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Next story: Arbitrage
Clarinet Rarities
by Jan Jezioro
BPO principal clarinetist John Fullam thinks the time is ripe for Reger
The Friends of Vienna launch their 37th season of Sunday afternoon concerts this Sunday, September 16 at 3:30pm, at their home in the Unity Church (1243 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo) with a recital featuring BPO principal clarinetist John Fullam, along with UB-based pianist Nancy Townsend and the rising young soprano Emily Helenbrook, now studying at the Eastman School and the University of Rochester.
Fullam enjoys exploring the wide range of both orchestral music and chamber music composed for his instrument, whether with the BPO, the Amberg Quartet, or, as in the case of his upcoming concert on the Friends of Vienna series, with freelance artists like Townsend and Helenbrook. One thing that Fullam is certain of is that the time has come for a reassessment of the music of the German composer Max Reger (1878-1916). This past June, after performing the Clarinet Quintet in A major, Op. 146, the last work that Reger composed before his death by heart attack at the age of 43, for the first time ever at the Roycroft Chamber Music Festival, Fullam decided that he would like to perform all seven of the chamber music pieces that Reger composed for clarinet.
Reger had a reputation both as an excellent pianist and especially as an organist, and his huge output of chamber music compositions combine both baroque structural elements, derived from his close study of the works of Bach, and other elements reflecting the opulent harmonies of late Romantic chromaticism. "Reger had a gift for melody on the level of Hugo Wolf or Richard Strauss," says Fullam. "He had a gift for expanding harmonic voicing that might be compared to that of the Danish composer Carl Nielsen, and when his poignant dissonances are combined with a concise classicism, as is the case in much of his chamber music, the result are works, that if not masterpieces, are absolutely charming. When Reger tried to write for larger combinations of instruments, such as symphonic orchestras, his works became more problematical, and he was sometimes savaged by the critics, though no less a figure than Arnold Schoenberg declared Reger to be the greatest composer since Brahms."
Fullam and pianist Townsend will open the program with two of the three miniature pieces for clarinet by Reger, the wistfully lyrical Albumblatt, a work of simple beauty, and the lively Tarantella, before performing the composer's Sonata No. 1 in Ab, op. 49. "Reger was inspired to write his sonatas for clarinet and piano by the Brahms' two Op. 120 clarinet sonatas", says Fullam. "This will be the first time that I am performing Reger's sonata in public, and although it is clearly inspired by the Brahms's sound, it is by no means a carbon copy, but rather, with its intense chromaticism, the kind of work that Brahms might have written if he lived twenty years longer."
Fullam will also be performing Alban Berg's enigmatic set of miniatures, Four Pieces, op. 5 for Clarinet and Piano, for the first time, and he credits Townsend with helping him to get inside the spirit of these sometimes enigmatic works. According to one musicologist, the very brief yet complex pieces "undergo constant changes in tempi, dynamics, and articulation following Berg's intricate instructions (which sometimes change from beat to beat)."
English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams composed only two complete works in 1958, the year of his death, once of which was the Three Vocalises for Soprano and Bb Clarinet. Vaughan Williams had previously made effective use of a wordless soprano voice in the final movement of his Symphony No. 3, published in 1921 as The Pastoral Symphony, and he uses the same device hauntingly in the three, brief Vocalises, in which the clarinet serves mainly in the role of an accompanist to the soprano soloist. The melodically appealing first piece has an ethereal quality, with its legato flow imparting an aura of timelessness, contrasted by the very short, slightly off-kilter scherzo second piece, while in the varied music of the final piece, the playful clarinet writing eventually coaxes the soprano voice towards a cheerful conclusion.
Schubert composed his beloved Shepherd on the Rock, D.965 (Der Hirt auf dem Felsen) in 1828, the last year of his all too short life, and it is probably the best-known work ever written for the combination of soprano, clarinet and piano. Believed to have been composed for Anna Milder-Hauptmann, a then well-known operatic soprano, the close interweaving of the vocal line with the solo clarinet and piano creates an organic texture which allows the meltingly lovely piece to be treated either as a chamber work or as an operatic aria.
Tickets are $10, $6 for students. For more information, visit www.friendsofvienna.org.
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As a man who embraces his feminine side at all times, I am partial to a bit of interior design. I don't much enjoy shopping for clothes, or food, but I am happy to while away many hours in the Conran Shop looking at cushions. I also like glossy magazines which cover the subject of dried flowers.
Many people are baffled by the sheer range of colours available from paint companies such as Farrow & Ball. But not me. I like a tester tin, and can spend many joy-filled weeks finding just the right shade of cornflower blue for a tricky little bit of wall in the hall.
Many years ago, Will Young came on TopGear, and we talked at length about the problem of finding the right sort of slate for a small London garden. Having discovered we shared an interest in stuff like this, we said we should do a design programme together, and many thought we were joking. I wasn't, though. I'd love to be Carol Smillie, and Will could be that other woman who advertises sofas.
Anyway, here's the thing. There are literally crores of ways you can decorate your house. You can be like James and team comfy old armchairs in gnarled brown leather with beige carpets, beige walls and a brown piano. Or you can be like Hammond and have lots of button-backed velour.
You can change the look and feel of a room with the addition of one striking painting, or one vase. Or, in Hammond's case, with a huge US flag and a Fifties American jukebox. You can have any colour you want and any fabric. You can have stone, or slate or marble. And when it comes to wood, you can choose from mahogany, oak and teak. I dream of leather flooring and furniture made from holly. Big windows and some bright cushions to give sparkle. But I also like higgledy-piggledy book cases and old desks piled high with stuff.
And you can have it all. There are hundreds of shops, hundreds of alternatives, hundreds of ways you can stamp your personality on each and every corner of your house.
Sadly, however, none of this is possible in your car. You can have grey leather with black plastic or black leather with grey plastic. Some carmakers now do brown leather. This is thought to be very adventurous. But, in the big scheme of things, it's about as adventurous as popping to your local corner shop for some milk.
I have much wider horizons, which is why my big old Mercedes Grosser is currently in a small Surrey workshop being retrimmed.
I haven't driven the big old bruiser for a long time, partly because it's big, and partly because it's old and I have the sort of job where I need to arrive on time... and not in the back of an AA truck. Mostly, though, I haven't driven it because, truth be told, it's a bit like driving around in James May's underpants. Everything's a bit baggy and dog-eared. The driver's seat has collapsed, the leather in the front doesn't match the leather in the back, there are one or two cigarette burns and the aftermarket centre console looks like something I might have made in the school carpentry shop.
I started out thinking that maybe I could just get the driver's seat repaired, but then I read in the Daily Mail that I was very well paid, so I thought: "Hang on. That means I could use the Grosser to combine my passion for interior design and cars."
I could have carbon-fibre racing bucket seats trimmed in orange leather. I could have cushions and the sort of shagpile carpet Richard likes so much. I could go bonkers.
The man at the retrimming shop did his very best to keep a straight face as I gesticulated wildly while explaining my big ideas. But I could tell he was hurting.
It transpires there's a problem. In the cosy, cliquey world of classic-car restoration, quality is important. All of the well-known players compete to do a better job than the next guy. But, more important than craftsmanship, is authenticity. Orange buckets in a '69 Grosser? It's a no-no.
Why? I live in a Georgian house, but that doesn't mean I have to live like a Georgian, burning servants to stay warm and being racist. James May lives in a terraced house in a working-class district of London, but that doesn't mean he must have a tin bath by the fire. And Hammond lives in a castle, but he doesn't clomp around in armour. As far as I know.
Obviously, you could get someone to put orange Corbeaus in an old Merc, but, to find such a bod, you'd probably have to go to Saudi Arabia. Or Wilmslow. And I couldn't be bothered.
So we agreed to use the original fixtures and fittings and go for a retrim. And, again, there was a problem. Because the tan leather I liked was from a Bentley catalogue. And the bottle-green carpets I liked were from Aston Martin. This is also a no-no.
The only options from Mercedes would have transformed my interior from looking like some of James May's old underpants into looking like some of James May's new underpants. And I didn't want to spend any time in a pair of those, either, so I put my foot down. And we're going with a non-original-equipment spec. We're going to blend the best of Bentley with the best of Aston, and I really can't see what's wrong with that.
Certainly, if someone does come up to me on the street and point out, adenoidally, that the leather is the wrong colour for a 1969 Mercedes, I shall hurry away as quickly as possible. Because people like that tend to have bad body odour.
No. I shall end up with a green car that has green carpets and tan leather seats. It will look and smell superb, and I shall be very proud.
The only real problem is the radio. All of the modern options are designed for young men in small Renaults. They are very fiddly and offer you a range of facilities that make no sense at all. Which is why I've selected a unit that looks like an old Radiomobile - five big buttons - but, behind the scenes, it's mostly an amp for my iPod.
The quote for all this? You don't want to know. But having consulted the Mail's trusty online web service, it seems I can pay.
The only trouble is that there should be cheaper options. DFS should get in on this, with summer sales and zero per cent finance. Peter Jones should do a range of carpets for your car at a price that won't be beaten. And the out-of-town superstore should be selling zebra-skin steering wheels. For a tenner.
Many of us spend more time in our cars than we do in our houses. And the Philip Greens of this world haven't noticed the possibilities. You have now, though... so get off your backside and get cracking.

subset: commoncrawl


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GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) – On Wednesday the Carolina Panthers announced their charities program is set to donate $250,000 to aid high school athletic programs in North and South Carolina that have been impacted by Hurricane Matthew and the storm's aftermath.
High schools can apply for up to $20,000 in grant funding and applications must be submitted by November 11 to be considered.
"The Carolina Panthers hope this grant funding will enable schools, and the communities they serve, to return to a sense of normalcy by helping meet the important basic needs of high school athletic programs," said Riley Fields, Panthers director of community relations.
Eastern North Carolina was especially hit hard as dozens of schools have already postponed Friday's games due to damage that has come and is expected to amount as a result of Hurricane Matthew.
To read the grant qualifications and to apply, visit here.


text: On Thu, Jul 24, 2008 at 03:21:04PM -0700, Matt Thomas wrote: > > I've been talking to Chris Gilbert for a while about eliminating nested > interrupts in one or more of the ARM ports. > > Ignoring IPL_SOFT* IPLs for the moment, ARM currently has > IPL_NONE < IPL_VM < IPL_SCHED < IPL_HIGH > > Since IPL_SCHED == IPL_CLOCK, once IPL_SCHED is reached you block > clock interrupts. Since clock interrupts are the highest priority > interrupts, you have basically blocked all interrupts. So there > is little difference between IPL_HIGH and IPL_SCHED. > > So why have both? Can I just make IPL_HIGH == IPL_SCHED? > > This means I have three IPL value, IPL_NONE, IPL_VM, IPL_HIGH. > > And now I can directly map those to the ARM CPSR bits IF32_bits > (IRQ, FIQ) as 00, 10, 11 so I can make IPL_NONE=0, IPL_VM=2, and > IPL_HIGH=3 and have no reason to store a s/w copy of the IPL since > the CPU status word will contain an encoding of it. Yes, please! I think this would be a very good thing, given how ugly and pervasive the code to handle global-IRQ-disable is and the subtle differences in platform code that handles the details of setting up the interrupt state so we can do nested interrupts. The only thing I can think of that could be a wrinkle here is whether this would get us low enough latency to deal with high-speed serial interrupts -- esp. for e.g. UART-connected BlueTooth interfaces. --rafal -- Time is an illusion; lunchtime, doubly so. |/\/\| Rafal Boni -- Ford Prefect |\/\/| rafal%pobox.com@localhost


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Settlement in works with Bad Axe hotel
Published 7:00 pm, Monday, February 5, 2007
HURON COUNTY Officials say a settlement is in the works with the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites facility in regards to a lawsuit the county launched last year to collect more than $100,000 previously loaned to the company.
Basically what the agreement is, is they have agreed to pay the (balance) off in 30 months, said Stephen J. Allen, Huron County chief assistant prosecuting attorney and county corporation counsel.
Officials said the county was suing the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites facility not in efforts to shut the business down, but rather to collect more than $100,000 previously loaned to the company.
The Bad Axe Hotel LLC which owns the Holiday Inn Express, located at 55 Rapson Lane West in Bad Axe and Huron County, through the Economic Development Corp.
(EDC), entered an agreement Aug. 4, 1998 where the Bad Axe Hotel LLC received a $115,000 loan from the EDC revolving loan fund, according to court documents. The revolving loan fund, which Allen said consists of a combination of state and federal monies, is there for the purpose of providing working capital to new businesses.
Before construction of the hotel was completed, a fire damaged the structure being built. Because of the fire, the Bad Axe Hotel LLC got a second mortgage with Sky Bank to keep the project going.
"At that same time, the EDC agreed with the people involved with that Holiday Inn venture just to pick up where they, the Holiday Inn, left off when the building caught on fire with respect to the debt," Allen told the Huron Daily Tribune in a Dec. 5 article. "That's when I prepared the mortgage and promissory note which is now at issue."
That promissory note with the county matured March 15, 2005 with a balloon balance at that time of $106,842, according to court documents.
The terms of the promissory note required payments to commence June 15, 2001 in the amount of $810.98 each month continuing until March 15, 2005 at which time the balloon payment of $106,842 was required to satisfy the note in full.
The company's March 15, 2005 date to pay the balloon payment was extended until September 2005. But it continued to make only the monthly payments and would not pay the $106,842 balloon payment when the time came to pay, Allen said.
He said the EDC board asked him to take action against the company after the board's January 2006 meeting.
"So I sent a letter and then we entered some sort of dialogue 'we' meaning me and a representative of the people who owed the loan and it was expected that it would be paid up some time in the spring of this year (2006)," Allen said. "And then it just dragged on. I sent a couple of other letters and then finally I just went ahead with the lawsuit for the purpose of collecting on the balance."
If the settlement goes through which Allen expects it will the company will pay $3,780 a month for 30 months.
By agreeing to pay this over a 30-month period, it will be paid in full … June 2009, he said. And the interest rate remains at 6.8 percent, which in this day and age, is not a bad investment.


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Be Careful: Spring Means Conditions Are Ripe For WildfiresLonger days, rising temperatures and lower humidity all dry out leaves and dead grass from last year, while winds fan the flames if they spark.
Healthy, Delicious And Surprisingly Satisfying Salad RecipesThink beyond boring with these recipes for Waldorf, potato, Caesar and more. Homemade croutons included.
3 Science Experiments To Try Outdoors With Kids This SummerThe weather is warmer and that means kids are gearing up to get outside and release some pent-up winter energy. These three outdoor science experiments offer curious young scientists a messy, fun learning experience.
Ask An Expert: Hottest Trends In Detroit This SpringCheck out what's hot and what's not this spring in the fashion world.
12 Months Of Madaus: Weather Recap 2014CBS 62 Chief Meteorologist Jim Madaus takes a look at the weather for 2014 here in the Metro Detroit area, from all the snow last winter to the refreshing summer days to the end of the year.
5 Easy Ways To Turn Your Backyard Into A Party Worthy SpaceLet your creativity soar with some fun ideas for your next backyard barbecue. Here are five easy crafts that will make the most of any backyard party.
Kick Off Golf Season With E.S.P.'s Spring Golf GuideThe arrival of golf season allows us once again to hit the links with some friends, get some exercise and take in the sunshine. To help get things started, E.S.P. presents their spring golf guide.
Metro Detroit Breaks Record For Snowiest Winter EverIt's hard to believe but after temperatures in the 70s on Tuesday, metro Detroit is waking up to a fresh coating of snow.
The E.S.P. Spring Fashion Guide For GuysIt may still feel cold enough outside to lose a few of your non-essential extremities to frostbite, but spring fashion waits for no one.
Think Spring! Milder Temperatures On The Way To Metro DetroitAfter a record-breaking winter, forecasters say things will be getting back to normal weather-wise.
Spring Has Sprung! But Will The Weather Show It?Spring began, in metro Detroit, with high hopes, snow flurries and temps in the 20s.
It's Michigan! Roll With The Weather Punches Advises Greenhouse OwnerAt one local nursery the greenhouses are packed with thousands of budding plants, even though it will be weeks before plants can go into the ground.


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2014 NBA Draft: Easy-to-View Table for Results, Grades and AnalysisJune 29, 2014
The 2014 NBA draft has been hyped up for years, and it will take even longer to truly know the impact that this class has had and decide whether that hype was justified.
Many of the best players in this class—Andrew Wiggins, Joel Embiid and Dante Exum, to name only a few—are at least a few years away from fully reaching their potential. While players like Jabari Parker prove to be more of an impact right off the bat, that's not what the draft is about for some teams that aim to stockpile assets and elite, available young talent for the future.
But there were still a few teams that swung and missed when it came to early selections.
Let's break down grades and analyze each team's draft, then highlight a few notable drafts.
|2014 NBA Draft: Results, Grades, Analysis
|Boston Celtics
|Marcus Smart (6), James Young (17)
|Two young, impact perimeter players. Celtics now have weapons
|Brooklyn Nets
|Markel Brown (44), Xavier Thames (59), Corey Jefferson (60)
|Decent value with late picks
|New York Knicks
|Cleanthony Early (34), Thanasis Antetokounmpo (51), Louis Labeyrie (57)
|Knicks turn no picks into great haul. Early sure 1st-round talent
|Philadelphia 76ers
|Joel Embiid (3), Dario Saric (12), K.J. McDaniels (32), Jerami Grant (39), Vasilije Micic (52), Jordan McRae (58)
|More building for the future, but 76ers could be scary-good in 2016-17
|Toronto Raptors
|Bruno Caboclo (20), DeAndre Daniels (37)
|Caboclo pick worst of the draft
|Chicago Bulls
|Doug McDermott (11), Cameron Bairstow (49)
|Trade-up resulted in perfect fit
|Cleveland Cavaliers
|Andrew Wiggins (1), Joe Harris (33)
|Best player in the draft taken No. 1
|Detroit Pistons
|Spencer Dinwiddie (38)
|Injured, but potentially 1st-round talent
|Milwaukee Bucks
|Jabari Parker (2), Damien Inglis (31), Johnny O'Bryant III (36)
|Parker will average 16-8 from as a rookie, two good 2nd-rounders
|Atlanta Hawks
|Adreian Payne (15), Walter Tavares (43), Lamar Patterson (48)
|Payne is ready now and provides much-needed depth
|Charlotte Hornets
|Noah Vonleh (9), P.J. Hairston (26), Dwight Powell (45), Semaj Christon (55)
|Great value on Vonleh. Hairston arguably draft's biggest sleeper
|Miami Heat
|Shabazz Napier (24)
|They wanted one guy, and they got him. You're welcome, LeBron
|Orlando Magic
|Aaron Gordon (4), Elfrid Payton (10), Roy Devyn Marble (56)
|Gordon fits the system, but why pass on Exum? Payton pick a face-saver
|Los Angeles Clippers
|C.J. Wilcox (28)
|Bit of a reach, but Wilcox is experienced
|Los Angeles Lakers
|Julius Randle (7), Jordan Clarkson (46)
|No. 7 pick wasn't so bad after all. Lakers nab future star
|Phoenix Suns
|T.J. Warren (14), Tyler Ennis (18), Bogan Bogdanovic (27), Alec Brown (50)
|Two dangerous bench options right away for playoff contender
|Sacramento Kings
|Nik Stauskas (8)
|Vonleh was available. This one could come back to bite them
|Houston Rockets
|Clint Capela (25), Nick Johnson (42)
|Kept cap room open, nabbed high-ceiling Swiss youngster
|Memphis Grizzlies
|Jordan Adams (22), Jarnell Stokes (35)
|Stokes will be an impact rebounder right away, Adams bit of a reach
|New Orleans Pelicans
|Russ Smith (47)
|Smith decent value late in the draft
|San Antonio Spurs
|Kyle Anderson (30), Nemanja Dangubic (54)
|Anderson fits the Spurs mold perfectly
|Denver Nuggets
|Jusuf Nurkic (16), Gary Harris (19), Nikola Jokic (41)
|Nurkic one of draft's best big men, Harris steal of the year
|Minnesota Timberwolves
|Zach LaVine (13), Glenn Robinson III (40), Alessandro Gentile (53)
|First two picks are athletic freaks
|Oklahoma City Thunder
|Mitch McGary (21), Josh Huestis (29)
|Both picks were reaches, but hard to doubt Thunder's drafting by now
|Utah Jazz
|Dante Exum (5), Rodney Hood (23)
|Exum great value at 5, Hood even better at 23
|Steven Cook's grades and analysis/results via NBA.com
Notable Drafts
Cleveland Cavaliers
It's funny how the NBA draft started out just like its NFL counterpart. The No. 1 overall selection was dangled like meat in front of teams, name after name emerged as a possibility—then, the player initially assumed to go first went to the team drafting first.
Just like Jadeveon Clowney did with the Texans and Roger Goodell, Andrew Wiggins strolled out onto the Barclays Center stage, shook Adam Silver's hand and put on the Cleveland Cavaliers cap.
There are plenty on both sides of the Wiggins vs. Jabari Parker argument, but it's hard to argue that the Cavaliers messed this one up. The Kansas one-and-done hasn't been the most hyped basketball youngster since LeBron James for no reason—he's already a dominant defender, has elite physical tools and the crazy part is, he's come nowhere close to reaching his potential.
Plus, perhaps most important of all, he's saying all the right things, per Fox Sports Ohio's Sam Amico:
Drafting Parker would have proposed a bit of a problem if James did decide to take his talents back to Cleveland, as they play almost an identical position. Wiggins can assume his spot on the perimeter, play lockdown defense and attack the basket on the break—what could LeBron not like about that?
Of course, the King returning to Cleveland is still considered unlikely, with Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reporting that James' priority is to remain in Miami. But if and when James decides to let the Cavs fans down again, they'll be in good hands with Wiggins and Kyrie Irving.
Toronto Raptors
Through two-thirds of the draft's first round, there had been a few lottery-caliber players that fell a few picks but no true shocker.
That changed with the 20th pick, which the Toronto Raptors used to select Bruno Caboclo.
Caboclo was hardly even on the radar for draft experts, with ESPN draft analysts flipping vigorously through their notes to find any trace of information on the Brazil native.
As it turns out, he's quite unknown for a reason, as ESPN's Fran Fraschilla bluntly pointed out, per Bleacher Report:
The humor of the moment had Charlotte Observer's Jonathan Jones poking fun at the situation with a zinger toward the 76ers, who continue to build for the future:
It really is a head-scratcher as to why Toronto made the pick. The Raptors obviously had this international player high on their board, but after making the playoffs and taking the Nets to seven games, you'd think a more immediate impact would be coveted.
Who knows? Maybe Caboclo is two years away from being a dominant player. He's incredibly athletic and has the rim game to succeed as long as he makes serious strides.
But at the moment, it looks like the Raptors made the gaffe of the 2014 draft.
Follow Steven on Twitter.


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By Cliff Rold
Lineal World Welterweight Champion Floyd Mayweather (41-0, 25 KO) still can't count.
How else to take a statement released in the wake of his announced September return against WBC Welterweight titlist Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KO)? The statement read that Mayweather commended Ortiz "for accepting the fight, but on September 17, Ortiz is just going to be another casualty, the 42nd one who tried and failed. Trust me, I will be ready."
Mayweather and his team have made similar statements in the past. Indeed, Mayweather has 41 wins and, should he win in September, Ortiz will be the 42nd victory. However, in those initial 41, he picked up two wins over Jose Luis Castillo. Considering how much trouble Castillo gave him, it makes sense he'd count him twice but he is still only one man.
And, yeah…
…that's about it.
That's all there is to criticize in regards to one Floyd Mayweather today.
After a year off and change from the ring, and rumors about all sorts of laughable potential foes from Matthew Hatton to Paul Spadafora swirling throughout, Mayweather's return comes against the sort of fighter most assumed the 34-year old Floyd wouldn't face.
Heavier handed, with explosiveness.
Mayweather will be favored. Mayweather will probably win. That's not a negative. He's Floyd. That's what he does. It's what he's expected to do against almost anyone.
What matters here is the choice.
Mayweather has reached a stage in his career few ever do. He can pick his spots, just like Ray Leonard and Oscar De La Hoya before him, just like contemporary and rival Manny Pacquiao can in parallel. With that stage comes a certain responsibility. Increased activity is requested. Real fights are required.
Ray Leonard proved the inactivity can be overcome. De La Hoya, as he aged, sort of did the same. Mayweather didn't advance to mega-stardom until a much later stage of his career than those men so he never quite had the mid-20s run they did. That he takes inordinate breaks between fights since besting Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton in 2007 (including a phony retirement) is unfortunate.
However, in his last two fights, he's met the burden of the real fights.
Mayweather competes at Welterweight. The best fight at Welterweight for Mayweather is Manny Pacquiao. That it happens to be the biggest fight in the solar system is worth noting.
That fight has, of course, not yet materialized. Some of the blame goes to Mayweather. Some goes to Pacquiao, no matter how much that has been lost in the ether (or should we all forget that the negotiations in the first part of 2010 reportedly fell apart over a reasonable 14-day Olympic style drug testing cutoff that, allegedly, Mayweather agreed to and Team Pacquiao walked away from).
In the absence of Pacquiao and vice versa, the most that can be asked of either man is to fight the perceived next best available man at 147 lbs. For years, Mayweather failed tests like this. His run from 2003-05, including a ridiculous mismatch against Henry Bruseles, got him labeled as more manager than manimal. Fighting Zab Judah and Carlos Baldomir in the wrong order in 2006 didn't help.
Times change. For his second fight in a row, Floyd Mayweather is facing who he should be in the absence of the fight we can't have right now. It can be argued that Pacquiao has yet to meet that obligation since making Welterweight his permanent home.
Following his victory over Ricky Hatton for the lineal Jr. Welterweight crown in 2009, Pacquiao looked for a crown in the Welterweight class. Hot off of his defeat of Antonio Margarito in January of the year, "Sugar" Shane Mosley was seen by almost all as the top dog at 147 lbs.
Miguel Cotto, who had narrowly defeated Mosley in 2007, was not too far behind Mosley then in perception, but was showing some wear from a vicious stoppage loss to Margarito in 2008 and a debatable, bloody decision win over Joshua Clottey. Mosley pleaded his case, seemingly ready to acquiesce to multiple quoted catchweight demands suggested by Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach. There was never a serious impression Mosley had a chance.
Partly due to promotional differences with Mosley, and a shared promoter with the alternative, Cotto got the call.
Around the same time Pacquiao-Cotto was coming to fruition, so too was Mayweaather's ring return against reigning Lightweight Champion Juan Manuel Marquez. Mayweather won in a rout, blowing off an agreed upon catchweight and reigniting the ire he instills in many a fight fan. A couple months later, Pacquiao drubbed Cotto and the path seemed cleared.
The negotiations of late 2010 and early 2011 muddied the hell out of the path. Lawsuits were filed. Allegations of cheating were made and, from Mayweather, remain. Pacquiao signed to fight Clottey, a decent pick. Mosley, who was scheduled to fight Andre Berto in early 2011, became available when the ethnic Haitian Berto withdrew in the wake of the tragic Haitian earthquake.
And Mayweather chose Mosley straight away. Outside of a few anxious moments in round two, Mayweather beat Mosley and snared the right to reclaim the lineal throne he had preciously vacated.
Another long layoff ensued, this time with Mayweather largely painted as the culprit in the failure of a Pacquiao fight to take place. In the vacuum, did Pacquiao sign to fight young, undefeated tigers like Andre Berto or Jr. Welterweight Timothy Bradley?
He emulated his rival, going Money Pacquiao for fights with a hopeless Antonio Margarito and then a Mosley who, after the bad beating from Mayweather, looked worse drawing against Sergio Mora later in 2010. Margarito at least made for an entertaining night, and the event wasn't technically a Welterweight fight at all. Manny weighed in there. Margarito had to meet a catchweight for what was officially a Jr. Middleweight bout (complete with hollow alphabet belt neither had any business fighting for in a division neither had any credentials in).
The Mosley fight was a mediocrity, Mosley unable to pull the trigger and Manny too merciful, agreeing to all Mosley's handshake's and glove touches where Mayweather had responded to the same with jarring, impolite shots to the mush a year before.
Now Pacquiao has signed for a third fight with a by then 38-year old Marquez who will have been laid off a year. Marquez has never won a fight at Welterweight, even if he was a great rival to Pacquiao in a previous draw and narrow loss in 2004 and 2008 at 126 and 130 lbs. respectively.
Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, couches these opponent choices in language about what is promotable. Never mind that a great draw can make anyone promotable. De La Hoya once moved units with a ghostly Yori Boy Campas.
Pacquiao cashed in with the anonymous Clottey, selling mad seats at Cowboys Stadium to boot.
Mayweather's banking he can make Ortiz promotable.
Ortiz's last trip to the ring helps. Labeled a quitter after a war with Marcos Maidana in 2009, Ortiz slowly rebuilt and then gambled against the undefeated Berto in April of this year. His professional back to the wall, Ortiz and Berto traded knockdowns in a classic. Ortiz dug deep for the win, pushing past old demons and completing his rehabilitation. With the win, he emerged as a new, immediate factor at 147 lbs.
The Welterweight ratings, from ESPN to Ring to right here at this site all read the same way. Based on his win over Berto, Ortiz is the next best man to be found at Welterweight. Just as was case when Mosley became available in 2010, it is Mayweather who has stepped up to face the man in that position.
It cannot be lost.
Manny Pacquiao will have spent his 2011 campaign in the ring with a pair of men pushing forty that, combined, probably lost 23 of 24 rounds to Mayweather.
Mayweather just chose to stare across the ring at a 24-year old stud flush with the confidence of the biggest win of his life.
And, in the fall, only one of the world's two best Welterweights will be fighting another Welterweight.
Guess who?
Cliff Rold is a member of the Ring Magazine Ratings Advisory Panel, the Yahoo Pound for Pound voting panel, and the Boxing Writers Association of America. He can be reached at [email protected]


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MORTGAGE costs may have fallen in recent years but this has been of little help to first-time buyers who must stump up a large deposit before they will be considered by a mortgage lender.
Research shows first-time buyers who cannot raise a deposit from the 'Bank of Mum and Dad' are continuing to struggle to get on the property ladder.
According to the Council of Mortgage Lenders, only 36 percent of first-time buyers were able to buy their homes without any financial help from family and friends in the third quarter of 2011.
The average deposit required by someone buying a home without financial help is more than £26,000, double that needed in 2007, when 63 percent of first-time buyers bought without any assistance.
However, says housebuilder Bellway, this year first-time buyers have something to celebrate – namely the return of the 95 percent loan to value mortgage.
Announced by David Cameron and Nick Clegg late last year as part of the Government's National Housing Strategy and specifically designed for new home purchasers, the 95 percent mortgage will be on offer from all the leading lenders and is expected to be priced at a competitive rate and the process should be the same as qualifying for a normal mortgage.
Bellway is confident that the scheme will dramatically improve prospects for first time buyers.
"Low interest rates have made mortgages more affordable for first-time buyers who typically spend about 12.3 per cent of their income on mortgage interest payments," said, Maria Seed, sales director at Bellway Homes.
"However, this has been countered by soaring rents, the average rent in England and Wales is now around £720 a month which poses a significant challenge for first time buyers trying to save for a deposit. The introduction of the 95 percent loan to value mortgage is a real sea change for those people wanting their own home and adds to the appeal of a new home."
In preparation for the spring launch, Bellway is asking customers to register their interest on their website now at www.bellway.co.uk.


text:
SAW Xbox 360 Cheats
- Game: SAW
- Game Description: Saw is a horror game with third person perspective based on the hugely popular Saw film series. The movies have grossed nearly $700 million worldwide, with 28 million DVDs having been sold. The game has many of the mechanical traps as in the movie, along with some super scary new ones. Players will go against Jigsaw, navigating his world, attempting to avoid his horrible traps and escape, while also having to fight against Jigsaw's henchmen in gruesome combat, using weapons found in the play environment.
Easy Gamerscore cheat for SAW on Xbox 360
At the end of the game JigSaw says to pick 2 doors.
You should pick the Freedom Door and get the achievement, then you can simply load the last checkpoint and click the Truth Door and then get that achievement!
Game Name: SAW
Cheat Name: Easy Gamerscore
Submited by: jtee at ya on Tue, 25th May 2010 05:28 AM
- There are no other cheats for SAW yet - come back soon!


text:
Ask a Law Question, Get an Answer ASAP!
Hello Clare,
Thank you for your answer, however I am very disappointed.
how is it possible under the law that a solicitor can officially break the law for purpose changing words and facts in a court order, but if an individual proves this cheat with a recording, it turns out as custodial sentence and serious offence? That is absolutely unfair and gives officially freedom to solicitors to cheat under the law? I am sure no one would agree with this, and I am sure there is something what stops solicitors to do so.
What is it? I know it is weird to ask it from a solicitor, but who else could I ask?
I understand your answer, and I will apologise, what else can I do then? Seems to me nothing has changed since middle ages...Power, king, queen and justice kills individuals with no rights.
Anyway ...
I did not tell to anyone that I recorded the psychologist's visit.
But I complained that he has been hiding very important information and lying about a serious thing. Of course I could prove it.
I called the psychologist, and he refused to answer any of my questions.
He said that I need to discuss it with my son's solicitor.
Why my son's solicitor - the same - is acting on a psychologist's side? It is very ridiculous.
After nearly 6 years, and 30 hearings I am not going to ask further more hearings just to ask the psychologist to stand out. I can not sleep for months, I have got stomach ache 24/7 for months, and I want to leave the whole world, it is more then enough ruining out whole life.
Honestly I would just simple take a music player to the court, turn on the recording, and let them listen that 1 minute what the psychologist is hiding.
Once I would ask him for to stand out it would be refused, not dealt with as I experienced it many many times.
Thank you. Sad.
This is waht I have sent then to the court minutes ago:
Dear Madam,
I apologise for recording the hearing. I didn't realise that what I was doing was wrong.
My son's solicitor and the guardian informed me that it was not allowed. The mistake
what was in the 1st version of the order could happen in any human mistake, and the seriousness of
it was not that important at all. The weight and the pressure is so great in our case, and in that
moment I was surprised about that mistake. I apologise for accusing anybody for falsifcation of the
That is an excellent letter


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Glenn Rockowitz: The title of my book, Rodeo in Joliet, is based on this phenomenon [that cancer is like being sentenced to a prison term in Joliet, a former correctional center in Joliet, Illinois]. I think that every cancer survivor deals with a weird mix of fearlessness and a strange kind of ever-present ambient fear every day. It's the part that people don't see. It's wreckage that is hard to carry around every day.
Glenn Rockowitz: He is 11 now. Even saying that out loud is mind-blowing because I wasn't supposed to see him live past three months. That was my prognosis, "three months at best." My first day of chemo was the day he was born. I feel so blessed to have had all this time with him. I try to shield him from a lot of what I've had to go through because I want him to know the power of standing up and moving forward. I remind him that falling into a stream won't drown you, but staying there will. As trite as that sounds.
Glenn Rockowitz: I wish I could say it was. It was really painful, actually. Reliving all those moments of fear and doubt and sadness sometimes felt like too much to handle. But I had a really hard time finding a book that spoke honestly about the toll the disease really takes on your life. I wanted to write something for my fellow fighters and the people who love them so they wouldn't feel so alone. And hopefully laugh a little along the way.
Glenn Rockowitz: I know! Sweet irony, right? I started Best Medicine because when my grandmother was dying of colon cancer, I used to visit her in the nursing home and spend hours joking around with her – time she described as "being let out of prison." That was the light-bulb moment. I realized there was something amazing in giving people that break when they were struggling with their own darkest hours.
Glenn Rockowitz: It helps soften some of the sharp corners, put a little light in places there was none. I know that if I wasn't able to laugh during any of my own battles, I would've had a really hard time coping with everything else.
|In a strange way, humor helps put a really healthy perspective on things. Especially young people -- they are by far the most open to the irreverence humor often brings to life.
Glenn Rockowitz: Yeah, I guess it does in a sense. In a strange way, humor helps put a really healthy perspective on things. Especially young people -- they are by far the most open to the irreverence humor often brings to life. My grandma used to say that just because you shed light on a situation doesn't necessarily mean you take a situation lightly. Cancer is not something I take lightly. I just think that humor is a key weapon in dealing with the heavier stuff.
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cabinmate for Princess Royal Rome to Manaus Nov 09
Hey All,
I'm looking for a cabinmate/ roommate for the Princess Royal Transatlantic sailing from Rome to Manaus (21 days) leaving from Rome on November 28, 2009. It goes from Italy (3 stops) out through Gibralter to Tunis/Carthage, Morocco and Senegal before steaming across the Atlantic and up the Amazon river into the heart of the Brazilian jungle!
I'm wanting to book an oceanview (obstructed view is fine with me--I don't have a ton of money) and don't want to pay the huge cost of a single room! I'm a 47 yr old professional partnered GWM (my partner can't/won't take the time off). I don't smoke, don't drink very much at all, but love to travel. I'm fluent in French, German, Dutch, English, plus some Italian, Spanish, Greek, Hebrew, Russian and Chinese, so I could be useful on shore excursions!
I can be outgoing when the occasion arises, but also value quiet time as well. I'm looking for another independent traveler like myself who is courteous and open-minded, eager to learn and live this trip-of-a-lifetime for all it's worth! Age, race, religion, physical abilities/disabilities are no barriers but opportunities.
If this sounds interesting to you, please contact me ASAP!
warmly yours,
Fred in South Carolina (USA)
Rome or Athens, Nov. 16, 2009
I might be interested in that cruise. I would be more interested in Leaving from Athens. I have seen a bit of Italy, but not Greece. Just depeneds, perhaps, I can go back and see Greece later.
I am strictly Hetero though. I am not concerned what you do. Have to have well defined respectful boundries. I do not drink, smoke, or use drugs, expect the same. Well, drinking within reason, ok. Of course no cabin smoking. I am not really a party person.
Remember the 3 R's
can also e-mail me at
Hi Fred. My name is Mary and I am a straight gal from Michigan. Iove to travel also.
I can not go with you but just wanted to say I am so very impressed of your gift of several languages. I hope you find a roommate because that is a really good cruise. Do your thing, be who you are and all the best to you. Peace
FYI, I'm dreaming of Canada/New England on Sept 5 form NY.
Hi, Fred. How much does this cost double occupancy? How do you get home from Manaus (fly,obviously). That would add to the cost.
I am retired from US Airways and get great deals on some cruises so if you haven't booked this yet I will see what my rate would be. I get free airfare from the US, Caribbean, Hawaii, some places in Europe but not from Manaus.
336-414-5328 cell
You responded to me by accident instead of Fred's trip from Europe to Manaus. Sounds like a good cruise. Good luck
Hi...Thanks. I wonder how that happened.
Hi Fred!
Wow! You sound like an awesome person and this sounds like an awesome cruise. I'll bet we would have fun. Of course, if you are only looking for a cabin-mate, that is fine, too. I like traveling single, but don't like the prices. I'm a VERY YOUNG 54 year old female looking for interesting people to travel with and hang out with. If you think this may work out, let me know the cruise, itinerary, etc. You can email me at email@example.com Patty
Hi, Patty. I received a note on cruisemates that was addressed "Hi Fred" so I don't know if you were replying to my request for a roommate or Fred's for his cruise. Anyway, if you were responding to me...I have a roommate for my Maasdam cruise (departing July 25th) and I will probably not be going on the Australia/New zealand cruise as much as I would like to. That one leaves September 26th. If I did that one I would be gone from home too much time so I decided I had probably better not go on that one. Also, the price was too high but the first half of it has come down in price and maybe the second half will too.
|All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:28 AM.


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For 2011/2012 sixth graders and parents, please note we will be using this site on a daily basis. Each day a student will be designated to update the "Daily Work and Homework" page. This will allow students and parents to reflect upon the day's activities while simultaneously checking on assignments due the following day. Also take note of the "1st Amendment Page" where questions and comments can be noted.
Mr. Wagner
Editor of the Week
Who will this be?
Every week we will have a designated student who will be the lead editor for our web site.
Nov 14
Planner Editor: Bailey
Calendar Keeper: Emily
Books that Rock: Thomas
Quote of the Week: Anne
Posted Nov 16, 2011, 3:21 PM by Christopher Wagner
Quote of the week
Think Big!
Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, your mind can achieve. W.Clement Stone
Posted Oct 14, 2010, 2:32 PM by Christopher Wagner
1st Amendment Page
Homework Assignments
Showing posts 1 - 5 of 117. View more »


text:
Use our new superlist posting interface and quickly create exceptional, media-rich buzz posts.
escher7 doesn't have any activity yet.
escher7 is a BuzzFeed user and their posts have not been vetted or endorsed by BuzzFeed's editorial staff. BuzzFeed Community is a place where anyone can post awesome lists and creations. Learn more or post your buzz!


text:
African Crafts Market - Secure shopping website - Prices in US Dollars - SSL SECURE PAYMENT
|Shopping cart
|Hartebeest animal skin
Price: 170.00
|Fallow deer hide
Price: 65.00
|Blue wildebeest hide
Price: 160.00
|Blesbok hide
Price: 65.00
|Giraffe hide
Price: 1,950.00
|Impala animal skin
Price: 59.00
|Springbok animal skin
Price: 45.00
|Springbuck horns mounted
Price: 69.00
|Blesbok horns skull plate
Price: 49.00
|Impala horns mounted
Price: 149.00
|Blesbok skull/horn set Airmail
Price: 79.00
|Springbuck horns skull plate
Price: 40.00
|Springbuck skull and horns
Price: 59.00
|Impala horns skull plate
Price: 59.00
|Blue Wildebeest horns mounted
Price: 195.00
|Blesbok horns mounted
Price: 89.00
|Malachite stone bowl
Price: 69.00
|Cheery mask
Price: 19.00
|Shona shield mask
Price: 79.00
Shipping is calculated on a weight system for all international orders sent from South Africa. Shipping for some items is free and there will be no shipping cost added.
Subtotal: 3,469.00
Shipping: 615.45


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Number One Is Perry Groves.........
Perry Groves is an Arsenal cult hero, and not because of his incredible talent. He wasn't the best player in the world in his position, and he didn't change the stature of the club, but we love him.
Ashley Cole is without a doubt one of the world's best left backs, in the Arsenal team anyway, he does have bags of talent and helped himself to many a medal in the red and white of Arsenal. But we hate him.
Perry Groves, who's book 'We all live in a Perry Groves World' is out now and easily outselling Cole's piece of trash (but then again Woman's weekly outsells that), has spoken about how Cole no longer has a place in our hearts.
'Ashley has no affection or empathy with any of the fans now.' Said Groves.
'It's not just because he left the club — the problem was the way he did it. He showed a total lack of class. If you were to ask any Arsenal fan if they thought the club would have reached the Champions League final without Thierry Henry, the answer would be no.'
'But if you were to ask them would they have done it without Ashley, the answer would be yes — and that's exactly what they did last season. People forget that Arsenal made it to the final without even their second-choice left-back playing.'
'Left-backs don't make that much difference to your team. But Ashley was a bit too full of his own self-importance. He felt the club should treat him the same way as Thierry Henry and try just as hard to keep him.'
'But the difference was Arsenal simply couldn't afford to let Thierry go. considering the team will always be built around him, of course Henry was going to be the most important player.'
'Left-backs will change your team by one or two per cent. Centre forwards will change it by 10 per cent — and that's why they go for bundles of money.'
'Ashley was never going to be treated the same way as Thierry. It's as simple as that.'
'Ashley's a world-class left-back but playing for Arsenal will always suit him better than life at Chelsea. It's unlikely he'll ever admit it but Cole may look back at things in 15 years and realise he made a mistake.'
'Gallas is so versatile and appears to be so much happier at Arsenal. Chelsea now have the two best left-backs in England and Ashley knows it doesn't matter if he struggles for form.'
'They are the only club who can spend so much money and not have to worry about whether or not moves work out.'
It just goes to show that you don't need to be the best in the world to be loved, you just need to show a bit of class, loyalty and love, and I'm sure Perry has only endeared himself even more to the Ashburton faithful.


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|Search ON THIS DAY by date
This will be the biggest investigation ever held in Britain into allegations of physical, sexual and emotional abuse of children who passed through the care system in the former counties of Clwyd and Gwynedd over the past two decades.
Some 180 former residents of the homes are expected to give evidence to the hearings, which will last at least 12 months. They will be chaired by retired high court judge Sir Ronald Waterhouse.
Many of those accused of child abuse are former or serving care staff, social workers or teachers. At least two men who have been convicted of abuse in the past have also been named.
The largest number of complaints centre on the notorious Bryn Estyn home outside Wrexham, which has now closed. The deputy head of the home, Peter Howarth, was jailed in 1994 for 10 years for sexually abusing teenage boys.
Other complaints involve the Bryn Alyn home in Wrexham and Ty'r Felin in Bangor. In all, 40 homes have been named in the investigation.
Speaking before the hearings began, Sir Ronald said: "We hope to be able to find out the substantial truth about what occurred and from the facts we find, to go on and make really positive recommendations."
Billhar Uppal, one of the victims' solicitors, welcomed the opening of the inquiry: "To those we represent it means everything. "To them it is justice, it is a vindication of everything they have said and it is in some way, some measure to silence those critics who have said that this inquiry and their allegations of abuse are compensation-led."
But critics say those accused of abuse will not get a fair hearing.
Nick Parry, who represents one of the accused, said: "Our concern at the start of this major inquiry is that perhaps public opinion has swayed the balance far too greatly in favour of those who make allegations of abuse and the understandable anxiety to look after their needs and care may outweigh justice."
Gerard Elias QC counsel for the tribunal told the hearing the allegations of abuse bordered on "wholesale exploitation" of the children in care.
He concluded the tribunals findings would be of significance for authorities throughout the country and for the safety and well-being of children in their care.
In Context
The tribunal lasted 15 months and cost an estimated £10m.
Sir Ronald Waterhouse's findings were published in February 2000. His report named and criticised almost 200 people for either abusing children or failing to offer them sufficient protection.
He made 72 recommendations calling for sweeping changes to the way local councils, social services and police deal with children in care. One of his key proposals was the appointment of an independent children's commissioner for Wales.
A year after Sir Ronald's report was published, 140 compensation claims had been settled on behalf of victims. A Children's Commissioner for Wales was appointed.
Northern Ireland's power-sharing executive has announced plans for a children's rights commissioner - and at Westminster, an inquiry has been investigating the need for a children's rights campaigner for England.
|Search ON THIS DAY by date


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Boston's Restaurant & Sports Bar Forms Franchising Team
- Details
- Published: August 29, 2014
- Written by The Editors
Trio of franchise veterans to lead the casual dining chain's development efforts.
Chain News & Profiles includes news on chain restaurants, operations, profiles, trend pieces and new concepts.
Trio of franchise veterans to lead the casual dining chain's development efforts.
Seasons 52 veteran joins the better burger franchise.
In a deal valued at more than $11 billion, Burger King has acquired Tim Hortons.
Private equity firm adds 92 locations to its portfolio of franchised QSR concepts.
Addition of fast-casual taco chain spurs the company's growth plans.
Forty-one-year company veteran Straton to leave the burger giant.
Melnick promoted to senior vice president.
Lamb takes over on an interim basis.
Worked his way up from delivery driver in Cleveland.
The restaurant chains making headlines this week include Baskin-Robbins, Burger King, Coconut's Fish Café, Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, Hwy 55 Burgers and Schlotzky's.
Bower has a long history in foodservice.


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Your Turn: July 16
Published 4:11 pm, Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Tardy governor
Six months before his 14 years as governor of Texas ends, Rick Perry blames President Barack Obama, who has been president for 51/2, for a lack of diplomacy in solving the migration of children into Texas from Central America.
I wonder when, during his almost 14 years as governor, did Perry decide to get involved in border politics. He had been noticeably absent for many years where border problems are concerned. Suddenly the governor decided something had to be done. Better late than never.
Daniel M. Lane
Fair compromise
Re: "States look to gun seizure law after mass shootings," Metro, July 7:
I was gratified to read of a shift in the national discourse relating to mass shootings and restrictive gun ownership legislation. I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and am vehemently opposed to more restrictive gun ownership laws, but this is an approach — a compromise, if you will — that should be pursued by all states.
The ongoing debate among politicians relates directly to the legal seizure of firearms, from lawful citizens by law enforcement authorities. This would occur only after a court of competent jurisdiction has held a hearing to determine if an individual citizen has mental health issues that could cause the inappropriate use of a gun against another human being. Connecticut and Indiana have such laws.
California and New Jersey are also considering the enactment of a similar statute. I believe that all states should follow suit and demonstrate to all concerned that such proactive and preventative measures are absolutely essential if the trend toward mass shootings by mentally challenged individuals is to be thwarted.
Write your elected representatives to follow suit.
Tragic or comic?
Re: "College students fight voter ID laws," Nation, July 6:
I read this article, and I couldn't decide to cry or laugh.
"For people like me, it makes what should be a simple process very difficult," said Josue Berduo, 20, an economics major at North Carolina State University and a Democrat, who is one of the plaintiffs.
Here we have an adult male, 20 years of age at a state university, going for an economics major and he is having difficulty getting an ID.
Just what are the qualifications for enrollment at North Carolina State University?
R.R. Romo


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SDLP candidates running for the new Causeway Coast and Glens super council attended the party's annual agriculture conference in Omagh last Thursday at which the party's position on CAP reform was declared.
West Tyrone MLA Joe Byrne, who is the vice chair of the Assembly's agriculture committee, announced the SDLP have come down in favour of a single zone region for CAP Pillar 1, and a four year transition period to achieve a single flat rate payment across Northern Ireland.
Roisin Loftus running in the Bann DEA, Donal Cunningham, running in the Glens DEA, and Angela Mulholland, running in the Ballymoney DEA; Donal Cunningham (Glens DEA) and Margaret Anne McKillop (Glens DEA) were among the SDLP's candidates who attended the conference where special guest speaker was Irish Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney.
The SDLP's EU candidate Alex Attwood also spoke at the conference, about the role Europe plays in the day to day lives of farmers.


text:
Obama Touts 'Rebuild America' Plan for U.S. Job CreationLisa Lerer
President Barack Obama spotlighted his proposals to create jobs through spurring private spending on highways, airports and bridges, telling voters at a Miami port that the U.S. can't wait to upgrade its essential infrastructure.
"What are we waiting for? There's work to be done. There are workers who are ready to do it," Obama said yesterday, surrounded by shipping containers and construction cranes. "Let's get started rebuilding America."
Since his re-election last November, Obama has widened his focus beyond economic issues to wage high-profile campaigns for gun control and immigration legislation. Yet, the economy remains the top concern in many states, including in the politically divided one of Florida, which has housing foreclosure rates three times above the national average.
Obama's two-hour stop in Miami aimed to remind Americans that the economy remains his priority, even as he pushes forward with a more expansive second-term agenda.
"There are few more important things we can do to create jobs right now and strengthen our economy over the long-haul then rebuilding the infrastructure that powers our businesses," Obama said.
Florida's unemployment rate is 7.7 percent, the same as the national figure for February.
Stimulus Package
Greater infrastructure investment has been central to Obama's economic agenda, starting with programs in the economic stimulus package that passed weeks after his first term began in 2009. His latest proposals face steep opposition on Capitol Hill, where Republican lawmakers vow to block new spending unless it is offset by cuts elsewhere in the federal budget.
In Miami, Obama renewed his call for a $10 billion national infrastructure bank, an idea he unveiled in his first term that's been blocked by congressional Republicans. He's also proposing $4 billion in new spending on programs that award transportation grants, and exempting foreign investors from taxes when selling infrastructure or real estate assets -- a plan designed to promote investment in such projects. The benefit is currently granted to U.S. pension funds.
The president released more details of a new debt program, called America Fast Forward Bonds, which aims to boost state and local government spending on public works by granting issuers a 28 percent federal subsidy.
Those plans, he said, would help finance projects faster, cheaper, and give local officials more flexibility.
Covering Costs
Alan Krueger, the president's chief economist, told reporters on Air Force One that Obama's proposals wouldn't add to the deficit, though he didn't specify how the $21 billion in costs would be covered. Those details, he said, would be part of the president's budget, scheduled to be released on April 10.
Investment planned through 2020 on U.S. infrastructure, including roads, schools and airports, will fall $1.6 trillion short of what's needed to maintain existing facilities, according to a March 19 report by the American Society of Civil Engineers. U.S. drinking water and sewage infrastructure earned a barely passing grade of D from the group, which said at least $1 trillion in improvements are needed.
Administration officials say that increased infrastructure spending will make the U.S. more economically competitive internationally and boost the domestic construction industry, which is still recovering from the economic downturn.
"We have a tremendous need, and I think a bipartisan need, for more infrastructure," Krueger said.
'Fix It First'
Promoting private sector infrastructure investment was a key part of the economic plans Obama unveiled in his State of the Union address last month. The president proposed $50 billion in infrastructure spending, including a "Fix It First" program that would identify projects needing the most urgent upgrades. His push is meant to lure additional private capital to help repair aging public works projects.
"This should not be partisan idea," said Obama yesterday. "I know that members of Congress are happy to welcome projects like this to their district. I know because I've seen them at the ribbon cuttings."
The administration's focus on private investment underscores the difficulty his government spending proposals confront in approval from Republican lawmakers who control the U.S. House.
Reimbursement Sought
Before Obama arrived in Miami, Florida Governor Rick Scott, a Republican, dismissed the president as "late to the party" on infrastructure investment. The state spent $77 million to fund the Miami port's $180-million "deep dredge" project, which will allow Miami to accommodate larger cargo ships and create more than 30,000 new jobs. Scott called on Obama to reimburse the state.
"We could not wait for the federal government to come to the table with their share of the project," Scott said on a March 28 conference call with reporters.
White House officials said that the federal government funded a $340 million loan to assist with financing a tunnel project at the port, and awarded a $23 million grant to restore freight rail service.
"There's no reason this should be a Democratic tunnel or a Republican tunnel," White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters yesterday. "These are projects that are helpful to the economy and shouldn't break down on partisan lines."
According to a fact sheet that accompanied the president's State of the Union address on Feb. 12, since he took office more than 300,000 miles of U.S. roads have been improved; more than 22,000 bridges have been repaired or replaced; and more than 6,000 miles of rail have been built or improved.
Foreclosure rates in Florida in February were 1 in every 282 housing units, compared to 1 in every 849 nationally, according to RealtyTrac, an Irvine, California-based data provider.
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Where does one begin with you?by Tukaram
English version by Dilip Chitre
Original Language Marathi
Where does one begin with you?
O Lord, you have no opening line
It's so hard to get you started.
Everything I tried went wrong.
You've used up all my faculties.
What I just said vanished in the sky
And I've fallen on the ground again.
Says Tuka my mind is stunned:
I can't find a word to say.
|-- from Says Tuka: Selected Poetry of Tukaram, Translated by Dilip Chitre
<<Previous Poem | More Poems by Tukaram | Next Poem >>


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|Reviews for Black Nail Polish for Fingers Laced
| kelsi bones chapter 1 . 4/18/2007
I know this feeling.. I guess sometimes you just have to take the chance and reach, don't you?
| reach4thesky chapter 1 . 10/10/2006
I like this a lot, very sweet. Good work
| sunshineofyourlife chapter 1 . 3/20/2006
oh wow. i just love your work! keep writing!
| underreigns chapter 1 . 3/17/2006
Oh! blink lyrics! you caught my attention
| cornered.sensations chapter 1 . 3/12/2006
This was beautiful and so sad, the last part really touched me. Great work!
| Vyvyan chapter 1 . 3/7/2006
Nice. The only thing that bugged me was "& all I could do is wonder" because it should be was and I am a grammer whore.
But ignoring that, I liked it. Especially the lack of capitalization.
| a lonely september chapter 1 . 3/3/2006
this is so pretty. it's been a while since i've read something like this.
| breezy nostrils chapter 1 . 2/20/2006
interesting imagery. nice work!


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Contract Collapsed - Be Quick and Secure this Ideal Family Home
A highlight to the central Mudgeeraba property market is this completely renovated family home. Sitting on 911m2 of flat useable land at the end of an elevated, quiet Cul de Sac and just minutes from local schools and shops this house offers rear yard access with plenty of room for a pool, playground and a game of tag or backyard cricket. With a host of inclusions, there are many standout features of this property however it's hard to go past the massive galley kitchen complete with freestanding gas cooktop and electric oven, double drawer dishwasher and enough bench space for a Master Chef cook-off! You'll love the new laundry with plenty of cupboard space and even its own soft closing toilet for those moments when you don't need your overnight guests waking the kids after having a few drinks under the expansive outdoor back patio overlooking the floodlit backyard and Balinese water feature. Each of the freshly painted three bedrooms have sliding door built in robes, new carpet and remote controlled ceiling fans whilst the master bedroom has a walk in robe for both him and her. The stylish ensuite off the master is impressive as is the main bathroom with floor to ceiling tiles and new - everything. A large carpeted lounge room with window shutters and plenty of room to swing a cat is the perfect place to relax after a hard days work whilst the second living space that adjoins the kitchen and dining room is great for just sitting a reading a book whilst the kids play outside having water fights. The tiling throughout is spectacular with large 600x600 polished porcelain tiles throughout. The LED lit hardwood merbau deck at the front of the house provides an Westerly outlook of the mountain ranges in the distance and has a sandpit at the edge of it to keep the younger kids entertained whilst enjoying a sundowner at the end of a long day at the office. With a single carport, and a second parking area this home also boasts an extra driveway at the far end of the 39 metre frontage creating plenty of room for a caravan, boat or trailer. With recently contracted purchasers unable to obtain finance, This tidy home is back on the market and ready for its new family to move straight in and enjoy the sought after lifestyle that is Mudgeeraba. ...Read more


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Billy Graham said "it's all about the cross and the blood of Jesus."
by william pulley
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So here we are. We are at the very gates and beginning of the most exciting time in the entire history of all mankind. The flood gates have been breached and are now beginning to open allowing the cleansing water from above to wash the wrong from neglect upon our very special land, mother earth and once Garden of Eden, she is old but steady and true. It is bitter sweet, but none the less, one that may have to be done. What are we doing? What are we suppose to do? What are we going to do? Other then "prepare the way of the Lord" (Isaiah 40:3; Mal. 3:1; Matt. 3:3) by helping all of those, that will come, to find their way into the kingdom of heaven.
It is very sad the way the Kingdom of God is coming or being ushered into our world which we must take into account the timing, our time, our generation, and this might have something to do with us, what we have done and what we have not done or failed to do. It is an exciting time because we know Jesus is coming soon, but it is a difficult time because of the trials that precede Jesus' return as we know and find written in Mathew 24, as well as many other books in the Bible- Old Testament and New.
The question could be raised, why is God bringing so many difficult and trying times an events upon us before Jesus returns? Is it punishment, is it a deterrent, is it a wakeup call, what is it really, and why as Christians are we allowed or have to go through, questionably even forced to endure the chastisement of God on unruly or ungodly people, just to get their attention and to get them to follow God and or the creators created design? As a brief explanation it may be as we have seen throughout history written for us in the Bible, that God's people endured the trials that were drawn on the rest of the population at the time each event took place, like with Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, Egypt and Moses, on and on as well as with Jesus and the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman Empire. In addition, did we notice that in all of these situations and events when God made His move and brought chastisement on the people it was because of their behavior or lack of, rebellion and not following the way the world was made to be lived in or sin?
Why do we think God is making His move now on our world and people today? Yes, our people, we are all in this together. The Bible and even Jesus said that we do not know the day or time when Jesus will return only God knows (Mathew 24:36), but the truth is we are the ones that are forcing God to make the decision to usher in the kingdom of God. It is not an arbitrary day, date or time that God has chosen out of the blue, but it is our behavior that is choosing the time and date when Jesus will return. It is sad but it is believed that we are not going to change on our own and straighten out the mess that we have made, we indeed need divine intervention, it is the only way, and we are only going to get worse. We also need to know that God is only going to let us go so far before He intervenes, we will have some dignity left in us when Jesus returns. As we see this throughout history as God did intervene when the people got so far out of control that God had to do something about it, but He did not let them annihilate themselves or delve into sin so bad that they were unredeemable.
The point in all of this is to find out what is happening and what we need to do? We can read the Bible and find out what is going to happen that being Jesus will return, but the question is what do we need to do until that happens? The answer is not too much really, but get as close to God as we can in this time of turmoil. It goes back to as Billy Graham says, "it is all about the cross and the blood of Jesus". It is all about the blood of Jesus is a metaphor and not actual having blood poured on us. The metaphor is about the saving power of Jesus' death and sacrifice for our sin. The truth being the death of Jesus and His sacrifice is salvation and eternity or eternal life with God for us. It is a seal, a cover, a cloak, a shield, a defense, a barrier. It is a fortress around us. It is the Holy Spirit, and it is Pentecost. It is a part of God. It is God and God's very presents in, around, and through us. Hang on to this resource and truth as the road gets bumpy and hard.
It is sad but the reality is that we are going to need help during this time of trial, remember that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are where we need to go for the strength to see this through and to see our God, Lord and Savior coming in the clouds for those He loves. God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit are all One and are a great well of resources available at our access to drink from. We need to remember not to come to the wedding feast with our lanterns out of oil as half of the ten virgins did found in Mathew 25:1-13 and that is in reference to Jesus coming late in the night when everyone was asleep. Yes, it is late in the time of our history when Jesus will come, but that is a tribute to those that have fought the good fight, that have gone before us for over 2000 years now, that have upheld the banner of goodness, righteousness and kindness or right living, and that they have lived by the way God desires and created the world to be lived in that being proper, righteous, Holy and a Godly life. How are we doing lately sense the 60's and the hippie movement or generation?
We need to think that we, the Holy Spirit and Jesus are living beings and as we know all living things need to be feed and nourished, metaphorically speaking; we need to feed our spiritual relationship and nurture it. We need to water our relationship with God and feed our spiritual life and relationship, keep filling our lamps with oil- do not let the light burn out it is dark there. Jesus is our only source of comfort, strength direction, renewal and sanity really at this stage in the game no one else can help us with and through this, it is just too big. Things are hard and it is getting harder. People are frightened, angry and confused (Daniel 12:3). Our economy, the worlds economy are in a downward spiral, spinning out of control. Our debt is rising beyond all means of human intervention or repair. We owe more in debt then we make in revenue, not addressing the issue of the principle that is now over 15 trillion dollars and rising. Jobs are getting harder and harder to find. Retirement in no longer an option for many people and soon our health care will no longer be available and affordable for the retired as well as many others. The housing market is falling apart with our houses and infrastructure along with it. Peoples love is growing cold. Violence is rising and is getting crueler. Natural disasters and wars are happening almost everyday now. We can not turn the TV on without hearing of some disaster that is happening in which it is so sever that it has not happened that bad in 100 years or ever in recorded history. Do we see any correlation between our behavior and God's behavior or reaction too our behavior? The perplexing and sad part is that no one is saying anything that we should turn toward God for help and direction with our economy or life style, no politician, no great religious leader and no great professor in our higher learning establishment in all of the best schools in the world, no kings or queens or no great leaders of our time, no one is saying anything about our behavior and what is happening in our world today. It is like in the times of Noah when no one really said anything, they all just went about there daily business, Mathew 24:37-39. When will we stand for and with God too fight the good fight for the truth and what is right, if we won't who will other than God, as we see God is beginning to make a statement. God help us to be overcomers Rev. 3:5,21.
Another sad issue that should be addressed is the issue of us being raptured out of all of these difficult times now and to come. One, if a pretribulation rapture is the right one we should have already been raptured out. Two, from a rational perspective, what if this is the time when God may be needing and depending on us the most and we are trying to do everything in our power to try and get out of it and the mess we are in. We should be ashamed of ourselves really; if this doctrine was for any other reason then for the fear of our pain and suffering we would not have entertained this man made doctrine for a minute. Where would we be if those in WWII, would have tried to get out of fighting we would be under communist rule and we would not be able to have this conversation, it would be against the law to talk or write about God? Why do we think we are a special group or bunch of believers when all of those that have gone before us have endured and gone through what God has brought before them? Why do we think we are special, because we are afraid of what God has planed? Third, is the point that we should read God's word on your own, do not go by what someone else says. Read Mark 13:21-27 and the rest of the Bible you have to add mans words to the word of God to make it have a pretribulation Jesus coming. Jesus is not a yo-yo we should not play with this, "no Jesus is going to come then go back up, no half way down then back up, no with the saints but not the dead, no with only the believers that have died, then no He will". No, no, no, this is not right, leave it alone. Take what God says at face value. We do not know what is going to happen but we can trust God to see us through. Jesus said that those that know Him to ask that they will be hidden and protected during this time Luke 21:36. We do not know how this hidden part will prevail or be played out, but God knows what He is doing. Don't we want to get this over with and fight the good fight and do what is right? Aren't we tired of the ugly way we are living, we think we are slick and can get away with more and more subtle things, even Christians, it is a slippery slope really. We are in a bad way here guys, like Sodom and Gomorrah, like in the times of Noah and we do not even know it or acknowledge it or say anything about it. What are we doing and what are we going to do?
Please I would like to ask you to take the time and comment on the article. It can be as simple as you liked it or not. I am to hard on this or you would disagree about that or even my grammar and spelling. I think this is an issue that needs to be addressed? Thank you
by William Pulley
chicago il
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Geocaching Reviews
104 reviews
A worldwide phenomenon Jan 18, 2009
Geocaching is a modern treasure hunt that perfectly combines the sense of nature, interest in exploring new and hidden spots and a certain ambition to overcome the own limits in a pretty cool and enticing way.
All you need are the hints and/or coordinates of your preferred cache from the official website, a compass or even better a GPS system, a little feeling for reading more or less obvious tracks and a tiny bit of patience.
If you follow the track in the correct way you'll (probably) discover a cache filled with small, interesting but not always useful things like small toys, paper-clips or crown caps. Leave a note in the logbook, pick one of these funny items and replace this one with another gift.
Sure, you won't get rich but travelling around, looking (desperately) for these caches and being successful in the end is quite delightful (especially if you're working as a team).
There exist five different levels of these highly competitive hiding places. While level one caches are easily found and do not contain the most valuable treasures, level four or five caches are hidden in caves or in the sea but therefore you could also get a laptop or mp3-player.
Since geocaching has become a worldwide hype the places that have to be discovered are definitely worth a visit. Both many well-known, exciting spots and idyllic, untouched places are involved in this creative way of getting to know our own surroundings and foreign regions.
The more fun geocaching is and the more people do like this kind of hobby, the more some nature protectors sound the alarm 'cause nature reserves and rare animals could be threatened. That's why everyone, who's infected by the geocaching virus should be careful and respectful when running around with ants in the pants and trying to find this or that cache! It's significant that both the urge to spot such a tiny treasure box and the nature's beauty stay in the centre of attraction!
So, if you're interested in spending endless hours outdoors including searching for a treasure and being impressed by never seen places, go for geocaching and do not feel uncomfortable because of the surprising looks by so-called muggles (non-geocachers)!
Part of the New Zealand 2008/09 travel blog
4 / 4 TravBuddies found this review helpful/trustworthy
Join TravBuddy to leave comments, meet new friends and share travel tips!


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Before you get any other ideas, I believe physical education is important to students, especially in a time of an obesity epidemic in the United States. Forty-five minutes every other day may not be enough to solve all of our obesity problems, but it can teach students effective ways to exercise so they can do it on their free time.
However, I am not a fan of how important P.E. is for a student planning to graduate. That's right, P.E. could be the only thing standing in the way of a Scotia-Glenville student walking the stage in June.
Our P.E. grades are a mash-up of participation points, quiz/test grades, and a point system based on effort during class. At the end of each quarter our P.E. grade gets calculated into our GPA.
As a senior, my GPA is extremely important to me, knowing that any college I apply to will be looking at that number compared to thousands of other students. When I found out the above information I wasn't the happiest camper.
Alright, although I hate to admit it, I'm failing P.E. In the beginning of the year I had a hard time with lockers and getting my clothes to the high school building. I think I left my clothes at the New Visions house more than 5 times; a great example of how forgetful I am.
I have averages in the high eighties and low nineties in my academic courses. My GPA has lowered significantly, because of my P.E. grade, after much hard work to bring it into the nineties last year. What I'm getting at is why is my P.E. grade even in my GPA?
P.E. is not challenging me academically, and I know of many other schools in the Capital Region that do not include P.E. in their students' GPA. That grade is shown in my transcripts, so if a college really needed to know about how well I do in P.E., they can see it there clearly.
P.E. is important to my health, not my grades, and Scotia should take that into consideration and maybe keep P.E. separate when calculating GPA's. Students shouldn't have to repeat senior year because of their physical education grade.


text: It has been a loooong time since I've posted anything about quilting. It's not because I have given up quilting although my sewing machine might think so. :-) We have been in the process of buying a house since last December and we finally closed on March 13th!! We are so excited to have our own place and we are keeping very busy with renovations. We are redoing the kitchen, the floors, two of the bathrooms, and replacing 5 windows. This is all very new to us so we are learning a lot and enjoying getting to choose all the fun stuff. I have spent more time at Home Depot in the past week that in my entire life! I even had to go find a hose bib one day and came home with the right thing. I never knew that little water turner on thingy was called a hose bib. ;-) Anyway, I will return to the quilting world soon... after I get done sewing curtains and packing boxes and unpacking boxes and putting things away.


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CD Inlays
CD Inlays slide into a CD case to provide an image or text in the front and back of the case that identifies what's inside. They can be an artistic marketing tool or simply offer basic information about the CD. This is where you commonly find a band's name and track list. The perforation provides a guide for accurate folding for the information that's going to be displayed on the spine of the case. Recommendations [Read More]


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With my 20 years of experience as a food writer, I've learned the first week of January (really, the whole month) is all about low-calorie meals. New Year's resolutions aside, after six weeks of mostly eating outside our normal guidelines, January needs to be a "slimmer" month. Since I eat what I write about, the readers' needs become my personal needs, too.
But one problem I have always had in adjusting to the lower-fat recipes is that my body wants full-fat flavor after all the cakes, creamy drinks and buttery entrees I consume over the holidays.
I've found that Asian-inspired flavors are bold and mouth-popping and don't usually have the high levels of fat and calories of cream, butter and sugar. Today's recipe for Beefy Asian-Style Lettuce Wraps is perfect. There's texture from the crisp lettuce, plenty of flavor from the spices and sauces, and appetite-gratifying protein from the lean beef. In short, this is the perfect light dinner for a cold January night.
I love to add some heat with just a splash of sriracha hot chili sauce. Traditional hot pepper sauces such as Tabasco can also be used. As for the rest of the ingredients, they are easily found in the Asian section of the grocery store. They will keep for up to six months in your refrigerator, so adding them to your dinnertime fare will not cost you a bundle. After all, it's not just our waistlines that feel the tightening in January; it's usually our wallets, too.
Suggested Menu: Beefy Asian-Style Lettuce Wraps, orange sections, sparkling water.
1/2 pound 90 percent lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1/4 cup duck sauce, or more for serving
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, or more for serving
1 teaspoon sriracha sauce, or more to taste
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
6 medium romaine lettuce leaves
Start to finish: less than 20 minutes. Yield: 2 servings
In a large nonstick skillet, crumble and stir the beef. Cook over medium heat until beef just begins to brown, about 4 minutes; add red bell pepper, onion, garlic and ginger. Stir and cook until beef is cooked through, onion is translucent and pepper is tender.
Reduce heat to low and stir in remaining ingredients, except lettuce. Simmer 5 minutes, or until ready to serve (can simmer up to 20 minutes).
Spoon beef filling into lettuce leaves and roll, or leave in a boat shape. Serve with additional duck sauce and soy sauce, if desired.
Approximate values per serving: 277 calories, 9 g fat (3 g saturated), 101 mg cholesterol, 36 g protein, 10 g carbohydrates, 2 g dietary fiber, 761 mg sodium.


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|LORRIE MOORE (Andy Manis/ New York Times)
Quite a character - just not an entirely plausible one
- |
Although Lorrie Moore has published two novels before this new one, she is much more regarded as a writer of short fiction, especially for her first book "Self-Help'' and her most recent, "Birds of America.''
In an impressive story from the later volume, "People Like That Are the Only People Here,'' a mother recounts the agonizing experience of her baby's hospitalization for a cancerous tumor on his kidney. Naturally the woman and her husband are horrified; but what makes the horror a little worse is the reassuring language of the oncologist, as he speaks of "a little light chemo,'' involving the substance dactinomycin. After he leaves, the woman says to her husband, "A little light chemo. Don't you like that one . . . Eine kleine dactinomycin. I'd like to see Mozart write that one up.'' The wit, as with Moore generally, is fierce, "funny'' only in a way that crosses over into the painful.
"I distracted myself with language,'' says the narrator of "A Gate at the Stairs,'' and such distraction is central to most of the novel's characters but especially to Tassie Keltjin, a university student in a Midwestern city named Troy ("The Athens of the Midwest'').
Tassie's parents and younger brother live in nearby Dellacrosse Central where her father raises gourmet vegetables and potatoes, which he supplies to élite restaurants in Chicago. For Tassie, whose brain she tells us is "on fire with Chaucer, Sylvia Plath, Simone de Beauvoir,'' Dellacrosse and its inhabitants constitute "a kind of jokey curse from the start.'' Like his daughter, Tassie's father is practiced at making up original responses. When his son Robert, stumbling through high school, brings home a report card that sports four F's and a D, Dad remarks, "Well, Robert, what can I say . . . It looks like you're spending too much time on one course.'' Robert, also a wit, thinks of opening an alternative to Holiday Inn called "The Normal Night Out Hotel.''
But it is Tassie who gets the most opportunities to make "jokey curses.'' Speaking of her parents as "quasi retired,'' she confides how much she loves the word quasi instead of "sort of'': " 'I am quasi ready to go,' I would announce. Or, 'I'm feeling a bit quasi today.' '' The quasi riff occurs more than once in the novel, and it raises a question about Tassie early on: How much do we believe in her as a source of independent verbal comedy? How much is she rather the vehicle through which Moore can get off, one after another and in profusion, jokey play that distracts, in more than one sense, from the larger action of the novel.
That action is no joking matter. Tassie babysits for a white couple who adopt a mixed-race girl. The mother, Sarah Brink, is every bit as much of a dark humorist as Tassie, and when the little girl has the "n'' word thrown at her by a lout in a passing car, Sarah organizes a regular Wednesday night gathering ("a spiritually gated community of liberal chat'') involving concerned parents, whose children Tassie looks after while the elders drink wine and trade outrageous examples of the community's formulations, usually racially condescending or unaware. Eventually Sarah reveals to Tassie the awful secret she and her husband have been living with for many years, as a result of which they have to give up the not-yet-fully adopted little girl.
This reader's problem was what to do with Tassie, who seems at moments to know a lot about a lot of things, and at others to be clueless. With a brain fired by Chaucer and Plath, her course schedule, along with Brit Lit, includes "Intro to Sufism, Intro to Wine Tasting, a music appreciation course titled "Soundtracks to War Movies,'' and a geology course called "Dating Rocks.'' The contents of Tassie's kitchen are in an extreme state, with blackened bananas, fruit flies, and flour moths, "the cream cheese was a tub of dull green clay.'' She owns, and occasionally plays, an electric bass, knows lots of recent tunes and Miles Davis but also has the soundtrack of "Oklahoma'' going in her head. She idly uses her roommate's vibrator to stir chocolate milk and has spent $45 to improve her bosom with "a black Taiwanese bra padded with oil and water pouches.'' A plausible 20-year-old or something else?
Moore is endlessly inventive, astonishingly resourceful, great when she settles down to display the landscape of farm life or the grip of winter's cold. Tassie has inherited all these capacities, not least the fanciful energy with which, say, her teacher of Sufism, "a self-described 'Ottomanist,' '' makes her think "of someone lying back with his feet up on a padded footstool, with a remote, in autumn.'' Moore has more than once written accurately and appreciatively of John Updike, calling his stories "jewels of . . . domestic anguish and restraint.'' By contrast, her own stories, as well as "A Gate at the Stairs,'' are pretty unrestrained, the novel's characters best described by Tassie when she likens them (including herself) to "characters each from a different grim and gruesome fairy tale. We were all grotesques.''
William H. Pritchard is a professor of English at Amherst College. His most recent book is the just-published "On Poets and Poetry.''


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Re: James Goolsby & Elizabeth Kirby
In reply to:
James Goolsby & Elizabeth Kirby
Jerry Farris 4/08/02
Thomas Goolsby (Sr.) lived in area called Holman's and Goolsby's Creeks on the James River in Virginia as recorded in land deed of 1731; He was a land investor + planter.
Thomas's 3 sons Charles,John, and James fought in Revolutionary War in the Ninth Virginia Regiment; They were members of Morgan's Rifleman, a famous corps of sharpshooters.
Somtime before the War, young John married Mary Jefferson, sister of Thomas Jefferson; They had 3 children: John, Bennet and Mary.
James Goolsby (Jr.)


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About "rescued" by kalien
Design by kalien
very nice
Cool design; I like your style.
I would also to see a zoom.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: beautiful. $5
nice 5$
It's fantastic, I'll be really surprised if it doesn't get printed...
Aww, it's a bunny in that cage on the bottom? How cute! I like it even more now that I got a good look at the big version. :)
great illustration
$5, i agree with framble
Beautiful! $5
ah yes! really beautiful!
gorgeous! $5.
Love it, but it would be even better without the dinosaur.
this is nice Kalien! very nice!
gorgeous :) $5
Kalien, this is awesome! I've been following in the critiques and it's so fun to watch your progress. Where on earth do you come up with this stuff?! I love it. 5!!!
so beautiful. $5
nice job!!! i like how this progressed and came out:)
i like it on the slate background
I love owls and Nessy.
I am all for the purple!
awesome 5$
beautiful scene and colors, love it on dakota slate.
hey glad you finally put this up, i like the loch ness monster. $5
$5!!!! I enjoyed watching this evolve in critiques.
awww. nice placement and color scheme and theme and everything else. 4$
It has an owl and a friggin dinosaur. What more could a girl want? $4
Oh wow, you're the same person that did deermallows? That sub was adorable but this sub is really something else. You're really evolving nicely. Can't wait to see more of your work.
pretty cool
Oooh... want!
this is really beautiful.
Great score! Well deserved.
i love your work, why won't they print you already
Congrats on the great score! :)
I just now saw what this ended up with. Print this already!
PRINT kalien.


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ANCHORAGE (AP) Reno, an Iditarod lead dog missing since Monday when somebody freed him and four brethren from musher Debbie Moderow's truck, was found Tuesday after he fell asleep in a flower garden.
An all-night search by the local musher and her family ended with a call from Anchorage animal control. Dogcatchers had found the missing husky asleep in a flower garden not far from downtown.
''He apparently ran all night,'' Moderow said Tuesday. ''He'd found a cool, small place to curl up, and he went to sleep.''
The five dogs were apparently freed into downtown traffic while the family was at a restaurant.
''Whoever did this undid every (dog) box on the lower level,'' Moderow said. Both of the boxes on the family's main truck and those on a second truck parked behind it were opened.
''It was pretty shocking,'' Moderow said. ''We've worried about this over the years, but we never heard of this happening to anybody ever. We deliberately park in a place that's open and busy.''
The family was downtown to dine at a restaurant on the occasion of daughter Hannah's 19th birthday.
The Moderows consider their dogs pets and regularly travel with some of them. The dogs like traveling in the truck, Debbie Moderow said.
The four dogs recovered right away ''are the most social,'' she said. Reno is a new dog and has yet to become fully integrated into the family.
''This is a dog that I bought two months ago from Cali King,'' daughter of former Iditarod champ Jeff King, Moderow said. Reno was used in lead in Cali King's team in this year's Iditarod.
''He's a very sweet dog, but a shy dog,'' Moderow said.
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Package: proofgeneral Version: 3.7-4On startup, proofgeneral displays a splash screen and goes into a busy wait loop that causes Emacs to use 100% CPU, Xorg to use about 50%, and parts of the Emacs window to flash very quickly. This persists for 10 seconds or until the splash screen is dismissed.
The loop in question is proof-splash-timeout-waiter in generic/proof-splash.el.