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The Obama-Biden Plan
Barack Obama and Joe Biden will responsibly end the war in Iraq so that we can renew our military strength, dedicate more resources to the fight against the Taliban and al Qaeda in Afghanistan, and invest in our economy at home. The Obama-Biden plan will help us succeed in Iraq by transitioning to Iraqi control of their country.
Judgment You Can Trust
In 2002, Obama had the judgment and courage to speak out against going to war, and to warn of "an occupation of undetermined length, with undetermined costs, and undetermined consequences." He and Joe Biden are fully committed to ending the war in Iraq.
A Responsible, Phased Withdrawal
Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe we must be as careful getting out of Iraq as we were careless getting in. Immediately upon taking office, Obama will give his Secretary of Defense and military commanders a new mission in Iraq: ending the war. The removal of our troops will be responsible and phased, directed by military commanders on the ground and done in consultation with the Iraqi government. Military experts believe we can safely redeploy combat brigades from Iraq at a pace of 1 to 2 brigades a month — which would remove all of them in 16 months. That would be the summer of 2010 — more than 7 years after the war began.
Under the Obama-Biden plan, a residual force will remain in Iraq and in the region to conduct targeted counter-terrorism missions against al Qaeda in Iraq and protect American diplomatic and civilian personnel. They will not build permanent bases in Iraq, but will continue efforts to train and support the Iraqi security forces as long as Iraqi leaders move toward political reconciliation and away from sectarianism.
Encouraging Political Accommodation
Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe that the U.S. must apply pressure on the Iraqi government to work toward real political accommodation. There is no military solution to Iraq's political differences. Now is the time to press Iraq's leaders to take responsibility for their future and to invest their oil revenues in their own reconstruction.
Obama and Biden's plan will help create lasting stability in Iraq. A phased withdrawal will encourage Iraqis to take the lead in securing their own country and making political compromises, while the responsible pace of redeployment called for by the Obama-Biden plan offers more than enough time for Iraqi leaders to get their own house in order. As our forces redeploy, Obama and Biden will make sure we engage representatives from all levels of Iraqi society — in and out of government — to forge compromises on oil revenue sharing, the equitable provision of services, federalism, the status of disputed territories, new elections, aid to displaced Iraqis, and the reform of Iraqi security forces.
Surging Diplomacy
Barack Obama and Joe Biden will launch an aggressive diplomatic effort to reach a comprehensive compact on the stability of Iraq and the region. This effort will include all of Iraq's neighbors — including Iran and Syria, as suggested by the bi-partisan Iraq Study Group Report. This compact will aim to secure Iraq's borders; keep neighboring countries from meddling inside Iraq; isolate al Qaeda; support reconciliation among Iraq's sectarian groups; and provide financial support for Iraq's reconstruction and development.
Preventing Humanitarian Crisis
Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe that America has both a moral obligation and a responsibility for security that demands we confront Iraq's humanitarian crisis — more than five million Iraqis are refugees or are displaced inside their own country. Obama and Biden will form an international working group to address this crisis. They will provide at least $2 billion to expand services to Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries, and ensure that Iraqis inside their own country can find sanctuary. Obama and Biden will also work with Iraqi authorities and the international community to hold accountable the perpetrators of potential war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. They will reserve the right to intervene militarily, with our international partners, to suppress potential genocidal violence within Iraq.
The Status-of-Forces Agreement
Obama and Biden believe it is vital that a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) be reached so our troops have the legal protections and immunities they need. Any SOFA should be subject to Congressional review to ensure it has bipartisan support here at home.
Please let us know what you think:


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subset: commoncrawl


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Paladin Real-Time Arc Flash Advisor software enables users to make up-to-date assessments of changing arc flash hazards. Used in conjunction with the company's Paladin Live platform, the software maintains an uninterrupted watch over site operations — continually checking all components, equipment, and systems — to make intelligent recommendations about where potential arc flash hazards have the potential to emerge, and gauge their severity.
For more information, visit www.edsa.com.
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Politics & Government
Senate Democratic campaign arm launches $9.1 million ad campaign supporting Hagan
A new TV ad for U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan began on Wednesday, the first of what the campaign arm for Senate Democrats says will be a $9.1 million advertising buy in North Carolina.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee had promised to pour money in to support Hagan, who is in a tossup race against Republican Thom Tillis. North Carolina is one of a handful of states where the November election could determine which party will control the Senate.
The new ad says Tillis "cut nearly $500 million" from public education in the state in his role as House speaker in the Republican-controlled legislature. The number is a reference to the $480 million in cuts to education in the two-year budget passed in 2013.
The ad doesn't go into the latest budget developments. The legislature passed a agreement that adjusts the budget, and Gov. Pat McCrory signed it Aug. 7. It raises the pay of teachers by an average of about 7 percent.
The ad also says Tillis "gave tax breaks to yacht and jet owners." The legislature last year kept a $1,500 cap on the sales tax for a yacht or a jet.
The Tillis campaign put out a press release saying the ad was false, disputing that Tillis cut money from education or gave tax breaks to the wealthy. The release also said that President Barack Obama attended fundraisers for the DSCC recently "instead of addressing the nation's border security crisis, and foreign policy crises around the globe."
The education cuts were compared to the state budget office's assessment of what would be needed to maintain the status quo. Overall spending on education went up, as did the number of students in the state's schools. And people in all income brackets got tax cuts in 2013.
"It's fitting that these false attack ads are being paid for by President Obama, a thank you to Kay Hagan for rubber-stamping his failed liberal agenda 95 percent of the time," said the Tillis campaign's communications director, Daniel Keylin. "Thom has a proven record of balancing budgets, giving teachers historic pay raises, and creating opportunities for North Carolina families."


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"Children do not need to be made to learn about the world, or shown how. They want to, and they know how." -John Holt
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
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"By nature people are learning animals. Birds fly; fish swim; humans think and learn. Therefore, we do not need to motivate children into learning by wheedling, bribing, or bullying. We do not need to keep picking away at their minds to make sure they are learning. What we need to do - and all we need to do - is to give children as much help and guidance as they need and ask for, listen respectfully when they feel like talking, and then get out of the way. We can trust them to do the rest."
John Holt
John Holt
"In the end, the secret to learning is so simple: Think only about whatever you love. Follow it, do it, dream about it...and it will hit you: learning was there all the time, happening by itself." -Grace Llewellyn
"What we want to see is the child in pursuit of knowledge, not knowledge in pursuit of the child."
George Bernard Shaw
George Bernard Shaw
Real, natural learning is in the living. It's in the observing, the questioning, the examining, the pondering, the analyzing, the watching, the reading, the DO-ing, the living, the breathing, the loving, the JOY. It's in the joy. ~Anne Ohman


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Enoch R. Fuller
b. Mar 1859, Arkansas
d. bef 1920
& Martha Rebecca Norman
b. 21 Sep 1871, Alabama
d. 18 Jun 1962, Albuquerque, New Mexico
m. 6 Feb 1887, Pineland, Pike Co., Arkansas
|--Manuel Fuller
|----b. Feb 1888, Arkansas
|----d. 24 Apr 1926, Wichita, Texas
|---& Lorena Talton
|----b. ca 1890, Lousiana
|--Dallas Demeld Fuller*
|----b. 11 Jun 1900, Arkansas
|----d. 6 May 1955
|---& Cecilia Cooper
|--Dallas Demeld Fuller*
|----b. 11 Jun 1900, Arkansas
|----d. 6 May 1955
|---& Annie
|----b. ca 1898, Texas
|----m. ca 1924
|--Hattie Pearl Fuller
|----b. 11 Sep 1903, Hill Co., Texas
|----d. Dec 1975, Albuquerque, Bernalilo, New Mexico
|---& Henry Russell Robertson
This is the family of Martha Rebecca Norman, half-sister of my great-grandfather William Henry Norman. She was the daughter of Joseph Madison Carroll Norman and Mary Patterson. Since Enoch and Martha Rebecca married in 1887 and Enoch died after 1910 (but before 1920), I am guessing that they may have had a number of additional children who died young.
I would love to share information with anyone related to/researching this family; you can contact me at my e-mail address, which can be found by going to my profile page (there is a link to that page in the About Me section to the left).


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Nah I'll leave you to smash everyone Adam. Moodley needs his 10 netsOriginally Posted by Adamc
Nah I'll leave you to smash everyone Adam. Moodley needs his 10 netsOriginally Posted by Adamc
CWXI Regular - Member of CW Black
Blacks ftw
Draw For Group Stage of CW BatTrick Cup Part Deux
Group I
The Conquerors - Coritani
AA for President! - marc71178
Magical Ponies - andyc
Got Spin - GoT_SpIn?
Asterix XI - AdamC
Citizens Erased - Sriram
Group II
Boggles - PEY
Boulevard Bombers - roseboy64
Jamee 999ers - Jamee999
Sad Decadent XI - cricketboy29
Viveash - ashchaulk
Robertinho Select XI - Robertinho
Group III
Lancashire - superkingdav
Bushpigs - Kears_falcon
Whenuapai CC - nibbs
Victoria Panthers - mike1990
Scaly Piscine CC - scalypiscine
Drunk XI - leg-spin
Group IV
VCC - Kweek
Vindscreen Vipers - AlexCrampton
Hoy's Holy XI - thewizard1o1
Kipper XI - cameel
College Dropouts - Brenevo
Central Districts - Keggorz
That's the groups, fixtures to follow. If anyone sees any errors, then please inform me in this thread.
More information on teams can be found here.
Thanks to Adam and Rob for their rather large effort in helping me.
Last edited by PY; 27-02-2006 at 03:43 AM.
A True Champion - Bob. Rest in peace. 15/04/06
"People today have too big a devil and too small a God"
- Stephen Currie
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1
Group III looks like a strong group. Yikes
Good luck to all involved.
"If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face - for ever."
Round 1 Fixtures (05/03/2006):
Home teams are on the left. The onus is on the home team to make the challenge; if the home team fails to challenge or the away team fails to accept then the match will be forfeited. There may be the possibility of a make-up week if there are problems but it would be good if all fixtures are played out properly.
Group I
The Conquerors v Citizens Erased
AA for President! v Asterix XI
Magical Ponies v Got Spin
Group II
Boggles v Robertinho Select XI
Boulevard Bombers v Viveash
Jamees 999ers v Sad Decadent XI
Group III
Lancashire v Drunk XI
Bushpigs v Scaly Piscine CC
Whenuapai CC v Victoria Panthers
Group IV
VCC v Central Districts
Vindsceen Vipers v College Dropouts
Hoy's Holy XI v Kipper XI
Good luck.
good stuff, i feel for marc next sunday
I don't, he's getting strong seam ratings on a TIE (I think) so he could knock me over pretty easily, especially if I don't play Cuss. I've got no idea what my ratings will be like as I GFI'd last Sunday, so could be a big drop. I'll find out tomorrow against Rob's team.Originally Posted by superkingdave
Ouchie. My team suck worse than yours.Originally Posted by andyc
As do I!!!Originally Posted by superkingdave
marc71178 - President and founding member of AAAS - we don't only appreciate when he does well, but also when he's not quite so good!
Anyone want to join the Society?
Beware the evils of Kit-Kats - they're immoral apparently.
If you mean yesterdays game, it wasn't!Originally Posted by Adamc
Me again.
Confirmed points of interest
- Four groups of six each.
- Top two teams qualify from each group for the Cup quarter-finals.
- Teams placed three and four in each group will proceed to the quarter-finals of the Plate competition.
- Teams placed five and six in each group will proceed to the Bedpan competition.
- Four points for a win, two points for a tie, none for a loss.
- Teams level at the end of the group stage shall be separated by NRR (not BatTrick style)
- Failure to play a match will result in:
- 4 points to the blameless side.
- 0 points to the blamed side.
- NRR of +5/-5 shall be awarded respectively.
- If this occurs more than once, then we'll cross that bridge when it comes (management's decision ).
- The draw for each competition shall be through putting the top qualifiers into a hat and the second qualifiers into another and drawing them one from each.
Last edited by PY; 25-02-2006 at 08:46 AM.
Without discussing your mental state you should find yourself in Group III.Originally Posted by 33/3from3.3
World Scrabble Champion 2014. National Scrabble Champion 2009, 2015.
Author of Word Addict
Countdown Series 57 Champion
King of the Arcade
ECB - you are a complete ****ing disgrace, #FTECB
sorry i was half aslleep when i did that
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|A skillet chili, made for hot dogs and with a Cajun-flair, made with ground beef, seasoned with Worcestershire, yellow mustard, onion, hot sauce, Cajun and other herbs and seasonings.
Skillet Hot Dog Chili SauceI love hot dogs. Love, love, love. I don't care how they are made, or what's in them, or the scary stories, nope, just don't even want to hear about all that, because I. Love. Hot. Dogs. And guess what?
I've tried just about every brand and kind there is out there and I like the cheap ones the best. I'll eat them boiled, microwaved or pan fried, though for me, they really are best cooked on the grill in my humble opinion, and this yummy hot dog chili sauce only makes the experience that much better.
Now, first off.. I won't go so far as to say this qualifies as anything near a Coney Island hot dog sauce, though I did attempt to pattern it after that following some goodly amount of research. Of course I had to "Southern" it up a bit, adding a little Cajun flair with some Louisiana hot sauce and my near and dear to me Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning from Ville Platte, Louisiana. Plain water or even beef broth works fine, but bump it up a bit and try using your favorite Coke - meaning Coca-Cola, root beer or Dr Pepper for a little added sweetness.
Probably not at all like what you think when you think chili stewed in a pot and topped on a hot dog, and really sort of non-descript all on it's own, but marry the sauce with the dog and it's heaven, I tell ya!
Cook the hot dogs the way you like them - microwave, baked, cooked in a pan, boiled, whatever you like the best. I like to grill them on my gas grill.
Just preheat to high, oil the grates, stick the hot dogs on, reduce heat to medium, and cook over direct heat, with the lid closed, somewhere between 5 and 7 minutes, turning several times so ya don't burn the beejesus out of 'em. Course, some people like them burned and I'm not one to judge.
Toast the buns, slip in a dog, spoon over some hot dog sauce, and embellish it with whatever you like. I happen to like mine done this way, with a bit of extra mustard, some raw onion and sweet pickle relish. Hello yum yum.
By the way, if you prefer your dog sauce to be more pureed and less chunky, the food processor is the perfect tool for that. Just transfer the hot sauce carefully to the food processor and pulse until you get the consistency you like.
Here's how to make it!
Recipe: Skillet Hot Dog Chili Sauce©From the Kitchen of Deep South Dish
Prep time: 10 min |Cook time: 30 min | Yield: About 6 to 8 servings
Seasoning Blend:
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (1 pound) package hot dogs
- 1 package hot dog buns
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Garnishes: Extra onion, chopped pickles, or pickle relish, extra mustard, ketchup
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/8 cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons Creole mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup Coca Cola, root beer, Dr Pepper, or plain water
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (like Slap Ya Mama), or to taste
- 2 teaspoons chili powder, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- Couple pinches kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, or to taste
- Light grating whole nutmeg, optional
Heat olive oil in a medium sized skillet and add onion; cook until softened but not browned. Add the ground beef and cooked until browned, breaking the meat up. Drain and set aside.
To the same skillet, add the ketchup, hot sauce, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce; stir in cola, root beer, Dr Pepper or water and sugar and blend well. Add the Cajun seasoning, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, allspice, celery seed, salt and pepper. Grate about 3 passes on the microplane of whole nutmeg into the sauce, if desired. Bring mixture up to a boil, add the meat, reduce and simmer for about 30 minutes on medium low.
Meanwhile grill the hot dogs. Brush the hot dog buns with a light layer of melted butter and toast on the upper rack of the grill. Place hot dog in a bun, top with the hot dog sauce, and garnish as desired.
Cook's Notes: If you prefer your dog sauce to be more pureed and less chunky, the food processor is the perfect tool for that. Just transfer the hot sauce carefully to the food processor and pulse until you get the consistency you like.
Source: http://www.deepsouthdish.com
Requires Adobe Reader - download it free!©Deep South Dish
☛ Are you on Facebook? If you haven't already, come and join the party! We have a lot of fun & there's always room for one more at the table.
Beans and Weenies
Yummy Hamburger Sandwich
Beefy Pizza Bread
Easy Beef Nachos


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Nelson Mandela has recovered from his recent lung infection and a surgical procedure to remove gallstones.
According to an announcement Sunday by President Jacob Zuma, doctors say that Mandela, 94 has made "steady progress and that clinically, he continues to improve,"
Before going home on Dec 26th, Mandela was hospitalized for nearly three weeks.
Zuma's statement said Mandela "continues to receive high care" at his home in the Houghton suburb of Johannesburg and that "his daily routine is being gradually re-established."
Zuma congratulated Mandela on his recovery and said the anti-apartheid icon has "the love and support of all South Africans."
Mandela has been reading newspapers, sitting up in bed and receiving visitors, according to reports in the South African media.


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How the farm bill failed
Among the 62 House Republicans voting against the farm bill last week, all but one had voted minutes before for a controversial food stamp amendment that undercut Democratic support for passage.
This is what passes for "growing the vote" these days in Congress. Or in playground terms: taking your ball and going home.
Story Continued Below
Fully seven of the 62 are current or former House committee chairmen; two more have appropriations bills of their own to manage on the floor. Yet all turned their backs on Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), left begging for 20 votes just to get to conference with the Senate.
( Also on POLITICO: The dysfunctional House)
Looking back, it was a remarkable moment not just for the tone-deaf judgment of the House GOP leadership but because the Republicans voting "no" had gotten their way so often in the debate.
A POLITICO review of the voting tallies shows that most of the 62 had voted successfully for $20.5 billion in food stamp savings, capped total federal dollars for the farm safety net, imposed new payment limits on what large farms can get and blocked a new milk supply program favored by most dairy co-ops.
They failed to end the sugar program. And oddly enough, many lined up — without luck — against doing something to battle the collapse of the nation's bee population.
( PHOTOS: 13 things more popular than Congress)
But on two reform issues — crop insurance and international food aid — a solid majority of this same Republican bloc sent a strong message of support that amounted to a real breakthrough politically. If a farm bill is to be resurrected, these two bipartisan votes are fertile ground for compromise.
Much will be written now about how the defeat spells the end of the old Bob Dole-George McGovern, rural-urban, farm-food stamp coalition in Congress. As agriculture has gotten more consolidated and food stamps more costly in a bad economy and post-welfare reform world, those strains are very real.
But the collapse also said something bigger about the House and the seeming loss of any collective capacity to legislate as an organic whole.
Ignored by the national press and the White House, the farm bill truly made the front pages last week only because it failed. But the bill remains one of the great untold political stories of this Congress, not just for the regional intrigue but the opportunity it offers to reshape a historic safety net — important to food and the land, the poor and a vital piece of the American economy.
In another time, many of the 62 Republican nays might have taken their wins and moved ahead. But the opposite happened, and for the second time in two years, the House failed to pass a farm bill, after watching the Senate succeed, each time with bipartisan majorities.
Lost in the process is the only real effort by Congress this summer to try to come together and find savings to ease the burden of sequestration that is bleeding the daily operations of government.
In marking up the annual Agriculture Department budget recently, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) lamented loudly that discretionary spending was being cut while mandatory funds for subsidies and nutrition programs went up. But when handed a chance to bend that curve and save close to $40 billion, three of his subcommittee chairmen voted no on the farm bill.
After Thursday's defeat, embarrassed Republicans quickly accused Minnesota Rep. Collin Peterson, the Democratic floor manager, of backtracking on his promise to deliver 40 votes. Peterson fell 16 short and GOP aides said they had the Republican votes for passage if Peterson had met his target.
But this explanation ignores the real time dynamics on the House floor — and a long history of conflict between Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and the Agriculture Committee leadership.
Beginning early this year, Cantor had pressed Lucas to draft a farm bill that not only cut food stamps but also toughened the work requirements for those receiving benefits. Time and again Lucas balked, warning that this would destroy his chances to win Democratic support. Cantor persisted and began championing in GOP leadership meetings a far-reaching amendment sponsored by Rep. Steve Southerland (R-Fla.).
Indeed, the 17-page Southerland amendment is no simple matter. Its author describes it as a bill unto itself: the PRIDE Act (Providing Relief to Individuals Desiring Employment). "This was a pilot project, that was it," Cantor would say later. But it was a pilot project all 50 states could be part of if they wished.


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I'm on Xubuntu 13.10 64 bit, I printed something, now the printer icon is still up there next to the battery icon, I solve the problem by logging out and in. But I want a better solution for next time that does not require me to log out.
EDIT: I'm having the same problem. As requested, here is a screenshot:
When I try to click (left or right) on the printer icon, nothing happens. Only logging out and back in again clears it away.


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Peer-Reviewed Publications
Found 56 resultsTitle
Filters: Author is Nancy Kassam-Adams [Clear All Filters]
Barriers to booster seat use and strategies to increase their use." Pediatrics. 2002;110(4):729-36."
Persistence of posttraumatic stress in violently injured youth seen in the emergency department." Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2002;156(8):836-40."
Emergency department evaluation of acute stress disorder symptoms in violently injured youths." Ann Emerg Med. 2001;38(4):391-6."
Mental health aspects of emergency medical services for children: summary of a consensus conference." J Pediatr Psychol. 2001;26(8):491-502."
The premature graduation of children from child restraints to vehicle seat belts. United States Government Printing Office: Traffic Tech; 2001.
Looking beyond the physical injury: posttraumatic stress disorder in children and parents after pediatric traffic injury." Pediatrics. 1999;104(6):1293-9."


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Something Wiggly This Way Comes
(Aug. 26, 2013)
A Big Internet Controversy (BIC) is exactly what you suspect it is: Much ado about something you would not even know about had your best friend from the third grade not linked to it on Facebook.
Given the nature of our world, it's quite possible to have a BIC for every day of the week, but this is summer. We're lucky to get two or three.
Last week we had a nice one for about 36 hours, best responded to by the funny folks at Comedy Central, who tweeted: "Casting Ben Affleck as Batman sounds like something The Joker would do to create a distraction at the nerd bank."
For a brief, glorious time, those of us who are merely human felt completely justified in heaping scorn on an Academy Award-winning actor and director for having the gall to don the cowl and cape in a movie, statistically speaking, most of us will never see. All in good fun.
What the Ben as Batman BIC did, as all good ones do, was push another controversy off the radar, at least for those of us who follow this kind of thing. I'm talking about the great 10,000-hour debate, but since it's been a few days let me fill you in.
In 2008, Malcolm Gladwell wrote a book called "Outliers," a huge hit for a writer who has a bunch of those. Subtitled "The Story of Success," Gladwell looked at exceptional people from the Beatles to Bill Gates, examining the ways in which they differed from the rest of us.
Throughout the book, Gladwell mentions "The 10,000-Hour Rule," a concept he squeezed out of studies and statistics and that quickly became part of the culture. The idea is simple – it takes lots and lots of practice to get really, really good at some things – but also only a generalization and an average gleaned from selective research.
Like other number-based generalizations (e.g., that we need to drink 8 glasses of water a day for optimum health; we don't, although if you're thirsty go right ahead), the 10,000-hour rule became a common rule of thumb, a simple idea that was easy to grasp if not practice. You, too, can become a tennis star if you just work harder and longer. And drink that water, of course.
The controversy came this summer when "The Sports Gene" was published, written by David Epstein. I haven't read the book yet, but after listening to Mr. Epstein being interviewed and reading several articles about the subject, I'm fairly certain I've spent at least 10,000 seconds devoted to "The Sports Gene," which means I can write about it and maybe fool some people (new rule).
Epstein's book seemed to suggest that Gladwell used faulty research to come up with that magic number, and that there were innate, genetic reasons some people excelled, although after a little back-and-forth between the authors they seemed to shake hands and agree that it was pretty complicated and that Ben Affleck was way too tall to play Batman.
It did make me wonder about skills, though, and how we achieve them. I can't think of anything I've deliberately done for more than 10,000 hours other than eat, and even then I still spill stuff on my shirt. I did teach myself to juggle, sort of, many years ago, and for a while I could play "The Maple Leaf Rag" on the piano reasonably accurately, but otherwise my skill set seems to be comprised of things I learned the hard way, by which I mean failing miserably until I failed a little less. Practice makes passable, in other words, which works for me.
But while many people achieve amazing skills, some have skill thrust upon them, and this, as it turns out, is my dilemma. In a few weeks, come rain or shine, no matter how many controversies I have to distract me, and regardless of my inattention, I will become a grandparent. And I don't know how.
Let me stop you right there. Also there. I know.
I understand that this is the bonus round of parenthood. This is the second stage, in which responsibility is carried by the parents and pure joy is left for us, who had the good sense to procreate when we were young enough to ensure that a better day would eventually come, a day in which we would take many, many pictures.
It's just that I haven't spent a lot of time with grandparents since I was 12. I know plenty, of course, but I never see the details. I wonder how I'm supposed to dress. Do I need to get a haircut more often? Is there a vocabulary I'm supposed to brush up on? Will I have to change diapers again, after all these years, and have there been improvements in that activity I need to learn about?
And, most importantly, will I still be me? Or will becoming a grandparent, even at my remarkably young and lively age, immediately shove me into doddering irrelevance, in which my music is creaky, my favorite sport is napping, and I start addressing people close to me by just running through a list of names until I land on theirs?
Maybe after 10,000 hours of grandparenthood I'll have a better idea, but it makes me nervous. That, and the idea that this grandson of mine will grow up thinking Ben Affleck was the best Batman. That one keeps me awake at night.


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American Bridge watching GOP
If you want a picture of the future of politics, imagine an American Bridge tracker filming a likely Republican presidential candidate — forever.
That's only a slight exaggeration of what the group has planned for the 2014 and 2016 election cycles. The organization that left a mark on Republican candidates throughout the 2012 election, busting GOP nominees in off-message moments and pushing research on their policy records, is in the midst of a major expansion ahead of the midterm campaign.
Story Continued Below
Senior officials with American Bridge 21st Century – the group's full legal name — told POLITICO that the oppo-slinging outfit's staff will grow to about 90 people, including 50 trackers deployed to monitor GOP candidates throughout the country. That's more than double the number of camera-wielding operatives it employed last year.
( PHOTOS: Republicans, 2016 contenders)
American Bridge is increasing its staff of researchers to 22 and has already prepared oppo books on 20 Republicans running in competitive elections. The group is broadening its focus to include more House elections and, for the first time, gubernatorial races and is using its nonprofit arm to join the fray in policy debates over immigration, voting rights and more. American Bridge has begun both monitoring the top tier of Republican presidential candidates for 2016 and truth-squadding GOP attacks on potential Democratic candidates in a recently unveiled Correct the Record project.
Between its super PAC and 501(c)(4) arms, American Bridge raised around $3 million in the first six months of 2013, officials with the group said. It plans a budget of $17 million to $18 million for the full cycle.
( PHOTOS: Senators up for election in 2014)
All that adds up to a dramatic upgrade in the group's capabilities as it heads into its second full election cycle. In an interview at American Bridge offices near Washington's Chinatown, the group's president, Rodell Mollineau, said the organization's staffers and donors came out of 2012 convinced that their approach to research and communications works and is worth investing in further.
"The first two years was about building a model that could be trusted, be credible," Mollineau said. "I think these next two years, it's about taking the things that we did in 2011 and 2012, improving on them, getting better and then seeing if we can expand our horizons."
In 2014, Mollineau said, American Bridge will be on the ground in every competitive Senate race and a collection of top-tier House races. So far, it has trackers in place in nine congressional districts. The group already has identified seven or eight Republican presidential prospects to build files on. It's working closely with a network of Democratic outside groups, including the Senate-focused Majority PAC and House Majority PAC, to prepare hammer-blow ads against GOP candidates later this cycle.
( Also on POLITICO: GOP's 2010 state victories haunt Obama)
Already in 2013, American Bridge trackers have recorded more than 1,000 events featuring Republican candidates. Perhaps even more important is that all the footage is going into a video library that's now easily searchable by candidate, topic and keyword. The video the group compiles now — regardless of its current news value — will be around and quickly accessible, effectively, forever.
In other words, if you think Bridge is a clearinghouse for research in the world of Democratic super PACs now, just wait until 2016.
"We have a two-year head start," Mollineau said. "We can start some of this research now so that by the time we get to 2015 and the field is a little bit clearer, we're not killing ourselves to try and finish this research."
The point, he said, is not just to pounce on Todd Akin- and Richard Mourdock-like candidates saying dumb stuff but also to make sure GOP candidates can't "Etch-A-Sketch" their records when they run for higher office. "This is the 21st century.
… You can't go to the Rotary Club and say one thing and then go to the senior citizens center and say the exact opposite," he said.
House Majority PAC strategist Andy Stone said the absence of a presidential race this year creates more room for deep-dive research into lower-profile candidates.
"Given that it's a midterm cycle, there's no presidential race, people are focused more on the Senate and the House. We're definitely working with Bridge even more closely than we did last cycle," he said.


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2019 Snapper 560Z Series 25/61 (Optional Cargo Bed) (5901559)
560Z Series 25/61 (Optional Cargo Bed) (5901559)
Professional-grade plus utility. The 560Z Zero Turn Mower is easy-to-use for homeowners but comes packed with all of the enhanced features you'd expect from a commercial-style zero turn mower. With welded, all-steel construction and Hydro-Gear® ZT-3200® Transaxles, the 560Z has the rugged durability needed to take on demanding terrain and tough jobs. Powered by a premium Briggs & Stratton® Commercial Series or Kawasaki® FR730V engine, the 560Z mows grass in no time with a wide 52'' or 61'' mower deck. Plus, it even features an integrated cargo bed† with rear dumping capabilities for added utility.
- Simple Height-of-Cut: Convenient deck-lift easily adjusts grass cut height from 1.5" to 4.5".
- Durable Hydro-Gear® Transaxles: Built for high-performance applications, the Hydro-Gear® ZT-3200® hydrostatic transaxles deliver a smooth grass cutting experience while you are changing directions and speeds.
- Fast Mowing: Wide, 52" or 61" fabricated mower decks made from thick 10-gauge steel mow grass in no time with speeds up to 9 mph. Welded and reinforced for years of repeat mowing and are also backed by a limited lifetime warranty*.
- Added Versatility: The integrated cargo bed† dumps to the rear for easy clean-out and provides on-tho-go versatility for dirt-hauling, tool-toting and flower-delivering.
- High-Performance Briggs & Stratton® Engine: Built for harsh zero turn mowing conditions, the Briggs & Stratton® Commercial Series Engine has what it takes to perform including an advanced debris management system and beefed up cylinder block.
- Powerful Kawasaki® Engine: Built for power, the Kawasaki® FR Series Engine offers smooth power output and outstanding durability in a compact design.
- Rugged Durability: Commercial-inspired components such as rugged 1.5'' x 2'' steel front axles, high-performance transaxles and a wrap-around steel bumper ensure this mower is built to handle tough mowing applications.
- Intuitive Controls: Easy-to-use lawn mower controls, including a fuel-level indicator, are all within reach. A wide-mouth gas fill ensures you can easily fill gasoline without any spills.
- Model: 5901559
- Marketing Model: 560Z - 25/61 (Optional Cargo Bed)
- Engine Brand: Briggs & Stratton
- Engine Model: Commercial Series, V-Twin, OHV
- HP (gross) *: 25.0
- Engine Displacement (cc): 724
- Number of Cylinders: 2
- Choke/Throttle: Separate Controls
- Fuel Tank Capacity (gal): 5.5
- Battery (cca): 300
- Transmission Type: Hydro-Gear® ZT-3200®
- Ground Speed-Fwd (mph): 0-9
- Brake: Separate Lever
- Ground Speed-Rev (mph): 0-4
- Frame: 11-Gauge Welded
- Front Axle: Welded Steel, Fixed
- Front Tires (in): 13 x 5-6
- Rear Tires (in): 22 x 11-10
- Anti-Scalp Wheels: 4 Front
- Seat: 18" High-back, Adjustable
- Steering: Twin-lever
- Mower Deck Type: Fabricated Steel
- Cutting Width (in): 61
- Number of Blades: 3
- Height-of-Cut (in): 1.5-4.5
- Height-of-Cut Positions: 12
- Blade Engagement: Electric
- Deck Construction: 10-Gauge, Fabricated Steel
- Deck Suspension: Frame Hung
- Spindle: Aluminum
- Mower Deck Lift: Mechanical, Foot Operated
- Cargo Bed **: Optional Accessory
- ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure): Standard
- Rear Bumper: Standard
- Hour Meter: Standard
- Cup Holder: Standard
- Fuel Level Indicator: Standard
- Armrest: Optional Accessory
- Assembled Length (in): 81
- Assembled Width (in): 77
- Assembled Height (in): 68
- Residential Warranty (Product) †: 3-Years
- Commercial Warranty (Product) †: 1-Year Limited
- Fabricated Mower Deck Warranty †: Lifetime
- Engine Manufacturer
- Briggs & Stratton
- Horse Power
- 25.0 hp
- Engine Type
- Commercial Series, V-Twin, OHV
- Displacement
- 724cc
- Transmission
- Hydro-Gear® ZT-3200®
- Wheel Size
- 22 x 11-10 in.
- Fuel Capacity
- 5.5 gal.
- Deck Size
- 61 in.


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From our moccasin-inspired Tribal Boots, which pride itself on versatility, refined hand-stitched details and a soft silhouette to our Nepal Boots, with a mix of suede and jacquard weaving, tribal-inspired patterns and a weather-friendly upper — you'll find women's boots that offer style and comfort. You'll also love our ladies Botas, Highland Botas, Desert Botas, Utility Boots, and Alpa Boots! With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One™.


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It used to be that anyone with a dream and $99 could develop a PlayStation Vita game through the PlayStation Mobile development program. Now, all you need is the dream.
Sony is waiving the $99 publisher licensing fee for PlayStation Mobile as of today, meaning anyone can download the free SDK and start developing a game that will appear on the PlayStation Vita. PlayStation Mobile games can also run on other PlayStation Certified mobile devices, including the button-sporting Xperia Play Android phone and certain Sony tablets.
Games developed through PlayStation Mobile still have to be approved by Sony before being published on the store, but any game that doesn't contain objectionable content should make it through. Developers don't get to set their own end-user price for PS Mobile titles, though. Instead, they sell the game wholesale to Sony, which then turns around and resells the downloadable game at a slight profit through its store.
Dropping the fee should make PlayStation Mobile a bit more attractive to indie developers than alternatives like the iOS App Store, Microsoft's XNA development environment (used in Xbox 360 Indie Games), and Steam Greenlight. All of those outlets charge a fee of about $100 for new developers (recurring annually in Apple's case). In fact, distributing a game through PlayStation Mobile is even cheaper than paying the $25 registration fee to get on the Google Play store.
It's no surprise that Sony is doing everything it can to attract more developers to its portable. Sony has sold about five million Vita units worldwide, according to analyst estimates, a sales stall that has fallen well below Sony's expectations. (Not to mention, there are roughly 30 million 3DS units out there.) Opening the system up even further to independent developers could help expand a mobile-phone style long tail market for Vita games while improving the system's reputation for software selection.
The announcement comes a day after Sony introduced a new Indie Game category on the PlayStation Store, giving additional visibility to independent efforts available on both the Vita and the PS3. Recent rumors point to Nintendo planning a similar outreach to mobile indie developers for its struggling Wii U. The Japan Times even reported on a new program that will offer conversion software that allows mobile game developers to easily port their games to Nintendo's new console.


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Late homers not enough in rare Cishek blown save
NEW YORK -- Steve Cishek had been pretty much automatic. On Friday night, the Miami closer came up human.
Cishek surrendered three straight two-out hits in the ninth inning, and the Mets celebrated a 4-3 walk-off victory on Curtis Granderson's single to right field.View Full Game Coverage
NEW YORK -- Steve Cishek had been pretty much automatic. On Friday night, the Miami closer came up human.
Cishek surrendered three straight two-out hits in the ninth inning, and the Mets celebrated a 4-3 walk-off victory on Curtis Granderson's single to right field.View Full Game Coverage
Miami's sidearm-throwing closer blew his first save chance since June 4, 2013, at Philadelphia, and his team-record string of 33 straight came to an end.
Before the Mets' ninth comeback win, Cishek hadn't allowed a run in seven innings this year, and he yielded just three hits. He gave up four hits on Friday night.
"It's never a good feeling," Cishek said. "You go in there and try to get it done for your team and you let them down."
Losing late has become all too familiar for the Marlins, who have seen opponents walk off twice in four games on the road trip that started in Atlanta on Monday.
But the way the night was shaping up, it looked as if the Marlins would be celebrating because of their late-inning heroics.
In the eighth inning, back-to-back home runs by Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Garrett Jones gave Miami a 3-2 advantage.
"It's tough when we had it lined up exactly how we wanted and Cishek's been so good over a year," Miami manager Mike Redmond said. "We had a couple big hits we needed. We still had opportunities early in the game to add some runs, which we're definitely going to need. It's too bad."
Even the eighth inning, which has been so devastating, went Miami's way. After the home runs, A.J. Ramos worked a clean frame to hand the ball to Cishek in the ninth.
"It's too bad to fight back," Redmond said. "Ramos pitched a nice eighth inning. Like I said, it was set up perfect. It just didn't happen tonight."
But in the ninth, New York responded and handed the Marlins another discouraging loss. Miami is now 1-3 on the road trip, and 1-9 on the road this year.
Left-handed hitters had been 0-for-15 on the season against Cishek before New York had four hits, all from the left side.
Lucas Duda started things off with a bloop single, and after Travis d'Arnaud's sacrifice bunt, the Marlins appeared to have caught a break. Cishek elevated a pitch to pinch-hitter Bobby Abreu, which was lined sharply to left. But Christian Yelich ran the hot liner down for the second out.
"I left it right down the middle, it was flat and he put good wood on it," Cishek said. "After he hit a line drive like that, they smell a little blood."
Omar Quintanilla, with the count full, singled to left. Any chance for a play at the plate was dashed when Yelich lost his footing and had to throw in to second.
"I had to run a decent way for it," Yelich said. "It was kind of a bad angle to throw. I was going to try to throw him out if I had fielded it cleanly. It would have been a tough play either way. Then my feet went out from me. Obviously, when that happens, I've got to throw it to second."
Quintanilla showed good patience, staying away from a close 2-2 pitch that was just outside.
"There is a base open, and I don't have to feed him down the middle," Cishek said. "I'm going for the strikeout right there, just trying to put him away and get this game done. It was a great take; it was a ball."
Kirk Nieuwenhuis doubled, putting runners on second and third for Granderson, who ended it with his single that skipped just under Jones' glove at first for the game-winning hit.
"Off of him, you've just got to see the ball up and shoot something the other way, and that's what I was trying to do there," Nieuwenhuis said. "I was fortunate enough to put a decent swing on it."
Before New York's late heroics, Miami was boosted by Saltalamacchia and Jones going back-to-back off Gonzalez Germen in the eighth inning. It was the first time this year the Marlins hit home runs in succession.
Also in the loss, Yelich had his 17-game hitting streak end after going 0-for-4 with a walk.
In the eighth inning, Germen was breezing along, having retired five straight, including striking out Giancarlo Stanton and Casey McGehee to open the eighth. But Saltalamacchia got Miami back into the game with his home run to left-center with the count full. Actually, Germen felt his 2-2 pitch was strike three, and the right-hander took a couple of steps toward the dugout.
Two pitches later, Saltalamacchia found the seats, tying the score. Jones put Miami in front with his drive that hit the right-field foul pole.
In a no-decision, Henderson Alvarez gave up two runs in six innings.
New York's Zack Wheeler was in line for the win, striking out 10 while allowing one run on four hits in six innings.
"We had several opportunities to add some runs and we didn't do it," Redmond said. "We were waiting for a couple big hits and Salty had a great at-bat, hit it opposite field, and then Jones came back and hit his off the foul pole. I was feeling good, like, 'Hey man, this is going to be a nice momentum turner for us.' But it wasn't meant to be tonight."
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. He writes a blog, called The Fish Pond. Follow him on Twitter @JoeFrisaro.


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Tina Fey is having a rough time at home now that "30 Rock" is over.
Fey, 43, a writer and star, wrapped her hit comedy "30 Rock" late last year and also made headlines this year for doing a blockbuster job hosting the Golden Globe Awards with friend and comedian Amy Poehler. But now the funny mother of two is spending a lot more quality time with her two daughers, and she revealed to David Letterman on "Late Show" Wednesday that her post-spotlight life isn't nearly as glamorous.
The primping that comes along with award season couldn't have come at a better time.
"I'm very excited to go to the Emmys. We're so happy that the show got nominated, and they didn't forget about us," she said, deadpanning, "Also, I gotta get out of the house. I have not combed my hair since the Golden Globes."
The Primetime Emmy Awards will take place Sept. 22, and the actress can't seem to wait for her glam squad to come arrive.
"I'm home with the kids, which is great, more. But now you're just like a human napkin for kids, like, they just wipe their face on you and stuff," she joked.
"And the show ended in December and then I sort of realized, like, oh, when you don't have a bunch of people whose job it is to fix your hair and [say] 'put this dress on' and stuff... I thought I was a decent-looking person. It was such an immediate drop-off. The show ended ended on Friday, and by Monday morning, just gone. I was a crazy lady."
So she's hoping the Emmys will fix her beauty woes, despite making a dressmaker believe she "was a person fused to her couch" and expected her to lose 60 pounds.
As for her daughters with husband Jeff Richmond — Alice is nearly 8 and Penelope is 2 — Fey admitted that she thinks the younger one might be "a sociopath" because of the creepy way she flatly says, "Oh, sorry," after she does something wrong.
One time after the bath, her "over-tired" youngster was really unhappy that bathtime was over.
"She got real mad," Fey said. "She looked me square in the eyes and, with two tiny little hands, choked me! And it's so funny because they're not strong enough to kill you and they want to kill you so bad!"
She also called Penelope "harrowing" because she'll put kid-unfriendly items including glass paper weights and live hermit crabs in her mouth. Just 'cause.
"She's a weirdo; she's real cute though," Fey said with a laugh.
In other Fey news, the writer recently sold two female-driven comedies to NBC. This gig has her perched in a new facility in New York where she works on her show ideas and "makes toast."
"So we used to be out in Long Island City and now there's just five of us in an office in Manhattan and we're very excited that we're back in the city and we have an office," she said. "We're trying to think of new TV show ideas is the thing. But we're so excited to be back in Manhattan in this nice new office... Immediately got robbed. The office got robbed immediately. And I was like, 'Oh, we're back in the big city.' So that was about one of the most exciting things that happened."
Technically, her office was burglarized, Letterman pointed out.
"I think one of the moving guys went upstairs and stole a computer from our office. And that had all my ideas on it!" she said.
"It wasn't Jay Leno, was it?" Letterman asked. (That jab never gets old, Dave.)
Apparently surveillance footage, which Letterman rolled on the show, revealed a man taking the computer. However, Fey said she was unsure how to present her case to the police.
"New York's a big city and you're like, some guy stole my jokes!" Fey said. "And they're like, 'We'll get right on it.'"
Oh, how we miss this woman!
Follow Ministry of Gossip @LATcelebs.


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Drug/Herbal Interactions with Arimidex
Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts,"
I am on Arimidex and was concerned about drug/herbal interactions. Are there any that I should be aware of? I have only heard about ones that counteract Tamoxifen.
Katrina Claghorn, MS, RD, Registered Dietitian at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, responds:
Herbal products are very complex and often contain many different active compounds. Consequently, there are many ways in which these products may interact with drugs. We are slowly understanding drug-herb interactions, but it is an emerging area of research. Currently, there are few evidence- based guidelines on combining the two, and so we generally discourage taking herbs and drugs simultaneously.
There is some concern that plant compounds that have estrogen- like properties may reduce the action of aromatase inhibitors. These compounds are called phytoestrogens, and they are much, much weaker than human estrogen. The major source of phytoestrogens is soy, although there some herbs that contain these compounds. The reason for the concern is that aromatase inhibitors function to prevent the formation of estradiol, a female hormone, which means they have anti-estrogen effects and help to lower the body's natural estrogen levels. Since the purpose of Arimidex is to lower estrogen levels, you wouldn't want to counter this activity by potentially increasing estrogen levels through supplements or diet.
At this point, the interaction is hypothetical; it has not been determined whether phytoestrogens in plant, food, and herbal products reduce the effects of aromatase inhibitors. However, until there are more studies and guidelines, the recommendation is to limit the intake of soy foods in your diet, and to avoid supplements that contain soy and/or phytoestrogens. Unfortunately, it has not been determined how many of servings of soy can safely be included in the diet, but a couple of servings a week should be fine. Since the information on this topic is constantly changing, we suggest speaking to your oncologist for guidelines.


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The charming and luxurious appearance of this graceful plug-in swing arm wall lamp with Possini Euro Design black drum shade will fit in with any stylish décor.More Details >
This sleek brushed nickel finish wall lamp offers contemporary styling. The swing arm feature allows you to put light right where you need it. Simply attach lamp to wall and plug into any standard outlet using provided cord. It's topped with a drum shaped black fabric shade. From the Possini Euro Design Lighting Collection.


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EXETER — The screenplay that is now part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving three Exeter High School teachers is laced with profanity, sexual innuendo and talk of illegal activity with students.
EXETER — The screenplay that is now part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving three Exeter High School teachers is laced with profanity, sexual innuendo and talk of illegal activity with students.
"Graduation Crashers" is described on the document as an original screenplay by Robert M. Batchelder Jr., Mark Forbes and Tod Grossmith, social studies teachers at Exeter High School.
SAU 16 Superintendent Michael Morgan revealed in a memo to the district on Thursday that an "original screenplay" was discovered as part of the district's investigation and that the screenplay "may be viewed by some as controversial."
Batchelder resigned May 24. He had been placed on leave in April after a complaint about a sexual assault against a female student in 2009 was made to school officials and forwarded to police.
On Wednesday, Morgan placed two more teachers on paid administrative leave in relation to the Batchelder investigation. A second teacher resigned that day, while the third resignation came Friday. Morgan on Friday said he would not confirm or deny whether Forbes and Grossmith are the other two teachers who resigned in relation to the investigation.
"Names will not be released until the next Cooperative School Board meeting on June 18, 2013," Morgan wrote in an e-mail to the media Friday.
The screenplay follows the three teachers, who go by their last names in the screenplay, and a fourth teacher as they crash the graduation parties of students they hate.
"It's time we got some payback on those little bastards we call our students," the Batchelder character states in the screenplay. "We should each pick a senior who made our lives miserable and crash their party."
At each party, the teachers find a way to embarrass the student they hate. In one scene, the Grossmith character beats a jock student whom he hates at a drinking contest. When the student passes out, the teachers strip him down and draw an obscene image on his face and take a picture of him, according to the screenplay.
There are multiple scenes in the screenplay where the teachers drink with the students, including from a "beer bong."
In one flashback scene, the Forbes character grabs a "joint" from a student.
"He takes a hit and nods his head in approval," the screenplay states.
While the screenplay does not include any sexual exchanges between teachers and students, the teacher characters do engage in sexual encounters with students' parents and younger, college-aged women.
In one scene, the Batchelder character is approached by a mother who is desperate to have her son pass his class.
"If there is ANYTHING I could do to help him pass, I would be willing and able," the mother states to the Batchelder character in the screenplay.
The Batchelder character then smiles and says, "well there is one thing."
"The hot mom smiles and removes gum from her mouth," the screenplay states.
Other scenes in the screenplay have the Batchelder character handcuffed to two girls in their early 20s and the fourth teacher engaged in a threesome with the mother and father of one of his students.
The screenplay also features the four teachers driving while "buzzed" with two freshmen students, who snuck into the trunk of the teacher's vehicle, tagging along.
The four teachers also are accompanied by a scotch-drinking dog that they stole from the home of one of their students.
The script centers around fictitious Biltmore High School and features a fictitious principal out to get the four teachers fired.
"For too long I have had to deal with disrespect, disloyalty and general lack of quality from these men," the principal character states at one point. "Last night, they crossed the line; drinking with students, using narcotics, even engaging in sexual activity with parents. They are an embarrassment to the profession of teaching and need to be fired immediately."
The superintendent character is portrayed as being indifferent and easily fooled as he is convinced in the screenplay that it was the principal who crashed the graduation parties and engaged in the inappropriate activity.
The four teachers constantly speak down about and mock school administrators throughout the screenplay.
When asked if he believed the characters in the screenplay were based on actual people at Exeter High School, Morgan, the SAU 16 superintendent said, "we have our own suspicions and are drawing our own conclusions."
Morgan said the screenplay surfaced during the investigation into the initial complaint.
Police continue to investigate the matter, but no formal charges have been filed. Police say their investigation still centers around the one sexual assault complaint and at this point does not expand beyond the three teachers.
Morgan acknowledged that the allegations at the school have a negative impact on the community and he is considering ways to get the community together to address the situation on a broader level.
"I'm always concerned about the safety of our students and, like parents, want to protect their safety," he said. "We're doing all we can to make sure this doesn't happen again."


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How to beat Rove at his own game
Karl Rove was once known as the "architect" but now a more appropriate nickname might be "demolition man."
Give Rove credit for one thing. He knows how to coalesce the conservative movement. He was the master strategist credited with getting the movement on one page to propel George W. Bush to eight years in the White House. But conservative dissatisfaction with Bush's big government policies grew, and then eventually boiled over in the Obama years to what we now know as the tea party movement.
Story Continued Below
Now Rove has succeeded in uniting the conservative grassroots yet again, but this time by becoming the face of the loathed Republican Party establishment. Rove's prominent and annoying display on Fox News as the Republican ruling class' mouthpiece and his new effort aimed at defeating the tea party makes him the point man for destroying the very conservative movement that made him a national name in politics in the first place.
There is now an out-in-the-open civil war within the Republican Party, and most of the grassroots patriots I talk to are just fine with that. The GOP establishment is so hated by its own base that increasingly more and more of its grassroots have decided they might be better off with Democrats in charge rather than Rove's kind of milquetoast, John Boehner-type of Republican. In an all-out fight for freedom and liberty these types of Republicans have proven to be about as useful as lipstick on a pig.
At least when the Democrats are shredding the Constitution, and imposing more statism destined to catapult this republic "forward" into bankruptcy, it's easier to recruit the next Ted Cruz or the next generation of Jim DeMints. Nothing stifles the GOP grassroots more than the GOP establishment. Look no further than the 2012 election for evidence of this. Mitt Romney did what he needed to do with independents to win, but actually did a poorer job than J ohn McCain did in 2008 of energizing his own party.
But that's what Rove and his ilk want. They're always willing to do things to those of us in the grassroots they'd never do to Democrats, because in the end these people want to pillage and plunder the public trough every bit as much as the Democrats do. They just want the check from the U.S. Treasury made out to their cronies instead. The leadership of the Democratic Party wants to run a country. The leadership of the Republican Party wants to run a party. They would rather lose elections than lose control of the party to us.


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Whatever they say about boxes and creativity, Derek McKee has different ideas.
As part of a fundraiser for the Little Red Wagon Foundation, McKee will live in a Plexiglas box for a week stationed at 16th Street Mall in Denver. While in the box, he'll perform magic for passers by, according to a report in the Littleton Independent.
McKee, who has performed at The Magic Castle and was featured in "Make Believe," said he hopes to raise food donations and raise awareness about what Denver's estimated 1,500 homeless youth and teens endure. The boxed benefit is the product of a lot of talking and brainstorming with friends, family and mentors, he said.
"It's a way to raise awareness about Denver's homeless youth and to have the most unique canned-food drive in the state. This subgenre of kids are the most likely to be bullied, beaten up, put into sex slavery and abused, and are the mostly likely to die at a young age."
The foundation gathers those supplies in "Zachpacks," which contain basics such as food and hygiene products, and other goodies such as toys and coloring books. McKee is a board member of the foundation, which was started by Zach Bonner in 2005.


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Feb 10, 2014
From staff reports
In April 2013, the Ohio University Board of Trustees approved the Ohio Service Alignment Initiative (OSAI) resolution that focused on a six year plan to improve the effectiveness of the core administrative functions both centrally and within the distributed units and their readiness to support a decentralized operating environment under RCM. In the summer of 2013, Vice President for Finance and Administration Steve Golding announced the appointments of two senior associate vice presidents, Deborah Shaffer and Joseph M. Lalley, to provide additional leadership to the division and assist in the implementation of the Service Alignment Initiative. To that end, both leaders will continue to work to both organize and recruit the necessary expertise to support a decentralized management environment that is able to provide the level of service that our customers are looking for and that was recommended by the Huron consultants.
Senior Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration Deborah Shaffer announced a number of appointments and restructuring within the finance and human resource areas.
Human Resources/Payroll
Colleen Bendl has been appointed as the chief human resource officer (CHRO) following a national search. Bendl joins the University from Carnegie Mellon University where she was the assistant vice president for Payroll and Benefits Administration. Shaffer stated, "Colleen's higher education experience and understanding of HR/Payroll business processes, system implementations, ability to implement and design new solutions, and her collaborative "roll up your sleeves" leadership style will make her a tremendous asset as we continue to develop our HR/Payroll initiatives and services." Bendl will begin at the university on Feb. 17.
Along with this appointment, Shaffer also announced the merger of human resources and payroll. Shaffer stated, "This restructuring will position the division to provide more integrated and efficient service to our customers. This will include the relocation of the payroll department to the HRTC building in February 2014.
With Karen Hudson's retirement in December 2013, and following a national search, Jan Myers has been appointed as Director of Compensation. Myers has been a member of the University Compensation team since January 2012, when she joined us from Thermo Fisher Scientific. Myers was appointed Project Manager for Comp2014 last August and has done a fantastic job ensuring that the university meets its objectives within the required timeline by Dec. 1, 2014.
On Oct. 7, Jeffrey Allen joined the Controller's Office as the Associate Controller. Allen joined us from STERIS Corporation where he was the SEC Financial Reporting Manager.
On Nov. 11, Candice Casto was promoted to chief financial and investment officer (CFIO) for The Ohio University Foundation following a national search during the fall. Casto had been serving as the Foundation's director of investments and endowment operations since 2008; she joined the university in 2005 from the State Auditor's Office. The CFIO position has a dual reporting relationship with Vice President for Advancement Brian Benchoff, who also serves as president and CEO of the Foundation, and Shaffer.
Budget and Planning
University space planning has transitioned from facilities to the finance organization, reporting to Shaffer. Shawna Bolin, director of university planning and space management, is leading the group which will be partnering with the VPFA budget office as well as the Provost budget and planning office. The combined office will be known as the Budget and Planning Office, which will be co-located on the second floor of HRTC.
Please join us in wishing these colleagues well in their new roles at Ohio University.


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- 20 Superb Jquery Countdown plugins
According to Wikipedia:
HTML5 is a markup language for structuring and presenting content for the World Wide Web, and is a core technology of the Internet originally proposed by Opera Software. It is the fifth revision of the HTML standard (created in 1990 and standardized as HTML4 as of 1997) and, as of May 2012, is still under development. Its core aims have been to improve the language with support for the latest multimedia while keeping it easily readable by humans and consistently understood by computers and devices (web browsers, parsers, etc.). HTML5 is intended to subsume not only HTML 4, but XHTML 1 and DOM Level 2 HTML as well.
I hope you already have a little knowledge about the things that HTML5 and JQuery can do, So now I will share some of the awesome tutorial for creating an audio/music player using the new web standard HTML5 together with JQuery. Hope you enjoy this collections. SHARE IT GUYS.. 🙂
1). jMediaelement audio video player
An HTML5 audio / video development kit with Flash Fallback, which focuses on flexibility, intuitive DOM-API and semantic code.
2). HTML5 Music Player
The matching jQuery plugin for music player psd created by Orman Clark.
3). Speakker
Crossbrowser Audio solution featuring HTML5.
4). mb.miniAudioPlayer
An HTML5 player for your music!
5). jPlayer
Is the completely free and open source (GPL/MIT) media library written in JavaScript. A jQuery plugin, jPlayer allows you to rapidly weave cross platform audio and video into your web pages.
6). HTML5 Audio Player Bookmarklet
Use it on any page which has links to downloadable audio files, for example, you can play music stored in your Dropbox.
7). Audio.js
Is a drop-in JavaScript library that allows HTML5's audio tag to be used anywhere.
8). SoundManager 2
Makes it easier to play audio using JavaScript.
10). Malsup JQuery media plugin
The jQuery Media Plugin supports unobtrusive conversion of standard markup into rich media content. It can be used to embed virtually any media type, including Flash, Quicktime, Windows Media Player, Real Player, MP3, Silverlight, PDF and more, into a web page.
11). Create a cinema lighting experience with jQuery for your video player
I wanted to add a website dimming experience akin to video player features similar to those found on Hulu or on AdobeTV, where you can toggle the "lights" so to speak on your site. In my example I use some simple JQuery to append or remove a Div to the HTML DOM, and leverage some basic JQuery effects to fade in or fade out the Div. The darkened web site result is achieved by Div with a black background at 80% opacity that sits above all other web content on your page.
12). Javascript Html5 video player : Projekktor
13). A jQuery Youtube Media Player Plugin
This jQuery plugin builds a interactive youtube media player, allowing the user to view multiple videos within multiple playlists. The player is built using jQuery and uses the Youtube Javascript API to send and capture player events.
14). Acorn Media Player
Acorn Media Player is a jQuery plugin implementing a custom HTML5.
15). jQuery Flowplayer
Flowplayer is an Open Source (GPL 3) video player for the web. Use it to embed video streams into your web pages. Built for site owners, developers, hobbyists, businesses, and serious programmers.
16). jQuer MP3 Player : jMp3
17). Java Script and HTML5 player : Video JS
Actually Video JS does not require JQuery to start with, but the author provide us the videojs jquery plugins, so it easier for us who already familiar working with JQuery.
18). jQuery Video Lightbox
19). IWishQuery : jQuery HTML5 audio Player
A jQuery plugin to autoplay "I Wish" by Skee-Lo for.
20). Open Source HTML5 Audio Player: Boombox.js
HTML5 introduces the audio element which offers a way to play audio natively in the browser. However the native controls are a little lacking in style. Thankfully HTML5 also brings Media Element API to interact with which allows us to skin an Audio object however we want.
21). Music Player In jQuery
In this tutorial you create an amazing music player coded in xHTML and jQuery that made use of mouse gestures and hotkeys. You can click and drag with mouse to interact with interface's music player or use directional keys and spacebar instead of mouse.
22). HTML5 Video – Kaltura JavaScript HTML5 Media Library
Kaltura, an advanced video publishing platform, is sharing a free and open source HTML5 Video & Media JavaScript Library.
23). TubePlayer: jQuery Plugin For YouTube Player API
TubePlayer is a jQuery plugin that implements YouTube Player API , and allows you to create your own controls and components for YouTube movies. In addition to jQuery, it also requires SWFObject for cross browser support.
24). jQuery UI video widget
The jQuery UI Video widget enhances your HTML5.


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Manchin says gun deal close
Sen. Joe Manchin says he is on the verge of a bipartisan deal to expand background checks for gun sales, an agreement that could lead to the biggest change in U.S. gun laws in nearly 20 years.
Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat, has been meeting with conservative GOP Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania over the past week to try to forge a deal on background checks.
Story Continued Below
Following a briefing with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Manchin told reporters the two sides were very close to an agreement.
"We're getting there. We're really getting there," Manchin said. "Tomorrow we hope to be at the point where we can finalize everything."
( Also on POLITICO: Obama: Gun control filibuster 'not right')
Signaling that they had reached consensus, Manchin and Toomey announced Tuesday night they would be holding a joint press conference on expanded background checks on Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who is also closely involved in the issue, said the two sides were on the verge of an important breakthrough, one that would allow Senate action on an hugely controversial topic. "We're not there yet, but we're closer than we've ever been."
A spokesman for Toomey's office said the Pennsylvania senator and Manchin continue to work on final details but appear close to a deal.
The Manchin-Toomey bill would be offered as an amendment to an existing Democratic gun bill.
( PHOTOS: Politicians speak out on gun control)
Reid moved Tuesday night to start debate over a gun control package that is a wish list for gun control advocates. Reid filed a cloture motion that sets up a Thursday vote to end a GOP filibuster of the motion to proceed to that gun bill. In order to gather 60 votes, Reid and other senior Democrats believe they can hold on to their own nervous members from red states, while picking up 10 or so Republicans.
The bigger problem for Reid then becomes what can actually pass the Senate. Beginning debate is far from passing a bill, and without the political cover from a Manchin-Toomey agreement, there is no guarantee that Reid could get the 60 votes he would need for a final vote on any legislation.
"We're going to vote Thursday," Reid confirmed on Tuesday afternoon. "I'm going to file cloture on the bill tonight. It would be a real slap in the face to the American people not to do something on background checks, on school safety, on illegal trafficking, which everybody thinks is a good idea."
( Also on POLITICO: Reid cites father's suicide in gun debate)
Meanwhile, President Barack Obama has ratcheted up the pressure on lawmakers to pass a bill, haranguing Republicans on Monday in Connecticut for threatening a filibuster. Obama planned to spend part of Tuesday afternoon calling both Democratic and Republican senators to push them on his gun control agenda, a White House official said.


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Meet Toyiah Marquis
TDR Brands International spotlights Power Moms who show inner strength and courage, while simultaneously loving and nurturing family, during the pursuit of their dreams.
LaToya "Toyiah Marquis" White, was a singer in the nationally recognized R&B singing group Che. A group that traveled throughout the US with many reputable artists such as The Chi-lites, The Emotions, The Stylistics, CeCe Peninston, Twista, Public Announcement and many more acts in their 14 year history of being in the music industry. Additionally, LaToya "Toyiah Marquis" White is a SAG accredited actress with credits ranging from TV to film, best known for her role in the motion picture "Barbershop" where she played "Samir's Wife." Also a published co-author of two highly-acclaimed children's books "Not Fat because I Wanna Be," & "Stand Up! Bully Busters....Coming to Town" which she wrote with her then 6-year-old daughter, award-winning author, LaNiyah Bailey. She is also responsible for the development and success of RCA Records recording artist Jawan Harris; whom she managed from the age of 5 to 12 years old alongside multi-platinum, super-producer "Kaygee" from the legendary hip-hop group "Naughty By Nature."
Currently, LaToya "Toyiah Marquis" White is the Executive Director of The G.L.A.R.E (Girls Loving And Respecting Everyone) Club which is a not-for-profit organization which mentors teen girls throughout the Chicagoland area and co-owner of Custom Bling N Things which is a custom t-shirt business. LaToya is also chairman & co-founder of So She Cosmetics, Inc and Crown Kandy Hats.
Known to many as an "Entrepreneurial Hustler" LaToya "Toyiah Marquis" White, has many notches in her belt which range from experience in Artist Management, Writing, Import/Export, Cosmetics, Retail, Marketing and Publishing.
Latoya has two children, ages 10 and 2. Her favorite way to pause is to spend time alone and envision herself traveling through a journey for peace. "My goals are to be successful in anything I touch. I want to create a legacy for my daughters. I want to have enough power to help people deal with their struggles, help empower them and create self -confidence to help people achieve their dreams and goals in life. I want to make a difference in the world", exclaims LaToya when asked.
Tune in July 14, 2015 at noon for a live interview with Toyiah and TDR-.
Dial In Number: 770-744-1657
Connect with Toyiah:
Instagram: MsEntrepreneurialHustla
Twitter: ToyiahMarquis
Facebook: MsMillionaire
LinkedIn: Toyiah Marquis


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Churches will no longer be able to use public schools to hold worship services in New York City. The decision, which goes into effect on Feb. 12, has led to outcry and protests among congregants and their supporters. On Thursday, 43 individuals, comprised of both pastors and champions for religious liberty, were arrested while taking a stand against the ban outside of a public school in the Bronx.
About 200 people had congregated outside of Morris High School, the location where Mayor Michael Bloomberg was delivering his "State of the City" address. The protesters sang, cheered, gave speeches and prayed that the decision to keep them out of the public school system would be reversed. When they didn't leave following police officers' requests, a portion of the group was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.
These arrests come following another protest last week -- this time over allegations that the city's Housing Authority was also attempting to remove churches from public space. During the incident, New York City councilman Fernando Cabrera (also a pastor) and supporters were among seven arrested and charged with criminal trespassing; the group was singing hymns outside of the New York City law department.
The Associated Baptist Press has more about this earlier protest:
The protest was prompted by reports that New York City Housing Authority officials notified several religious groups, mostly churches, over the Christmas holidays they could no longer rent community rooms and other facilities.
Jane Gordon, senior counsel for the New York City Law Department said the housing authority has been reviewing policies regarding all users of its facilities -- not just religious groups -- for more than a year and its policies have nothing to do with the education department policies.
Pastor Dimas Salaberrios, who was arrested and whose church has been fighting to keep its space at the Bronx River Community Center, claims that there's a sinister plan in the works.
"New York City Law Department is working on getting rid of churches from community centers. Now they're targeting us," he told the Christian post.
But city authorities claim that they aren't discriminating and that other groups operating in the same space as Salaberrios' church are facing similar regulations.
In December, we reported that the U.S. Supreme Court had refused to hear a case surrounding the city's ban on public school usage by churches. In a game of judicial volleyball, a federal appeals court upheld the policy in June, reversing the previous stance of a district judge. The high court's refusal to hear the case, thus, upholds the June ruling.
The legal battle between the Bronx Household of Faith, an evangelical Christian church, and the city has been raging for years:
While the city is purportedly seeking to ban religious use of public school buildings on weekends and during times when the buildings are unused, there are certainly some downsides, outside of religious liberty, to their actions. Aside from the fact that children aren't using the buildings at this time (i.e. indoctrination isn't a concern), several million dollars in estimated rent will no longer flow into the city's coffers -- and at a time when cuts to public programs are consistently on the table.
Also, community churches help ease some of the constraints present in communities. From gangs to assistance to the poor, it's often beneficial to have churches present in high-needs communities. By forcing the churches to leave public property, there's no guarantee some of the help that they were once offering these areas will still be available following their exit.
WORLD on Campus reports that 150 congregations will need to move their meeting spaces when the public school ban goes into effect next month. Cabrera is said to be working with Bronx Assemblyman Nelson Castro to come up with a state legislation that would void the city's public school ban.
Castro, according to WORLD, has introduced Bill A08800, which would allow "the use of school buildings and school sites for religious meetings and worship when not in use for school purposes or when such service or worship is deemed not disruptive of normal school operations."


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This month marks the 12-year anniversary of Maui Cultural Lands (MCL), a nonprofit group that leads weekly volunteer trips to Honokowai Valley and other project sites in West Maui in an effort to preserve and restore Hawaiian cultural resources.
To celebrate MCL, the areas it protects and the spirit of volunteerism on which the organization is based, join them on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Honokowai Valley.
Lahaina News writer Louise Rockett has been going into the valley off and on for at least a dozen years, starting in the day when Uncle Ed Lindsey and Rene Silva led the corps of volunteers.
"I watched Ekolu Lindsey take over the reins of leadership from Uncle Ed after he passed, and he didn't skip a beat," she said.
"The Lindsey family, Maui Cultural Lands, has a uncanny sense of kuleana and a powerful vision. Their willingness to share goes beyond asking others for help in their journey to restore the valley - it appears to be part of their genetic makeup."
Joining the Lindseys on weekly service trips to Honokowai Valley are volunteers of every persuasion: young and old, malihini and kama'aina.
It's a grassroots way to immerse yourself in the native culture.
"The expedition is like no other... walking along the winding path to the valley floor, imagining how it looked when it was the breadbasket of the island, seeing the rock walls that have been standing for over 800 years, is to experience the miracle and the legacy of Maui Cultural Lands and the Lindsey 'Ohana," Rockett commented.
Go along on Saturday and see for yourself. The group will meet at the Pu'ukoli'i Sugar Cane Train Station parking lot at 9 a.m. Expect to plant native seedlings, weed non-native plants and dig a hole or two. A complimentary picnic lunch will be provided by No Ka Oi Deli, so no need to pack a lunch; bring a hat and gloves, though.
For more information, or to sign up, e-mail email@example.com or call (808) 587-7741.
You may end up joining MCL's ranks of dedicated volunteers.
"It's like stepping into the past. When Aunty Puanani chants, the spirits from the valley rise up to join and welcome her, and maybe Uncle Ed is one of those spirits. It's a feeling like no other - chicken skin for sure," Rockett concluded.


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Diet, exercise key for improving heart health
New York: The American Heart Association wants to improve the heart health of all Americans by 20 percent by 2020. To meet that goal, treating unhealthy habits will be just as important as treating high blood pressure and cholesterol, it said.
Those habits include having a poor-quality diet, eating too much, not exercising enough and smoking, according to a position statement published in Circulation. Researchers said few U.S. adults are in good heart health based on a measure that considers seven factors: diet, exercise, smoking, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, mandates insurance companies cover intensive behavioral treatment for unhealthy habits without co-pays.
But it will take more than that to significantly improve Americans' heart health, according to the AHA. "We call on practitioners to encourage patients toward healthy lifestyle change, while recognizing that many systems changes needed to facilitate provision of such counseling are not under the clinician's control," the recommendation states.
"Consequently, we also call on the healthcare system, insurance companies, employers, and educational institutions to institute policies that align to help shift all sectors of the population toward a healthier lifestyle."
Tackling unhealthy habits will need to be a team effort. That means insurance reimbursement policies should be improved so registered dieticians, psychologists and others can become part of the primary care team, according to the AHA.
That team could then link patients to community diet and exercise resources and sort through new health apps and other technologies to see which might be helpful. From a policy angle, the AHA says doctors will need simple ways to measure diet and exercise and should be paid for helping patients meet their goals.
Those aims "are feasible in the long term, if there is a collective medical will to do them," according to Dr. Aaron Folsom. He studies heart disease and community health at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
"Much has been achieved already," Folsom told Reuters Health.
But diet and exercise are still tough for people to change, despite all the research showing the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Richard L. Brown, director of the Wisconsin Initiative to Promote Healthy Lifestyles in Madison, said.
"We need more research on how better to help patients modify these behaviors," he told Reuters Health. Both Brown and Folsom were not involved in the new policy statement.
Brown agreed with the AHA statement overall, but said he would count alcohol as an additional heart health risk to consider. "Many studies have found that moderate drinking can reduce the risk of heart disease, while more than moderate drinking raises the risk," he said.
"Similarly, the literature is clear that risky and problem drinking are more amenable to measurement and change than diet and physical activity." He also said expanding healthcare teams to include dieticians and psychologists could fragment care and wouldn't be feasible for most primary care practices.
What are needed instead, Brown said, are people like health educators or health coaches trained to promote healthier behaviors.