text:
Russ Johnson was the creator and artist of the 'Mister Oswald' comic strip, that ran for more many decades in the national trade journal Hardware Retailing. The strip documents a large portion of the history of American business life as seen through the eyes of the main character, Oscar S. Oswald, prominent citizen of Dippy Center, USA. Although the strip was mainly known to hardware retailers, a 'Mr Oswald' book collection was published in 1968: 'Forty Years With Mister Oswald'.
Johnson was born on a farm outside Gibson City, Illinois. He graduated from Dixon College and Norman School in 1915, whereupon he left small-town life for the big city and a job at Montgomery Ward's in Chicago. During World War I, he joined the Navy. He began drawing cartoons for Afloat and Ashore, a Naval paper published in Charleston. After the War, he took night classes at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, studying under Billy DeBeck and Carl Ed.
In 1921, Johnson went to work in his father's hardware store, back in Gibson City. He continued to make cartoons for some local papers, until he was asked by the editor of Hardware Retailing to make a strip for their magazine. This resulted in 'Mr Oswald', who first appeared in 1927 and was modeled after Johnson's father. By the early 1930s, Johnson also took assignments from the Armstrong Cork Company, doing strips like 'Bunker Bunk and the Boys' (about wholesalers) and 'Sellem and Son' (about retail salesmen). He additionally made 'Adam and Steve' for The Sporting Goods Dealer, and a full-page monthly strip for the Remington Arms Company.
Eventually, Johnson dropped his other strips to work exclusively on 'Mr. Oswald'. Even after his retirement from retailing in 1963, he continued his strip for many years, and finally handing it over to Larry Day in 1989, at the age of 95. Russ Johnson had worked on his strip continuously for 62 years, a record for a creator working on a single comic strip.


text:
CORONA, Calif., April 30, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Monster Beverage Corporation (Nasdaq:MNST) announced today that results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2014 will be released on Thursday, May 8, 2014 after the close of the market. The company also said that chairman and chief executive officer Rodney Sacks and vice chairman and president Hilton Schlosberg will host an investor conference call that same day at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time to review the company's financial results and operations.
The call will be open to all interested investors through a live audio webcast via the Internet at www.monsterbevcorp.com. For those who are not able to listen to the live broadcast, the call will be archived for approximately one year on the website.
Monster Beverage Corporation
Based in Corona, California, Monster Beverage Corporation is a marketer and distributor of energy drinks and alternative beverages. The Company markets and distributes Monster Energy® brand energy drinks, Monster Energy Extra Strength Nitrous Technology® brand energy drinks, Java Monster® brand non-carbonated coffee + energy drinks, X-Presso Monster® brand non-carbonated espresso energy drinks, M3® Monster Energy® Super Concentrate energy drinks, Monster Rehab® non-carbonated energy drinks with electrolytes, Muscle Monster® Energy Shakes, Übermonster® energy drinks, and Peace Tea® iced teas, as well as Hansen's® natural sodas, apple juice and juice blends, multi-vitamin juices, Junior Juice® beverages, Blue Sky® beverages, Hubert's® Lemonades and PRE® Probiotic drinks. For more information, visit www.monsterbevcorp.com.
CONTACT: Rodney C. Sacks Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (951) 739-6200 Hilton H. Schlosberg Vice Chairman (951) 739-6200 Roger S. Pondel / Judy Lin Sfetcu PondelWilkinson Inc. (310) 279-5980
Source:Monster Beverage Corporation

subset: commoncrawl


text:
News Update
NIH SUSPENDS USE of NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS SUSPENDED IN LARGE ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE PREVENTION TRIAL
FDA Statement on Naproxen
The FDA today released the following statement on NIH halting a clinical trial involving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients at risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working with the National Institutes of Health to review the available scientific information on naproxen following the decision of the National Institute on Aging to halt a clinical trial studying non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Preliminary information from the study showed some evidence of increased risk of cardiovascular events, when compared to placebo, to patients taking naproxen.
In the meantime, FDA advises patients who are currently taking over-the-counter naproxen products to carefully follow the instructions on the label. Patients should not exceed the recommended doses for naproxen (220 milligrams twice daily) and should not take naproxen for longer than ten days unless a physician directs otherwise. Patients with questions about naproxen should consult their physicians.
Naproxen was first sold as a prescription drug under the trade name Naprosyn in 1976. FDA approved its use as an over-the-counter drug in 1994.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
NIH News
NIH Office of the Director (OD)
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Monday, December 20, 2004
John Burklow,
Don Ralbovsky,
OD Office of Communications and Public Liaison
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced today that research investigators suspended, until further notice, the use of two drugs, naproxen (220 mg twice a day) and celecoxib (200 mg twice a day), in a large, three-arm, national Alzheimer's disease prevention trial sponsored by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a part of the NIH. The trial, called the Alzheimer's Disease Anti-Inflammatory Prevention Trial (or ADAPT) was designed to assess the potential benefit of long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- naproxen (Aleve TM) and the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (Celebrex TM ) in decreasing the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease in people 70 years of age or older who were considered to be at increased risk because of family history, but did not have symptoms of the disease.
Approximately 2400 volunteer participants were randomly assigned to receive naproxen, celecoxib, or placebo for periods of time up to three years. Although no significant increase in risk for celecoxib was found in this trial, the use of these drugs in the study was suspended in part because of findings reported last week from a National Cancer Institute (NCI) trial to test the effectiveness of celecoxib in preventing colon cancer. In addition, however, data from the ADAPT trial indicated an apparent increase in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events among the participants taking naproxen when compared with those on placebo.
"This step is being taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the study's participants," said NIH Director, Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D. "The investigators made their decision based on the risk/benefit analysis specific to this trial," added Dr. Zerhouni.
The ADAPT trial began in 2001 and was conducted at six sites across the U.S. -- Tampa, FL; Rochester, NY; Baltimore, MD; Sun City, AZ; Seattle, WA; and, Boston, MA. The principal investigator for the study is John Breitner, M.D., of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center Puget Sound and the University of Washington.
Investigators and NIH scientists will continue to review this and other NSAIDs studies sponsored by NIH in the light of these findings. It should be pointed that the cancer prevention trials and the ADAPT study are among the first long-term, clinical trials to test these classes of drugs. These studies are examining these compounds for uses very different from the uses for which these medications are currently approved. NIH and FDA will work together to provide the public with information they need to make informed health decisions.
Information for the public and health professionals will be posted at www.nih.gov as soon as additional data become available.
The NIH comprises the Office of the Director and 27 Institutes and Centers. The Office of the Director is the central office at NIH, and is responsible for setting policy for NIH and for planning, managing, and coordinating the programs and activities of all the NIH components. The NIH, the Nation's medical research agency, is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The NIA is one of 27 Institutes and Centers at the NIH. It leads the Federal Government effort conducting and supporting research on the biomedical and social and behavioral aspects of aging and the problems of older people. For more information on aging-related research and the NIA, please visit the NIA website at www.nia.nih.gov. The public may also call for publications describing these efforts and offering health information for older people and their families at 1-800-222-2225, the toll free number for the National Institute on Aging Information Center.
This NIH News Release is available online at:
To subscribe (or unsubscribe) from this list, go to
View Older Articles
Back to Top


text:
If you have an account with us, please log in.
Registration is free and easy!
You have no items in your shopping cart.
Choose your style and fabric and get a couch made for you..
Create a space you will love to entertain in – simply pick the perfect dining set.
Wake up to a beautiful design every morning with our modern bedroom furniture.
Find the perfect coffee table, server or occasional chair right here.
Do your best work in a clean, inspiring space.
on selected pieces. Online Only.
Unfortunately you cannot add more products to the compare.
Add at least 2 more product to start compare


text:
Man Fatally Shot In The Back While Handcuffed By Cops In Oakland!
Ruben reports "22 year old man, Oscar Grant, survived by 4 year old daughter shot in the back of the head lying face down while handcuffed by cops on New Years."
Please click the "Report" button below if the video on this page is not working properly.
Comments will only be displayed by verified emails. No Spamming or Racism.


text:
Customers using Oracle software are unable to make informed procurement decisions due to complex licensing rules, leading to non-compliance and un-budgeted spend.
Deliver cost-effective solutions that provide a complete integral license position without compromising on performance.
Cost Reduction and Mitigation, Compliance and Control of all Oracle Software Assets.
Our aim is to help customer's protect themselves from decisions based on assumptions not facts.
Oracle licensing is a time consuming task which can lead to serious financial penalties if not done right.
The product was very easy to use, with zero-installation on the Database side, it's had no impact on our performance.
Senior Oracle DBA
Lime gave us a quick yet very detailed insight into what Oracle Software we are using.
Software Licensing Analyst
We managed to sucessfull audit 500 Databases in 2 days
Oracle License Partner
As Lime do not sell any Oracle licenses we knew we could be guaranteed independant advice
Banking Customer
With Lime we reduced the risks in our Oracle Licensing
Insurance Company CIO
Easy enough for Non Oracle DBA's to use
Health Service IT Professional
We have been using Lime Products and services for 4 years. The products and services Lime provide have easily paid for themselves 4 times over.
SAM Manager Finance Department
Lime Discovery found 30% more Databases than our current tools.
IT Auditor
With Lime License Manager we are able to manage our Oracle licenses more effectively.
IT Director


text:
Finding Balance
It's been a long, long time since I've written here, and it's not without some regret. Friendships that evolved out of writing seem as strained as my attempts at prose. Great meals go undocumented. New recipes go unshared. Without SpicySaltySweet I've felt a little lost.
But the feeling is generally fleeting, like the bitter, tannic impression of a tight, young wine on the tongue that fades as the wine opens and the fruit comes to the fore. I stopped writing here because my life was ridiculously out of balance, and it was taking a toll on my health in the most obvious way. Every meal I ate tied my intestines into knots until my insides felt like macrame. I had no energy. I got migraines. My whole body was tense. And I cried. A lot. Something had to give.
Actually, a lot had to give. So I pared my life down to the minimum. I focused on my 40-hour a week job as the writer and editor for K&L Wine Merchants, started getting regular exercise again, and I began seeing a hypnotist to learn how to manage the stress and the emotional weight of being a food and wine writer with a digestive disorder.
I told myself, when I felt better I would write again. And when I did finally feel better, around the turn of the year, I couldn't do it. I told myself I would practice living a more balanced life, and if there was room for the extra work I would write. But there was never anything leftover. I was getting ready for my wedding, I was on my honeymoon, I was recovering from my honeymoon. I was gardening. I was traveling for work, for play. I was living and loving it, but there wasn't anything left for my blog.
And there still isn't, I'm sad to say. But I am writing. And I would love your support. So if you've enjoyed my writing over the past few years, please visit the K&L blog. I've been having a blast interviewing winemakers, teaching myself how to edit video (and getting paid for all of it) and I even plan to work in some recipes of my own and my friends, and I'm having fun. And who knows, maybe with a little more time, and a little more practice at this balance thing, there will be a place for me as SpicySaltySweet. Until then…


text:
Popular People Searches
Latest People Listings
Recent People Searches
Last Names for Hammontree - Harclerode
USA-People-Search > People Directory > H > Page 3
If you are looking for someone with the last name Hammontree, you can stop looking elsewhere. If you scan through the results below you will find that there are several people with the last name Hammontree. Speed up your people search and locate critical details by containing the number of results displayed by simply clicking on the link of the last name of the person you are looking to find.
If you modify your search query you will be given a list of people with the last name Hammontree along with their first name. As you scroll through the list of names you will be soon find the person you need more information about. Once you find the right person, click the link which has their name and you will be taken to a page all about them.
If you can supply vital additional data about the person you are trying to trace, like their last known address or phone number, simply add the information on the search box above to better your search results. This is a timely way to find the Hammontree you are seeking, if you have some extra information about them.
Popular People Searches
Latest People Listings
Recent People Searches


text:
CU-Boulder disaster recovery fund: tinyurl.com/mxyyw9n
Ron Stump Student Emergency Fund: tinyurl.com/k2af9bl
The University of Colorado has set aside $120,000 to help off-campus students who were affected by Boulder's 100-year flood.
CU spokesman Bronson Hilliard said since the university reopened Monday, about 130 students have come to the resource desk at the University Memorial Center needing help with everything from books and supplies to finding a new place to live.
"These are kids who live off campus and suffered some kind of property damage from the flood," Hilliard said. "They've been coming to us and we've sort of been documenting their financial needs, and they're pretty substantial."
Kelly Fox, senior vice chancellor and chief financial officer, authorized $120,000 in funding to take care of the off-campus students in need.
Deb Coffin, vice chancellor of student affairs, said officials have emailed off-campus students about the funding and are encouraging those affected by the flood to apply for assistance online or at the UMC.
"The whole reason we are here is to help students go to school," Coffin said. "We want as many students as possible dealing with this tragedy to continue to go to school and continue their progress. We're just trying to help smooth the way for them to stay in school."
Coffin said that could mean anything from buying some textbooks or school supplies to providing temporary meal plans or gift cards for spending money. She said the school has also already housed nine students in hotels and is working on housing for about 35 more.
"Some of our kids have lost everything," Coffin said. "Some of the students just need a meal plan for a few weeks because their kitchen isn't working."
The school is also providing other types of support, including counseling for students returning to class.
"Some of the kids haven't heard from loved ones," Coffin said. "Some of them, they're fine but their parents lost their house. We're here for emotional support."
Contact Camera Staff Writer Mitchell Byars at 303-473-1329 or email@example.com.


text:
Make The Holidays
Description: One of the nation's leading fine stationery makers, Checkerboard (www.cblifestyle.com), is offering whimsical "pet" throw pillows, that can be personalized, to bring joy to the hearts of pet owners to celebrate the holidays. Your stylish pooch is the focal point! Our exclusive pet motifs feature your personalization underneath. Reverse side is a hounds tooth pattern with an overlay of the initial of your choice. These pillows look great from any angle. Our luxurious natural linen paired with the durability of polyester is elegant, long-lasting and wrinkle resistant, perfect for your personalized throw pillow. The linen fabric features a naturally inconsistent weave that adds to its luxurious feel. For more details please visit www.cblifestyle.com, or call us at (800) 735-2475.
Price: $65.00 to $85.00


text:
Welcome to the Asia Markets live blog, a running account of what the region's stock markets are doing, along with other news. Today, shares move off their early lows, while China worries about having too much money, and Qantas worries about having too little.
- Sort by:
- Oldest
- Newest
- 6:35 pm
- Qantas posts a loss-a-roo, but it could be worse
- by Mike Kitchen
- Add a Comment
The Qantas numbers are in, and looks like the Flying Kangaroo lost 235 million Australian dollars ($210 million) for the July-December period. Not great, but definitely at the low end of a consensus range for a loss of A$250 million to A$300 million cited by Rivkin.
And the announcements — there were lots of announcements: Wage freezes until the airline achieves underlying profit, 5,000 more layoffs, no more big spending on Jetstar Asia for now, possible sales of airport terminals in Sydney and Melbourne. (More details here.)
Qantas is also deferring orders for Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Ironically, it was a compensation from Boeing for late jet deliveries that allowed Qantas to pull a slim profit for the last fiscal year.
Anyway, the story will now shift to possible suitors for the airline. Earlier this week, the government said it was preparing legislation to ease the terms of the Qantas Sale Act. As you may know, the law — passed as the airline was being privatized in the early 1990s — prohibits foreigners from owning a majority in the airline, with no single foreign entity allowed more than a 25% stake. Of course, what exactly the government will pass, and whether foreign investors will line up to buy remains to be seen.
For now, it's enough to know that Qantas shares are down 3.9% in early trade.
- 7:07 pm
- Sydney losing altitude
- by Mike Kitchen
- Add a Comment
A weaker start for Australia's bourse, with the S&P/ASX 200 down 0.3%, erasing Wednesday's slim 0.1% gain.
Qantas is the big focus, with its shares gliding lower and lower still as the session grinds on. Trading about 4% lower after posting its not-so-bad-as-feared first-half loss (see earlier post), the stock is now 9% in the hole.
A weak overnight session for gold (Comex gold futures settled 1.1% lower) is hitting the gold miners, with Newcrest and Evolution down 1.1% apiece, while St. Barbara falls 2.6%, and Kingsgate Consolidated gives up 4.6%.
But there was upside for the mining sector as well. Rio Tinto is nosing 0.2% higher, while Whitehaven Coal is extending recent gains with a 3.1% advance this morning.
And finally, Oil Search is on a trading halt as it puts the finishing touches on a share placement to fund an acquisition. (See details on Oil Search placement here.)
- 7:38 pm
- Japan goes on a down-swing
- by Mike Kitchen
- Add a Comment
Tokyo has decided to sell this morning, and the weakness is spread across the market. The Nikkei Average is down 0.8% in early morning action, with a 0.9% drop from the broader Topix.
Among the soft spots: Real estate (Mitsui Fudosan down 3.5%, Mitsubishi Estate down 3%, Sumitomo Realty down 3.1%), retailers (Takashimaya down 2.2%, J. Front Retailing down 3.3%), and to a lesser extent, big banks (Mizuho Financial down 1.4%, Sumitomo Mitsui down 1.1%)
As for the rare blue-chip gainers, Tokyo Electron is bopping 2% higher as a Nikkei report is whispering a swing to positive cash flow for the current fiscal year (which ends next month). The chip-equipment firm reportedly wants to squirrel away the money for research and development.
Sony Corp. is up 0.5%, helped by Sony Electronics saying it would can about a third of its workforce and shut some 20 U.S. Sony stores.
And don't forget Panasonic. Yesterday's rally wasn't enough to price in the growing likelihood it will help build the fabled Tesla "Gigafactory,' though for now it's only saying it's "considering options" vis-a-vis Telsa, so it seems the bargaining is still ongoing. Either way, Panasonic is trading 1.6% higher today after a 5.3% jump yesterday.
- 7:40 pm
- Markets check -- 9:40 a.m. in Tokyo
- Add a Comment
Japan (Nikkei Average) down 0.6%
Sydney (S&P/ASX 200) down 0.4%
Seoul (Kospi) down 0.1%
- 9:11 pm
- Hong Kong bourse trades higher, but its owner doesn't
- by Mike Kitchen
- Add a Comment
After bobbing in the waves for the first few minutes, Hong Kong blue chips are on the rise, with energy and casino shares extending their gains from yesterday.
Sinopec (or China Petroleum & Chemical, if you prefer) is rocking a 3.3% gain on top of its advance yesterday, as the market chews over reports that major reforms for the Chinese energy sector are in the offing, including a divestiture of Sinopec's marketing division. Of course it didn't hurt that Goldman Sachs added Sinopec's stock to its conviction buy list.
Goldman also upgraded PetroChina, which is trading 0.5% higher. Among other Chinese energy names: Cnooc is up 0.3%, and KunLun Energy is 1.5% higher.
Casino shares are also moving further to the upside after an advance for some of the players Wednesday. MGM China is up 1.6%, Galaxy Entertainment is 1.4% higher, and Wynn Macau is ahead by 1.5%, buoyed by hopes Macau's February gaming revenue will break records.
The choicest gains, however, belong to FIH Mobile of the Taiwan-based Foxconn Group, shares of which are 12% higher. It's not immediately clear why, but it's worth noting that BlackBerry this week released its new Z3 phone, which Foxconn will be building.
And then there are the earnings: Hong Kong Exchange & Clearing, which owns the bourse, is flat after some early losses, even as it posted a more-than-10% bump up in 2013 profits on the back of some new listings. Sino Land, meanwhile, is up 0.7% after its results beat estimates.
Later today, we're due to get earnings reports from telecoms PCCW (currently up 1.7%) and China Unicom (now down 0.4%).
- 9:17 pm
- Markets check 10:17 a.m. in Hong Kong
- by Laura He
- Add a Comment
Japan (Nikkei Average) down 0.1%
Hong Kong (Hang Seng Index) up 0.5%
Shanghai (Shanghai Composite Index) up 0.1%
Sydney (S&P/ASX 200) down 0.3%
Seoul (Kospi) down 0.1%
Taipei (Taiex) up 0.5%
- 10:25 pm
- When too much money becomes a bother
- by LauraHe
- Add a Comment
China's central bank appears to be having a headache about too much money in the banks.
For the fourth time in the past 10 days, the People's Bank of China drained funds on Thursday from the banking system, pushing the total amount of money withdrawn to 268 billion yuan ($442 billion).
This time, markets reacted with less panic, as a PBOC official pacified investors in a rarely seen gesture, explaining it's "usual practice" for the central bank to withdraw funds at this time of the year when a lot of money comes back to the banking system after the weeklong Lunar New Year holiday.
"It doesn't mean the trends of our monetary policy would change," the official said in a report Wednesday from the state-run Xinhua News Agency, "The market liquidity shouldn't have a decisive effect on stocks."
Shanghai and Hong Kong markets seemed to deal with the remarks better than previously, with the Hang Seng Index /quotes/zigman/2622475/realtime HK:HSI rising 0.5%, and Shanghai Composite index /quotes/zigman/1859015/realtime CN:SHCOMP up 0.3%.
On the other hand, the property stocks weren't appeased: In Hong Kong, leading mainland Chinese developers Country Garden Holdings, Shimao Property Holdings, Guangzhou R&F Properties, and Sunac China Holdings all declined by more than 2%, while China Overseas Land & Investment lost 1.9%.
In Shanghai trading, Shimao Property dropped 3%, Poly Real Estatae declined 0.6%, and the largest residential developer China Vanke Co. lost 0.4%.
- 10:33 pm
- Markets check -- 11:33 a.m. in Hong Kong
- Add a Comment
Japan (Nikkei Average) up 0.1%
Hong Kong (Hang Seng Index) up 0.6%
Shanghai (Shanghai Composite Index) up 0.6% (at break)
Sydney (S&P/ASX 200) down 0.5%
Seoul (Kospi) up 0.1%
Taipei (Taiex) up 0.5%
- 11:56 pm
- VIDEO: Beijing residents warned to stay indoors
- Add a Comment
- 11:57 pm
- Markets check -- 12:57 p.m. in Hong Kong
- Add a Comment
Japan (Nikkei Average) down 0.2%
Hong Kong (Hang Seng Index) up 0.9% (at break)
Shanghai (Shanghai Composite Index) up 0.6% (at break)
Sydney (S&P/ASX 200) down 0.5%
Seoul (Kospi) up 0.1%
Taipei (Taiex) up 0.3%
- 1:29 am
- Japan's Wheel o' Stocks ends on "loss"
- by Mike Kitchen
- Add a Comment
Japan stocks declined today — or maybe better to say they "reclined," given the lazy, meandering path shares took.
The Nikkei Average is ending with a 0.3% loss, better than a 0.6% deficit early in the session, but down nonetheless after the index briefly turned positive at midday. The Topix fared worse, losing 0.7%.
Among the movers, Shinsei Bank erupted into a 5.5% gain after news that General Electric's GE Capital Corp. would pay the Japanese lender a cool $1.7 billion connected to interest payments from customers at a consumer-finance business Shinsei bought from GE back in 2008 (this from Dow Jones)
Nintendo lost 3.9%. The move coincided with a Nikkei feature highlighting troubles for the company — and it was pretty bad: the English version of the story began "If business were a video game, Nintendo would be running out of lives." But also out today was a Wall Street Journal report saying a Hong Kong hedge fund manager is urging Nintendo to get into mobile games.
Nintendo's rival Sony, which had started the day higher after some cost-cutting announcements from its Sony Electronics unit, ended 0.4% to the downside.
But the market couldn't keep Panasonic down. Its shares closed 2.6% higher, and as mentioned previously in today's blog, this was basically due to excitement over the possible Tesla deal.
- 1:32 am
- Markets check -- 9:57 a.m. in Tokyo
- Add a Comment
Japan (Nikkei Average) down 0.3% (closed)
Hong Kong (Hang Seng Index) up 1.3%
Shanghai (Shanghai Composite Index) up 0.5%
Sydney (S&P/ASX 200) down 0.5% (closed)
Seoul (Kospi) up 0.4% (closed)
Taipei (Taiex) up 0.5% (closed)
- 3:37 am
- Markets check -- 4:37 p.m. in Hong Kong
- by Laura He
- Add a Comment
Japan (Nikkei Average) down 0.3% (closed)
Hong Kong (Hang Seng Index) up 1.7% (closed)
Shanghai (Shanghai Composite Index) up 0.3% (closed)
Sydney (S&P/ASX 200) down 0.5% (closed)
Seoul (Kospi) up 0.4% (closed)
Taipei (Taiex) up 0.5% (closed)
- 4:41 am
- Bright ending for Chinese markets
- by Laura He
- Add a Comment
It's a bright ending for Chinese investors on Thursday.
Hong Kong and Shanghai markets appeared to have shrugged off the central bank's latest move to tighten the liquidity, as PBoC pacified investors by explaining that the bond repurchases are just "usual practice" to withdraw excessive money from the banking system. "It doesn't mean the trends of our monetary policy would change," the central bank said. See more from the post above: When too money becomes a bother.
And so comes the rally. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index advanced 1.7%, and Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.3%, as banks seemed to have been appeased.
In Hong Kong, China Citic Bank jumped 4.8%, Agricultural Bank of China climbed 2.1%, China Merchants Bank, China Minsheng Banking Corp. and China Construction Bank all rose more than 1.9%.
In Shanghai, China Minsheng Banking Corp. popped up 3.4%, and Bank of Beijing headed higher by 2%.
Meanwhile, Tencent Holdings, the most heavily-weighted stock in Hong Kong markets, soared 5.2% to 616.5 HK dollars ($79.5), pushing the Hang Seng Index higher by 106 points alone.
And this may not be the end of the rally yet, as Goldman Sachs just raised the target price for Tencent substantially by 56% to 700 HK dollars ($90.3), highlighting the huge potential in the social networking giant to benefit from rapid-growing mobile market in China, which ended 2013 with 500 million mobile users.


text:
Harry Styles Debuted New Songs "Anna" & "Medicine" While On Tour in Europe
Harry Styles released his debut self-titled album almost a year ago, but the former One Directioner shared not one, but TWO new songs while on his European tour.
Fans were treated to the new songs during the tour's kickoff show in Basel, Switzerland, and you've never had more FOMO.
Fan shot footage from the front row of the concert shows Harry on stage in a black sequin suit, strumming a matching black acoustic guitar as he performed the unreleased songs.
According to a Harry Styles fan account on Twitter, Harry explained to the crowd that one of the songs, "Medicine," was written while the 24-year-old was making his debut album, but didn't make the cut. He explained, "Two years ago I started making my very first album on my own, and you've been incredible through that whole process. I want to thank you for your support. We wrote a lot of songs for the album, and we chose ten, and we've never played this one before."
In the guitar-driven "Medicine," Harry sings lyrics like, "Here to take my medicine, take my medicine/Treat you like a pill/Give me that adrenaline, that adrenaline/Think I'm gonna stick with you" and "I had a few, got drunk on you and now I'm wasted."
Another new song, "Anna," is lighter and focuses on the acoustic guitar, and also samples George Michael's iconic hit "Faith." Harry sings on the track, "I don't want your sympathy, but you don't know what you do to me/Oh, Anna!/Every time I see your face, there's only so much I can take/Oh, Anna!"
Check out some of "Anna" below.
According to a fan on Twitter, Harry's set list included songs from his debut album, as well as renditions of One Direction songs like "Stockholm Syndrome," "What Makes You Beautiful," and "If I Could Fly," as well as covers of Ariana Grande's "Just A Little Bit of Your Heart" and Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" (which Harry recently won an iHeartRadio Music Award for over the weekend).
See the full set list below.
Over the weekend, Harry won two iHeartRadio Music Awards for Best Music Video and Best Cover Song. Both of these categories were socially voted, which means it was Harry's tremendous amount of fans who cast their votes for him to win during the voting period.
Harry won Best Music Video for his incredible visual for his debut solo single "Sign of the Times," and as for Best Cover Song, Harry won for his amazing cover of Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain."
In his acceptance speech sent to iHeartRadio while on tour, Harry said, "I wanted to say a massive thank you to all the fans who voted for me, a massive thank you to iHeart for everything and your continued support, and a massive thank you to Fleetwood Mac for writing the most amazing song for me to cover. So have a wonderful evening, I'm sorry I can't be there, and I love you all very much."
Photo: Getty Images


text:
Farmers in the Southeast are bracing for increased insect threats to their crops, created by an unseasonably warm, and in some areas dry, winter. In addition to crop threats, the unusual weather pattern brings with it some human risks and greater livestock risks that are heightened for rural areas.
Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) are two mosquito-vectored diseases that are now endemic to rural areas of the Southeast. Though the greater risk for either disease is to livestock, there is significant risk to humans from both diseases.
David Marshall, a veterinarian with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture says the best way to protect both animals and humans is to plan now — in the early spring — to reduce breeding grounds for mosquitoes and to vaccinate animals that may be exposed to either of the diseases.
"Horse owners should talk with their veterinarian to determine best times to start the vaccination program, both of which require two vaccinations, 30 days apart for horses with no history of the disease," Marshall says. Neither vaccination fully protects the animal until after the second shot, so it is a good idea to start as early in the mosquito season as possible, Marshall explains.
Typically, animals and humans are at greatest risk from EEE and WNV from July to October. Florida is the only Southeastern state reporting cases of either, or both, of these diseases year-round.
West Nile Virus was first detected in humans in the United States in 1999. Now, it is found in all 48 contiguous states and in neighboring areas in Canada and Mexico. Since its first detection in the U.S. 15,000 cases and 500 deaths have been recorded.
By comparison, the first human case of EEE in the U.S. was diagnosed in 1938. This disease is found primarily east of the Mississippi River, with southern states being in the highest risk category.
Though animal numbers aren't always a reliable indicator of the number of humans affected by these diseases, there is a common connection, probably related to the number of mosquitoes infected with the two viruses.
In North Carolina, the number of EEE and WNV cases has dropped dramatically, since 2003. So, have the number of human cases. In 2004-2005 only six equine WNV and 20 EEE cases were reported in horses. Combined, in 2003, nearly 250 cases of the two diseases were reported in the state's horse population.
Better awareness of the diseases and better vaccination programs have been a primary reason for the dramatic drop in equine and human cases across the Southeast. However, periods of cold weather in 2003-2004 and 2005 also contributed to the reduced number of mosquitoes available to vector the disease.
Typically, these viruses begin in wild birds, primarily crows, hawks and to a lesser degree bluejays. In each epidemic over the past 10 years, the start of the disease is linked to a swampy area, with adjacent woodlands that provide ideal habitat for wild birds.
Infected birds are bitten by mosquitoes, which in turn carry the disease to other birds and mammals and to humans. In a typical mosquito population, much less than one percent are infected by the viruses.
In horses, WNV symptoms include loss of appetite and depression, fever, weakness or paralysis of hind limbs, convulsions, and impaired vision. In humans the vast majority of those infected have no symptoms, those who do, usually have flu-like symptoms.
EEE symptoms in horses include aimless wandering, inability to swallow, impaired vision, convulsions, and in a high percentage of cases, death. There is no evidence that either disease can be transmitted to humans or to other animals in any way other than by mosquitoes.
Eliminating standing water that serves as mosquito breeding grounds is the best way to combat these diseases. In the peak periods for infection — July to October — staying indoors at prime mosquito feeding times (at dawn and at dusk) and using insect repellent are good ways to reduce human risks.


text:
Top 7 Reasons why you should consider an Above Ground Swim Spa Pool
As you have most likely noticed above ground swim spas offer many of the same features that a hot tub offers you such as massage jets... read more
Swim Spas offer adjustable water currents for your exercise and health, they are both economical to purchase and easy to install outside and inside. Swim spas effectively take the place of swimming pools and provides a low maintenance alternative. We currently offer 27 Designs to accommodate your family needs. Tract/Speculation homes have limited space available and installing a traditional swimming pool is costly and requires a large area. Swim Spas are less costly and only allocate a reasonable area for enjoyment.
Thank you for visiting our site. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us.
Swim Spas By Swim Spas Plus - Your Ultimate Guide
If you're looking for a luxurious spa experience, then you're going to love some of the options available from Swim Spas Plus Salem MA. In particular, one of the best swim spas has to be their 22 foot Galliano swimming pool spa. This incredible item is a full 22 feet long, combined with a width of 7.2ft - making it a true monster in the world swim spas. However, this wonderful creation also comes with an astonishing 41 massage jets, as well as a variety of fantastic LED lighting that makes it a truly delightful experience to have when you're using the spa in the twilight hours. Of course, this is just one model out of many different options available from this well-respected company – so if you're looking for something that's a little on the smaller side, then they can equally serve your needs in this regard as well. So no matter whether you're looking to purchase something luxurious or economical, you're going to be thrilled with your new swim spa just as soon as you have it installed into your property.
We offer the best prices in town.
Swim Spa Plus is much cheaper than an endless pool. We won't let you down, then you can't go wrong by shopping at Swim Spas Plus. With an extensive range of fantastic spas and endless pools currently available, they represent some of the best options on the market right now – so you're sure to be thrilled with your purchase. Of course, there's no denying that these pools represent a significant investment, but if you're willing to pay for the premium quality offered by this company, then you're going to love some of the features that you'll benefit from when you're the proud owner of what many call either an endless pool or endless swimming spa. The unique design of an endless pool gives you fantastic options when it comes to training and generally keeping fit, and thanks to the incredible design work that goes into these pools, you will be able to get a great deal of swimming accomplished, without having to take up your entire back garden with a large construction project and a huge full sized pool. Ultimately, this makes it a fantastic option for anybody who wants to swim in a small location.
If you're looking for a fun and convenient way to get some swimming practice on a regular basis, then investing in a quality lap pool is certainly a wise decision. Perhaps one of the best places to purchase one of these pools is from Swim Spas Plus – who specialize in providing a wide range of fantastic pools that you're sure to be thrilled with. There's no denying that these can be a fantastic way to train even if you have limited space for a pool, and spending your money on a lap pool will make all the difference when it comes to getting in this crucial training hours – or simply enjoying your daily swim in the comfort of your own home or garden.
Are you looking to purchase a swimspa spa pool? If so, then you can't go wrong by choosing any one of the options available from Swim Spas Plus. In particular, they are well renowned for their extensive collection of swimspas spa pools which give you great versatility in regards to training or simply enjoying a regular swim. What's more, many of the best models come with dozens of stream jets which make the experience fun to enjoy virtually any occasion. Overall, it's safe to say that these pools represent a fantastic investment.
Talk to our sales reps for more info
When it comes to purchasing an endless spa pool, it pays to do your research first. Of course, there is no hiding from the fact that these pools can cost quite a lot of money, so you want to make sure you are purchasing the best model for you. However, you certainly can't go wrong with spending your money with Swim Spas Plus, who currently have an extensive range of quality endless spa pools in stock, so you are you're going to be delighted with anything you purchase from this well-respected company. There's no denying that investing in an endless spa pool is a fantastic way to get more swimming time in, without having to take up too much space for a large dedicated pool. The endless spa pool will give you everything you ever wanted in a training pool, so it's easy to say that you're going to be delighted with your decision once you are the proud owner of a new endless spa pool.
Are you trying to find the perfect spa swimming spa? If so, one of your best places to check has to be Swim Spas Plus, because they have long been known as one of the best retailers specializing in this field. With an extensive range of options which are hard to beat, you won't struggle to find something that suits your needs. In particular, they have a wonderful range of dual temperature swim spas, and you can even find some monster length 22-foot spas as well – so you're certainly not going to be disappointed with the choice available from this well-renowned store. Many people report that the quality of their swimming spas is exceptional, and it's very rare for any fault at all, even after many years of use. This just goes to show that the quality is unsurpassed, and you're going to be delighted with your purchase.
If you're looking to purchase your swim spa wholesale, then it's worth getting in touch with Swim Spas Plus – because they can give you some exceptional deals that you won't find anywhere else. It goes without saying that purchasing wholesale is a great way to save money, especially if you're running a business yourself. With this in mind, purchasing wholesale swim Spas is a great investment. In fact, Swim Spas Plus have extensive experience in the field and have been specializing in providing these products at a fantastic wholesale price for several decades now. So if you're trying to get hold of a quality swim spa and you don't want to break the bank in the process, then there's never been a better time to shop with a quality retailer like Swim Spas Plus.
When it comes to finding quality swim spas for sale, it's not always easy to find something that will suit each one of your needs. Of course, a swim spa will often represent a significant investment, so you want to make sure you purchase something perfect on your first attempt. Fortunately, it's never been easier to purchase a quality swim spa thanks to the extensive models available from the popular Swim Spas Plus company. In fact, they are well renowned for producing some of the most unique and interesting options currently on the market, and each one of their models is made from the highest quality materials, which means you'll be getting great value for your money. Overall, trying to find a quality swim spa for sale can be a difficult task – which is why you need an expert company to guide you through the process, and ultimately ensures you purchase something which meets your expectations. When you shop with Swim Spas Plus, you know you're in safe hands because the company has been in operation for several decades now – and they are considered one of the best retailers of swim spas in the entire country. Obviously, this shows that you can't go wrong whenever you decide to shop with this company.
If you're looking to buy swim spas, then one of the best places to begin your search has to be with Swim Spas Plus. With several incredible models to suit virtually any price bracket, you can be sure that you'll find a swim spa that the gives you the size and luxury you deserve. Whether you're looking for something on the larger side, or something a little more modest, it's safe to say you'll be able to pick something that suits your needs at this excellent store. Of course, it's not always easy to find the right swim spa, especially when you've been browsing through countless catalogs and brochures and become overwhelmed by the different options. Fortunately, Swim Spas Plus have extensive experience in the field, and the dedicated team will be more than happy to provide the information and advice you need to help you purchase something that will best suit your needs. Ultimately, they will only be happy when you're happy, so this just goes to show that the customer service they offer is unrivaled in the industry.
When you're trying to find a Salem MA Swim spa manufacturer that will suit your needs, you don't have to look much further than Swim Spas Plus. This company specializes in the creation and sale of a wide range of Swim Spas that will give you everything you've been looking for and a whole lot more. There's no denying that there's a wide range of spa manufacturers available right now, but not all of them are up to the task of producing something that will last you for many years and represents good value for money. However, you can rest assured that whenever you shop with Swim Spas Plus you will be purchasing one of the best spas ever produced. Each of their options uses high-quality pumps and well-designed electrical controls which will simply never let you down. Of course, purchasing from a quality manufacturer will give you great peace of mind, and this is just one of the many reasons why shopping with this company is a smart investment.
It's not always easy to find the best endless swimming pools to suit your needs – especially when you're shopping on a tight budget. However, there's certainly a lot to be said for the endless swimming pools available from Swim Spas Plus – and many people regard this retailer as one of the best options when you're shopping for an endless swimming pool. Ultimately, each one of their options gives you unrivaled quality and value for your money – so regardless of which pool you choose to purchase, you can rest assured that you've invested your money wisely.
Are you hoping to find a suitable Jacuzzi for swimming? If so, it's a good idea to take a closer look at the products available from Swim Spas Plus, because they actually specialize in providing a wide variety of Jacuzzi-like spas and pools which give you everything you could ever want when you're looking for a Jacuzzi that's suitable for swimming – especially if you want to install it in the comfort of your own home or garden. Regardless of whether you want to enjoy your evenings in a Jacuzzi while having enough room for a gentle swim, or even if you're looking for something that can help to rehabilitate you after an illness or condition such as arthritis, investing in a Jacuzzi for swimming will easily be one of the best ideas you ever had. In fact, virtually everyone who takes the time to install a Jacuzzi for swimming in their garden or home is thrilled with the experience.
With an extensive range of spas on the market, it's not always easy to find precisely what you're looking for. With this in mind, it's certainly a good idea to get in contact with Swim Spas Plus, because they will be more than happy to put together a custom spa that will suit each and every requirement you may have. Ultimately, investing in a custom spa is a wise decision, because this is the only way to truly guarantee you will have everything you want in your very own personal spa. It's worth noting that this particular company is also well respected for the exceptional quality of spas they produce, so whether you're looking for a totally unique creation, or simply a few minor tweaks to an already existing design, you can rest assured that purchasing a custom spa from this company will be a fantastic decision for a pool spa Salem MA.
Thank you for taking the time to look over or endless lists of products.Tweets about #swim spa
Our Swim Spas and endless pools not only have water currents you can enjoy, but they are adjustable too, so you can find the perfect settings, whether you're looking to relax or get in some exercise. Our installations are also very affordable for most homeowners, especially when you consider the long-term benefits, use, and enjoyment you'll get out of them.
On top of all this, we can install them either indoors or out, so if the weather isn't always cooperative where you live, you can have something put inside your home to enjoy. It's also great to do so if privacy or modesty are important to you.
Flexibility is definitely a plus with our installations as well, and not just in terms of choosing between interior or exterior options. We offer no less than 31 different designs that you can choose from to meet the needs and desires of your home and family. We start our collection with 13 Swim Spas and then match it with 13 more Dual Temperature models, plus 5 Swim Spa Pros. No matter which one you choose, know that installation is easy, and your continuing maintenance requirements are going to be low, so they're also easy to live with.
If you're short on space, it might be due to a tract or speculation home, or just because your family has grown and the room you have available is at a premium. It's also possible that you don't want to tear up your yard or even have much of one to start with. One free room is usually all we need for an installation. Indoors or out, one of our Swim Spas lets you get in a great workout against an active current, which is just as much exercise as you would get swimming laps in a pool that eats up your whole backyard.
An indoor Swim Spa is also something you can better protect children from, keeping your family safer. It's also not going to be impacted by animals or weather.
Space isn't the only thing that our Swim Spas save, as they also don't take up a lot of your money either. The costs involved in a full swimming pool can run into the many tens of thousands. The prices of our Swim Spas varies based on the model, shipping, and installation, and there is often some contractor work still necessary in advance. However, our prices are far smaller than full pools since we don't do full pools. Also, the contractor prep work is also scaled way back given how much less square footage is in play.
Of course, swimming isn't the only thing you can do in our Swim Spas, as you can still use it just as a relaxing place to sit and soak your worries away. Don't worry, there's plenty of room for friends or someone you love.
For more information or a price quote, call us at 800.995.9144 or request one at our website at www.SwimSpaPlus.com. Trust your backyard relaxation and exercise to us, as we are an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau with a BBB rating of A+.


text:
Let us help you to manage your event in a professional way
Software solutions for all event management processes: online registration, entry management, entry fee, draws, results, live recording, scoreboards,...
You don't have the equipment? No problem, we will provide all needed technical equipement and provide additional services like livestreaming
We support you remotely or on-site. We provide trainings, certification programs, documentation and video tutorials
We permanently improve our software and services and customize to fit your needs
A quick overview


text:
A Veteran's Day To Remember
By Meyers Leonard, Portland Trail Blazers
I had a very meaningful Veteran's Day this year for a couple of different reasons. My brother Bailey, who is a U.S. Marine, came to our game last Monday, which was Blazers Military Appreciation Night.
He is no longer on active duty, but was in the Marines for four years and had two tours in Afghanistan. Ever since my brother joined the military, Veteran's Day has become more meaningful to me. A lot of times it goes unnoticed, but after being directly affected with Bailey being overseas twice, I understand the meaning behind it much more. We were always close – we're only two years apart – but that bond became even stronger over the past few years.
About a month ago, I told him I wanted him to come out to a game. He's living back in Illinois and hadn't seen me play in the NBA yet. Since it was Military Appreciation Night, I knew it would have more meaning. So he sat in the family section and got to watch me play for the first time in the NBA. The last time he saw me play was when he surprised me at my last college game. I can't remember exactly when that was, but I know it was against Michigan. At the time, he had just returned from Afghanistan and was still enlisted.
The Blazers did a very nice job putting everything together. They interviewed me about what it was like having him here, and then interviewed both of us together. Bailey was interviewed by himself during the game; I think it was on the Jumbotron. The Oregon Army National Guard presented him a flag at halftime, and he was the honorary person of the night. Also, a man who makes coins for military veterans made a special one for him. It got really loud when they introduced Bailey to the fans; and it was very humbling for me to see how people respect what he did and see the bond we have. It was awesome to have him here for that experience. I know he'll be in Indianapolis to watch me play again in December. And hopefully he'll make it to Chicago, too.
Off To A Great Start
I'm really happy with where I'm at this point in my rookie year. I'm trying hard to be a good guy, on and off the court. On the court, I'm really starting to get a good feel and flow of the game. We've had some good wins, and I've been getting good minutes. It feels good to get on that court and helps my confidence a lot. For me, it's not as much about points, but about blocked shots, rebounds, defense. Although, if I can finish around the rim, I most likely will do it. I had a dunk in transition on Friday night, which got the crowd going. I am trying to play as hard as I can and giving it my all, and I think the fans respect the way I play. I want people to think of me as a basketball player and a person – it's important to do both well.
Words of Wisdom
Coach Stotts tells me to keep playing hard and learning. He says my rookie year is going to have ups and downs, which I've already experienced. Some nights I'm not as comfortable out there, and other nights I'm in the groove.
My mentors right now are really a combo of everyone. Assistant coach Kim Hughes is the big man coach, and we've become close. LaMarcus Aldridge has done a great job helping me out. Veterans Jared Jeffries, Ronnie Price, Aleksandar Pavlovic reach out to me; they tell me to keep working hard and use my talent to my full advantage.
Piano Man
Last time I blogged, I mentioned that I started piano lessons. It's been going well, and I actually had a lesson last week. My teacher tells me that my learning process is a lot quicker than most. Sometimes it's hard to find time to practice, but she lent me a keyboard to practice on, so I'm making progress.
Right now I'm learning to play "Open The Eyes Of My Heart" and still working on the theme song from "The Office." Other than that, it's just some tick tock songs that help you learn the keys.
Follow me on twitter or Instagram @meyersleonard11
Meyers Leonard is a 7-foot-1 center from the University of Illinois. He was selected by the Trail Blazers with the 11th pick of the 2012 NBA Draft.
Follow All Ball all season for more from NBA Rooks: Diaries …


text:
Get the Best Juniper Networks Training from Tech Data Academy
Juniper Networks certification and training is about using Juniper Networks technology to its fullest to create better business outcomes in enterprise and mission critical environments. Tech Data will guide you through the Juniper Networks certification track. On attaining 'Juniper Networks Certified Associate Junos' status you'll be an expert on building high performance Juniper routing, switching and security solutions.
Get Juniper Networks training from an organisation committed to accelerating your success
Tech Data Academy delivers official Juniper Networks training courses to students around the globe and guides them on their Junos certification journey. With Tech Data's commitment to helping you learn how to deploy Juniper technology in complex real-world environments, Tech Data is the safe choice to ensure you get the Juniper skills you need.
Discover Junos training courses that are right for you
Select the Juniper Networks training courses you want from the following categories:
IT courses to fit your learning style
Using endorsed high quality Junos training courses and the best trainers, Juniper training courses are often available to match your preferred learning style, including onsite, classroom, Juniper online and virtual self-paced courses.
See the upcoming Juniper course schedule +
Need help identifying the right Juniper course or certification for you?
Our training experts are ready to help guide you on your journey to obtain the IT certification you need to manage large complex IT environments. Contact us today:
Tel: +31 (0)40 250 2766
Email: email@example.com
Did you know?
- In addition to Juniper Networks training courses Tech Data can provide you with a full range of Juniper solutions, professional services and tool kits. Find out more +
- Tech Data can also customise Juniper training courses to your exact needs. Contact us for details.
- Need immediate help with an Juniper configuration? Either our own Juniper certified technical experts or one of our Juniper resellers will be able to help. Find out more +


text:
Kate Dolan, Catonsville
• Describe your latest book Both my latest and upcoming releases are traditional Regency romance novellas. "Dinners with Mr. Danville" is in the anthology Cotillion Christmas Kisses and "Change of Address" is an upcoming release which will come out first on its own and then as part of the Cotillion Christmas Surprises anthology. I've also written historical fiction set in Maryland, contemporary Christian mysteries (also set in Maryland) and a children's book co-written with my daughter. • Why write? What makes writing a book worthwhile? It took me the first 30+ years of my life to realize I'd always wanted to write fiction, and now, 15 years after that, I still haven't figured out why. I feel lost when I go too long without it. Sometimes, I feel a sense of satisfaction when I read back over something I've read. But just as often, I cringe when I read my own words. So why do I still feel compelled to write? When I figure it out, maybe it will be time to stop. • How has growing up and/or living in the Baltimore area influenced your writing? When I first started writing seriously, I decided to set my book in Maryland because I thought it would be easier to research. That actually didn't turn out to be true -- it was difficult to find out about everyday life in Maryland in 1713. But it was extremely fulfilling to try to fill in the pieces of the puzzle and gave me a new connection with my adopted hometown (I'm originally from Chicago). • Is the written word in trouble? Are authors an endangered breed? The written word is here to stay, but the book as we think of it may be endangered. People still like to read and still like to become engrossed in stories, but they don't always make time to sit down with a long book. I think eventually most people will be reading short articles and stories in segments, like TV shows or the old serially published novels, on their smartphones. Authors and publishers will need to adjust if they want to keep readers. Of course, since most of us write primarily for the joy of creation, authors will still be writing, even if it's only for an audience of one. So we're endangered in the sense that we might starve to death if trying to live on the sales of our work, but the profession won't vanish due to lack of interest. • What's your next project? I've always got a number of projects in progress. I'm working on my third contemporary Christian mystery and this one involves the world of competitive jump rope, which actually takes up a lot of my time in real life these days. I'm also starting a nonfiction project with a local researcher to explore the history behind some local ghost stories.
Handout photo
Copyright © 2019, The Baltimore Sun, a Baltimore Sun Media Group publication | Place an Ad


text:
Houston couple charged in toddler's death after horrific injuries found
In the last week of Taemor Hicks' short life, the coroner noted, just even walking would have been difficult. The 13-month-old boy had been beaten so badly that some of his leg tissue had died and was decaying.
On Friday, the day he died, he'd been beaten seven or eight times. The man accused of hitting him, Damien Lamont Henderson, said he gave the boy a "whuppin," according to court documents, striking him across his body and chest with a belt.
Henderson and the boy's mother, Trachell Foster - who told investigators she had seen him beat her son - are now charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily injury.
Police said Foster had gone to a job interview on Friday, leaving the boy in Henderson's care at the couple's apartment at 9601 West Montgomery. About 11:15 a.m., Henderson called 911 to report the boy had stopped breathing, according to a criminal complaint. Paramedics took the boy to Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Henderson initially told investigators that Taemor's injuries were burns from the stove, but he later said he beat the child he called "Ta" with a belt, according to court documents. The beatings were daily, Henderson told authorities.
He also said he hit the baby with his hand and when his hand hurt from the blows, he would batter the child with the back of his hand.
Foster told authorities she had seen her boyfriend beat her son and it "made her uncomfortable," the document stated. She also said Henderson had been beating the boy for about two months.
The medical examiner who performed the autopsy told authorities the boy had several injuries, including bruises on his face, a torn upper lip, a hemorrhaged left testicle and cuts across the chest.
Henderson and Foster, both 23, are each being held in the Harris County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.


text:
NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are bringing Andy Powell back to Rodney Parade after signing the former Wales and Lions back row forward on a one-year deal.
The 32-year-old from Brecon will make his return to union next season after changing codes last year to play for Super League and Challenge Cup winners Wigan.
Powell, 6ft 4ins and 18st, cut his teeth with Newport and made 50 appearances for the Black and Ambers under the tutelage of Ian McIntosh between 2000 and 2003.
He went on to play for Leicester, Beziers, the Scarlets, Cardiff Blues, London Wasps and Sale Sharks with his dynamic ball carrying earning 23 caps for Wales – four of which came at the 2011 World Cup – and selection for the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 2009.
Powell has not played since taking on Huddersfield with Wigan last September and neck surgery denied him the chance to represent Wales at the Rugby League World Cup.
He passed a medical on Monday and was put through his paces along with his new teammates at pre-season training at the Dragons' base in Ystrad Mynach yesterday.
And now Powell, who will be 33 when the campaign gets under way, is looking to show he still has plenty to offer.
"I am extremely delighted to be back in Wales and in Newport," he said. "I have very fond memories of playing for Newport RFC and can remember the great support we had from fans.
"I was very impressed through last season with (head coach) Kingsley Jones and (director of rugby) Lyn Jones' ambitions for the region. I am very excited about the challenges that lie ahead and look forward to challenging the other Welsh regions for silverware."
Powell can play blindside flanker but has been signed predominantly as a number eight and provides the Dragons with a strong ball-carrying option.
He will battle for starts with Wales ace Taulupe Faletau, whose arrival on the Test scene led to the end of Powell's Wales career, and Fijian back row forward Netani Talei.
Powell is another experienced campaigner that will be available to the Dragons throughout the season following the summer signings of full-back Lee Byrne, wing Aled Brew, locks Ligtoring Landman and Ian Gough and props Boris Stankovich and Dave Young.
The region have also signed 24-year-old hooker Rhys Buckley and 22-year-old tighthead Lloyd Fairbrother.


text:
99designs14 needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 7 designs submitted by 5 freelance designers.
Believe the lies (on your CV) or (on your Resume) for http://believethelies.net
I'm trying to set up a website/ blog which will have a membership forum. The idea is to help anyone seeking a job to build up the skills and attitude to get a job.
An important aspect is to keep up the motivation of those who are unemployed or made redundant.
Content ranges from straight training how to do something to quite cynical articles, eg consider those running temp agencies as pimps selling your body, skills etc.
The articles will be in UK English, but I will be writing for an International market.
Long term I plan to turn the posts into an ebook and training course.
Who am I?
I am a retired further education lecturer, (equivalent to American community college). I live in Richmond, west of London, in a really nice area within walking distance of the River Thames.
I'm noted to have a quirky sense of humour and having 'off the wall' ideas.
I'm married, have three grown up children. I enjoy walking, swimming, photography and whizzing around in my Mazda Bongo camper van, (similar in size to a VW camper), just back from a month's trip in Scotland.
I'm reasonably skilled in web techniques.
Really anyone who is unemployed, made redundant, students coming to the end of their courses, those unhappy in their job and those seeking promotion.
The site will then help them, support them or amuse them in the processes of motivating themselves and seeking jobs.
Support will be through the articles, the email newsletter, the forum and downloadable help sheets. Later ebook.
All text will be in UK English, but written for both a UK and International audience. Where there are differences between the UK and America I will usually explain the difference.
The difference between my site and other job hunting sites is that mine is looking at the user in a wider context - ie motivating them as well as just teaching the techniques. There will also be more humour.
I am really looking for a simple image. I do not want the text or initials.
The image will then be used with the text so I can be flexible with header. I able to use Fireworks or Photoshop Elements to place the image.
Something like a cartoon would be good. Possibly with the word 'Liar'.
Alternatively playing around with the characters in 'Liar'.
I prefer a few simple colours rather than anything too fussy.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


text:
Wal-Mart shares may have done nothing over the last year, but what they've done the last week could suggest brighter times ahead for the languishing retailer.
The world's largest retailer's stock was up 0.9% at a near one-month high of $76.77 in afternoon trading Tuesday. It has gained 0.1% over the last year, which looks a lot worse considering the S&P 500 has soared 20% over the same timeframe. The shares' lackluster performance has come as U.S. same-store sales have declined for the last five quarters.
But over the last week, the S&P 500 has lost 0.5% while Wal-Mart has gained 1.8% amid a five-session winning streak.
"The stock has been pretty much dead money over the last year," said Mark Newton, chief technical analyst at Greywolf Execution Partners. "But this week, you've seen some pretty positive price action."
On a long-term basis, the stock is in "pretty good shape," he said. Investors just need to wait out the slow period for the defensive, consumer-staple sector leader. History suggests that should eventually pay off, especially if the broader market continues to pull back, which Newton believes is a distinct possibility.
"It's not a bad time to own a big, slow mover," Newton said.
Wal-Mart stock had done nothing for nearly two years through late 2011, while U.S. same-store sales declined for nine-straight quarters through July 2011. But as the stock started rallying in October 2011, Wal-Mart started reporting sales growth again. The shares ended 2011 with an 11% annual gain, while the S&P 500 was virtually flat.
"Wal-Mart has been known to trade in lengthy periods of sideways consolidations," Newton said, and the last year appears to be one of those times. He said if the stock can rise above $77, "you can see a pretty big push up," at least back toward the April highs around $80.
That would then suggest a longer-term breakout, above the December 2013 highs just above $81, could be on the horizon.
–Tomi Kilgore
More must-reads from MarketWatch:
Say hello to the U.S. economy\'s latest bubble
Dow 17,000 is on the wrong side of history
7 market myths that make investors poorer


text:
Ole Miss Athletics Week in Review
April 7-13, 2015
- Ole Miss finished the week with a 2-2 mark to remain a .500 overall record for the season (18-18) as well as 7-8 in SEC play. After dropping a midweek game to Southern Miss in Pearl, Miss., the Rebels bounced back to claim a SEC road series over No. 1 Vanderbilt. Ole Miss dropped the first game before taking the final two games from the top-ranked Commodores.
- Against Southern Miss, Connor Cloyd batted in the leadoff spot for the first time in his Ole Miss career, going 3-for-5 with two runs for a new career high in hits. Sophomore Colby Bortles added a pair of hits and two RBI, while senior Sikes Orvis drove in his team-leading 28th and 29th runs of the season with his eighth double of the 2015 campaign.
- Bortles continued his hot hitting into the weekend. With Ole Miss trailing by four in the top of the ninth on Friday night, Bortles tied the game by belting the second grand slam of his career. The third baseman was also the last Rebel to hit a grand slam before tonight, going deep against Arkansas State, May 13, 2014.
- After Ole Miss tied the game in the ninth, a two-out double by Henri Lartigue in the top of the 16th brought in the game-winning run.
- The bullpen trio of Jacob Waguespack, Wyatt Short and Scott Weathersby combined to pitch 11 shutout innings. Add in starter Brady Bramlett, and the Ole Miss pitching staff kept the No. 1 team in the country off the scoreboard for 14 of the 16 innings.
- Waguespack pitched three scoreless innings before Short added a pair of shutdown innings.
- Weathersby was named SEC Co-Pitcher of the Week, the conference office announced Monday. Weathersby finished the game by lasting a career-long six innings and striking out a career-high 10 hitters. Weathersby retired 18 of the 21 batters he faced, including getting out of a bases-loaded jam with nobody out in the bottom of the 11th.
- The 16-inning game was the second extra-inning game of the year for Ole Miss. The Rebels defeated then-No. 1 LSU in 14 innings earlier this season, rallying to tie the game in the ninth inning of that contest as well. The two games mark the first time in Ole Miss history that the Diamond Rebels have played two 14-plus inning games in one season. The 16-inning game also was the third-longest in program history.
- One night after rallying behind four runs in the ninth and coming back to win a 16-inning thriller, the Ole Miss baseball team maintained the momentum by taking down No. 1 Vanderbilt for the second-straight game, 5-4, to claim a big SEC series on the road. With a victory over the Commodores, the Rebels improved to an impressive 5-4 against No. 1 teams in 2015.
- Sophomore Errol Robinson provided the game-winning hit, a 2-RBI bases-loaded single in the top of the seventh, and the Ole Miss bullpen kept the Commodores off the board for the second-consecutive contest.
- Senior Sam Smith came out of the bullpen to pitch two scoreless innings of relief, and Waguespack closed out the ninth to earn his first career save. For the entire series, the Rebels' bullpen did not allow a run to score in 15.2 innings of work.
- Nine different Rebels recorded base hits throughout the afternoon as the team tallied 10 of them. Senior Austin Knight went 2-for-3 and added a walk to reach base three times. Holt Perdzock had a RBI double in his only plate appearance, and Cameron Dishon knocked in a run as well.
- In his fourth career start, facing a No. 1 team for the second time in his career, freshman Will Stokes put together a career outing. The right-hander went a career-long six innings, surrendering four runs on seven hits to earn the first victory of his young Ole Miss career.
- Ole Miss has won two-of-three series against No. 1 teams this season (Florida, Vanderbilt).
- In front of a crowd of approximately 15,000 fans, Ole Miss closed out spring practice with the annual Regions Bank Grove Bowl on Saturday. The Blue team defeated the Red team 17-7, behind a pair of long touchdown passes, one by junior quarterback Chad Kelly and another by senior running back Jaylen Walton on a halfback pass.
- Kelly finished 9-of-19 for 104 yards with a touchdown and an interception. DeVante Kincade was 9-of-18 for 93 yards and also led the Blue team with 50 rushing yards on 10 carries, while Ryan Buchanan was 5-of-16 for 49 yards with an interception.
- Jordan Wilkins led all players with 62 rushing yards on six carries, while Eugene Brazley rushed for 44 yards on 10 carries with a touchdown.
- Damore'ea Stringfellow led all receivers with three catches for 98 yards and a TD, while Derrick Jones was the Red team's top receiver with three catches for 35 yards.
- Defensively, Fadol Brown, Issac Gross and Channing Ward led all players with 2.0 tackles for loss apiece, while both of Gross' TFLs were sacks. Cornerback Kendarius Webster finished with three pass break-ups, and linebackers DeMarquis Gates and Terry Caldwell totaled five tackles each.
Women's Tennis
- No. 25 Ole Miss won twice this past week, shutting out Arkansas-Pine Bluff 6-0 and then rallying to top Mississippi State 4-3. The Rebels earned the No. 9 seed in the SEC Championship and will face the No. 8 seed, Kentucky, in the second round Friday at 9 a.m. CT.
- The Rebels have now won 26 straight against Mississippi State.
- Sophomore Zalina Khairudinova clinched the win, rallying from an 0-3 deficit in the final set. It marked the SEC match for her to clinch this year, as she also clinched the 4-3 win over Auburn.
- Senior Julia Jones became the seventh member of the 100-club, winning her 100th match against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. At 27-7 this year, she needs three wins to become the 10th player to record 30 in a season.
- The Rebels finished the regular season 8-3 at home.
Men's Tennis
- No. 14 Ole Miss split its last regular season matches, defeating South Carolina 4-2 in Columbia, before falling to No. 8 Georgia 4-0 in Athens. The Rebels earned the No. 4 seed in the SEC Championship and will face the winner of the No. 5 Vanderbilt vs. No. 12 Auburn/No. 13 Arkansas winner in the quarterfinals Friday at 4 p.m.
- This marks the 17th time for the Rebels to finish in the top third of the SEC and receive a first round bye in the tournament.
- The Rebels defeated South Carolina for the second time this season after dropping the doubles point. It marked the second SEC opponent the Rebels have beaten twice this year, including Florida.
- Junior Stefan Lindmark became the fifth player in program history to go undefeated in the SEC at 8-0. He owns a 12-3 record at No. 2 singles and has won six in a row. His win at South Carolina was also his 20th of the year.
- Senior Nik Scholtz clinched the win over South Carolina, his fourth clinch in the SEC and second on the road.
- In the latest ITA Attendance Race Standings, the Rebels are ranked fourth in average attendance (290) for the season. They finished the month of March third in total attendance and second in average attendance (336).
Track & Field
- Ole Miss had a very productive Friday in Starkville at the 2015 Border Clash, as Rebel athletes claimed four event titles, produced 11 new marks that rank top 10 in school history, and had six results that moved them into the top 40 nationally this season.
- The Border Clash, which pitted four schools from Mississippi against four schools from Alabama, saw the Mississippi men prevail 98-93 and the Alabama women win 108-61.
- For the men, Jalen Miller won the 100m (10.34), Robert Semien won the 110m hurdles (13.98) and Dempsey McGuigan claimed the hammer throw title (210-1).
- Craig Engels and Holland Sherrer went 2-3 in the 800m with times of 1:48.27 and 1:48.63 that rank them top six in school history and top 30 in the nation this year.
- The women were led once again by the quartet of Nicole Henderson, Shannon Ray, Khadijah Suleman and Jhorden Hunter, who won the 4x100m relay in 44.55 that ranks them third in school history and No. 8 in the NCAA this year.
- Racquel Moses was runner-up in the 400m hurdles (59.55) and Britt Ummels was runner-up in the 1500m (4:28.61).
- Ole Miss men who rank top 50 in the NCAA are Phillip Young in the triple jump (12th, 52-2.75), Miller in the 100m (17th, 10.34), McGuigan in the hammer (17th, 212-7), Engels in the 800m (19th, 1:48.27), Sherrer in the 800m (26th, 1:48.63), Semien in the 110m hurdles (28th, 13.98), Trevor Gilley in the 1500m (41st, 3:56.60), Adam Aguirre in the high jump (45th, 6-10.75), Branden Greene in the high jump (45th, 6-10.75) and Nathan Loe in the hammer (46th, 202-3).
- Ole Miss women who rank top 50 in the NCAA are Ray in the 100m (8th, 11.41), the 4x100m relay (8th, 44.55), Kierra White in the long jump (30th, 20-1), Hunter in the 100m (36th, 11.58), Moses in the 400m hurdles (37th, 59.55) and Fabia McDonald in the long jump (47th, 19-8.25).
- The Rebels continue to show improvement in the first year under the direction of head coach Mike Smith, improving in the win column and in statistical categories upon recent previous seasons.
- The Rebels have 35 home runs on the season after hitting only 31 home runs a year ago. Freshman 1B Alex Schneider leads the Rebels with eight home runs on the year, while 10 different players have home runs - including eight with multiple home runs.
- Ole Miss has also successfully stolen 76 bases on the year after only attempting 60 steals in 2014.
- The Rebels hit the 23-win mark last week, defeating Samford in a midweek contest to pass the win total from a year ago and with five wins in SEC play surpassed the win total from last season as well. It also is one win away from totaling the number of SEC wins over the previous two seasons combined by the Rebels.


text:
If you enjoy drawer inserts and dividers, you will love cosmetic drawer organizers. Cosmetic drawer organizers are the ultimate in space-saving organization, providing you with lots of room, plenty of individual compartments, and a variety of options. With all the choices available, you can easily put away your various belongings in the designated sections. From paper clips to hair bands to batteries or small change, cosmetic drawer organizers help to keep your life in order.
Cosmetic drawer organizers come in single or double layers with a roll top tray for even more space conservation. And if the roll top tray is a plus for you, you'll be thrilled with the dual roll top cosmetic drawer organizer. This drawer tray comes with the base unit and two individually gliding top trays in varying sizes.
Drawer trays come in a clean white plastic finish that will neither clash nor detract from your current color scheme. These versatile drawer and desk organizers can be used all over the house from the kitchen or living room, to the bedroom or even bathroom. Hobbies are also kept organized and in tact with a compartment for each faction. Drawer tray organizers simplify and organize your life because, unlike you, your stuff can fit into a box.
Tired of hopelessly weeding through the conglomerate mass that was once your belongs? Sort your sundry items and save your valuable time with ultra-convenient cosmetic drawer organizers from Kitchen Cabinet Hardware. Keep things in order, and never be left rummaging again.


text:
The suicide has raised questions of his treatment by state psychiatric authorities.
One of Walker's friends said that he had been planning to kill himself in a public place for some time: "It was almost like he wanted to prove a point, like there's no point in being scared of death because it's going to happen to us anyway." The friend reportedly told Walker's parents who had him committed St Charles Medical Centre in Bend. The friend is quoted as saying
"I actually told him, I was like, 'Dude, this is going to mess a lot of people up.'"
Beyond the tragedy itself, there is a question of the responsibility of state officials and the coffee shop. I believe the shop is not likely to face liability -assuming (as appears to be the case) that they had no reason to expect such an unforeseeable act. It would be hard to establish the basis for a negligent infliction of emotional distress claim as an audience member.
The hospital could be more vulnerable if a reasonable doctor would not have released Walker. However, again, such acts are hard to predict and make generally for a poor basis for legal action.
From a public policy perspective, however, there are increasing complaints over the treatment (and release) of potentially violent individuals. It is a difficult balance for a state. We have moved away from the large-scale institutionalization of the mentally ill.
After the Supreme Court handed down its decision in O'Connor v. Donaldson in 1975, states were ordered that they cannot involuntarily hold a person who is not imminently a danger to himself or others and able to survive on his own. That decision ended abuses across the country and allowed mentally disabled individuals to have functional lives. In any such case, there can be problems particularly if an individual does not receive or take necessary medication.
Source: Daily Mail
Jonathan Turley
I copy-pasted the report as it is to avoid missing a certain point between the lines, or having to edit or re-write it all over again, but mainly, I wanted to focus on the incident, and the act of suicide, rather than who's to blame, or which direction to point fingers at.
So, I wanted to know your prospective of it all. What do you think of suicide? and of people who commit it? Do you consider contemplating suicide psychotic? And just what are your thoughts on this particular story?
I don't consider people who contemplate or even commit suicide psychotic. In fact, I think, maybe, they know too much... or just that they haven't found what keeps any of us from taking his/her own life, perhaps, a goal, a companion, or even a bunch of them.
I find the attitude people take towards suicide is similar to that of a believer to a non-believer, in a sense, that they think should be saved in the manner they see fit, which I find both very demeaning, and judgemental. Making up fairy-tales as a purpose to keep you from killing yourself is not very sane either.
Views: 537
It is unlawful in the State of Texas to have a green burial and the body farms are not accepting anyone. Being old and in failing health, I have decided upon an inexpensive, rational solution. For 350 bucks one can hop on a Caribbean cruise, get 3 days of good dining, perhaps an affaire-de-amour with a lonely widow woman and, going off the fantail on the return, get a free burial at sea. A note to the Captain, apologizing for any inconvenience would be in order.
After the Supreme Court handed down its decision in O'Connor v. Donaldson in 1975, states were ordered that they cannot involuntarily hold a person who is not imminently a danger to himself or others and able to survive on his own. That decision ended abuses across the country and allowed mentally disabled individuals to have functional lives.
It's also one reason for all of the homeless people sleeping under bridges and begging on city streets.
Now he is a civil servant. Says so in the handbook
M.M. wrote:
Doing that in front of a crowd of complete strangers with the possibility of causing one or more of them emotional harm was the act of an asshole.Subjecting those unwitting people to an act of life ending violence is in my opinion an assault. .... But what he subjected his unwilling audience to was the final act of a douche bag.
Oh get real. Day in and day out people willingly and gluttonously pay Hollywood a shit ton of money to watch goreporn movies like Saw, and see the most realistic and gruesome deaths that technology can provide, in 3D no less. THEY APPLAUDED THIS GUYS DEATH. Reread that and let it sink in. They enjoyed the thought - and the SIGHT - of someone stabbing themselves repeatedly. But when the idiots finally realized that it's real and their wishes actually turned into reality, all of a sudden it's assault? What's that if not hypocrisy. I guarantee you that if you would legalize murder on stage every theater in the nation would sell out, and people would come with tissues to jerk off to it. And not just the fat creepy type you'd expect, I mean everybody.
People aren't the easily-scared, innocent, pure, kindhearted beings you mistake them for. Society is a cruel meat grinder. Drop the sap-cannon.
Ed wrote:
I must confess I am a little confused by the responses from the younger generation.
I respect your view, because I liked the rest of your post, but what's up with this? What do the responses have to do with age? Or was that just a heavy-handed attempt to imply that old age somehow equals to more wisdom? See the fact of the matter is that some of us don't enjoy life, and some us respect that. This guy wanted to leave with a show, humor him. He died in applause, that's admirable. It's better than rotting in a cubicle 5 days a week for 40 years and then dying in some shithole apartment or hospital.
Life just is not for everybody, some don't enjoy the show and we have the right to walk out of that show if we think it blows.
Yes it's sad when really young kids kill themselves because they didn't really give life a chance, but then again what do young people have to contrast their feelings against? Nothing. When you're that young, and naive, and have always been sad there is no "better times" or anything you can remember and look forward to again. You think it's all there is.
And it's like you said, society should help, but they don't. On the contrary, society is what drives people into suicide. And if you want to show people that it was their fault on the way out, be my fucking guest.
It's disingenuous to drive these people into suicide, however passively, and then claim sadness for their deaths. Frankly it would even be more appropriate to stand on their corpses and yell "We did it! Another one down."
@ korsan - I sincerely hope you are not oblivious to what your replies reveal about yourself.
And you will have to forgive me for not responding to you ever again.
I really dont want anything to do with you.
And you will have to forgive me for not responding to you ever again.
Yeah I'll forgive you for using my tone as an excuse to sidestep the points I've made. I'm used to that.
I sincerely hope you are not oblivious to what your lack of replies reveal about yourself. It's easy to sling an appeal to emotion around but hard to back it up when you're called out for it.
Here's the summary in case you missed it.
1. People love watching violence and death. Fact.
2. Someone provides exactly what they want.
3. They applaud.
4. You claim assault.
5. ???
6. Something doesn't add up.
They may not have appreciated the idea of a man stabbing himself to death in itself, yet still admired it as an artistic statement, valued it as a symbolic gesture, valued that it provoked a powerful emotional response in them
Right, look, people didn't cheer because it provoked anything other than an erection maybe. People don't watch torture movies for the art either. I'm with you on the sheep thing though.
I actually like this post a lot. In summary. Humans are dark dark creatures who enjoy hollywood death, torture, mutilation, cannibalism, on and on and on...They applaud and cheer an act of suicide they believe is fake. Only once they realize it's real are they scarred for life?
I'm with you on this. Get real. Drop the sap-cannon. Society is a cruel meat grinder. It was in the days of the coliseum and it is now.
:0 The suicide has raised questions of his treatment by state psychiatric authorities.
No shit!
Suicide is man's way of telling God "You can't fire me! I quit!" - George Carlan
Great quote, but it's Carlin not Carlan.
Sounds like another zombie hit to the prefrontals!
Fresh brains to ponder this fellow's point?
Atleast he did not offer up a tasty morsal of 'Supervisor in Fava Beans'....lucky us....is it ok to scream in revulsion now?


text:
Job Board >> Browse Articles >> featured
The 25 Federal Agencies Hiring the Fastest
USAJobs.gov - Last Update June 30th, 2008
Federal agencies fill their jobs like private industry. Most Federal agencies are responsible for their own hiring actions. It's important for all federal job seekers to keep on top of which agencies are hiring the most and what positions they are hiring for. Since the federal government keeps track of which agencies have the most vacancies to fill, we can disseminate this information to you very easily on a monthly bases. Stay tuned for updates!
Below are the top ten agencies for federal jobs as of April 22nd, 2008:
1) Air Force Personnel Center
Job Postings: 113,861 Trend: +14.11%
Advance Your Career
- Interested in working for one of these agencies? You might better your chances by getting a degree first. [TRACKLINK:Find one here.|http://govcentral.monster.com/content/education-resources
- Looking for scholarships to fund your education or job hunt? [TRACKLINK:Find a scholarship here.|http://govcentral.monster.com/content/education-resources
2) Navy Field Offices
Job Postings: 10,653 Trend: -0.12%
3) Veterans Health Administration
Job Postings: 9,210 Trend: +6.1%
4) Army Corps of Engineers
Job Postings: 2,689 Trend: +2.79%
5) Army Medical Command
Job Postings: 2, 440 Trend: +6.5%


text:
Three months after the first shots of World War I rang out in August 1914, the withering brutality of the fighting in Europe reached across the Atlantic and began reshaping Hampton Roads with an unforeseen power.
Though the United States would not enter the Great War for 21/2 years, the people of Newport News saw the first sign of an increasingly crucial connection in late November.
But it wasn't a surge in building at their famous shipyard or the troop mobilization that many observers expected.
Instead, it came as a flood of horses and mules — hundreds of thousands of them transported by rail from across the country in an epic British effort to resupply the badly mauled...


text:
If you had to give yourself a rating — five stars being the best, one the worst — would you be a five-star work of art or a two-star work in progress?
Unfortunately, in the ratings game, the number of stars you give yourself doesn't matter much. What matters is the impression you make on others — specifically informed but unbiased evaluators. In other words, what your mother thinks of you doesn't count.
This system may seem unfair since it doesn't give you an opportunity to put your best foot forward or receive an E for effort, nor does it suspend judgment for bad-hair days. It is, however, the kind of unflinching appraisal that makes some star ratings so valuable to consumers and, therefore, priceless to property owners and managers.
It has only been in the past two years that the Mobil Travel Guide, the most recognizable rating system in the hospitality business, extended its star power to the spa business. The evaluators are anonymous, arriving at a spa unannounced in an effort to have the same experience as any other paying guests.
When Mobil first began rating spas separately from hotels, the major resort spa managers were hesitant to give the stars too much weight. Most already had strict internal guidelines for what facilities and services their spas needed to achieve. Of course, they all wanted to "make the grade," but at the same time, the spa business is not a formula and to set any replicable criteria is a challenge. Is it the facility that's being rated or is it the service? What does a spa need to get a higher rating? Even the industry's most sophisticated spa consultants do not agree on precise criteria for three-, four- or five-star spas.
Mobil didn't make the situation any easier by failing to release the specific set of criteria used to rate spas, although their hotel-rating criteria is widely available. What's more, after receiving a Mobil star rating of three to five stars, the spas were unable to learn where they missed getting high marks. Mobil Travel Guide does not provide after-the-fact critiques to rated spas, although for $5,000 any spa can hire a Mobil Travel Guide consultant to evaluate their property.
Despite these legitimate concerns, I believe the awarding of Mobil Travel Guide stars to spa properties is a five-star occasion. In the past, spas were most often add-on amenities to a property. Now they stand alone and are judged accordingly. To merit our own constellation of stars is a positive indicator that we've matured into a robust, competitive industry.
However, we don't want to be star struck, so enamored with finding our place among the elite that we become easy prey to organizations willing to (indeed, making their living by) awarding stars — or statuettes, or a slot on a top-ten listing, or a ranking in a book or magazine — for a price.
Don't misunderstand. There's nothing wrong with buying your place in a magazine that claims to list only the best. Placement in such a publication may help you achieve greater exposure to potential customers — no small matter when so many spas are competing for clients. However, it's important to keep in mind that the listing may be nothing more than an advertisement. Consumers know the difference, which is precisely why the independent evaluations provided by such rating guides as Mobil's carry so much weight.
Of course, not every spa merits the attention of the Mobil Travel Guide, which is aimed at travelers and, therefore, focuses on hotel and resort spas. There is, however, a new rating organization, SpaQuality, that aims to provide evaluations of spas that fall below the Mobil radar. Julie Register, a principal in the new company, says spas pay her firm to evaluate their facilities and services according to a set of criteria. In return, her clients receive an in-depth critique they can use to improve their standards. SpaQuality doesn't specify how the improvements should be made; they simply describe what needs to change to match criteria. Spas that then rise to the standards set by SpaQuality receive an award and marketing kit.
Again, this service may add value by helping you to improve standards at your spa, always a good thing, but like paying to be placed on a "best of" list, the clout of winning an award you paid for is never going to carry the weight of a completely independent evaluation.
Nonetheless, while it's important to know the difference between stars that are awarded and those that are for sale, I believe all efforts to help establish and enhance standards in this industry should be applauded.
In fact, what we really need is more ratings.
I'd like to see spa consumers develop their own grassroots rating system that would grow up to provide the kind of comprehensive, global databank of information provided by the 250,000 contributors to Zagat Restaurant and Hotel Guide ratings. That's how we'd find out the actual, in-the-spa experience of people who are not being paid to have the experience of guests, but in fact are digging into their wallets to purchase our services for themselves. That's where we'll get the kind of information we can really take to the bank, something that's tough to do with stars, statuettes or numbers on a list.
Polly Johnson is vice president for SpaEquip Corporate Accounts Division. SpaEquip offers technical spa consultations during the design phase and are a FF&E and OS&E procurement company for many of the world's finest destination and resort spas.