable to find any other records of an Edward Kaufman born around 1880 in Michigan to an Irish father and Canadian mother. So I began to search for his siblings. Again I was doing the happy dance.
1910 Census, Coeur d'Alene, Kootenai County, Idaho, page 17B, Enum. Dist. 166, image 130, again on Mullen Ave, dwelling - 330, family - 351, Head of house is Ed Kaufman (would be why I hadn't found him. I had not yet gone through name variations.), mother Emily Kaufman, brothers Fred and William. The boys are all born in Michigan and Emily in Canada. This time he is 37 years old, and his brother is listed at 39. Neither have the right age. I would say age wasn't important to this family. Then in the same year and even on the same street, but about 22 dwellings apart is his brother Fred again, this time in the home of their sister Julia Huyck. Fred must have been living back and forth between the two homes.
With no further luck on Fred and Edward I looked for Julia, now that I had a married name. I then found her in the 1920 census in Coeur d'Alene, Kootenai, Idaho, sheet 4B, sup dist. 8, enum dist. 206, enumerated 3 Jan by Mrs. Blanche K. McMartin, at 822 Mullan, dwelling 91, family 101. Head of house is Marshall Pearson her brother-in-law, husband of her sister Adaline. This sister is a couple years older than Julia. Until this point I had thought Julia was the oldest, but it's possible that Adaline was already married by the 1880 census, therefor not with the family. Also in the home is Edward Coffman (another variation of his name, which is why I had not found this census of him), as well as their mother Emily. Most of the information is close to what has been found to this point. This census again confirms that Emily, Julia and Adaline all immigrated in 1870, which fits the timeline established by the 1880 census better, since the next child after Julia was born in 1870 in Michigan.
Then I did some searching on Find-A-Grave to find his brother Fred Kaufman born 10 Sept 1870 in Michigan and died 6 Feb 1920 in Coeur'd Alene, ID. This means he died about a month after the 1920 census was taken. He is buried in the Forest Cemetery in Coeur d'Alene, ID. The quote in his memorial states "Single; son of Daniel Kaufman and Emily Brown; Lineman." Again confirming that he was the son of Daniel and Emily, but this is the first account of his mother's maiden name. I'll need to look further into this.
Also in the same cemetery is their sister Adeline Kaufman Pearson born 3 Jan 1864 in Wisconsin and died 3 April 1936 in Coeur d'Alene, ID. This leads back to the idea that the family was back and forth from the US a few times when their first children were born. Likely because Emily's family was in Canada. The quote on her memorial read "Wife of Marshal B Pearson; daughter of Daniel Kaufman and Emily Brown."
That is Edward Kaufman's life story as I currently know it. There are a lot of holes that I hope to fill, but will take some time for me to visit the library and the FHC in Hayden. Until I can do that I would certainly be interested in hearing from anyone that can share stories or photos of this family to help me build upon his life story. My goal still is that some day I will be able to recreate the life story of every person buried at the Kootenai County Cemetery, before it is gone forever.
3 comments:
- Gale Wall said...
What a wonderful goal. Great work.
- Charles Hansen said...
I did a little search at the Spokane library and they had a book on Coeur d'Alene Funeral home records.
Says Edward was divorced,
Place of Death: Flood Control Camp Osbourn, ID
Funeral Ordered by J.Huyck & Co.
Emily is also buried in Forest Cemetery age 88 May 4, 1926
- amyrebba said...
Charles you are such a dear! Thank you. I will add this information to my records. Work just got crazy again, but I'll pick this back up as soon as I can.


text:
Glimpsed at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's "Hope in the Harbor Gala": Kerry Nihill
Kerry Nihill, 26, said she loves wearing things she won't see on others. The Philadelphia resident certainly accomplished that purpose at the "4th Annual Hope in the Harbor Gala" at the American Visionary Art Museum benefitting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The University of Pennsylvania workforce development consultant shone in a gold painted heather cotton one-shoulder Ark & Co. dress from modcloth.com and strappy rose gold glitter platforms from Bare Feet Shoes. She found her re-decorated vintage handbag at a secondhand shop in Virginia. Her hammered gold dangle earrings, big ring and purple and gold bangles all came from Smak Parlor in Philly. Nihill describes her style as "bohemian and kind of carefree."
By Colby Ware, For The Baltimore Sun
Copyright © 2019, The Baltimore Sun, a Baltimore Sun Media Group publication | Place an Ad


text:
Are you already missing the excitement of the Winter Olympic Games? There's more action to come, as the Paralympic Games get underway in Sochi on March 7.
This is a great time of year for all people, including those with disabilities, to enjoy the great outdoors or to participate in indoor sports.
Imagine feeling the spray of water in your face as you kayak down a roaring river, or feeling the wind whip against your skin as you ski down a snow-covered mountain. Sports, such as kayaking, skiing, basketball or cycling, bring great joy to many people's lives. People living with disabilities, such as paralysis or amputation, are no different.


text:
Q: I am self-employed and report my income on Schedule C on my tax return. I earn over $200,000. My spouse is also self-employed and she earns about $150,000 per year. We are good savers, but it seems like so much of our income goes to taxes that we can"t get ahead and save enough for retirement. We each have SEP-IRA accounts that help a little. What options are there for us?
A: At your level of income, you and your spouse would both be able to save more for retirement and substantially lower your annual tax bill with individual 401(k) accounts.
This is more important than ever under the new tax laws, which will increase your taxes by cutting back your itemized deductions and phasing out your personal exemptions when your adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds $300,000.
On top of that is the new 0.9 percent Medicare surtax on wages and self-employment income of high earners, starting at $250,000 of earnings for married couples. Retirement account contributions reduce your AGI.
The SEP-IRA retirement account, like the one you have now, is a type of profit-sharing plan. SEP-IRA contributions are limited to 20 percent of your net profit after subtracting your self-employment tax deduction, with a maximum contribution of $51,000 in 2013.
With a SEP-IRA, you won"t reach the $51,000 contribution level until your net income reaches $255,000. The individual 401(k) plan, sometimes called a "solo 401(k)," is a combination of a profit-sharing plan like the SEP-IRA and an income deferral plan like a 401(k).
This combination allows individuals with less income to contribute more than they could with a SEP-IRA. For individuals with net income levels higher than $255,000, total contributions to individual 401(k) accounts are capped at $51,000 (under age 50) or $56,500 (over age 50).
With an individual 401(k) you can reach the $51,000 (under 50) or $56,500 (over 50) maximum contribution limit with net income of $167,500.
The key benefits of the individual 401(k) include:
· Higher contributions than a profit-sharing plan or income-deferral plan;
· A larger tax deduction and more tax deferral as the assets in the plan grow;
· No minimum required annual contributions;
· Low cost if you use a basic plan provided by your favorite investment custodian;
· Individuals over 49 years old can contribute an additional catch-up contribution, currently $5,500.
The only drawbacks to an individual 401(k) are the costs of administration, which can be minimal depending upon the custodian, and the requirement that the plan file an IRS Form 5500 or 5500-EZ annually once the account balance reaches $250,000 or more.
Many mutual fund companies and broker-dealers (e.g.; Schwab, Fidelity, TD Ameritrade, etc.) have basic plans available with little or no cost.
Kenneth B. Petersen is an investment adviser and principal of Monterey Private Wealth Inc. in Monterey. Send questions concerning investing, retirement or estate planning to 2340 Garden Road, Suite 202, Monterey 93940 or email@example.com.


text:
PHOTOS: Magnum Ice Cream Pop Up Shop | Brand Experience
Comments are closed.
Comments are closed.
Howard makes presentations and facilitates discussions regarding a broad range of marketing topics.
Contact Howard: email@example.com
Encyclopedia of Brands and Branding
The Annual
The Red Book (editorial)
The Marketing Journal
Strategic Marketing
Marketing Web
Succeed Magazine
Your Business Magazine
The Media Magazine
Directorship (Institute of Director's Journal)
☛"Howard has been a leading figure in driving what is now the best business school on the continent, GIBS."
Justin Spratt, Chief Executive Officer, Quirk.
☛"Howard is a BRILLIANT communicator and marketer....it was great to work together and I would work with him again ANYTIME!!"
Steven Braudo, Chief Executive: Insurance, Liberty Life.
☛"I have sat on the board of the Marketing Association of South Africa (MASA) with Howard for the past year and regard him as one of the few truly professional marketers in SA. Howard has both the qualifications, the experience and the passion for marketing, and more importantly, he is the person that always asks that "one key question" that you wish you'd asked." Doug De Villiers, Group Chief Executive, Interbrand Sampson.
☛"Howard's wit and insight into all-things marketing have made him a popular contributor in our magazine 'Your Business'. It's clear that he's fully engaged with his subject - as he is able to breathe life into even the most prosaic of topics. For me, a great plus is the series of "aha!" moments he manages to work into each piece, whether through real-world examples or by pointing out how a small change can make a specific tactic relevant to your business. Having covered a variety of topics – from low-cost marketing tactics to how to recover from a PR disaster – Howard has at all times managed to stick to our key aim – offering hands-on advice that our readers can action themselves."
Liz Black - Owner, InFocus Publishing.
☛"Howard is an extremely talented, and some could say unique, strategic thinker. His ability to match left brain logic, with right brain magic means he's invaluable to 360 degree ideas."
Brad Dessington - CEO at Rogue Brand Agency
☛"I've worked with Howard Fox as a CMSA over the past 5 years. He is someone who gets the job done without missing the detail. I enjoy his ability to get to the point quickly and to cut to the chase. He is an innovative Marketer that challenges the norm."
Dr Michele Serfontein - Developing Directors
☛"Howard is an outstanding marketer, who has that rare combination of creativity, strategic understanding of business and market dynamics and the ability to drive strategy into execution. He is a leader - both in his field of expertise and in influencing people. He is a valuable colleague who challenges the status quo and offers extremely high standards at all times."
Amanda Denton Divisional Director: Group Marketing, Communication and Customer Relations


text:
|Winnebago County Sheriff's PoliceNews Media Release
|News Release Number2008- 041
|Information: Suspicious Incident/ Attempt Pick-up
|Date: August 2,2008
|Time: 2:00P.M.
|Page of 1
On Saturday August 2, 2008 at approximately 2:00P.M. a 13yr old girl reported to her mother that she was approached by a male, while in a park in Westlake Village. She reported that a white male approached her and asked "can you help me with something". He was told no and then reached out to grab the girl. She pulled back and screamed and the suspect ran to a pick-up truck and fled. The suspect is described as a white male 40yrs old. 5'10"175lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. He is described as being clean cut with a buzz hair cut. The suspect vehicle is described as being a red pick-up (not extended cab), with chrome running boards (rusted on the drivers side).
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department.


text:
Dear Caregiver to Caregiver: Recently my dad�s doctor informed us that dad (he�s 83) probably has about six months left to live. He has suffered for years with various heart ailments and there�s just nothing else that can be done.
Dad says he wants to go to the Hospice Home, but I feel it�s too early for that. When does a person usually go to Hospice? Thanks � Janet
Dear Janet: I know this is a difficult prognosis for you and your family. Enjoy and love each other during the time you have left.
Though six months seems so short, you have been given the precious gift of a season to say goodbye. Use it wisely.
Why does your dad want to go to the Hospice Home? Did his doctor suggest that he do so? What are his current living arrangements? Does he understand that hospice provides comfort (as opposed to curative) care? Does he feel that he would be a burden to his family if he stays home?
If your dad is willing and able, discuss with him why he is making this request. Ultimately, this decision should be his.
Generally, a person with a life expectancy of less than six months � as determined by a physician � is eligible for Hospice services.
The patient�s doctor makes the referral. In 2010, the average length of a hospice stay was approximately 67 days and the median duration was 20 days.
Almost 35 percent of patients died within seven days, which shows that many times patients (or their families) wait until death is imminent before taking this step.
No doctor can determine an accurate prognosis of exact time of death, and studies have shown that doctors often overestimate life expectancy.
Sometimes families resist contacting hospice because they feel that would be "giving up" on their loved one. This is unfortunate, because the purpose of hospice is to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families.
Hospice support is also available at long-term care facilities and in a patient�s home. Your dad may not be aware of the home option, and may prefer it at this time.
The same services � palliative care, pain (the most prevalent end-of-life physical symptom) management, bereavement counseling for the patient and family, and respite care for caregivers are all available at home.
The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers expenses at home, in a facility or at a Hospice Home, and includes medications and personal medical supplies, once the criterion of a six-month or less life expectancy has been provided.
We are fortunate to have the Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Caswell here in Burlington. They are non-profit and nationally accredited. Hospice services are also provided in our community by Amedisys Hospice, Community Home Care and Hospice, Liberty Hospice and Tender Loving Care Home Health and Hospice.
As a nurse, I have always been impressed by hospice personnel and the services they provide. I highly recommend hospice for those who have received the required prognosis from their physician.
Hospice provides the best palliative care, in addition to emotional and spiritual support that may otherwise not be available. Statistics for this article were provided by National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Facts and Figures, 2011.
Ruth Johnson is a native of Burlington and has more than 12 years experience, both personally and professionally, as a caregiver. Send your questions, caring tips and comments to firstname.lastname@example.com or by mail at "Caregiver to Caregiver," P.O. Box 125, Alamance, N.C. 27201-0125.


text:
CHICAGO – MarShon Brooks, the Brooklyn Nets' second-year shooting guard and deep reserve, was on the floor for the entire fourth quarter of their Game 3 loss to the Chicago Bulls Thursday night at United Center. It wasn't a bad 12 minutes in what otherwise was a clunker: Down 17 points with 8:35 left, the Nets outscored their hosts 20-6 the rest of the way.
Brooks (two points, two rebounds) was part of that in a stint that coach P.J. Carlesimo said was better than his individual numbers. He even was in the middle of Brooklyn's last gasp, passing up a 3-pointer contested by Chicago's Luol Deng to set up C.J. Watson, open in the right corner, for one that missed.
So maybe Brooks – who got more opportunities on a bad Nets teams as a rookie (29.4 mpg, 12.6 ppg) than on this season's upgraded squad (12.5, 5.4) – could be an "X" factor for a team struggling to score.
"To be thrown into the fourth quarter, that's probably the most intense part of the game," the 24-year-old product of Providence said Friday at the team's hotel. "I would like to play more and if I play more, I feel like I would contribute more. Especially when we have a hard time scoring – that's kind of what I do."
To a fault, frequently. Brooks is considered a liability on defense and he can frustrate teammates with his black-hole tendencies. He benefits from "backup quarterback syndrome," with a segment of Brooklyn fans clamoring for him, wanting increased minutes and scoring chances because he has so much, y'know, potential.
But even Brooks knows that isn't likely to happen.
"Honestly this year, it is what it is," he said before the Nets' video session and meeting. "I've been kind of a last-resort guy. If it's not working for everybody else, that's when they throw me out there. That's just the way it's been. … Down by 10, we need a spark, throw me out there."
Guess what? The Nets are down by 10 figuratively, trailing in a series 2-1, home-court advantage gone and showing no sustainable offensive breakthroughs. They have shot 34.9 percent in the two losses (21.4 percent from the arc). In a span of 13:45 across the first and second quarters Thursday, Brooklyn took 25 shots, missed 24 and got outscored 28-4.
Sure, Chicago's halfcourt defense is stifling. That's a given. It still is on Carlesimo, his staff and the players too to add wrinkles to their attack and iron out ones that don't belong.
One issue has been the high number of pipefitters and bricklayers on the Brooklyn roster. Reggie Evans, Gerald Wallace, Keith Bogans, Kris Humphries and aging Jerry Stackhouse aren't exactly lithe offensive thoroughbreds – they're relative Clydesdales and they have largely been neglected by Bulls defenders, who instead load up on Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez. Yet those guys, coming free, haven't made Chicago pay with put-backs and second chances.
"If they are going to load up," Carlesimo said, "we have to get offensive rebounds and take better care of the ball."
Anything else? "We can set better screens," the Brooklyn coach said. "Spacing, too. … When our bail-out spots are what they're supposed to be, we should be able to move the ball. Because they load so much to the strong side of the floor, there's usually at least one extra guy there. If you position yourself where you're supposed to be, there should at least be a pass available.
"When you don't space it well, when you don't set solid screens, when you don't set sides of the floor against them, you don't score. Against other teams, you can not do those things and still overcome it. You can't overcome it against a really good defensive team, which they obviously are."
Carlesimo said he would alter his starting lineup only if Johnson, battling plantar fasciitis in his left foot, were unable to play. But he did say he would go to his bench sooner or tinker with player combinations if points continue to trickle in. Brooklyn can't simply wait and hope it replicates its offense from the series opener (55.8 percent shooting, 106 points in the Game 1 victory). Too much unpredictability.
"We're not unique but we're at times our own worst enemy and at times it's refreshing," Carlesimo said, "the fact that there's not always a correlation between what we're going to do tomorrow and what we did yesterday."
That might offer a glimmer of hope even for the last-resort guy.