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In 1997 a group of enthusiasts gathered in Arizona under the name Running With Scissors has decided to make a game that is primarily supposed to suit their own taste. I believe that they themselves did not count they will make such a sick game that the whole gaming community, various psychologists and psychiatrists and numerous supporters of the ban violence in video games will talk about it for years. This is a title that has shared a bunch of GOTY awards for second place on the list of PC gamer under the title "The Most Controversial Game of All Time", it's Postal.
Postal is an isometric, in some parts, top-down shooter with 3D objects that you can still purchase today for Linux, Mac or Windows via Steam, GOG, Desura and similar download services. Backgrounds of 21 levels in the game are hand-drawn, and an interesting fact is that the game does not have a classic storyline, despite the fact that some of its contours related to the Postal Dude, the protagonist of the series, can be spotted by detailed monitoring of events on the screen and the background information on the manual of the game.
The goal of the game was to kill as many armed characters as possible using eight different types of weapons and the interesting thing was that the level could be completed even if the player died as long as the main task of the level was completed. Previously mentioned enemy killing was often extremely brutal and it is no wonder that the game is on so many lists of the most brutal games ever made. But despite the numerous awards that the game picked up, some of which are for GOTY, the current score on Metacritic is quite low ( 56 ) which is unjustified and it sheds a dark light on the games ingenuity.
Good pace of mindless violence continued with Postal 2 in 2003, but unfortunately Postal 3 that came out in 2011-2012 wasn't good enough and it even didn't get enough attention to continue the traditional Postal series. There is also a Postal movie, which was made by Uwe Boll, which. fortunately, is not the worst movie he made and its even watchable, so if you miss a little Postal atmosphere you should check it out.
As for the quality Postal sequel we all expect, we can only hope that such a day will come and raise the dust in the world of gaming due to excessive levels of controversy which a Postal game should have.
So, would a remastered version of this game work? Actually, there is a remastered version called Postal Redux and its great, but I think a new Postal game would be better, the developers just need to consider what made the game so popular.
I like the OSRS ironman mode. I like the concept of doing everything yourself, it brings out the game much more in my opinion. Ironman mode is a good choice for veteran players, being familiar with the game is necessary for an ironman imo. About a year ago me and my buddy made ironmen together but we ended up quitting at around lvl 50. I've also been getting back into OSRS myself though it's much more boring playing alone. Everyone on my friends list quit ages ago haha.May 24, 2019
Great article! I've been playing this co-op and it really sucks you in... 8 hours goes by in what feels like 30 mins!
For me, the game would be perfect if there was a little more combat (like Factorio) where your base gets attacked and you have to setup defense perimeters. I understand that's not everyone's cup of tea, but personally I hope they add this as an option at some point. In the meantime, they've promised big updates at the end of every month so definitely one to keep going back to!May 11, 2019
I'd like to reiterate that nothing about that quote was a judgement of who you are based on your interest or lack thereof in VR, I understand your disgust in people that dismiss debates based solely on another's income, my point was that many of the misconceptions of VR (in my personal experience), stem from those who have never given it a reasonable amount of their time.
While I agree with a few and disagree with a little more of your opinions, I think we've spoken enough about our own respectively to get our points across. I think we can both agree we'd like to see it develop in to something we can all be rewarded for "giving a damn about", instead of just a small minority of us.
One point I would like to pick up on is that AR stands for Augmented Reality, as in an augmentation to our existing world. Not Alternate Reality, which is essentially just what VR is right now. Sound close, mean very different things. However I too, look forward to see where AR takes us and how it adapts to the world around us.May 03, 2019
Looked up who you were. Now it makes sense lol. Your response is far more reasonable than I thought it would be. I've heard the whole 'poor person' sneering backlash from far too many people for far too long to sit by and 'let it happen' again, especially from someone writing for (and working for) a site that should know better.
Oculus was crowdfunded for almost 2.5 million USD on Kickstarter and I believe they had additional funds through other crowdfunding/donation means; a resounding success story in non-digital products.
Facebook then bought the company for 2+ billion USD and proceeded to systematically spit on everyone who 'invested' in the original product. When I say 'the devs and manufacturers don't care' I actually mean it. They don't give a single solitary damn about anything other than money.
If any publisher or dev or manufacturer bothered to give a damn about any of their users, it wouldn't have taken 5+ years of VR before they finally made one with an FOV above 100. They wouldn't have subjected countless test subjects to nausea and intense motion-sickness from their lazy ports and half-hearted attempts at copying ideas from past 'virtual reality' game failures.
I'm absolutely pessimistic about VR as a thing and I see it as nothing more than expensive toys by people with far too much money to spend. But you know what? At least they're getting a physical item for their money instead of being a whale and throwing money at gambleboxes. I'll acknowledge that much.
When VR gets a 'killer app' that makes it worthwhile; when VR is actually able to be tried out and/or demo'd in a controlled setting prior to purchase; when VR doesnt' require a large living space to safely play; when VR becomes AR instead so that we aren't at risk of losing sense of our surroundings entirely...that's when I'll give a damn.
I don't see VR as the future. I see AR as the future. AR = Alternate Reality. Effectively an 'overlay' above the real world but done in such a way as to be entirely convincing otherwise. We're far away from that kind of tech (maybe in 50 years or so) but I hope we get there.
The problem with VR and AR as concepts is that compulsive game design (skinner boxes, gambling, etc) is already rampant. To put those mechanics into a VR/AR scenario would potentially cause a collapse of society if enough people are 'addicted' to it and completely lose sense of the real world. It is bad enough with non-VR and non-AR games; cybercafes in Korea/Japan already let people go in and game to death until someone notices the smell from their corpse.
Do we really want to make things even more immersive? When is enough gonna be enough? Just give me my holodeck with 100% full admin rights/control and let me make my own fun, ok? ;)May 02, 2019
Dear Daedalus007,
Before bursting in to a fit of rage at what was supposed to be a reasonable debate, please understand a few things concerning my response to your initial comments. Firstly I do not work for a VR company, I work for Opium Pulses and am and have been a great admirer and fan of virtual reality for a long time, I write articles like these in my own time for enjoyment, not for any other reason. Whether you subscribe to that truth or not is down to you, but it's important to know before you judge my entire character.
The PSVR sales are reported by countless news outlets online, a quick google will give you some stats to wade through, remember this is a console-based VR headset that cannot connect to or be detected by Steam – then there's Oculus based headsets (GearVR, Oculus Go, Oculus Rift) that have their own storefront and while the more expensive Rift can make use of a selection of games in the Steam store, the former two headsets, cannot. Steam VR titles are mostly aimed more at the HTC Vive, arguably the most expensive and free-space-hungry headset.
Neither my article nor comments were set to prove that VR is selling like hotcakes, far from, it was simply a response to your estimated 0.00001%. I can't however respond to the points you make out of what seems like sheer anger as I can't see that I'll make any reasonable headway there, but you too, also make some good points so I'll address those before anything else.
It's true, VR is still a niche hobby and a lot of gamers have probably never touched the technology, let alone considered investing in it, however I don't think it's fair to say that because less than 1% of gamers are using VR on a particular platform that means that the few that are, are toying with something that couldn't be worthwhile for many others. VR has a lot to offer and while it's subjective and down to opinion, I do think its worth being stated more by people who have actually given it a fair chance.
I disagree with your statements about manufacturers not caring about the experiences of their users, just looking in to the history of Oculus and the people behind it (their ambitions etc) will give you a different angle on that perspective, but again, I imagine you feel pretty strongly about this already so I shan't put too much more energy in to that.
To address the paragraph you quoted of me, I'll admit upon re-reading I wasn't quite comfortable with the wording myself (no one is perfect), this wasn't supposed to be a summary of you or the type of personal you are, and more a statement on where I find the origin for most of these opinions are born. Personally I don't believe they make fair debate and only serve to negatively prod those who have a positive belief in something. I only debate from corners in which I have experience and I personally just think that makes the for a lot less needless arguments.
but it's worth knowing that even I, cannot afford any full tethered VR experience, I've spent a lot of time with them however so feel I know enough to see both their potential and value and compare them to the mobile counterparts. I have however had a lot of experience with mobile VR headsets and have compared my own (GearVR) with competing headsets of my friends and family, hence this article.
I personally believe VR will be the spearhead in a new direction of social interaction online in the years to come and this is the element I'm most excited about, but this is another article for another day. For now, I experiment where I can with the little funds I have and share my experiences for fun.
In saying all of this, I do also apologise for any offense I caused – I assure you it wasn't intentional.April 24, 2019
You started off making some good points. I could see what your position was (even if it didn't change my mind; was good to read). This was all going nicely at first.
Unfortunately, your last sentences/blurb at the end just had to make a left turn into ad hominem territory.
These might have all be borderline valid points at one moment in time, but they're quickly becoming those VR myths you read about in forums made up be people who aren't interested in or do not have the funds for virtual reality.
The moment you suggested/implied that my lack of interest in VR was due to my income (or lack thereof), your entire point became worthless. You became nothing more than an exclusionary egotistical arrogant shill for whatever VR company/companies you work for to write this 'informational article'.
Maybe you are a legit VR enthusiast that wants others to enjoy the tech. However I don't see it that way. You might as well paint your face like a clown and put on a wig while using your hoity-toity sneering voice about how I'm not 'hardcore' enough.
If engaging in the VR community means dealing with the likes of you, then I'll gladly opt-out. I've got more than enough standard non-VR games to play. I've got more than enough single player games to play, most of them by awesome indies who deserve far more love than some overpriced trash that'll be relegated to the annals of gaming history as yet another 'failed peripheral'.
Please do tell me where you get that '5 million VR headsets' from. Barely 1% of total Steam users bother to use VR headsets on Steam, the largest and most prominent PC gaming storefront for the platform. Now if there are people who only play standalone non-Steam games that have VR then I can dig it, but I don't see many other stores having a significant selection of VR games. Now 1% of ~15 million ACTIVE Steam users is barely 150k who would have a VR headset that Steam detects. Far far south of the '5 million' that you've claimed. But let's even presume 5 million headsets; how many people actually buy games for em? ;)
The biggest problem was that the headset creators and hardware manufacturers don't care about games or experiences. They want to make as much money as possible as quickly as possible. They aren't in this for the long haul. They sell hardware to people with more money than sense (hello Microsoft Kinect, hello Playstation Eye, hello Nintendo Power Glove; they're all 'so bad').April 23, 2019
To respond to your points in order...
I'm not sure if you're talking just about tethered VR here or all VR in general, but either way 0.00001% of enthusiasts is way beyond exaggerating and with PSVR selling just shy of 5 million units alone it's a completely redundant point. It might not be in every home but it's far from a niche little toy that no one see's the value in.
While FOV isn't great on a lot of headsets, it's certainly not a major issue, and doesn't cap out at 105 either. There's a few contenders on the market that reach 120 on their devices and that will only increase as the technology does. There's a lot more that can be done to combat motion sickness besides just FOV and I see this being explored in various games and apps that I have experimented with, some that reduce it to comfortable amounts, others that completely remove it from the experience.
The price IS a legitimate issue, and one that is slowly being addressed but not as quickly as I'd hope for myself. Dev support is limited but again "not there" is an exaggeration as there are hundreds of mind blowing and incredibly involved games produced for gamers to get lost it.
As for your last point, very few headsets need a living room worth of space to be enjoyable. The HTC Vive feels like the headset you're targeting here, but even with that there's thousands of games and apps that provide excellent experiences from your computer desk or couch. I've only played a few open space VR games but I much prefer the titles that allow me to sit down and experience things at my own pace, the last thing I want to do after a long days work is put a headset on and dance around the house.
These might have all be borderline valid points at one moment in time, but they're quickly becoming those VR myths you read about in forums made up be people who aren't interested in or do not have the funds for virtual reality.April 21, 2019


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A favorite with locals who arrive on their own boats, this secluded very pretty beach actually consists of two sandy stretches each about a mile long, separated by rocks. One has half a dozen palapa restaurants and a dock, while the other is still pretty much the way God made it. The water is exceptionally clear and shallow, the gentle wave action conducive to swimming, kayaking and snorkeling. Water taxis or pangas leaving from Los Muertos pier or Boca de Tomatlan, south of Puerto Vallarta, schedule regular trips during the day.
Las Animas, a quiet, tiny beach inaccessible except by boat where sunbathers can relax in colorful beach chairs and choose from several rustic restaurants for Mexican fare. Snorkeling is popular in the gentle surf of this cozy beach.
Rumor has it that Las Animas was named for a pirate who was killed returning to his ship after he had buried his treasure somewhere along the beach. It was never found and legend has it his ghost protects the lost loot.
• About half an hour from PV by boat
• Don't miss trying Raicilla, the local moonshine

subset: commoncrawl


text: From her first sidelong glance down the soccer field, Annabel Brown knows that Esteban Santiago is the boy for her. Annabel's life has been one of comfortable privilege in the Hamptons, with her father, who owns a construction company, employing undocumented workers like Esteban. When Esteban and Annabel attempt to carve out their romance, they are immediately met with harsh prejudice from both of their families; Annabel's father is angry she is dating a muchacho, and Esteban's sister calls Annabel names like "flour face." Unaffected by the prejudicial turmoil, the pair forges ahead with their starry-eyed romance, leaving notes in library books, meeting on dark beaches and trying with innocent naiveté to make a predestined romance work. With racial tensions and immigration issues looming large in their town, Annabel and Esteban's relationship meets a realistic end. Touching on issues of bias from a number of angles, Kerr crafts an agile contemporary tale of interracial young love. A masterful story from a critically acclaimed author. (Fiction. YA)


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by Tyler Peck, sports
information graduate assistant
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. - The latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) rankings and the NCAA regional rankings have been released this week with the Bobcat women's tennis team (7-6, 4-5 PBC) finding their name on both lists.
In the Southeast Regional ranking posted by the NCAA, Georgia College & State University ranks sixth with five Peach Belt Conference (PBC) ahead of them. The top 10 teams from each region make the NCAA Tournament in May, with three spots taken by conference tournament champions.
The ITA released its national team, singles and doubles rankings along with regional rankings for all three categories.
Georgia College fell three spots to No. 22 in the nation. Marjorie Ceppo (Sao Paulo, Brazil) moved up a spot to No. 47 in the nation in singles.
The Bobcats are sixth in the Southeast Region behind the same five PBC teams ahead of them in the NCAA ranking. In singles rankings, Ceppo is at No. 12. The duo of Gabby Acuna (Peachtree City, Ga.) and Ceppo are at the No. 10 slot.
Georgia College is in action today, April 3 against #15 Hawaii Pacific University with matches beginning at 2 p.m.
Visit www.GCSUBobcats.com to nominate your favorite former Bobcats and Colonials to the GCSU Athletics Hall of Fame. The GCSU Department of Athletics sponsors 10 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. As a Division II program, GCSU prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the Bobcats' multiple appearances in post-season competition as well as documented academic success and community-service involvement. Sign up at Twitter.com username GCSUSID for up-to-the-minute reports.


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Toto Funds the Arts (TFA) invites applications for its sixth annual Toto award from persons between the ages of 18 and 29, for creative writing in Kannada in three genres: short plays, short stories and poetry. The winner, to be decided by an eminent panel, will get a cash award of Rs 30,000. Entries should reach TFA at the latest by 18 August 2015.
The awards are meant only for Indian nationals resident in India. You are eligible to apply if you were born on or after 1 January 1986. No exceptions will be made. Also, since the spirit of the award is to identify promising writers, please do not apply if you are already a well-known writer.
Each entry should be not more than 7,500 words. If you are submitting poems, please send 6 to 10 poems. If you are submitting short stories, their combined word length should be at least 2,500 words. You can, if you wish, send only a single story of 2,500 to 7,500 words. You can send entries in all three categories — poems, short stories and plays — but you must send in a separate entry for each category. For example, your poems can constitute one entry, your short stories the second entry, plays a third entry.
Entries should be sent in hard copy form by courier or ordinary post only (and NOT by speed or registered post) to the address below (the phone numbers supplied are for courier purposes only).
Toto Funds the Arts (TFA)
H 301, Adarsh Gardens
47th Cross, 8th Block
Bangalore 560 082
Phone 080 26990549/098806 23357
Please state the awards category for which you are applying on the envelope, e.g., Writing-Kannada (poetry) or Writing-Kannada (play) or Writing-Kannada (short story).
Each entry must be accompanied by a statement, signed by you, confirming your name, date of birth, whether your work has been published in print (give details), and also affirming that the submitted work is original. Please also give us your postal address, email ID, phone number (landline and mobile) and a short bio. Also ensure that the hard copy version of your submissions does not carry your name on it. Your entries will be given code numbers to protect your identity from the jury.
If you have any further queries please email email@example.com. No queries will be answered on phone.
Note: Submitted material will not be returned. The decision of the TFA jury will be final and cannot be contested in any forum. We reserve the right to use your submitted writings (if necessary) to publicise the awards either on our website or in any in-house materials such as a newsletter. Otherwise, the copyright rests with the writer and your submission will be put to no other use without your express permission.
Toto Funds the Arts is a not-for-profit public trust set up in memory of Angirus 'Toto' Vellani, who was intensely passionate about music, literature and films.


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Science Friday® is produced by the Science Friday Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Science Friday® and SciFri® are registered service marks of Science Friday, Inc. Site design by Pentagram; engineering by Mediapolis.
Energy, food, climate, public health, poverty -- how do all these challenges interact with each other -- and what needs to be done to drive the planet towards sustainability? In this segment, Ira talks about global sustainability with Lester Brown, head of the Earth Policy Institute. Brown advocates a plan that he says would cut global carbon emissions 80 percent by the year 2020.


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3) Review Your Credit Report
. . . and correct it when necessary.
Your credit history can affect so many aspects of your life—from your ability to get a mortgage or auto loan, to the rates you're charged for insurance or whether an employer will hire you or a landlord will rent you an apartment. Wise consumers keep a close watch on the accuracy of their credit reports. Regular review of your credit report is one of the best ways to spot attempts at identity theft.
Whether you monitor your credit report yourself or subscribe to a credit monitoring service that alerts you to changes or suspicious activity, you must still know how to read your credit report, interpret the information in it, and take steps to correct errors. Only you can do these things. This report shows you how.
What is a Credit Report and How is it Used?
Your credit report provides a record of how you have used credit. It includes personal identifying information, employment history, a record of your credit accounts and payment history for the past seven years, it also includes a record of any problems you've had using credit such as a bankruptcy or defaulted account, and inquires made about your credit. The section of this report, "What categories of information are represented in a credit report?", details each of these types of information.
By law, credit bureaus may provide information to:
- Lenders who are considering extending you credit, such as for a car loan, mortgage, credit card account, installment loan purchase of furniture or appliances, etc.
- Potential employers who are considering hiring you or changing your employment status, (promotion, reassignment, etc).
- Insurers from whom you've applied for a policy.
- Any other individual or company with a "legitimate business need for the information." This last category, as you can see, leaves the door wide open to many uses. Potential landlords also fall into this broad category.
Your credit rating—how good a credit risk you are—is based on your credit report but is not the same thing. For a credit rating, most creditors use a credit score derived from the information in your credit report. (Read more about credit scores in Tips for Improving Your Credit Score.)
How to Obtain Your Federally-mandated Free Credit Report.
As required by an amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, individuals in all U.S. states and territories can request one free report annually from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Click here for information on how to safely order your official free credit report.
What Categories of Information are Represented in a Credit Report?
Credit reports typically have four broad categories of information. Each credit reporting agency, however, may present the information in differing order and formats and in more than four sections.
- Personal identifying information: this section includes your name, current and former addresses, date of birth, Social Security Number, phone number, current and previous employment, and the name of your spouse (if any). Other information such as a separate Tax ID number may also be included. The section also notes variant reported spellings of your name or reported variants of your Social Security Number.
- Specific credit account information: every credit report provides specific details about every credit account that has been reported to the CRA. (On a commercial credit report this category is often called trade lines.) The accounts detailed include auto loans, mortgages, credit card accounts, and other types of loans from banks, finance companies, credit unions or other creditors. The information does not include information about checking or savings accounts.
The information may be divided into accounts in "good standing" and accounts that are negative or have been turned over to collection agencies. The information about each account includes the creditor's/lender's name, account number (or a portion of it adequate for identification), the date the account was opened or closed, amount borrowed or maximum credit limit, the account balance, minimum payment/installment payment amount, and a history of the timeliness of the payments. The payment history usually covers several years (up to seven) and indicates the specific timing of payments (on time, less than 30 days past due, 30-60 days past due and so on). The date the information was reported to the CRA is also included.
- Public record information: this information includes information from federal, state and local courts pertaining to overdue debt or financial judgments related to credit. Such items include bankruptcy, foreclosures, liens against you, tax liens, wage attachments, and other court judgments such as those related to child support or alimony.
- Inquiries: a credit report includes all requests to view your credit report. When you apply for any type of credit (or perhaps apply for a job or apartment), you typically give the potential lender permission to view your credit report. These are "voluntary" or "hard" inquiries. "Involuntary", "soft," or "promotional" inquiries such as those made by companies sending out "pre-approved" credit offers, but not requested by you, are also recorded. Companies with whom you have an account may also have permission to review your credit report periodically. On your personal credit report you can see all these inquiries; only the voluntary inquiries should appear on a report made to any other party.
How do the CRAs Get the Data for Individual Credit Reports?
Business entities that have extended credit to you report information about their accounts to the CRAs. For this reason some of your credit accounts may not appear on your credit report or in some instances information may not be current. Different CRAs may not receive the same information; that's why it's important to review all three. CRAs obtain other information from public records.
In What Format is Information Presented in a Credit Report?
Judging by the sample reports provided by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion on their websites, the personal or consumer credit report that individuals may request is presented in a clear format in plain English. It may help, however, to be sure that you understand some of the terms below.
In contrast, a commercial or business credit report (what a potential lender receives) typically is presented in a short table form that includes a short-form "credit summary" and is also loaded with abbreviations and codes. Occasionally, you may see a business credit report. A mortgage lender, for instance, showed a colleague her report from his file and asked her to explain a couple of items. If you encounter a similar experience, ask the loan officer to explain any abbreviations you don't know.
Now to the important terms you should understand:
Date reported: when the creditor sent the report to the CRA.
Date of last activity: when you last used the account, made a payment—or the last time information was reported.
Status or payment status: the current status of the account with regard to activity and payment. With regard to activity, the account may be open, closed, inactive, paid, and so on. With regard to payment status, the report may list this in clear English ("past due 60 days) or may use a number code (typically 1 - 9). The number codes generally represent this type of scale, though there can be variations among credit bureaus:
0 or C = paid on time; current
1 = paid 30 days past due date
2 = paid 60 days past due date
3 = 90 days past due
4 = 120 days past due
5 = 150 days past due
6 = more than 180 days after due date
7 = paying under a repayment plan such as Wage Earner Plan or Bankruptcy Chapter 13
8 = Derogatory such as repossession or foreclosure
9 = Bankruptcy Chapter 7, 11, or 12
00 = account too new to have data
The number codes may be prefaced by a letter indicating the type of credit.
I = installment loan, such as an auto loan
R = revolving credit, such as a bank or store credit card
M = mortgage
Payment history, late payments, or "Lates:" a summary or chart over a specific time (such as 24 or 36 months—up to seven years) of how you paid each period, how frequently you paid late and how late the payments were. If you always paid on time, that is indicated.
Charged off: this negative term indicates a debt that the creditor has given up on collecting from you and has therefore written off the account as a bad debt.
Collection account: an account in default that the creditor has turned over to a collection agency to attempt to collect payment.
Delinquent: this term applies to an account when payments are past due; delinquent accounts are typically categorized as 30, 60, 90, or 120 days past due.
Default: status when you fail to meet the terms of a credit agreement, particularly failure to pay what is owed.
Fraud alert: if you have been a victim of fraud or identity theft or have supportable reason to think you may be, you can have a fraud alert put on your credit report.
Blocked for promotional purposes: you can opt out of inquiries made about your credit report by companies for the purpose of "qualifying" you in order to offer you new credit opportunities (such as "pre-approvals" for a new credit card).
Consumer statement: if you have disputed information on your credit report, but the CRA upon investigation stands by the report, you have the right to state your side of the case and have that appear in your credit report.
How Long Does Credit Information Stay in a Credit Report.
General credit information—both good and bad—about individual credit accounts remains on your credit report for seven years. Only time (not any so-called "credit repair" service) can remove accurate information. Information about most types of personal bankruptcy remains 10 years. Information about a financial judgment against you remains for seven years or until the statute of limitations runs out.
What to Look for When Reviewing Your Credit Report.
First, look for errors, inaccuracies, and incomplete information. Pay particular attention to each individual credit account. According to some surveys, up to 4 out of 5 reports may have errors that could affect your ability to get credit. A few things you should check include:
- Is the account yours? Occasionally someone else's account may be erroneously attributed to you.
- Is the payment status correct? Is the amount of payment you made correct?
- Is the account status such as open, closed or inactive correct?/li>
- Is the payment history correct and complete? For example, if payments on an account had been delinquent but you have now paid up and are current with your payments, your credit report should indicate that./li>
- Are items (if any) under "Public Record" accurate?
Second, check whether all credit information that reflects positively on your creditworthiness is on your report. Not all creditors report information to the CRAs. For instance, you have a credit card account or installment loan with a local store or lender that you have paid faithfully on time but it is not listed and you would like it added. You can usually request for a fee that the CRA obtain this information (although if the creditor does not report regularly to the CRA the information will not be updated). It's also possible that one of your accounts from a creditor that does report to the CRA has been erroneously attributed to another individual; this is an error that the CRA should correct.
How to Dispute Errors and Make a Request for Correction.
Under the terms of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, both credit reporting agencies and creditors/information providers have the responsibility to correct errors or incomplete information. But first, these businesses have to know that there is an error. That usually means that you, the consumer, must officially inform the CRA and creditor that you dispute the inaccurate or incomplete information. The Federal Trade Commission, one of the federal agencies with oversight of credit matters, instructs consumers to put their complaint in writing to both the CRA and the information provider. State exactly what the problem is; state the facts as you know them and provide copies (not originals) of supporting documentation. Request a deletion or correction of erroneous data. Send your complaint letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, so that you can prove what the CRA received.
The FTC provides a useful factsheet How to Dispute Credit Report Errors, which outlines the process and provides a sample letter. (All three CRAs also provide an online process for disputing items in your credit report, but we have had no opportunity to evaluate these services.)
After the CRA receives your letter, it must reinvestigate the items you question and also inform the information provider. When their reinvestigation is complete, they must provide the results to you in writing. If they change your credit report, they must provide you a free copy of the corrected report and notify recent recipients of your credit report of the changes. The FTC factsheet provides a more complete summary of what the CRA and information providers are required to do, and what your options are if the CRA investigation does not confirm your claims.
Keeping an Eye on Your Credit Report Helps Protect Your Financial Future.
Maintaining good credit is a powerful tool that can help you reach the financial goals you've set for yourself and your family. Reviewing your credit report on a regular basis can help ensure that your credit report is accurate and alert you to possible fraud. When you know how, it's easy.
For More Information:
The Federal Trade Commission offers two good factsheets cited in this Information Edge Review:


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As you sit in traffic on your way to or from work, you just know the person who just flew by on a bicycle is smug. And now, a Bangkok-based design firm wants to make riders even more smug with a bicycle that actually cleans the air too.
The creative director of Lightfog Creative & Design told Fast CoExist that this electric bicycle uses photosynthesis, like plants apparently do. The idea would be a big filter between the handlebars and immediately behind buses and trucks spewing fumes or other foul odors. Those smells would be absorbed by a filter that then sends the clean air to waft around you.
It's just like having a big air purifier on your bicycle. And makes about as much sense.
There are some bigger problems. First of all, it doesn't actually exist yet. And how much air you'd actually be improving at city speeds hasn't been figured out.
And if you're going to ride around with something like this, I think it needs an energy monitor like that of a lot of hybrids and electrics that shows just how environmentally friendly you're being and just how smug you can be to the black Chevy Suburban next to you.
Photo: Lightfog


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Oriental Poppy (F021)
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Photo ID: F021
Keywords: flora, flower, flowers, poppy, poppies, oriental poppy, oriental poppies,
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NAN Ring Huit
Geometric 8mm wide ring in 925 sterling silver* with an anodized overlay in black or white rhodium**
Approximate Size: 8mm in width
* Our Sterling Silver is a special premium 925 mix that doesn't oxidize as quickly as standard sterling silver.
** Rhodium is a rare naturally occurring metal in the platinum family of metals. Valued for it's highly reflective nature as well as it's ability to resist corrosion. All Light Legion pieces have been anodized with a choice of black or white rhodium to insure the highest luxury finish. Black rhodium might appear darker in images.
Made in LA. All LL pieces are made-to-order, please allow 5-10 business days for production before shipping.


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NOTICE: Due to the impending storm, Surgical Weight Loss Support Group sessions at all three locations (Mary Immaculate, Harbour View and Healthy Way) will be canceled this Thursday, September 13th. Stay safe.
Trouble viewing this calendar? Check out our Facebook Events Feed, or register for a Seminar via our EventBrite Events portal.
Surgical Weight Loss Support Group – Virginia Beach
June 13 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
An event every month that begins at 6:00pm on day Second of the month, repeating indefinitely
Event Navigation
Studies show patients who actively participate in a support group have better outcomes than those who do not.
Support Group is real talk from men and women who are living with a weight loss surgery. Some had their surgery one, three or five years prior, others, just weeks before. They have found that the support group is an important part of their recovery process.
Our support group was started to help patients connect with each other to handle real life after surgery issues – dietary, social, emotional, and cosmetic (loose skin, etc.). Patients come together to discuss solutions with others speak from personal experience. Our staff attends all meetings and is available to answer questions.
The meetings are held the 2nd Thursday evening of each month at 6:00 p.m.


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Nita Brown
For the Lancaster News
The Lancaster City Fire Department came to the rescue in a different way for YouthBuild and Habitat for Humanity of Lancaster County on Friday, June 1. Hoping to beat the ugly weather forecast, a team of 15 city firefighters, working as volunteers, showed up early at the Meeting Street job site to set roof trusses on the new home under construction.
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gother44 wrote:JohnCarver wrote:This game will always have a strong core in conflict. It sounds like you are lost and/or looking for something this game is never going to strive to be.
I try to say differently. This game have very complex and interesting mechanics for farmers, builders and explorers. For PvE-oriented communities (There are many such people in da world, ya!).
What you do? You say - we don't need all pizza, give us just this little piece, there are a big tomato on it, which we loved.
Actually, it's you asking for a small fragment of pizza. Conflict has always existed in the real world, and your example of peaceful farmers is just an example of concentrating on a small peace without looking at the whole image. Farmers want to live in peace and just grow the crops, yes. But it wouldn't be possible if not for government which provides security in form of law, police, firefighters etc. When you look at the whole image you will see that a farmer is just a small cog in country's industry, one that is necessary to feed people, including soldiers etc. Human history is based on "group up, abandon some freedom and get some security" principle.
And that's how it's in Salem too - game doesn't offer too many limitations and ultimately it's up to people to decide and enforce the rules. Want to play as peaceful farmer? Find some faction which, just like government, will offer you some protection in return for your goods. Or, raise an army / build defenses yourself if you don't want anyone else lording over you.
You would like to get rid of the tedious task of providing protection, and would like the game to do it for you, and at the same time remove all other pieces of pizza.


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HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwired - Apr 1, 2014) - Dewmar International BMC, Inc. (
"We have meetings throughout the UK, starting in London, with four of the top food, snack and beverage distributors, brokers and brand development companies," said Dr. Marco Moran, CEO of Dewmar International "Following a business development focused briefing dinner at the prestigious Oxford and Cambridge Club, we anticipate that if we are successful in securing a deal with any one of these highly interested, world-class beverage industry icons, we could see significant interest in Dewmar from the European investment community."
"It was easy capturing the interest of major wholesalers and distributors in the greater U.K. for Dewmar International based upon the innovative branding, superb packaging, and the fact the beverage has gained significant traction in major retailers in the U.S., "said Tim Hall, CEO of ED Alliance, one of Europe's leading international business and economic development agencies. "Relaxation beverages are literally non-existent in the U.K. mass market and would be a perfect match for our retailers since it will not be directly competing with any other functional beverages currently on the shelves."
Mr. Richard Price, UK Representative to the State of Mississippi, Vice President of the Council for American States in Europe and Managing Member of Interpret International Limited, added, "Dr. Moran and Dewmar International are one of the most impressive corporations to visit London recently as part of the Mississippi delegation and to participate in one of the Oxford and Cambridge Club hosted events, attended by corporate executives, governors and diplomats of many U.S. and foreign states."
The United Kingdom has a GDP of $2.38 trillion and is easily the 4th or 5th largest economy in the world. According to the U.S. Commercials Services, the UK is the largest provider of tourists to the United States. The population is 63.7 million, growing half a percent annually. The core urban areas consist of an 8.7 million population in London, 2.2 million in Manchester and 2.3 million in Birmingham.
About ED Alliance
ED Alliance is one of Europe's leading international business and economic development agencies. The company was established in 2003 as a facilitator for business knowledge transfer between Europe and the United States -- for companies and their advisers, and for economic development and inward investment agencies.
About Interpret International Limited
Interpret International Limited provides corporate public relations advice and works on foreign direct investment to the USA. Richard Price holds the position as the Vice President of the Council of American States in Europe and as the UK Representative for the State of Mississippi. Mr. Price is also the immediate past chairman of the prestigious and historical Oxford and Cambridge Club.
About the Oxford & Cambridge Club
The Oxford and Cambridge Club is a historical private gentleman's club founded in 1830 for graduate members of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The Club enables members to meet friends and colleagues in magnificent surroundings, as the facility includes over 40 bedrooms, an elegant Coffee Room, two bars, two squash courts, two well-maintained libraries of over 25,000 books with the services of its own Librarian, a business area, and rooms that members can hire for social or business purposes.
About Mississippi Development Authority
The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is the state of Mississippi's lead economic and community development agency, with approximately 300 employees engaged in providing services to businesses, communities and workers throughout Mississippi. The agency works to recruit new business to the state and retain and expand existing Mississippi industry and business. MDA also provides technical assistance to the state's entrepreneurs and small businessmen and women and oversees programs that support Mississippi's minority and women-owned businesses. For more information, please visit www.mississippi.org.
About Dewmar International BMC, Inc.
Dewmar International BMC, Inc. is a leading provider of consumer brands to global markets. The Company's flagship product, LEAN SLOW MOTION POTION™ whose three flavors are Yella, Purp and Easta Pink, is rated as one of the top 3 national selling relaxation beverages currently available in the U.S. market, Trinidad & Tobago, Puerto Rico and Mexico. The Company has entered into significant relationships and business discussions intended to leverage the explosion in national popularity of both the industrial hemp and medical marijuana industry, and forecasts a strong presence in the space for the immediate and long-term future. The company has offices in Clinton, Mississippi; Houston, Texas and Las Vegas, Nevada.
For more information about our Company please visit us at www.DewmarInternational.com. If you are a distributor or retailer inquiring about purchasing our product for resale, please contact us at 1-877-SIP-LEAN or 1-877-747-5326. If you are an Investor please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com
For media inquiries, please e-mail email@example.com
Safe Harbor Statement
This news release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. The statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Among others, these risks include the failure to meet schedule or performance requirements of the Company's contracts, the Company's liquidity position, the Company's ability to obtain new contracts, the emergence of competitors with greater financial resources, general economic conditions and the impact of competitive pricing. In light of these uncertainties, the forward-looking events referred to in this release might not occur.


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Product paln is for personal use only.
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Additional info: Listed on Jul 17, 2012 Viewed 3676 times Report this item to Ponoko


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I've made this topic once before (months ago) and hope I won't offend anyone by restating the idea.
Slowed monsters should really have some kind of visual indication that does not require mouse over to see. A circle of stars or birds (loony toons style) could work, as could anything else. This would allow players to easily see if they are done casting wanna-fight-it or not.
As long as I'm giving my thoughts on that glyph, I'd also like to take a moment to mention how poorly it plays with Earth Mother. Once you've taken the tangle boon, the glyph that normally targets non-slowed monsters is on to just random ones. If wanna-fight-it could target non-revealed monsters over revealed ones, that glyph and god would get along a bit better.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Weather you take my advice or not, its a rare opportunity to play a game with devs so involved in player feedback. Have a nice day.


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And a healthy and prosperous New Year!
Dear friends,
It's Christmas, whether or not the preparations are complete. What a relief!
For me, it's been a very busy season. I'm tired and a little frazzled, but I'm looking forward to attending a Christmas church service, exchanging gifts, cooking a nice family dinner, and then a quiet Christmas afternoon of conversation, movies, and games.
And there will be sweet memories of dear family members and friends and the Christmas celebrations of other years. How could we ever forget them?
When I look back at the last year, one of the highlights for me has been Prairie Bluestem and its readers. I've enjoyed your comments and e-mails.
I've known some of you for many years, and I've only recently met some of you through the blog. Old friend or new, I appreciate your company as we go down the road.
May God bless you this Christmas. As Tiny Tim put it, "God bless us every one!"
You might enjoy the Christmas series I wrote a few years ago: Ghosts of Christmas Past.


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My teenager stood at my bedroom door unsure if she should come into the war zone. She was the only child in the house who didn't have a fever or her own puke bowl.
We were on day six of the Apocalypse, also known as the stomach bug from the pit of Hell. Believe me, you don't want details. But if it can be washed, it has been. And I've cried twice.
We canceled Spring Break plans and I warned people at the door that we were quarantined to our home.
My bedroom was littered with pillows and pallets and pathetic little people.
And I was in the middle of it.
"Mom, aren't you afraid to catch it?" My teen asked from a safe distance. I had Lysol in one hand and an empty gatorade bottle in the other. I look down at my rumpled shirt and blew my unwashed hair out of my eyes, "Honey, I'm the Mom."
It was a simple answer that held volumes of truth. It said:
Mothers push past our own fear of sickness, intimidating laundry piles, smells that turn our stomach and we snuggle up to sick breaths and feverish brows because that's what we do.
We run straight into danger–whether it's sickness, hurting kids, temper tantrums or math homework– we fight the battles instead of turning away from them.
Some days we long to hold up a white flag of surrender. But instead, we mother on.
Motherhood is about sacrifice. It's about putting someone else's needs in front of our own. It's about risk. It's about bravery.
It's about facing our fears head on.
And sometimes it's a very real danger-the kind that asks you to kneel beside the bed of a desperately ill child or on your knees for a desperately wayward one. The battle can be bloody and heart wrenching.
We don't always feel strong or courageous. Some days we cry and rant, but we don't quit. Most days, we feel outnumbered and out of ammo. But our inadequacies don't make us any less a mother-soldier.
Motherhood is about reaching deep and when you find nothing left to give, you reach for God.
The battle of life is, in most cases, fought uphill; and to win it without a struggle were perhaps to win it without honor. If there were no difficulties there would be no success; if there were nothing to struggle for, there would be nothing to be achieved. -Samuel Smiles
I'm tired. I hurt for my kids. I'm disappointed sickness consumed our week. (But I am rejoicing that my little sick platoon can aim their vomit in a container now-silver lining).
I'm learning: When God stops you in your tracks, it's time to slow down and pull close.
Just not too close, ifyouknowwhatImean.
My daughter returned to the Sick Room, holding two bright balloons she'd decorated for her siblings. She crossed over and handed them the simple gift and it made us all smile. Then she said the words I dreaded, "Mom, I don't feel so well…" My husband came home a couple of hours later with the same confession.
And even though this battle is small and fleeting, I'll conquer it. It will strengthen me for the unseen ones ahead.
Because it's not if I'll need to be brave again, it's just a matter of when.


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I knew the American Fab Five would win the women's gymnastics title at the Olympics several hours before watching some of the action on television Tuesday evening. And I knew Michael Phelps would surpass the Olympic medal count on Tuesday by reaching 19, but fall short in the 200-meter fly by five-hundredths of a second.
But the headlines I saw on my email at work didn't matter, I knew there was much more to the story.


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An understanding of early childhood development is a prerequisite for many career options. Child development professionals work directly with children as teachers, teacher assistants, home care providers, and early childhood mental health specialists. In addition, child development coursework provides the foundation for such diverse career options as pediatric nursing, child psychology, children's librarianship, playground design, early childhood program director, family court child advocate and parent educator. Opportunities exist to work with children from birth through eight years of age in a variety of settings. Salaries in the field are fair, with higher wages going to those with more college units, and to those with certificates or degrees.
Employment Outlook
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) collects data about the state's workforce. These data include information about the number of people employed in the field, job outlook, and wage information. The California EDD predicts for the period 2008-2018 the number of openings for preschool teachers to increase by over 8% and preschool and elementary special education teachers to increase by nearly 20%. For more detailed information about positions in the child development and education fields, check the California Occupational Guide for the occupations listed below: http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/occguides/Search.aspx.
- Preschool Teachers (SOC 25-2011)
- Special Education Teachers - Preschool (SOC 25-2051)
- Education Administrators - Preschool and Child Care Center (SOC 11-9031)
Necessary Education and Skills for Career Success
Individuals working in child development should have both an interest and an aptitude for working with children. They should be patient, enthusiastic and able to communicate effectively with a younger audience. They should write clearly to maintain notes of activities and events for reference. Many positions relating to child development require state-issued licenses or permits. Individuals who are interested in careers in child development should be aware of all relevant requirements before beginning this career path.
General Info About the Program
De Anza College offers several certificate and degree programs to help individuals prepare for careers in child development and education. These programs can also be used for in-service training for career advancement. Coursework is organized to meet California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) licensing requirements and to allow specializations in infancy, preschool, program administration, special education and other areas of interest.
Child Development Certificate and Degree Programs
Certificate of Achievement
Certificates of Achievement-Advanced
Associate Degree (A.A.)
Associate in Science for Transfer Degree (A.S.-T)
For more information about the Child Development and Education Department:
De Anza CDC 11


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Apprentices & trainees
Make your professional start with us
At our company, you can look forward to a wide range of activities for the technologies of the future. As an internationally oriented organization, we offer you well-founded training and attractive development prospects.
From the start, we involve you in exciting projects and assign you responsibility. For this reason, we count on trainees who are curious, committed and responsible, and with whom we can realize our goals together.
Would you like to join us in our work to shape the technologies of the future? Then apply now. We look forward to meeting you.
The training and development of our trainees is a matter of great importance to us. At our site in Thun, we offer seven different kinds of occupational training.
Practically oriented to your future place of work – we have five different apprenticeships and training opportunities on offer at our Hohenstein-Ernstthal site.


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On the first day of bench press work at the Scouting Combine, two players had to stop with injuries.
Rutgers tight end D.C. Jefferson's injury sounds like it could be serious. He was taken to an Indianapolis hospital, and his agent told USA Today that he might have suffered a torn pectoral muscle. That's a serious injury that could prevent him from doing any pre-draft workouts, and as Jefferson was viewed as a late-round pick already, it could move him right out of the draft.
USC center Khaled Holmes suffered a strained pectoral muscle on the bench press, but it sounds like his injury is not as serious as Jefferson's. Jason La Canfora of CBS reported that Holmes isn't sure if he'll be able to do the on-field work for offensive linemen on Saturday.
Kent State guard Brian Winters also stopped his bench press early because he was in pain, but he later said it was just a muscle cramp and he'd be fine.
This is the first time in 16 years that Cardinals strength coach John Lott hasn't been the man running the Combine bench press. Lott became a favorite of NFL Network because of the way he'd shout at players to push themselves, but some agents expressed concern that Lott was going to get someone hurt by pushing players too hard.
Serious injuries at the Combine are rare, but they do happen. Last year Iowa tackle Markus Zusevics tore his pectoral muscle during the bench press and went undrafted, although he did sign with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent. Former Florida State wide receiver De'Cody Fagg suffered a very serious knee injury while doing drills at the Combine in 2008, an injury that was feared to be career-ending. Fagg never played in the NFL but he did eventually recover and play Arena football.
Although players obviously want to give it their all at the Combine, the wise thing to do is shut it down at the first sign of pain. Trying to gut out an extra bench press rep isn't worth the risk of an injury.


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Tag Archives: loa'wei
Fedi'Omana Sorcery
The Fedi'Omana embrace mysticism and the magical arts without prejudice. There are many accepted disciplines among the religion, both light and dark, for the Fedi'Omana revere the power of balance. Within the Fedi'Omana is found the most diversity and versatility…
Posted in World Book: Things Tagged fauolo, fedi'omana, ha'ha'welo, ipa'mifu, loa'wei, magic, pua, wa'ha'wae


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of degrees
& programs
Fall: March 1
[December 15 for international applicants]
Spring: October 15
[August 1 for international applicants]
Applications are processed as they arrive up to the deadline date.
Number Required: 2
From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from evaluators who can provide insight into an applicant's abilities, talents, and aptitude for graduate study.
All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of the appropriate Bachelor of Music degree at Temple University, which is based on a curriculum of 124 to 135 hours.
A degree in music is expected.
The Statement of Goals should include your special interests within the discipline and expectations for the program.
Minimum TOEFL score or range of scores needed to be accepted:
525 paper-based, 197 computer-based, or 71 internet-based. Any student admitted with a TOEFL score below 600 on the paper-based, 250 on the computer-based, or 100 on the internet-based examination must pass the SPEAK test prior to registration or pass an English skills course during the first semester of enrollment at Temple University.
1. A recitative and aria from an opera or oratorio.
2. Three songs or arias, selecting one each from among the Baroque, Classic, Romantic, Impressionistic, or Contemporary periods. Each selection must also be in a different language (English, German, French, or Italian). All works are to be performed from memory.
A resume is required.
A student who wishes to transfer credit should speak with her/his academic advisor and obtain a transfer of credit form, available at: www.temple.edu/grad/forms/documents/Transfer_Grad_Credit_05.pdf. Transfer credits must be approved by the advisor, the department chair, and the Associate Dean. The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 6.
Due to the large number of applications for admission and the competitive nature of its music programs, the College admits only a portion of its applicants. In addition to the general admissions credentials required of all Temple University graduate applicants, Boyer College of Music specialized admission criteria (i.e., auditions, portfolios, interviews, recommendations, departmental term papers, and standardized examinations) are very heavily weighted in Boyer College of Music admission decisions. Graduate applicants may be rejected for admission for failing to obtain the required level of proficiency in any one area of the specialized admission criteria regardless of the level of success in meeting the Temple University general admission criteria. In addition to the level of success demonstrated in the above-mentioned criteria, a final admission factor is the College's Optimum Enrollment Policy. This Policy may preclude the admission of any student who meets the minimum requirements.
Number of Didactic Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 32
Required Courses (30 s.h.)
Music 425 (2) Opera Major
426 (2) Opera Major
427 (2) Opera Major
428 (2) Opera Major
440 (8) Opera Workshop
449 (2) Opera Diction
469 (2) Aria Performance
479 (1) Opera Role Performance
Music Studies 508-513 (2) Seminar in Theoretical or Stylistic Analysis
708 (2) History of Opera
709 (2) His troy of Opera
700 (3) Research in Music
Elective Coursework. ( 2 s.h.) A maximum of one semester of vocal coaching (Music 524) may be taken.
Internship: No internship is required.
Language Examination: A language examination is required. Candidates in Opera must present undergraduate study in German, French, and Italian language (or pass a translating and speaking examination at Temple) at the time of admission to the program. Where the transcript or pass-off examination does not reveal such study, the appropriate deficiency course(s) must be taken prior to completion of the master's degree.
Diagnostic Entrance Examinations:
Examinations in Harmony, Counterpoint, Aural Theory, and Music History are taken prior to the first semester of graduate study. Remedial coursework may be required.
Opera Roles:
Opera Majors must have accumulated at least two major adjudicated roles or one major and two minor adjudicated roles in addition to Opera Theater assignments. Participation in Opera Role Performance may or may not include credit for roles in Temple University Opera Theater productions.
Comprehensive Listening Examination
Piano Proficiency:
A departmental examination in piano proficiency is taken. Remedial coursework may be required.
Except as noted, all degree credits are to be earned at Temple University.
Independent Study Courses:
Independent study courses provide a special opportunity for graduate students to work in a highly individualized setting with one or more faculty members. All such study must receive the approval of the faculty member providing the instruction, the students' major adviser, and the Associate Dean. Approval will be granted only after the student has presented a detailed description of the intended independent study project. Approval of independent study projects will be granted only for students whose academic and musical record provides substantial support for the benefits of this type of study. In no case may more than 20% of a graduate student's curriculum be taken as independent study. Private lessons beyond those required in the curriculum are not an appropriate form of independent study.
Acceptable English:
All students, including those for whom English is not the native language, are expected to present all written work in acceptable English. No double standard exists to differentiate students on the basis of proficiency in the use of the English language. Students are also responsible for becoming familiar with the College's statement on plagiarism and academic honesty.
Graduate Private Lesson Policy:
Weekly one-hour private lessons are provided for all matriculated master's and doctoral performance majors in good standing, provided at least three additional credits of programmatically required graduate level study are taken simultaneously. A $200 per semester lesson fee (subject to change without notice) is charged for all private lessons. Tuition remission may not be used to cover the private lesson fee.
Professional Development Policy:
All students in the Boyer College of Music, in addition to the required subjects toward their degrees, are obliged to serve in a number of capacities in order to enrich their academic and musical expertise. The Boyer College believes that such experiences give impetus to successful professional careers. Among the duties that may be required are conducting laboratory classes, tutoring, teaching private lessons, coaching, participating in the distribution and inventory control of University-owned musical instruments and instructional materials, participating in ensembles, accompanying, performing at admissions and open house events, supervising performance classes, and other academically related activities.
All incomplete grades and keyboard proficiencies must be completed by the 1st day of the month in which the student expects to graduate.
All entering Master of Music students are required to take Diagnostic Examinations in Harmony, Counterpoint, Aural Skills, and Music History prior to the first semester of graduate study. The purpose of these examinations is to determine weaknesses in undergraduate preparation.
Depending on the examination results, students may be required to take one or more remedial courses. In these instances, the remedial courses will be graded on a "Credit / No Credit" basis and the official university transcript will indicate "CR" (for "Credit", meaning that the deficiency has been satisfied) or "NC" (for "No Credit", meaning that the deficiency has not been satisfied). Students must have a "B-" or better average in any remedial course or section thereof to earn the grade of "Credit" and to satisfy the requirement. Students who earn a grade of "NC" (that is, having a class average below "B-") must retake that course or section until an average of "B-" or higher is achieved and a grade of "CR" is recorded on the official university transcript. Remedial courses are offered for undergraduate credit only, and may not count toward graduate degree requirements.
1. All entering MM students must take the harmony, counterpoint, and aural skills examination prior to the first semester of graduate study unless conditions for exemption have been met (see below). Students may take the test only once, and if they do not pass the test or any portion thereof, they must enroll in the remedial course(s) during their first semester of study.
Depending on which section(s) of the examination are failed, the examiners will stipulate which sections of remedial coursework the student must take. The courses are "Diatonic Harmony Review" (Music Studies 201), "Chromatic Harmony Review" (Music Studies 202), "Counterpoint Review" (Music Studies 203), and "Graduate Aural Theory Review " (Music Studies204).
2. Music History
All entering MM students are required to take Diagnostic Examinations in Music History prior to registering for their first semester of graduate student, unless conditions for exemption have been met (see below). If the student is unsuccessful in passing any portion of the Music History examination, the student may select one of two options.
Option A: Register to take Music History Review (Music Studies 253 for 1 to 5 undergraduate credits, with 1 credit assigned to each of the following five periods: Renaissance, Baroque, Classic, Romantic, and Twentieth Century. Students may register for a maximum of 3 credits of Music History Review in any semester; thus, it is possible to extend the remediation over two semesters.
Option B: Students may study independently and retake the failed sections of the examination at the end of the first semester of study. Students may retake the examination only once, and if any section is failed a second time, they must take the assigned remedial sections in their second semester of study.
3. Conditions for Exemption
The requirement to take the Examination in any of these areas is waived only for graduates of the Boyer College of Music who:
a. matriculate and enroll in the semester immediately following completion of all undergraduate degree requirements, and
b. received grades of "B-" or better in every undergraduate course taken in each individual examination area to be waived.
Performing Ensembles:
1. Touring-All students in touring performing ensembles are required to participate in all scheduled tours. These tours, usually one or two weeks in length, often take place immediately after termination of semesters. Students must arrange their schedules to accommodate this requirement.
2. Non-Credit Participation-With special permission, graduate students for whom there is no ensemble requirement, or where previous ensemble credits exceed the graduation requirement, may participate in choral and instrumental ensembles without cost, with prior permission from the ensemble director, the department chair, and the Associate Dean.
In addition to the written diagnostic examinations required upon entrance to the program, Opera Majors take a functional piano examination encompassing the following points:
1. Playing a prepared accompaniment (music can be used).
2. Sight-reading a simple accompaniment.
3. Improvising an accompaniment to a simple melody.
Comprehensive Examination:
All candidates for the Master of Music degree are required to take a one-hour comprehensive examination in music literature and theory. A list of 100 musical works of the standard literature from the Middle Ages through the 20th century is available to the student when admitted to the College. It is suggested that this examination be taken in the penultimate term of study. The list is intended as an aid to preparation for the examination.
The examination has three parts: identification of specific selections from a list of 100 works, identification of a "mystery" selection, and score analysis. Students should plan to take the examination in the penultimate semester of study.
Members of the graduate music history and music theory department select the music scores and musical selections. Two graduate faculty members grade the examination.
Students must pass all three sections. A score of 70% or better must be achieved in the identification section, and a "pass" or "weak pass" must be achieved in the "mystery" selection and the score analysis section.
The examination is administered approximately ten times each year. Students notify the music graduate secretary no later than one week prior to the requested examination administration date.
For examination dates, visit the Graduate Music Examination Schedule page on Boyer's website.
Adjudicated Roles:
Opera majors must have accumulated at least two major adjudicated roles or one major and two minor adjudicated roles in addition to opera theater assignments. Fully-staged opera productions with orchestra are typically presented each semester. Opera roles are adjudicated by three three full-time music faculty members.
Dept. of Voice and Opera
Boyer College of Music
and Dance
2001 North 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
James Short
Program Coordinator:
Professor Christine Anderson
Graduate Chairperson:
Professor Christine Anderson
The Master of Music in Opera is designed to prepare qualified performers for professional careers as singer-actors on both national and international operatic stages. The faculty only admits singers who demonstrate outstanding potential for the operatic stage, both vocally and dramatically, and strives to provide as thorough a graduate training as is possible within a two-year framework. The ultimate goal is to produce singing artists capable of competing successfully in the professional world of opera.
Time Limit for Degree Completion: 6 years
Students are required to complete the degree program through classes offered before and after 4:30 p.m. Students are also able to complete the degree program on a part-time basis (8 credit hours or less per semester).
Dept. of Voice and Opera
Boyer College of Music and Dance
2001 North 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
With the approval of the major advisor, students may elect to take up to six graduate credits outside the field of music.
Not applicable.
The Boyer College of Music has been ranked among the
top 30 music schools in the country by U.S. News & World
This degree program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
The program prepares students through a systematic approach to vocal technique, specialized studies in operatic literature, the refinement of language and diction skills, the development of acting techniques, the continued refinement of musical and theoretical skills, advanced study in musical style and performance practice, and the provision of operatic performance opportunities designed to emulate a professional environment.
Graduates are located throughout the world performing in opera houses, singing as soloists, and teaching in colleges and universities as well as in private studios.
Non-matriculated students may enroll in selected courses in music with permission, but may not take applied lessons until they have been fully admitted and matriculated.
Boyer College offers a number of assistantships and academic internships to matriculated graduate students. Full awards carry a cash stipend plus full tuition remission for the Fall and Spring semesters. Partial awards also are available in values of 1/4 or 1/2 of a full award. Duties for assistantships and internships vary, but typically include teaching, tutoring, classroom assistance, research, artistic performance, and/or direct service related to academic programs. Applicants must submit an assistantship/internship application by March 1 to obtain priority consideration for an award. Applications are available online at the Graduate Financial Aid page of Boyer's website. Typically these awards are made only in the Fall semester for up to two semesters: Fall and Spring. Awards may be renewed on an annual basis (typically up to one additional year for master's students and up to three years for doctoral students), based on departmental needs as well as satisfactory academic and musical progress by the recipient.
February 2006


text: NORTH Yorkshire towns are among the best places to in the country, according to a Sunday Times list to be revealed this weekend.The newspaper's 101 Best Places to Live in Britain includes 15 Yorkshire and North East towns, but these are dominated by the north of the county with York, seven North Yorkshire towns, plus Beverley in the rankings.Highest placed is Skipton, which is named fourth best place to live in the UK, but elsewhere in the top 101 are Malton, Helmsley, Harrogate, Richmond, Easingwold, Beverley, York and Masham.The guide combines data like crime rates, house prices and school performance with the local knowledge and the winning places were selected for offering the best quality of life to the widest number of people, and combining community spirit, good local shops and services and attractive outdoor spaces, a Sunday Times spokesman said.Sunday Times Home Editor Helen Davies said: "The Best Places guide is dedicated to celebrating Britain's abundance of great cities, towns and villages. We combine in-depth data with first-hand personal experience to produce an authoritative list."There are lots of places across Britain that are worth celebrating, and everyone has different priorities, so this year our supplements cover everything from the countryside to inner-cities." Leave a comment


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Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Obama = Bush 2.0, the Book
I am currently working on my first book, which is an expanded and comprehensive look at the many striking similarities between the Obama Administration and the Bush Administration it was elected to replace.
As it turns out, all of the biggest reasons for disliking Mr. Obama are the very same reasons Americans so strongly disapproved of George W. Bush at the time of his departure earlier this year.
Or to put it conversely, if you disliked George W. Bush and you take an honest inventory of the facts, you should dislike Obama's Administration too- maybe even more.
I plan to be done with my first draft of the book soon and sending queries to publishers shortly thereafter. In the meantime, here's a sneak peek at an excerpt from a rough version of my introductory chapter:
"It's too early to say" and other objections:
When I set out to write this book and started to share its ideas and content with others, I hit a lot of resistance from people who said "It's way too early to say anything about the Obama Administration. He's only been President for x months. You can't blame him for not fixing everything overnight. He inherited a huge mess of things from the Bush Administration. Rome wasn't built in a day, you know."
So allow me to begin by clarifying exactly why this is not the case and why this line of argumentation is predicated on a fundamental misconception of my entire thesis. It is not that Mr. Obama hasn't done enough to clean up "Mr. Bush's mess" in the last few months. My quarrel with Obama is that he has in fact done so much, so very radically much in such a short time, that not only continues all of the worst aspects of the Bush Administration, but in many cases does so at an accelerated rate, dwarfing by comparison the damage inflicted to our republic during the presidency of George W. Bush.
To use an analogy: Imagine that America is a house and for eight days, George W. Bush threw a wild and reckless party, trashing the entire property. If after one day of picking up litter and mopping away refuse, Barack Obama had a lot of straightening up left to do to make the house presentable again, he could be forgiven. A criticism of him would be unfair and premature, but throughout the rest of this book, you'll see how this is not the case.
In fact, what has happened is that the house's new resident has thrown an even wilder, more reckless party and trashed the place in much the same way its previous resident had- and astonishingly, has managed to do a comparable amount of "trashing" in a relatively much shorter period of time. In the end, I am not criticizing President Obama for "not doing enough good" in such a short period of time, but for somehow managing to "do so much bad" in a remarkably brief space. Thus, it is not too early to write this book. Instead, the sheer volume of criticisms I will be able to set forth so early on in Mr. Obama's Administration should be a further indictment against him.
5 comments:
If you thesis is correct, and I have posted on the same subject a few weeks ago so you will not hear any arguments from me...ReplyDelete
Then the reality is, in light of the fact that Bush and Obama started from totally opposite sides of our political spectrum, that our issue is not really our political system...
If you can elect two people from two totally opposite sides of the political spectrum and once in office they both appear to become one and the same, then obviously your political system is a subsystem, a secondary process, inside a much larger and or more dominant system...
So, if it is change that one desires it should be obvious to everyone NOW, that the change will have to occur in this system rather than in the political system...
- AnonymousNovember 18, 2009 at 10:55 AM
TAO - check your premiseReplyDelete
Bush and Obama are not from "totally opposite sides of the political spectrum".
They are in fact both statists presented by our two-party political machine where, to paraphrase Albert Nock "there isn't enough difference between their positions to slide a cigarette paper".
On the political spectrum from 0% government (anarchy) to 100% government (totalatarian collectivism) the Dems and Repubs are battling for control well left of center.
I hold no surprise that the consequence of their policy and actions feel the same.
Raleigh, NC
Wes - I will email you a PPT related to the "spectrum" that you may use if you wish.
Let me know when you need a hand getting the word out for this. I posted on it tonight as well...ReplyDelete
Hello TAO!
It is too early to say.......Stop writing your book - it is liberal crap.ReplyDelete
Anyone who is still blame Pres. Bush after 4 million jobs lost since January 20th can't see the forest through the trees. Did you also attend Harvard Community College? They can't and won't seek truth.
TAO- I think you have a good point, that while Bush and Obama may appear to be on opposite sides of our party system, they are on the same side of a bigger question- the question of the role of government.ReplyDelete
Hans- I think TAO would agree with you. Thanks for that PPT. I'll be looking at it soon.
Left Coast Rebel- Thanks!
Michael- Isn't it fair to criticize both Obama and Bush? If you mean that my book is "liberal" in the contemporary, American sense of that word as I suspect you do, then I must disagree strongly.
My criticism of Bush is in fact that he's way too "liberal" in that same sense of the word, not nearly "conservative" enough for me.


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They came from many countries, speaking many languages. Leaving family and friends, they traveled to the port cities to board ships that would bring them to the United States. The ships were crowded with people speaking in foreign languages that they couldn't understand. Mostly they traveled in small groups of only two or three. The trip across the ocean was long and difficult. Storms tossed the ships around and people were frightened. Some got sick on the voyage and spent time in the ship's hospital. Some died. They all came for a better life.
They settled in cities and small towns and rural areas. They started stores and farms. They worked in coal mines and ship yards. They learned to speak English. They are more alike than their different nationalities would suggest.
All of my ancestors worked hard to provide for their families. They taught by example. Life was precious and to be treated with respect. They attended church regularly and supported the charities of the time. They became citizens. They voted, and served in the military.
All of my ancestors took the oath of citizenship and renounced the foreign country of their birth. Georg Burbach came to this country from Germany landing in New York in July 1856. On 7 November 1864 he became a citizen of the United States. Michael (M J) Connery came to this country in 1880 and filed his papers in 1886. He began voting in Chicago in 1888. Jan (John) Krbec arrived in the United States in 1887 and was a registered voter in Chicago by 1892. Adolph Hansen arrived in 1894 as a fourteen year old and became a registered voter before 1918. Leopold Peterson emigrated from Sweden to the United States in 1870 and was granted citizenship by Boston courts in 1884 and voted in Chicago in 1892. Robert Ferguson came from Scotland to Virginia about 1660 before citizenship was an issue and his grandsons fought in the American Revolution, the Civil War and probably every other war the United States has been part of. Olof Hanson came from Sweden about 1850 and also served this country in the Civil War. He moved from Indiana to Chicago in 1878 and filed his citizenship papers in Chicago in 1884. Frederich Sempsrott arrived in 1842 and was a naturalized citizen according to the 1900 census. Gust Gulyban arrived in 1906 from Hungary and enlisted in the army in 1917. He was rejected as an enemy alien, He later became a naturalized citizen.
These men and their wives helped to make our country what it is today. They came here to a foreign country as teenagers and learned a new language, found work, and raised their families. They taught their children well.


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With the November vote still weeks away, polls show that Arkansas Sen. Blanche Lincoln's re-election bid remains a tough slog. Rep. John Boozman, a veteran legislator who represents northwest Arkansas' Third District and wants Lincoln's Senate seat, intends to make it even tougher.
Lincoln may be suffering whiplash after weathering a challenge mounted by progressives during the spring primaries and then abruptly facing Boozman, an unabashed right-winger.
However, any voter trying to draw out differences won't find much rhetorical space between the candidates on several key agricultural issues. Both candidates fawn over agriculture, both sound the alarm about the dangers of agricultural imports, both claim the estate tax is wrong, both are for trade deals and push reforms on U.S./Cuba policy.
Will agriculture-steeped Arkansans push aside Lincoln's undeniably valuable role as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee for Boozman's drum-beating and promises regarding spending controls, radical tax reform and cultural issues? If current polls and anti-incumbency fervor hold up, the answer is "yes."
Boozman spoke with Delta Farm Presson Sept. 17 and touched on his ties to state agriculture, studying up on row crops, funding for agricultural bills (including the recently announced 2009 disaster payments), immigration and his support for a national sales tax. Among his comments:
On ties to agriculture in Arkansas…
"I represent the Third District of Arkansas and we have a tremendous amount of agriculture in that part of the state. There are lots of beef cattle and poultry, although not as many row crops.
"For the last nine years, I've worked very, very hard to understand the row crop industry. Stanley Reed, former president of (Arkansas) Farm Bureau, is a good friend and has been instrumental in helping me in that regard.
"The other thing is — and I understood very quickly when I came into office — agriculture is so important to our state. Because of that, again, I've been very, very supportive (of agriculture) and will continue to do that…
"I used to have a bunch of cows and my family was very active in showing cattle. That was a big part of our lives. Next to church, probably the biggest influence on my family was 4-H. My girls were very active and all state record-book winners in 4-H. They showed cows all over the place."
Next farm bill
On the next farm bill…
"I've been very, very supportive of the farm bills in the past. I'll continue to be supportive of our farmers in the future.
"I think we've got a couple of problems going on as we go forward. There are more and more people in Congress that haven't a clue what agriculture is all about and its importance.
"I argue in a couple of ways. First, I say, 'If (farming) is so profitable, why aren't more young people getting into it?' Right now, the average age of farmers is 56-, 57-, 58-years-old.
"It's very difficult to lead the (life of a farmer). It's a wonderful occupation, but stressful. We need to be encouraging our farmers.
"The other thing (I remind fellow legislators of) is we've lost our manufacturing to a large extent. We've lost our energy production to a large extent by imported oil and products from all over the world. The last thing we need to do is get into a situation where we're importing food.
"People say, 'That isn't going to happen.' Well, it could happen very, very easily.
"The actual 'farming' part of the farm bill is really only 15 to 20 percent of the (total). Most of it has to do with food stamps and things like that.
"I'll be working very hard with people like (Georgia Sen.) Saxby Chambliss, (Kansas Sen.) Jerry Moran … and others to ensure we get an equitable farm bill in place.
"Right now, with the tremendous deficit that we must get under control, I'm really concerned that the Obama administration in their efforts to secure funding for other programs will be looking (to raid farm programs). It's something we'll have to fight hard (for) and, certainly, I'm committed to doing that to protect the farming industry."
Agriculture funding
Is it fair to say you view agriculture funding — based on what you said regarding the Obama administration — as something that … is very close to a locked box?
"I think agriculture is a pillar of the country and we need to do all we can to protect it. It's a national security issue that we continue to have the ability to not only feed ourselves but the world. We do that in a very good way. We need to continue.
"I think it's a great success story that we've been able to do that. And we need to continue to give our farmers the tools as they go forward. Because of that I'll be very supportive of a good reauthorization of farm bill as we go forward."
Disaster payments
I want to ask about the 2009 disaster payments announced a couple of days ago. You were for those?
"I was very much in favor of the agriculture disaster payments and lobbied the House leadership to get on the stick and get it done.
"The concern, I think, was that (Minnesota Rep.) Collin Peterson, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, ranking member (Oklahoma Rep.) Frank Lucas and the ranking member on the Senate (Agriculture Committee, Chambliss) just didn't feel like the (Obama) administration had the authority, or ability, to write a check for $1.5 billion. So, that was the hanging point not (a question of) whether it was needed. It was certainly needed…"
The sticking point "was 'you should be doing these things through the right channels.' There's a right way to do things and wrong way. All of us felt this was the wrong way."
Your views on the estate tax? Many times farms are brought into the debate even though, it's my understanding, it is hard to find a farm that fits that formula. Can you elaborate?
"My views on the estate tax are very easy: I'd like to get rid of it, zero it out. The death tax is double taxation. I've voted on several occasions to get rid of it completely.
"With the (Obama) administration I doubt that'll happen. Although, again, I'm very much in favor of getting rid of it.
"Hopefully, we can reach a compromise and I'll be working with farmers and businesspeople as to what the limit will be. Hopefully, we can get something we can all live with that's fair.
"My key there will be visiting with the farmers and businesspeople as to what we can live with.
"Also, the thing that's so important is to make sure it's indexed with inflation. (That way) we don't get into a situation in a few years with inflation where we're back to where, whatever those dollars are, they don't represent a situation that protects our farmers and businesspeople as they try to pass their estate on."
National sales tax
Your proposal for a national sales tax? I believe it's pegged at 23 or 24 percent. How might that affect an agriculture-based state? How would that keep pace, as you've suggested, with the needs of our society?
"We need to get rid of the IRS. This is an agency that has more agents — aggressive agents, enforcement agents — than the CIA and FBI put together.
"Under this new health care law, (the IRS) will add 16,500 more agents to ensure (we all) do what we're supposed to.
"So, we need to revamp the system…
"You'd shift from an income tax to a consumption tax — a sales tax. (By doing so), you'd abolish the IRS, abolish the payroll tax, abolish the death tax, and abolish all federal taxes.
"When you get a check, it would be all yours. You'd get a 'pre-bate' — a certain amount of money, monthly — that would take care of basic essentials … That would take care of people in poverty.
"It's a different way of looking at things.
"Others have suggested the 'fair tax' where you're taxed a certain percentage. I'm quite willing to look at that. And I'm quite willing to look at radically revamping what we have now.
"As I visit with the people of Arkansas, they want something fair and simple. The time has come that we need to start a national dialogue in that regard.
"The one thing I'm very much opposed to is raising taxes. If you look at my record, I've consistently voted against increasing taxes for the last nine years. I'm very much committed to decreasing spending — that's the problem we have — not increasing taxes.
"Whatever we do, we need to cut taxes and decrease spending."
Let me ask you about immigration, especially as it impacts agriculture. As you know, migrant labor is essentially the backbone in some … cotton gins. Your proposals on immigration?
"We need to do two or three things regarding immigration.
"First, I very much believe that we need to seal and secure the border. We need to do that not only because of illegal immigration but also because there's a huge drug war going (happening) on the other side. The Mexican government is not winning that and it's spilling over into our country.
"The other reason to secure the border is that we're at war. We saw this with the Times Square incident where we almost had a bombing. We almost had a bombing on Christmas Day of the airliner.
"These are very serious things. We need to know who is coming and going into our country, right now.
"I would hold employers accountable, those who are hiring people they shouldn't be. They need to be held accountable.
"No amnesty. That's very important and something our nation can't afford.
"I also believe very strongly that we need to make English our official language. That's the tie that binds us together.
"In regards to agriculture, we all agree that ag desperately needs help. I think you do that through a very strong visa program and solve our labor problems in that way.
"One of the problems we see with ag, right now, is people will come over to work in (agriculture-related) programs. They'll immediately get out of the ag program — out of the ag visa program, or whatever — not working on farms, leave and go to a more lucrative area.
"We must have a strong visa program that keeps people working the job they're supposed to be in.
"I very much support the people of Arizona and the Arizona law. I think they had the ability and right to (pass the controversial law). They're just trying to defend their border. The border is anarchy there, the lawlessness. And there's a tremendous cost of social services, hospitals and schools and the people of Arizona said, 'We're not doing this anymore.' Their law basically said, 'We'll enforce the federal law,' and I think they have every right to do that."
Trade issues
What about trade issues — especially Cuba and pending trade deals with Columbia, South Korea and Panama? There are two contingents, especially on the Cuba issue, and I wonder where you come down in that?
"I'm very supportive of trade with Cuba. As soon as I got to Congress, I was (a member) of the original Cuba Working Group … that advocated opening up Cuba for trade.
"That would be very beneficial for Arkansas. In fact, we'd be the leading benefiter of that because of our agricultural products.
"Besides that, I think that's how you change countries. Not only are you trading products but ideas. The American philosophy will win it. We trade with a lot worse people than Fidel Castro. You have to be honest and consistent with that.
"I've consistently voted (for opening trade with Cuba) and will continue to. The good news is I think we have a good chance of getting that done in the not-too-distant future.
"As for Panama, Columbia and South Korea, I've consistently supported (trade deals) and consistently voted for that. We (don't) need free trade but fair trade. These (pending) agreements have been hammered out. They're good agreements…
"The only reason we're not (passing the agreements) is the Obama administration is holding out because they want to force it so it's much easier for the people of Panama to unionize. We have no business, at all, dealing with that sort of thing. … That's just payback to organized unions."
The House Cuba bill also contains the tourism/travel provision. Would you vote for that bill as is or insist the travel restrictions remain?
"I'm very supportive of travel (freedoms) remaining. The way you change countries is through dialoguing with other nations. As Americans go visit, they'll exchange not only goods and services, but ideas. The American way of life will win in that regard.
"Castro recently announced he'd privatize many jobs in Cuba, get those back into the private sector so they can have a free market economy. All that is very, very positive. The way to continue that is to interact with Cuba and try to move them in the right direction.
"A good friend of mine who was in Congress for several years was (former University of Nebraska head football coach and Nebraska Rep.) Tom Osborne. He was very supportive of trade with Cuba. … I remember him standing on the floor of the House saying, 'You know, I learned pretty quickly that if you ran the same play 40 times in a row and it didn't work, you need to do something different. We've had the same policy with Cuba year after year after year and it hasn't worked. We need to change.'"