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Children's e-books can be interactive tools that help younger children develop early reading skills. Mercer Mayer's e-books, produced by the excellent Oceanhouse Media, help children associate words with pictures. I Just Forgot humorously recounts a child's selective memory regarding his daily routines; he remembers his snack of cookies and milk, but forgets to pick up his toys. The book is a funny reminder that even the very young share family responsibilities, and children love to correct the forgetful Little Critter. Me Too! resonates with children exasperated by the challenges of younger siblings. In the "Read to Me" setting of these books, the words change color as the narrator reads the books aloud, so that children can associate the spoken word with the text. Touch any picture in the book and the word for that picture appears on the screen. Children can earn points by finding small recurring characters hidden throughout the story.
But for picture books, the buyer must truly beware. E-books can vary dramatically from their printed counterparts, and the variations are not always improvements. In contrast to text books where the e-book version can provide larger type font, most picture books display horizontally (in a landscape setting) in order to better view the double page picture spreads, which means the text can be tiny. The picture books that display vertically (in a portrait setting) chop the pictures up in ways that are often confusing, and don't add to the experience of reading the text. Some e-books chop the words off the page, so some letters are missing, as in One Wide Sky by Deborah Wiles, a nice nature and counting book in print form, but a disaster as an e-book. Also, the "Read to Me" options on a few e-books do not actually read all the words of the book, such as in My Name Is Not Isabella by Jennifer Fosberry (K-2 grade), the story of a young girl who imagines herself to be Rosa Parks and other inspiring women throughout the day. (My tests were done on the Nook Color.)
Others, like the e-book version of Bad Dog, Marley! by John Grogan, try to be primitive video games with animation components that have nothing to do with the text and little to do with the story. (Pick up the cookies! Watch the father's pants fall down!) As a video game it is mindless. But adults may think they are purchasing a book, not a video game. The interactivity does nothing to advance the story line or help children engage with the text.
Shout! Shout It Out! by Denise Fleming turns up the volume on engagement. Children will gleefully follow the author's directions to shout out the number and colors found illustrated in cheerful collages on each page spread. Ear plugs not included.


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Has your Android phone visibly slowed down? Is there a lag? If yes, free up some phone memory and you'll notice a drastic improvement in speed and performance. In this tip, I'll show you how to improve the performance of an Android phone by clearing the cache memory. I've used the most commonly found version of Android, 2.2, to illustrate the steps.
Step 1: Access Settings.
There are two ways of accessing Settings. The simplest is to press the menu key on the phone. Typically, it is the left corner key on Android phones. After you press this key, some options appear. Tap Settings.
Alternatively, access the Applications menu and then tap Settings.
Step 3: Tap Manage applications to see a list of applications installed on your Android phone.
Step 4: Press the menu key on the phone. Typically, it is the left corner key on Android phones. After you press this key, the Sort by size option appears. Tap Sort by size.
Step 5: Now, all applications are sorted by size. This means the largest applications appear first. Let's see how much cache the Market application is using. Tap Market.
Step 7: Notice, the Market application is using over 3 MB of cache, which is quite a bit. Tap Clear Cache to free up this memory.
That's it. Similarly, you can go through all the applications and clear the cache. This improves the performance of your Android phone.

subset: commoncrawl


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Morena Baccarin was born in Brazil on June 2, 1979 to Brazilian TV Actress Vera Setta and Italian journalist Fernando Baccarin. The family migrated to New York when she was 7 years old because of a job offer that her father accepted.
I'm doing my best to be cool, calm and collected while I tell you about Baccarin but to be totally honest I'm just absolutely excited on the inside and all I want is to scream out, "Morena Baccarin is just so freaking HOT and SEXY!!!". Phew… there… I said it *takes a deep slow breath*. Ah damn… I'm still jumping up and down inside, I just can't help it. I usually calm down after letting it all out of my system but Morena, ooh Morena! I can't help myself!
*Focus, focus, focus… breathe…* Although her mom's an actress she disclosed that she didn't try to influence her one way or the other. Her mom offered her support in whatever direction she wanted her career to go.
She attended public school in New York then went on to Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Performing Arts before entering the theater program at Juilliard School.
She began her acting career in 2001 with a role in the comedy feature Perfume. She followed up with a leading role as Rebecca in that same year in Way Off Broadway. She continued to work in theater in New York, understudying Natalie Portman in Anton Chekhov's Central Park production of The Seagull.
It was after completing this movie that she moved to Los Angeles to focus fully on her career. Since then she has been constantly at work mainly in TV as well as film. Over the years she appeared in Justice League (voice of Black Canary / Dinah Lance / Edgar Mandragora), The O.C. (Maya Griffin), How I Met Your Mother (Chloe), Sands of Oblivion (Alice Carter), Las Vegas (Sara Samari), Numb3rs (Lynn Potter), Medium (Brooke Hoyt) and The Good Wife (Isobel Swift) just to name a few.
Despite all of her work and constant appearances, I didn't catch sight of her until viewing an episode of The Mentalist. Baccarin made appearances in two episodes - War of the Roses & Every Rose Has Its Thorn. It was in the latter episode that I laid eyes on her and couldn't, and I mean this literally, I couldn't take my eyes away; couldn't tear myself away; I kept hoping and wishing that she would be in every single scene of the episode and was totally disappointed when she wasn't.
Oh how I wished the episode wouldn't end; how I wished she would be returning for future episodes; how I kept wishing she would get away with it (in that episode)… she was bad but she was do damn good at it. She was enigmatic, super confident and deeply entrancing in that episode… I mean even that great, always in full control, totally aware, never naïve Patrick Jane (played by Simon Baker) was defenseless against the super smooth, sexy and captivating Erica Flynn *sighs… mmm mmm mmm...*
Thus far in her career she has been nominated for 2 Saturn Awards for Best Supporting Actress on TV for her performance in V and has won the Wine Country Film Festival Award for Best Actress in 2001 for her role in Way Off Broadway.
Another role for which she has won high acclaim is playing the conflicted wife of a former prisoner of war (Nicolas Brody) played by Damian Lewis (who was Sarah Shahi's partner and co-star on the cancelled series Life) who suddenly returns home after being missing for 8 years in Homeland. She is torn between two loves since she fell in love in his absence.
Morena confesses that she sort of fell into acting; it was not planned. She grew up around actors and it just seemed normal to have pursued such a career. She started acting in high school and realized that she loved it. When asked why she didn't pursue a modeling career since she clearly had/has all the attributes for it, she responded that she likes to eat and was/is not into the 'skinny thing' and didn't like the lifestyle that came with it. Did I mention that I love this woman?
In some ways I'm amazed at myself that I didn't happen upon this magnificently beautiful woman before. She makes me want to want more television for sure. Outside of her natural ultra-attractiveness it's evident that she is also talented. If you check the bio of her career you will see that there have been no gaps in her profile since she performed her first role. That in itself speaks volumes.
Morena Baccarin makes it an absolute delight to sit at my PC and create an avenue to showcase why women should be given the opportunity to shine. I'm head-over-heels *again* *sighs*. There is no end to my infatuations.


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We are SO excited to announce that we will be attending the Grand Opening event as Brand Ambassadors! We will be attending both the shopping and the awesome after party and would love to see all of your familiar faces there.....and try on ALL OF THE THINGS! If you need even more of an incentive to attend, you'll have the chance to win over $1,000 in merch giveaways!
The grand opening celebration is on Saturday, May 13th starting at 5 pm and we hope we see you there for private shopping, comedy, free drinks, and more! Location: 675 North Highland Avenue NE in the Poncey-Highland neighborhood!
For more information, view the event's Facebook page or visit Trashy Diva's website!
Tickets are free and you can RSVP using the links below:


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If you're looking for a great place to stay in Holly Springs, NC, you've found a terrific resource. Take a peek at the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services lodging guide to the best Holly Springs accommodations.
When you stay at a Hampton Inn, you can expect a certain level of quality. That said, anyone who has ever stayed in multiple locations in the same hotel chain can attest to the fact that some are better than others. This Hampton Inn is one of the best, guests say. Luxurious beds, free continental breakfast, a convenient location, and modern appointments throughout make this location a smart choice. But what really makes it special is the attention to detail, and the friendliness of the staff.
Just around the corner from Holly Springs in nearby Cary, NC is Hilton's Homewood Suites. Here, you'll feel right at home. The rooms feel more like tastefully decorated apartments that hotel rooms. It's a perfect place to kick up your feet after a long day of travel and enjoy a relaxing evening. Hungry? You need not go far; this hotel serves dinner and a free breakfast that will definitely get you going in the morning.
A mere seven-minute drive up highway 55 will take you to the ever-popular Holiday Inn Express of Apex-Raleigh. Here, you can expect rooms that will pass the white glove test; accommodating, friendly staff, a fitness room with everything you need to stay in fighting form while out on the road, and free high-speed Internet. Any way you slice it, it's an excellent value for the money.


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Style # 224723
Made from a moisture-wicking fabric, this long sleeve bebe cropped zip-up, featuring a mesh back panel and mock neck is a fantastic add-on to any cardio outfit. Style with a pair of wide leg yoga pants and a sleeveless bra top for a style that keeps you fashionable while you get fit.
- Original Be-Fit Supplex Fabric
- 86% nylon, 14% spandex
- Machine wash
- Made in USA
- Center back to hem: 15" (38
- Model is 5'9" and is wearing a US size S
Mesh Inset Cropped Zip Up is rated out of 5 by 2.
Rated 3 out of 5 by ANALI from Forgot to add I wrote a reply about this top but forgot to mention that although it's a comfortable top and seems to keep you warm because of the nice thick fabric, the mesh fabric all along the spine is something I don't understand. Workout clothes need to be made of a stronger fabric because you are working out moving too much on your workout, and these clothes need to be wash in a stronger cycle because you sweat on them and can get smelly. Of course, you are working out! The mesh fabric won't last. I will either tear it by bumping into a weight machine if I get stuck from there or it will tear in the washing machine. I could hand wash it but it might even tear be doing some jumping jacks! I like it except for the mesh and don't know if I should return it or sew some nice textile at the mesh part. I would like to keep it because I love the bottoms that go with this top. The mesh makes me give it 3 starts.
Date published: 2013-10-21
Rated 5 out of 5 by momo from Hail the come back of the old fabric! I asked for it many, many times and maybe many of you did too. Guess what? The old fabric is back! I'm so exited! Very cute, fits perfect and will actually keep me warm. The crop and arm lengths are perfect too (the sleeves are usually too long on me even with the right size). The leggings were really hard to pull on, you will need to unzip them to actually get in them (that's what I had to do), and they were also too long but it's worth the hassle. I purchase xs in the top and s in the leggings. I wish bebe would make a tank top to match this outfit.
Date published: 2013-10-17


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Guest Blogger: Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA) on Energy Security
October 1, 2009
One year ago today, a bipartisan Congress voted to lift the ban on oil and gas drilling off America's coasts and cleared the way for our Nation to responsibly develop more of our own energy resources, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and create new jobs.
Next, the Bush Administration put forward a robust plan that would open up additional areas to drilling on the United States Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). However, immediately after taking office, the Obama Administration threw up a giant roadblock on the path to new American energy jobs. Instead of opening up the OCS for more oil and natural gas production, the Administration enacted a de-facto ban on new offshore drilling by extending the public comment period on the OCS plan for an additional six months.
The public comment process recently ended on September 21st. The Administration must decide if it will responsibly develop our own resources, only offer up a small area for new production, or continue to completely obstruct new oil and gas drilling.
As unemployment approaches ten percent, Republicans have regularly reminded President Obama and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar that expanded domestic energy development would deliver tremendous economic benefits to the American people by creating 1.2 million jobs annually across the country and generating $2.2 trillion in total tax receipts towards the $9.1 trillion Obama-Pelosi deficit.
But, in light of the recent news that Iran has constructed a second nuclear facility, it's critical that the Administration also view its current energy policy through the prism of national security. The President and his national security team must be able to implement the strongest, most effective sanctions against Iran and other countries that threaten the safety of Americans, as well as Israel and other allies.
However, as sanctions are considered against Iran, President Obama and his national security team will likely take into account that Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, which the Energy Information Administration (EIA) describes as "the world's most important oil chokepoint due to its daily oil flow of 16.5-17 million barrels, which is roughly 40 percent of all seaborne traded oil (or 20 percent of oil traded worldwide)."
In the past, when threatened with sanctions, Iran has countered with threats to close the Strait of Hormuz – a move that would threaten the international oil market and spike energy costs.
When our country has its own rich oil and natural gas resources, we should not have to even think about unpredictable threats from mad men, tyrants and dictators who control access to a significant portion of the world's oil supply. The American Outer Continental Shelf is estimated to contain 86 billion barrels of oil and 420 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. If the Administration would allow our Nation to fully and responsibly tap into these resources, we could drastically decrease our dependence on foreign oil.
While the Obama Administration has said it supports all-of-the-above energy development, it has shown zero signs of moving forward with a robust plan for any new domestic energy development on our Outer Continental Shelf. In fact, Secretary Salazar recently suggested that the Administration may not move forward with a new plan before 2012.
And ironically, while shunning domestic oil and gas development, Administration officials have championed foreign oil production.
In August, the Wall Street Journal reported that "the U.S. is going to lend billions of dollars to Brazil's state-owned oil company, Petrobras, to finance exploration of the huge offshore discovery in Brazil's Tupi oil field in the Santos Basin near Rio de Janeiro." This massive oil field in the Atlantic Ocean is estimated to contain between 5-8 billion barrels in this single field, making it one of the world's largest discoveries.
And in September, Vice President Biden traveled to Iraq to persuade the Iraqi government to develop more oil and create new drilling jobs in Iraq. As one senior American official traveling with the Vice President told the Agence French Press "even one other deal would mean 50 to 60 billion dollars in additional investment in Iraq, 600 million dollars in additional annual revenue, and tens of thousands of additional jobs."
Money for offshore oil drilling in Brazil and support for new energy jobs in Iraq? Enough is enough.
Instead of more rhetoric and double standards, the Administration needs to finally support comprehensive energy development in America. Republicans proposed the American Energy Act, an all-of-the-above energy bill that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and create green jobs, drilling jobs, manufacturing jobs and nuclear jobs. We encourage Democrats to support this positive alternative. Our economy and our national security depend upon it.
Congressman Doc Hastings is the Ranking Member on the House Natural Resources Committee.
# # #
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Today, House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-Utah) and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) sent a letter to World Resources Institute (WRI) P......
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|2004-02-06, 17:51
|Link #21
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Norway
Never read the manga of this show, so I didn't have anything to compare it to.....in other words: I loved it!!!
Btw, has anyone seen a show with better music?!?
And don't give me a Macross here, they just play the same song (maybe 2-3 at the most) over and over again!
|2004-02-08, 22:03
|Link #22
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: South East Asia
As already stated, the manga is way better.
The anime quite faithfully followed the manga till just after the Valentine Brothers (though you could see that the producers were going to veer away from the manga's plot near the start). After this, they went with the stupid conclusion in the anime.
Most probably it was the Neo-Nazis and high gore factor that scared them off into making the anime a faithful adapatation of the manga.
|2004-02-10, 17:06
|Link #24
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Brooklyn
I love the show. The music, the art style, the characters, the voices. Everything was cool but you do want more of a story. Ceres Victoria is a bit more bloodthirsty in the manga but she isnt the only character they changed. Integra is a bit different as well. It seems they toned down the female characters. I wonder why. The manga also has a comic undertone to the excessive violence, almost as it to admit that its over the top.
|2004-02-18, 00:45
|Link #26
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: South East Asia
What happened in anime Hellsing was a big mess of a confusion.
Pick up manga Hellsing. If you think you enjoyed anime Hellsing 100%, manga Hellsing's enjoyment would be 400%...
|2004-02-18, 10:00
|Link #27
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: I LOVE NEW YORK cough* my ass cough*
Age: 31
the only question i had throughout the anime was why is Seras so goddam weak? Isnt she a vampire too? I mean how can she die from a single cut from that magic vampire dude in the last few episode when arucard was still up and standing from like 5 cuts....she also doesnt seem to have much of the regenerative abilities of arucard...
|2004-02-18, 10:24
|Link #28
Nitro+ fan
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Hyogo
Um, two of Tsukihime's main characters are vampires. What more do you want? Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust may have fantastic battle sequences, but it's not exactly terrifying. And while Tsukihime is more of an atmospheric show, it does feature an adequate amount of action.
Anyway, I'm interested in seeing Hellsing. Alucard seems like a pretty interesting character.
|2004-02-18, 11:47
|Link #29
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: South East Asia
Don't classify it was a action show. You don't watch it for action and campy premise as a "vampire show". It's atmosphere immerses you into the story and character developments/interactions. The fighting is short, to the point without being too flashy.
Hellsing belongs to the action genre more, Tsukihime is story-driven.
|2004-02-18, 13:56
|Link #30
Nitro+ fan
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Hyogo
I'm wondering whether Hellsing has much substance beneath its style. It'd be nice if someone could discuss the non-action-related aspects of the show.
|2004-02-20, 03:48
|Link #31
Behold the Fury
Join Date: Dec 2003
Age: 33
Shingetsutan Tsukihime is about vampires.....jeeez some ppl
Everyone has thier own take on the way they want to do things. Vampire hunter D, Hellsing, and Shingetsutan Tsukihime are all anime's involving Vampire's I like alot. However comparing them is just plain stupid, there just too different. It's kinda like comparing Margarin and Butter...
|2004-02-21, 12:27
|Link #32
The music was pretty good but there are better shows for music. FLCL, Cowboy Bebop, Noir and .hack to name a few.
On the other hand i was surprised to ifnd that the ending theme was done by Mr. Big who dissappeared from the north american music scene pretty quickl after being a one hit wonder back in the early 90s.
I personally loved this anime but the ending REALLY bothered me. I still get a little worked up thinking about how it just leaves you hanging at the end. I have heard runmours that Gonzo had started planning a second season but canned it due to a lack of interest in the first season in Japan.
|2004-02-21, 17:42
|Link #33
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: I LOVE NEW YORK cough* my ass cough*
Age: 31
if you want music, u should watch Gundam Seed. That series had the best osts I've seen yet and the Hellsing sound track is very good too. 2 Bad the CD doesnt have much songs in it that i like.
About the none action parts of the anime.....imo the storyline is strongly ethical and historical. I might be overanalyzing this a bit but the hypocracy of the Hellsing family in using a vampire as their elite while they most despise vampires is the same thing as the caucasians treating the African-Americans as beasts yet raping their females. I believe that the writer intended put some hidden msg in this anime and although it doesnt have too much of a character development, it is a pretty decent anime even without the action.
|2004-02-22, 08:01
|Link #35
FUNimation's Gen Fukunaga
Join Date: Nov 2003
|2004-02-22, 08:40
|Link #39
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
|action, gonzo, horror
|Thread Tools


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The fall of snow can be hypnotic in its rhythm and flow – it's movement something out of a dream you can't forget… After alternately pouring and drizzling for days, the water falling at a sharp angle and sometimes blowing in horizontal sheets, it's finally let up. Outside, everything has grown suddenly quiet and there's a white flurry steadily covering every colored surface. Even the sharp, brilliant green surfaces of the cacti are slowly softened and submerged beneath the growing cover of snow. Wide fans of needle sharp Yucca still stab above the surface but the Junipers hold the drifts close to them like a warm blanket or rare fur. Rhiannon stands out in the middle of it, oblivious to her bare legs beneath her smocked dress or the sparkling flakes clinging to her dark hair. For a moment, the only sound is the muted song of a nearby wind chime, rocking in an errant breeze. And then Rhiannon explodes with the joy of it, dancing around in her boots and hollering to the whole world that she's going to gather up all this lovely snow and eat it with maple syrup and cream. Loba laughs from inside the kitchen and prods at the cookfire in the wood stove with a stick of juniper while I lift my face to the sky and catch a snowflake on my tongue.
In the SW, the snow is a beloved treat and though it comes nearly every year here in the mountains, it never lingers long on the this side of the river. Not too far above us, only a half an hour's drive, the roads stay closed all winter because of how deep the snows fall there, and they remain for much of the cold season, protected by dense forest canopy and cool rock overhangs. Even here in the canyon, the other side of the river stays white beneath the great Ponderosa pines where they face north and stay cool and moist. And long after the sun melts the snow from the surface of the mesa, we'll run over to the pines and visit winter where it's still cold and sparkling.
Most of us don't think of snowfall as an ideal time for harvesting (unless you count firewood), but I love to gather Usnea when its moist and plump and to watch how the endlessly intricate snowflakes blend with the edge and weave of the lichen's long strands. Just as beautiful and bit more tasty are the wrinkled, dusty purple juniper berries hanging from icicle strewn trees. Nibbling them is like being immersed in the very spirit of a New Mexico winter – skimmed with ice and oh so sweet, but powerfully aromatic and warming inside. When I close my eyes, I can smell woodsmoke and snow, cottonwood bark and the peculiar scent of river water tumbling over rocks. And somewhere up the river, a bird greets the twilight with a plaintive, haunting cry.
The endless curtains of clouds that have been blowing through our mountains for the last couple of weeks have meant that we've had to cut computer work to a bare minimum to keep from draining the solar fed batteries so we've spent more time painting and chopping wood, writing by hand and walking in the rain just to see the refraction of light glistening from pine needles. Missives like this must either be written the old fashioned way (with a pen, if you can believe it) or typed into our little ibook and then transfered to one of the regular laptops later. It's kind of a funny process, and sometimes it means you read my words a few days after I wrote them. That's ok though, the canyon is a bit of a time warp anyhow… please excuse the time warp the emails are in as well 😉
The new websites will be up shortly (waiting for the holidays to be over, you know), including the re-designed Anima site and brand new Medicine Woman Tradition site, complete with large amounts of herbal writings, pictures and info. Some of the writings are brand new, never before published or seen work by me, including a few new monographs, lots of recipes and much more. Some of it will be work you've seen in various incarnations here on the blog, but much of it has been reworked, lengthened or changed. It's very exciting for many reasons, and if I do say so myself, quite beautiful with a gorgeous plant themed (of course!) design. Right now, when I have a spare bit of solar power, I've been putting the finishing touches on it. Now if I can just stop adding to it long enough to upload it.
The days are getting longer again, the river is singing under the snow and the nights are growing colder. Happy Winter to all six hundred of you lovely people!
Oh, and I just wrote a different kind of piece on Winter over on the Anima blog, if you'd like to read it.
And, there's this lovely post on the herbal benefits going barefoot on the Herboristeria: Urban Nomad Herbalism blog, written by the very lovely and infinitely wild Lieve Galle. She doesn't blog terribly often, but maybe she'll pick up the pace if she's encouraged by some comments. And you must check out her amazing mushroom and tree photography here.
3 Responses to "Snow on the Junipers: Winter in the Mountains of New Mexico"
I just found your blog and was delighted! I am homesick for New Mexico, it is where my soul wants to be. Not the modern, recently invaded New Mexico…the back trails and sacred areas that haven't changed in eons.
I am enjoyed drifting through your website.
Kiva, I first came across your blog from a link in my EastWest Herb Course forums, on the use of wild rose. That entry enthralled me and I availed myself of the rosa rugosa growing in my yard. It made me remember that infusing "Peace" roses in pitchers of water was something I did one summer, many many years ago. How could I have ever forgotten!! All summer I was drunk with rosewater. Thank you so much!
I too am enjoying drifting through your website; here's to many more sessions!
Ohh… Kiva, that is so sweet, it's so nourishing for me to hear someone calling me 'infinitely wild' from time to time 🙂
I always enjoy reading your posts here – it seems like such a magical place where you live! And I'm sure as close and connected as you are by the land, so thrilled the land must be by being thread by people like you.
The time has come here when the birds wake me up in the morning with their special song, the one that wakes up nettle roots and makes space in the air for a few warmer days. Strange how some things just come back every year and still surprise us, touch us deeply, inspire us…
Thank you for creating this wonderful space here and sharing your stories with us!


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Sesame Street April 2010 Coloring Pages
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Photo Courtesy of Sesame Street
April 2010
Earth Day is April 22, but you can begin doing good things for the Earth right now. Throw garbage in the trash, and recycle bottles, cans, and paper. What else can you do to make every day Earth Day?
The Twiddlebugs live in Ernie's window box. What items did they reuse to build their neighborhood? Find each little picture below in the big picture. What other items do you see?
Grow, Little Garden
It's springtime on Sesame Street. Help Elmo plant more things in the Sesame garden. Draw more plants in the garden, then draw a picture or tell a story about the garden.
Caterpillars change into butterflies. Abby follows a caterpillar to see what it will look like one day. Use your finger or a crayon to show Abby the way from Start to Stop.
Nature Scrapbook
Pretend you are taking a walk in the park with Elmo. Cut out the animals, plants, and insects on this page. Paste them in the scrapbook below. What else might you see outdoors? Draw it in the scrapbook.


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Tuesday, September 6, 2011
A surprise visit from the Fairy Hobmother - you could be next!
I recently left a comment on Kahakai Kitchen's recent post and low and behold, this morning I found the Fairy Hobmother had visited me too! She left a nice gift certificate to Amazon, which I think I may use to buy some bread forms. (Though at 100° F today in sunny southern California, I'm rethinking the desire to bake!)
If you'd like a visit of your own from the Fairy Hobmother, leave a comment on this post. If you're lucky, she might just grant you your very own kitchen wish!
5 comments:
- HeatherA said...
I've never heard of the Fairy Hobmother - what a fantastic idea! Happy to hear you were paid a visit! :-)
- September 6, 2011 at 5:10 PM
- Melissa @IWasBornToCook said...
I've been seeing her around a lot lately and wishing I'd be picked. Let's hope this time is a charm! :)
- September 6, 2011 at 6:03 PM
- Amy said...
Congratulations on the Fairy Hobmother's visit! How lovely. Yes, it's way too hot in Southern CA! But that didn't stop me from baking though...hehehe...Maybe a wish to the Fairy Hobmother for an ice cream maker is a good idea? Summer certainly is not over yet, especially in CA!
- September 6, 2011 at 11:17 PM
- Debs @ DKC said...
LOL I could sure use a visit from the fairy hobmother. Since moving into a new home I'm still awaiting the fitting of granite worktops, hob, sink and tap!!!!!! As my husband says, no such thing as a 5 minute job!
I'll remember to tell him that when dinners taking so long due to lack of kitchen facilities LOL.
- September 6, 2011 at 11:58 PM
- kathy said...
Good Day to you im just roaming arround the internet trying
to find good quality articles and i notice your blog and read
some interresting topis you have i really appreciate your
work i will come back and read some more very soon
Thank you very much
- September 8, 2011 at 10:34 PM


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Frequently Asked Questions
When should we receive a statement of our account?
Statements for the Monthly Payment Plan are posted on the 1st of each month starting in August. Payments under the Monthly Plan are due on the 20th of each month.
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All statements may be accessed online through the CASHNet website. An email is sent to account holders at the beginning of each month to provide notification when new statements have been posted. For instructions on how to access the CASHNet website, please click here: CASHNet Information
What if we have a discrepancy on our account?
Please call the Office of Student Accounts if you have any questions about your account at (909) 621-8232.
What if my account does not reflect my financial aid information?
Financial aid will not be reflected on your statement until all the required documents have been received by the Financial Aid Office. To obtain further information on the status of your financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office at (909) 621-8356.
What financial requirements are there for graduation/commencement?
It is required that you are in Good Financial Standing to participate in graduation/commencement. "Good Financial Standing" means a student's account balance to the College may not exceed $100 on the date that the last payment is due for the fall or spring semesters (e.g., April 20 for the spring semester). If a student is not in Good Financial Standing, but has otherwise completed all academic requirements and is in Good Conduct Standing, the student may participate in a Commencement ceremony that precedes the student's graduation date if the outstanding balance is less than $1,000. You can review this policy in the CMC Policy Library.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Payments may be made in the form of electronic check (ACH), personal check, cashier's check, money order, traveler's check, or wire transfers. Please make all checks payable to "Claremont McKenna College." Please put the student id # on all checks. See Payment Methods for additional information on where to submit your payment.
Electronic checks (ACH) are accepted through the CASHNet website. For instructions on how to access CASHNet please click here.
Where do we mail our payments if sending them through regular U.S Postal Service?
Please mail all payments, if sent through regular U.S. Postal Service, to the following address:
Claremont McKenna College
PO Box 848142
Los Angeles, CA 90084-8142
Do you have a different address for overnight delivery of a payment?
Yes, please send overnight delivered payments, including FedEx, DHL, and UPS, to the following address:
Wells Fargo Lockbox- E2001-049
Claremont McKenna College
3440 Flair Drive
El Monte, CA 91731
Who does the statement email come from? How can I make sure the email sent to me is not treated as spam?
The email containing information about your online statement comes from email@example.com please set up email@example.com as a contact.
Are there exceptions to e-billing? Can I get a paper bill?
All currently enrolled students will receive electronic bills. Printed bills can be obtained by accessing your account online, through CASHNet, and printing out the e-bill. The e-bill can be accessed and printed at any computer with Internet and printer access. The university also has several designated computers on campus for students to access their accounts and print bills.
How can someone else make payment on my behalf (authorized payers)?
Students have the option to designate another party (authorized payers) to view and pay student bills. This third party will need a one-time authorization, issued by the student via the payment website. The authorized user can then access the third party vendor system directly or through the university website to view the student's billing information and make payments.
Once the authorized payer has logged into CASHNet, the payer can change his/her login name and password, and set up and store his/her own profile and account information. Thereafter, unless authorization is canceled, the third party will be notified via his/her own email address that the student's e-bill is available for viewing. The individual can also log into the website to view the student's billing information and make a payment. This authorization only gives access to statements and payment options; authorized payers will not have access to any other student records.
Where can I find more information about CASHNet?
For more information, visit cmc.edu/studentaccts/cashnet.php.
What is the 1098T form?
The 1098T form is used to report information to you and to the IRS as required by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. We are required to submit general student enrollment information and financial data for the corresponding calendar tax year. The information we include is student name, address, social security number or tax identification number, enrollment status, and academic status. We also report the amount that we billed you during the calendar year for qualified tuition. We further report any scholarship or grant amounts, and, if applicable, adjustments to prior year qualified tuition and/or adjustments to prior year scholarships.
Is the 1098T a bill?
No, it is a report of amounts you have already been billed for. It is used to help you determine whether you may be eligible for certain federal or state income tax benefits.
Does the 1098T report any income that I need to declare on my income tax forms?
No. However, if financial aid, grants or scholarships exceed the amount of tuition and other qualified expenses, you might need to report the difference as income. Consult a reputable tax advisor for professional advice.
Why did I get a 1098T form?
Claremont McKenna College is required to provide a 1098T to students who are U.S. citizens, were enrolled at least halftime at any point during the calendar year, successfully completed their courses enrolled, and whose eligible tuition and related charges were not completely covered by financial aid. Educational loans are not included in the 1098T totals.
How will I receive my 1098T?
The law requires that we mail your 1098T by January 31 for the prior calendar year just completed. You can expect it to come to your current address on file early in February. You may also access a copy on CASHNet.
Why didn't I get a 1098T form?
We do not automatically prepare a 1098T under these circumstances:
- Your financial aid (not counting loans) is more than the tuition charged for the calendar year
- You are not a U.S. citizen
- You withdrew from all your classes
- You were not enrolled at least halftime for any academic term during the calendar year
- You did not pass your classes
- We may not have your social security number
Fill out a W9S and mail or fax it, or just drop it by the Registrar's Office. If none of these circumstances apply to you (i.e. you do qualify for a 1098T), federal law requires that you furnish a TIN so that it may be included on an information return filed by APU. You may speak with Student Accounts to see if a 1098T is appropriate for your situation.
I'm a parent. Can I have my student's 1098T form sent to me?
Students must make all information requests. The student is responsible for providing information to other parties in accordance with FERPA (Family Education Right to Privacy Act). See http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html.
I paid a different amount than what the 1098T reports. Why is there a difference?
The IRS allows you to deduct the amount you paid for eligible educational expenses during the calendar year. The IRS allows schools to report the amount charged for eligible educational expenses during the calendar year. Because we frequently post Spring charges in late Fall of the prior year, the date that we charge and the date you pay are often in different calendar years.
Also, the 1098T is a report of tuition and other eligible expenses during a calendar year, not the academic year.
Why aren't there amounts in both boxes 1 and 2 on the 1098T form?
Institutions may elect to report EITHER the aggregate amount of payments received for qualified tuition and related expenses (box 1), OR the aggregate amount billed for tuition and related expenses (box 2) during the calendar year, but NOT BOTH. Once an institution selects a reporting method, that method must be used for all students, and may not be changed without first notifying the IRS.
APU reports in Box 2 the amount we charged to your account during the year.
Can you prepare a one-off 1098T just for me, showing what I paid instead of what you charged?
No. IRS regulations are clear that we must use the same reporting method for all students, no exceptions.
What kinds of tax benefits might I be eligible for?
CMC cannot offer tax advice.
What numbers are reported on the 1098T? What educational expenses are considered as qualified tuition and related expenses?
Qualified tuition and related expenses are:
- Tuition for classes you enrolled in and passed
- Required class fees such as Lab Fees
We report all such charges which were posted to your account on or after January 1 and on or before December 31 of the calendar year.
Generally, they do NOT include:
- Books
- Room and board
- Student activities
- Athletics (unless the course is part of the degree program)
- Insurance
- Equipment
- Health Center fees
- Parking fees or vehicle fines
- Other similar personal, living or family expenses.
I paid my tuition and related expenses with student loans. Can I still claim an American Opportunity Tax Credit or Lifetime Learning Tax Credit or the Higher Education Tuition and Fees Deduction?
Yes. Loan funds should be treated in the same manner as cash payments when calculating an educational expense tax benefit. However, any scholarships, grants, or other nontaxable aid must be deducted from the amount of qualified tuition and related expenses paid.


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TOKYO (AP) — In a story May 8 about the use of sex slaves during World War II, The Associated Press reported erroneously that then-Prime Minister Yohei Kono issued a 1993 statement expressing remorse for suffering caused to sexual slaves of Japanese troops. Kono was Chief Cabinet Secretary at the time, not prime minister.
A corrected version of the story is below:
Japan says it will honor apologies for war abuses
Japan's gov't says it will honor apologies for wartime abuses, downplays vow to review history
By ELAINE KURTENBACH
Associated Press
TOKYO (AP) — Japan does not plan to revise past apologies to neighboring countries for atrocities committed by its Imperial Army before and during World War II, top government officials said Wednesday.
The comments by the chief government spokesman and the foreign minister appear intended to allay criticisms of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's earlier vows to revise the apologies, including an acknowledgement of sexual slavery during the war.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said that Japan recognizes the harm it caused during its invasion and occupation of much of Asia, and that it has repeatedly and clearly stated that position.
"The Abe government has expressed sincere condolences to all victims of the war, in and out of the country, and there is no change in that," Suga told reporters. "We have repeatedly said we have no intention of making this a diplomatic and political issue, but I'm afraid this may not be fully understood."
Suga was responding to a question about a remark this week by South Korean President Park Geun-hye, published in The Washington Post, asserting that Japan should correct its view of its wartime history.
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida echoed Suga's remarks.
"The Japanese government has accepted the facts of history in a spirit of humility, expressed once again our feelings of deep remorse and our heartfelt apology, and expressed our feelings of profound mourning for all victims, both at home and abroad," he told reporters. "And Prime Minister Abe shares the same view."
China and South Korea have reacted harshly to recent nationalistic events and remarks, including visits by several Japanese government ministers and nearly 170 lawmakers to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, which memorializes 2.3 million war dead, including 14 wartime leaders convicted of war crimes. Rancor over territorial disputes has further strained relations between Japan and its neighbors.
Only in the past two decades has Japan acknowledged many of its past brutalities, including medical atrocities, use of poison gas and forcing women in countries under wartime occupation into prostitution — a legacy that taints Tokyo's relations with its neighbors even today.
Abe, whose conservative government took power after winning elections in December, had earlier advocated revising a 1993 statement by then-Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono expressing remorse for the suffering caused to the sexual slaves of Japanese troops.
On Tuesday, Suga acknowledged a comment by former U.S. ambassador to Japan Thomas Schieffer, who reportedly said revising the "Kono statement" would harm Japan-U.S. ties.
"Regarding the Kono statement, we have never stated we are considering a revision," Suga said.
Since taking office, Abe has said he prefers to leave historical issues up to historians and avoid comment. However, he has questioned the meaning of the word "aggression" and suggested his Cabinet does not necessarily support all of a 1995 apology by then-Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, which is seen as Japan's main expression of remorse for its wartime and colonial past.
Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi contributed to this report.


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A new exhibit at Houma's Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum depicts the shifting patterns of south Louisiana's eroding coastline with a stark and haunting beauty.
A new exhibit at Houma's Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum depicts the shifting patterns of south Louisiana's eroding coastline with a stark and haunting beauty.
The exhibit, called "Shifting," is being sponsored by the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center.
The photography exhibit by New Orleans artist Michel Varisco includes aerial and land-based photographs of Louisiana's environment from the healthy Atchafalaya Basin to severely eroding wetlands in south Terrebonne Parish and around the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet in St. Bernard Parish.
The exhibit was most-recently displayed at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans between April and July.
The exhibit will open at 7 p.m. Saturday at the museum, 7910 Park Ave. There will be a panel discussion about it at 7 p.m. Nov. 17 that will include Varisco, former poet laureate Darrell Bourque and Doug Meffert, vice president and executive director of Louisiana's chapter of the National Audubon Society.
Louisiana's coastline has been losing wetlands at a rate of more than 16 square miles a year during the last 25 years, equal to about a football field of land every hour.
Jonathan Foret, interim director of the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center, said the nonprofit's goal is to educate students and the public on wetland issues, and the group aims to do it in a unique way by showcasing the coast as art.
"I think it's important for the people of Terrebonne to view the things Varisco is producing," Foret said. "Sometimes when you see things framed in pictures, it's easier to appreciate the beauty of them. Next time you drive down Boudreaux Canal you may see the marsh and realize how beautiful it is."
Varisco said she decided to focus on photographing the wetlands after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 because of their importance to the ecosystem and as a buffer against storm damage.
She began her work in the Atchafalaya Basin, where the river-fed swamps and wetlands are still lush and healthy, and new land is growing.
But because wetland loss is so severe in Louisiana, she said she was drawn to try to represent coastal land loss from the view of an artist and a native. She was also in the field during the Gulf oil spill and photographed that disaster.
Many of her photos are aerial, showing the stark patterns and colors of the marsh from the sky. But she also captures the beauty of the environment from the ground.
Some of the locations she shot from include Dulac and Cocodrie in Terrebonne Parish. She also shot photos in Hopedale, at the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet, in St. Rose and at the Chandeleur Islands.
"I hope that people will be able to see this with fresh eyes through my images," Varisco said.
The exhibit is partially supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council. The grant was administered by the Houma Regional Arts Council.
Houma Regional Arts Council Director Glenda Toups said she's excited to bring a notable exhibit from a institution like the Ogden Museum to Houma.
"It documents visually a lot of images that will be familiar to people of this area," Toups said. "We're really encouraging people to come see it."
You can see some of the images online at Varisco's website, www.michelvarisco.com.
Nikki Buskey can be reached at 857-2205 or email@example.com.


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Everyone knows that Phoenix has some of the sweetest spots around and perfect winter weather. The Freed crew took full advantage of this and spent a few weeks filming at a variety of spots around the city, with the result being this kick-ass edit. -LorenzoGallegos/VitalBMX
Corey Foster, DeMarcus Paul, Andy Smith and River Waldren were in Phoenix for a few weeks filming around the city, taking full advantage of winter weather. Filmed and edited by Jeff Wescott


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The vote counting isn't finished, but Los Angeles' surviving mayoral candidates have already moved on to a monumental new task: replenishing their campaign treasuries for the final and most intense phase of the campaign.
When the polls closed Tuesday, the campaigns were effectively broke. City ethics rules prohibit candidates from carrying over funds from the March primary and soliciting new money before they made the runoff.
For City Controller Wendy Greuel and Councilman Eric Garcetti, that means quickly refocusing on a breakneck, behind-the-scenes race to rake in thousands of donations limited by city law to $1,300 or less. And they have 11 weeks to do it, only a fraction of the time they had in the primary.
Before Tuesday's vote, Garcetti and Greuel raised and spent more than $4 million each. They can now return to previous donors for a new round of contributions.


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It is possible that the main title of the report Cavernous Malformation is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.
Vascular malformations are localized collections of blood vessels that are abnormal in structure or number, lead to altered blood flow, and are not cancerous (nonneoplastic). While it was originally believed that most vascular malformations are present at birth (congential), cavernous malformation lesions may develop throughout the lifetime of the affected individual. Other vascular malformations are not congenital, but are caused by trauma, radiation, or other injury to the spinal cord. Vascular malformations are typically classified by size, location, and type of change, with the four most common being capillary telangiectasias, cavernous malformations, venous malformations, and arteriovenous malformations.
Cavernous malformations
Cavernous malformations are dilated blood vessels that are characterized by multiple distended "caverns" of blood-filled vessels through which the blood flows very slowly. The vessels of a cavernous malformation lesion have a tendency to leak because they lack the necessary structural support - smooth muscle and stretchable material (elastin). Leakage (bleeding) from these vascular lesions is the underlying cause of clinical symptoms associated with the illness, cavernous malformation. Cavernous malformations are primarily located in the brain, but can also be found in the spinal cord, on the skin, and more rarely in the retina.
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are usually located in the white matter (cortex) of the brain. CCM do not have brain tissue within the malformation like other lesions such as arteriovenous malformations, and they usually do not have defined borders (are not encapsulated). CCM are dynamic structures, changing in size and number over time and they can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters.
Cerebral cavernous malformations are present in up to 0.5% of the general population, and they account for a large proportion (8-15%) of all brain and spinal vascular malformations. While the prevalence of individuals with at least one CCM lesion is quite high, as many as 40% of affected individual may never experience symptoms or become diagnosed with cavernous malformation. A majority of these cases are individuals with only a single lesion and no family history of the disease. (These cases are termed 'sporadic' and are not caused by an inherited genetic mutation). Individuals with the inherited (genetic) form of cavernous malformation are likely to have multiple lesions and are more likely to experience symptoms associated with the disorder. While adults are more likely to be diagnosed with CCM, people of all ages may be affected by cavernous malformations, and approximately 25% of all diagnosed cavernous malformations are found in children.
CCM lesions are commonly associated with developmental venous anomalies (DVA) also called, venous malformations or venous angiomas. A DVA is a type of vascular malformation that, on its own, does not cause any clinical symptoms. However, when found in combination with a CCM lesion, the DVA complicates the option for surgical intervention because disturbing the DVA during surgery could cause a venous infarction. Association of CCMs with DVAs is uncommon in familial cavernous malformation; however, up to 40% of sporadic cavernous malformations may develop in the vicinity of a DVA. Rarely, multiple sporadic cavernous malformations are found nearby an associated DVA. The significance of DVA association with sporadic lesions is currently under investigation; perhaps this observation may suggest a difference in developmental mechanisms between sporadic and familial cavernous malformations.
Vascular Disease Foundation
1075 S. Yukon Street
Suite 320
Lakewood, CO 80226
Tel: (303)989-0500
Fax: (303)989-0200
Tel: (888)833-4463
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Internet: http://www.vdf.org
Angioma Alliance
520 West 21st Street
Suite G2-411
Norfolk, VA 23517-1950
Tel: (757)623-0615
Fax: (757)623-0615
Tel: (866)432-5226
Email: email@example.com
Internet: http://www.Angioma.org
MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay, WI 54301-1243
Tel: (920)336-5333
Fax: (920)339-0995
Tel: (877)336-5333
Email: email@example.com
Internet: http://www.netnet.net/mums/
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
Tel: (301)251-4925
Fax: (301)251-4911
Tel: (888)205-2311
Email: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/EmailForm.aspx
Internet: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD
Madisons Foundation
PO Box 241956
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Tel: (310)264-0826
Fax: (310)264-4766
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Internet: http://www.madisonsfoundation.org
National Organization of Vascular Anomalies
PO Box 38216
Greensboro, NC 27438-8216
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Internet: http://www.novanews.org
Venous Disease Coalition
1075 S. Yukon Street, Suite 320
Suite 320
Lakewood, CO 80226
Tel: (303)989-0500
Fax: (303)989-0200
Tel: (888)833-4463
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Internet: http://www.venousdiseasecoalition.org
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email email@example.com
Last Updated: 9/1/2010
Copyright 1989, 1995, 1998, 2003, 2010 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.


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Who were they? Who was #994 of the Hercules Powder Company of Radford, Va.; #279 of the Eagle Lock Company (wearing a jaunty Irish cap); #225 of United Airlines -- who, in fact, also had a name that has come down to us through the years: Eleanor F. Ewing. They, and countless others, were American workers across a wide spectrum of occupations, all unintentionally memorialized by their portrait-bearing employee identification badges.
An exhibition of some 250 of these badges, collected by Frank Maresca and imaginatively staged at the Ricco/Maresca Gallery in New York City, introduces a new and engrossing type of photographic Americana. Made between the 1930s and the 1950s, the badges testify to a time when America worked its way out of the Great Depression and became an industrial powerhouse. Jobs were a critical definer of identity for people across the country, and having one's picture taken was not at all the common occurrence it is today.
It's hard to say which aspect of the exhibition is more poignant: the names of the companies themselves, now mostly long gone, or the startlingly vivid portraits of "ordinary" American working men and women. Most of the subjects are identified only by a number and a photo in a small round frame, but where there are names (and even where there aren't), the viewer finds it impossible not to wonder: What was it like for bespectacled Clark Smith to work for the Timken Roller Bearing Company? Young Raymond Farley looks like a deer in the headlights; how long did he last with the Penn Fruit Company? And the stylishly coiffed and lipsticked woman who could have been a 1950s advertisement for the Green Duck Company of Chicago -- what was her position with the firm? Executive secretary? Eye-candy at a retail counter?
The rise in interest among collectors and curators in so-called "vernacular photography" has skyrocketed in the last decade. Everything from thrift-store snapshots to pages from police mug books are finding their way into galleries and museums, perhaps as a result of the passing of the last pre-digital generation. At the same time, the Internet has made us aware as never before of the vastness and diversity of photography, at the same time that it has reinforced the notion that the most vivid and direct access to other people's experience – and to the past – is visual. That last assumption may or may not be true, but what strikes us today, looking at these faces – serious, anxious, joyful, surprised and, not incidentally, almost all Caucasian faces – is how distant they seem from the world we inhabit.
They are portraits from a time when America was a much less diverse nation, economic expectations were generally more modest, and the path to some degree of financial security often began at a factory gate. These workers might have inspired -- or stepped straight from the lyrics of -- a Woody Guthrie song. They all look like they know exactly what it means to really work for a living, and to be vulnerable to layoffs, plant closings and other personal and communal calamities.
Then again, in an age of stubbornly high unemployment and economic uncertainty, looking at these badges brings us uncannily close to the face, and perhaps the fears, of the American worker today.
Lyle Rexer is a critic, curator and educator. He is the author of many books and articles on photography including The Edge of Vision: the Rise of Abstraction in Photography.
ID Photobadge Portraiture runs at Ricco/Maresca until Feb. 15, 2014.


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Once the death investigator has evaluated the scene, he or she should document and evaluate the body. He or she should follow these steps:
Principle: The photographic documentation of the body at the scene creates a permanent record that preserves essential details of the body position, appearance, identity and final movements. Photographs allow sharing of information with other agencies investigating the death.
Authorization: Medical Examiner/Coroner Official Office Policy Manual; State or Federal Statutory Authority.
Policy: The investigator shall obtain detailed photographic documentation of the body that provides both instant and permanent high-quality images.
Procedure: Upon arrival at the scene, and prior to moving the body or evidence, the investigator should:
Note: Take multiple photographs if possible.
Summary: The photographic documentation of the body at the scene provides for documentation of the body position, identity and appearance. The details of the body at the scene provide investigators with pertinent information of the terminal events.
Principle: Conducting the external body examination provides the investigator with objective data regarding the single most important piece of evidence at the scene, the body. This documentation provides detailed information regarding the decedent's physical attributes, his/her relationship to the scene, and possible cause, manner and circumstances of death.
Policy: The investigator shall obtain detailed photographs and written documentation of the decedent at the scene.
Procedure: After arrival at the scene and prior to moving the decedent, the investigator should, without removing decedent's clothing:
Note: If necessary, take additional photographs after removal of objects/items that interfere with photographic documentation of the decedent.
Summary: Thorough evaluation and documentation (photographic and written) of the deceased at the scene are essential to determine the depth and direction the investigation will take.
Principle: The photographic and written documentation of evidence on the body allows the investigator to obtain a permanent historical record of that evidence. To maintain chain of custody, evidence must be documented, collected, preserved and transported properly. In addition to all of the physical evidence visible on the body, blood and other body fluids present must be photographed and documented prior to collection and transport. Fragile evidence (which can be easily contaminated, lost or altered) must also be collected and/or preserved to maintain chain of custody and to assist in determination of cause, manner and circumstances of death.
Policy: With photographic and written documentation, the investigator will provide a permanent record of evidence that is on the body.
Procedure: Once evidence on the body is recognized, the investigator should:
Summary: It is essential that evidence be collected, preserved, transported and documented in an orderly and proper fashion to ensure the chain of custody and admissibility in a legal action. The preservation and documentation of the evidence on the body must be initiated by the investigator at the scene to prevent alterations or contamination. In some instances, identification of trace evidence may require alternative methods (e.g., alternate light source, presumptive testing).
Principle: The establishment or confirmation of the decedent's identity is paramount to the death investigation. Proper identification allows notification of next of kin, settlement of estates, resolution of criminal and civil litigation, and the proper completion of the death certificate.
Policy: The investigator shall engage in a diligent effort to establish/confirm the decedent's identity.
Procedure: To establish identity, the investigator should document use of the following methods:
Use available technologies to assist in decedent identification (e.g., www.namus.gov, National Crime Information Center).
Summary: There are several methods available that can be used to properly identify deceased persons. In some cases, the investigator should employ more than one method to confirm the identity of decedents. At autopsy, authenticated in-dwelling medical devices may also be used to confirm identification. This is essential for investigative, judicial, family and vital records issues.
Principle: The documenting of post-mortem changes to the body assists the investigator in explaining body appearance in the interval following death. Inconsistencies between post-mortem changes and body location may indicate movement of body and validate or invalidate witness statements. In addition, post-mortem changes to the body, when correlated with circumstantial information, can assist the investigators in estimating the approximate time and location of death.
Policy: The investigator shall document all post-mortem changes relative to the decedent and the environment.
Procedure: Upon arrival at the scene and prior to moving the body, the investigator should note the presence of each of the following in his/her report:
Summary: Documentation of post mortem changes in every report is essential to determine an accurate cause and manner of death, provide information as to the time of death, corroborate witness statements, and indicate that the body may have been moved after death.
Principle: The scene debriefing helps investigators from all participating agencies to establish post-scene responsibilities by sharing data regarding particular scene findings. The scene debriefing provides each agency the opportunity for input regarding special requests for assistance, additional information, special examinations, and other requests requiring interagency communication, cooperation and education.
Policy: The investigator shall participate in or initiate interagency scene debriefing to verify specific post-scene responsibilities.
Procedure: When participating in scene debriefing, the investigator should:
Summary: The scene debriefing is the best opportunity for investigative participants to communicate special requests and confirm all current and additional scene responsibilities. The debriefing allows participants the opportunity to establish clear lines of responsibility for a successful investigation. Complete processing of the scene may require an extended period of time beyond the initial scene investigation. This should be communicated between agencies beyond the initial scene, and investigators from different agencies need to stay in communication with each other throughout the entire time.
Principle: Every reasonable effort should be made to notify the next of kin or interested and authorized individuals as soon as possible. Notification of next of kin or interested and authorized individuals initiates the disposition of remains and facilitates the exchange of additional information relative to the case.
Policy: The investigator shall ensure that next of kin or interested and authorized individuals are notified of the death and that all failed and successful attempts at notification are documented.
Procedure: When determining notification procedures, the investigator should:
Summary: The investigator is responsible for ensuring that the next of kin or interested and authorized individuals are identified, located and notified in a timely manner. The time and method of notification should be documented. Failure to locate next of kin or interested and authorized individuals and efforts to do so should be a matter of record. This ensures that every reasonable effort has been made to contact the family or interested and authorized individuals. When possible, notification should be performed in person.
Principle: Ensuring security of the body requires the investigator to supervise the labeling, packaging and removal of the remains. An appropriate identification tag is placed on the body to preclude misidentification upon receipt at the examining agency. This function also includes safeguarding all potential physical evidence and property and clothing that remain on the body.
Policy: The investigator shall supervise and ensure the proper identification, inventory, and security of evidence/property and its packaging and removal from the scene.
Procedure: Prior to leaving the scene, the investigator should:
Summary: Ensuring the security of the remains facilitates proper identification of the remains, maintains a proper chain of custody, and safeguards property and evidence.
Next section: Establishing Decedent Profile Information.
National Institute of Justice, 810 Seventh Street, NW, Washington, DC 20531


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Cavaliers win NBA draft lottery again
NEW YORK (AP) — What's not to like? Being in the lottery every year.
Nick Gilbert expects the Cleveland Cavaliers are through with it, and if so he sent them out a winner again.
The Cavaliers and their owner's son beat the odds for the second time in three years, winning the lottery Tuesday night to give them the No. 1 pick for the June 27 NBA draft.
Two years after charming viewers by responding to a question about being on stage by saying: "What's not to like?" the bowtie-wearing son of Dan Gilbert wore a stern look before this one. He said he expected he was done coming here and that he believed the Cavs would be in the playoffs next season.
Then they got a great jump on that goal, earning the first pick even though they had only the third-best odds to do so.
And 16-year-old Nick Gilbert delivered it, just as he did in 2011, when the Cavs used the pick to take eventual Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving.
"Kyrie is a hell of a player ... but this also felt almost as good," Nick Gilbert said. "That was the first time. This is the second time, but man does it feel good to get the first pick this last time. Get that last player to give us a push."
The Orlando Magic fell back one spot to No. 2, while the Washington Wizards vaulted from the No. 8 spot to third.
Ten years after winning the lottery that landed them LeBron James, the Cavaliers picked up another opportunity to help speed up the rebuilding process since his departure to Miami in 2010.
James' exit shook a franchise that had become a perennial contender with the Ohio native, but the Cavs aren't thinking about that now.
"It's so long ago already. I knew it is only three years but in NBA years it's like dog years. It seems like it is 15 or 20 years," Dan Gilbert said. "We've been just so focused on building the team the last few years, I can't look back. There is nothing you can do. I am just happy about today."
The potential No. 1 pick this year, Kentucky freshman Nerlens Noel, is no James. But he could be a nice addition for the Cavs once he's recovered from a torn ACL — if they keep the pick. They also have Nos. 19, 31 and 33 for new coach Mike Brown, who they rehired after firing Byron Scott following a 24-58 season.
"We were hoping regardless of what pick we got that this would be our last lottery," Dan Gilbert said. "We thought originally after everything had to be reset that it would be a three-year process. You never know. It could be four. We thought three years, but having No. 1 and 19, we've got a pretty good chance of this being the last one for a while."
Dan Gilbert and the rest of the Cavs entourage — all wearing wine-colored bowties as well — celebrated their latest victory, which came with 15.6 percent odds after they finished with the NBA's third-worst record at 24-58.
When they won the lottery in 2011, the Cavs had the eighth best odds.
"For everyone in Cleveland who has supported us through these three years, I think this is for them," Dan Gilbert said. "Is that right, Nick?"
"It feels good," said Nick, who was born with Neurofibromatosis (NF), a nerve disorder that causes tumors to grow anywhere in the body at any time.
Not even having four-time winner Pat Williams on stage and 25 percent odds could get the No. 1 pick for the Magic. The team with the best odds hasn't won since 2004, when Orlando won for the third time with Williams representing them and drafted Dwight Howard. The franchise hadn't been back since 2006.
"We had such a nice run up here, over the years. Yeah, we came to win, so when they turned Cleveland over it was like "How did that happen? Absolutely! How did that happen?" Williams said.
"We had a better shot, a better percentage. ... I think the Lord was looking out for that little guy from Cleveland."
Even heading back to their Hornets name couldn't change the luck of the Bobcats, who were lottery losers for the second straight year. Hours after owner Michael Jordan announced they were planning to get back the original nickname of the Charlotte franchise, the Bobcats fell from No. 2 to the fourth spot.
Last year, Charlotte had the best odds of winning after the worst season in NBA history but fell back one spot to second.
The lottery sets the top three teams, and the remainder of the 14 teams finish in inverse order of their record.
Phoenix will pick fifth, followed by New Orleans, Sacramento, Detroit, Minnesota, Portland, Philadelphia, Oklahoma City, Dallas, and Utah.
The Thunder got the Raptors' pick as payment of a previous trade because it didn't move into the top three. Bryan Colangelo represented the team on stage on the day the Raptors announced he would stay on as team president but they would hire a general manager.
Guards Ben McLemore of Kansas and Trey Burke of Michigan, the college player of the year, and Georgetown forward Otto Porter Jr. are considered other top available players.
With uncertainty at the top, this is another year when the No. 1 pick could've been a high school player if eligible. Kansas-bound prep star Andrew Wiggins may have been the choice, but the age limit requiring players to be 19 years old and a year out of high school will remain unchanged at least until the players' association has a new executive director to replace the ousted Billy Hunter.
The union would like the limit to be lowered or scrapped entirely, while the NBA has expressed interest in raising it to 20. It's on a list of "B-list" items from the 2011 collective bargaining negotiations that the sides still plan to discuss.
Follow Brian Mahoney on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Briancmahoney


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Call our experts: 888.808.FINE
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For convenient stationery with a classic look, this set is perfect! It includes eight 100-sheet ecru note pads in assorted sizes, which can be personalized to accommodate your needs. A clear acrylic holder keeps these pads organized. Sizes of note pads include four 3.125x4.5 inch pads, two 4x6.25 inch pads, and two 4.75x8.5 inch pads.


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An online resource page to help New Jersey consumers and business owners understand what the Affordable Care Act means for them has been launched by the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute at its website, www.njhcqi.org.
The site offers frequently-asked-questions and answers, and a page of links to NJHCQI reviewed and approved resources, such as the Kaiser Family Foundation's Subsidy Calculator and www.thehealthsherpa.com, a private, non-government site created to allow consumers to review their health insurance options, including prices, prior to visiting healthcare.gov.
David Knowlton, the institute's president, said there's a clear need for the site.
"Over the past several months, we've seen a lot of confusion on the Affordable Care Act," he said. "More distressing is that there has been a lot of conflicting and even misleading information thrown at consumers.
"What people really need and want is simple: a breakdown of exactly what they need to know about ObamaCare and how it is going to affect their lives."
The Affordable Care Act, signed by President Obama in 2010, has been at the center of a contentious debate since its passage and has experienced a rocky history in terms of public support. In a poll released in September by the institute in conjunction with the Monmouth University Polling Institute, New Jerseyans were found to approve of the ACA, yet very few actually understood and recognized what was in the law.
Obama's ACA reversal now in hands of N.J. insurance regulators
New $1.8M program trains vets to help Obamacare applicants
Just over half of New Jerseyans, 56 percent, were aware of the individual mandate, the central policy that would require Americans to buy health insurance if they don't have it.
"It's a 900-plus page law, but not all of those 900 pages contain vital information for individuals, families and business owners," Knowlton said. "We've tried to boil the law down to a manageable form using easy-to-understand language, and answer the most immediate questions."
Linda Schwimmer, vice president of the institute, said she hopes the site will become a destination.
"Our goal is to provide one place for New Jersey leaders to send folks for answers about the Affordable Care Act in New Jersey," she said. "The answers and tools such as cost calculators and innovative websites will go a long way in helping people understand their options."
The site, by the way, appears to be working perfectly.


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Now you are asking ... "Why is he reviewing a piece of cardboard? The simple answer is that an 18% gray card is a valuable photography accessory! I'll explain.
A note for beginners ... The gray card is close to what your camera is trying to make your subject look like. The camera actually meters closely to 13% gray - meaning you need to add about 1/2 stop to an exposure setting based on a gray card. If you are photographing a light colored subject such as a wedding dress, the camera will try to make it darker - 13% gray. You need to add positive exposure compensation. If you have a dark subject (such as a black tux), the camera will attempt to make it lighter - 13% gray. You need to add negative exposure compensation. As for the rest ... Beginners might want to bookmark this page and come back later.
Our eyes are incredible creations. The specific incredibleness I'm referring to now is our eye's ability to make colors look correct under varying lighting conditions. Indoors, outdoors, shade, sun, electric lights, etc - the light sources all have different color characteristics. For example, tungsten lights often give off more red light. Our eyes simply adjust and send the right "white balance" to our brains.
Our cameras are not quite as incredible. The auto white balance feature works reasonably well in many conditions, but it works very poorly in others - especially under artificial light sources such as incandescent and fluorescent light. Canon Digital SLRs have various pre-programmed white balance modes (such as flash, sun, shade ...), but they are just approximations of the actual color of the light.
The Wallace ExpoDisk attempts to mix all of the colors of the light together through a filter to simulate a gray card. This determines which colors are present more/less strongly in the light source. The ExpoDisk should be aimed at the source of light to work best. I found the results of using the ExpoDisk to be hit or miss. The ExpoDisk works well when you have a single light source and little reflected light. The ExpoDisk shot is then used for the basis of a custom white balance.
The 18% gray card takes reflected light into consideration. The camera and the computer can determine which colors of light are being reflected more strongly by the card - and can make adjustments accordingly using a custom white balance. I find my white balance results to be excellent when using the gray card. And you could buy a few cases of gray cards for the price of one ExpoDisk!
To use a gray card, simply take a picture of it in the same lighting your subject is (or was) in. Use auto white balance and P (Program) mode for the picture. You can either use the resulting picture as the basis for a custom white balance setting, or you can use the gray card picture during post processing for a custom white balance.
To use the gray card as the basis for an in-camera custom white balance, make sure enough of the center of the frame is covered by the card in your picture to be properly read for white balance. If I'm using my 8x10 card, I usually fill the frame with the card. Next, go through the menu to select that picture for your custom white balance. Finally, set the camera to the custom white balance setting.
If you are using the gray card picture as the basis for your post processing white balance setting, the card does not have to take up much of the frame and does not need to be exactly centered. Simply select a point on the card in the gray card picture from your post processing software (such as Canon's File Viewer Utility) to be the basis for the custom white balance setting for all pictures taken under the identical lighting conditions.
gray card pictures can be saved for later use as well. If you take pictures in the same lighting at different times, you can use an old gray card shot for future photo sessions. For example, keep a gray card shot of your church sanctuary to use each time your kids are performing. Keep a shot of your high school gymnasium to use for all of your high school basketball photography. Get the picture?
While the post-processing gray card method works well, I prefer using the in-camera custom white balance method. First, post-processing work is reduced. More important is that getting the right exposure settings in-camera is easier when shooting under strong non-white lighting conditions if a custom white balance is used. For example, the lights in our church sanctuary have a very strong red color tone. If I shoot using auto white balance and use the histogram for exposure, I find that my shots are significantly under-exposed when I later color-correct the image - removing the red that pushed my histogram to the right. If I would have shot with a higher exposure, I would have blown the red highlights.
There are situations that a gray card cannot handle. If you are in an audience shooting a lighted stage, court, rink ... you cannot simply pull out your gray card to get an accurate custom white balance shot (unless the lighting at your position happens to be identical to the subject's lighting - and it rarely is).
In this situation, you have a couple of options.
I often use a K (Kelvin) white balance setting. This generally requires some trial and error to get the right temperature. I take a couple of test shots until I dial it in (using the LCD for my estimation). I like to use skin tones and hair color for this purpose. Some DSLRs have a 3-color channel histogram that can be help in this situation. Practice will help you get the right temperature setting quicker. I will then fine tune the colors in my post-processing. I will take note of the K setting I end up with (after post-processing) and record it somewhere for the next time I am shooting at the same venue.
If the venue has a true neutral color (such as a gray wrestling mat) under the subject lighting, shoot an out-of-focus picture of it. Try using that for a rough custom white balance.
Can you get permission to shoot your gray card shot on stage (court, rink ...) before or after the event? Or even days prior to the event. Can you hang over the stage (court, rink ...) far enough to get the gray card shot without getting the boot? If you can get the gray card shot one time, you can save it on a CF card and re-use it each time you are at the same venue.
The ExpoDisk might be the right solution for these situations. If you have a good view of the subject lighting's source that is.
There are some situations that become extremely difficult For example, a church with a combination of light types and natural sunlight coming through a colored window. It becomes almost impossible to get the white balance right in all parts of the picture.
In these cases, you have to make the most of what you have to work with. If you can move your subject(s), have them stand in a location that limits the lighting types illuminating them - especially their faces. You can also use a flash set bright enough to just overpower the various colors of light on your subject. Use the custom white balance of the flash in this circumstance.
I bought a couple of 8x10 gray cards. They are very inexpensive. I cut one into 4 pieces and I carry a piece in each of my camera bags - I am never without one. I use an 8x10 card around the house or when I am packing lots of gear.
For what it is worth - Sports Illustrated photographers use the gray card approach for setting their in-camera custom white balance.
Bringing you this site is my full-time job (typically 60-80 hours per week). Thus, I depend solely on the commissions received from you using the links on this site to make any purchase. I am grateful for your support! - Bryan
Where you buy your gear matters. You expect to get what you ordered and you want to pay a low price for it. The retailers I recommend below are the ones I trust for my own purchases. Get your Gray Card now from:B&H Photo


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Oxford High boys' basketball coach Sean Halloran turned plenty of heads two seasons ago, guiding the Pirates on an exhilarating, surprise run to the Division 2 Central Mass. final that effectively revitalized the program in his first year aboard.
That team, however, centered on a 6-foot-3, 300-pound titan of a man, DeCarlo Anderson, who fit much better into Halloran's traditional coaching philosophy — learned under St. John's High boss Bob Foley in the early '90s — of a slower paced, pound-it-inside kind of basketball.
"It kind of put Oxford back on the map in terms of basketball and since then the kids have come out ready to play," Halloran said. "I really owe a lot of gratitude to that group of kids — Brendan Tremblay, DeCarlo Anderson and Jeff Bolio. That was the group that kind of said 'this town can play basketball' and I've been lucky enough to have kids buying in. This town is expecting playoff basketball now."
Now, in his third year in charge, Halloran deserves accolades for a different kind of coaching achievement. He's thrown his old philosophy out the window and challenged himself to mold a new contender out of Oxford's current personnel.
"I've always had that luxury of having one or two bigs to kind of follow through with what I've learned over the years," Halloran said. "When I looked at what we graduated over the summer, I knew that I had to do a little bit of research on my end to see what kind of offense we could run coming back. It's been a learning experience for me, but it's been fun to expand my knowledge of the game."
Reinventing the wheel has been a resounding success, and the Pirates (10-6, 7-6 SWCL) have successfully utilized an experienced four-guard lineup — all four average double figures in points — to become a dark horse contender.
Tri-captains Mike James, Donny Freeland and Tyler Barrie are all seniors, while junior Liam Pickett (15.8 points per game) leads the team in scoring and can frequently be found at the end of an outlet pass converting a fast-break layup.
James (13.1 points per game), the point guard, has averaged 20 points in his last three games and is the first option in big moments. The cerebral Freeland (12.7 points per game) did not play last season, but is one of the top defenders in SWCL, while Tyler Barrie (11.5 points per game) is the team's best athlete.
Halloran said it wasn't always so certain this new style of play would succeed.
"At one point, we were 6-5 and we were struggling to find ourselves and then we had four games in a row on the road in January," Halloran said. "We ended up going 1-3, so we kind of had to ask, 'Is this the right system that we want to run?' "
Next up was Shepherd Hill Regional, which was then riding a seven-game winning streak, and the Pirates made a statement, winning, 71-61, at home to spark their own four-game winning streak and validate this year's group as legitimate.
"They came out against Shepherd Hill and just blew it up," Halloran said. "We were down nine in the first quarter and I was thinking, 'What's happening here?' and then we play our best three quarters of the season after that and win by 10."
With the Clark Tournament ahead in just over a week, and then the playoffs directly after that, Halloran is feeling ready to make another run at Oxford.
It has come down to crunch time for some teams trying to make the postseason, and girls coach Tim Kewriga at Uxbridge High (7-10, 5-9) has found his young squad ready to battle for a spot as the regular season winds down.
Courtside seats for the entire team to the Boston Celtics' win over the Orlando Magic at the TD Garden last Friday certainly won't hurt team camaraderie, but the key to taking the next step could be emerging sophomore talent Alex Van Loon, who has done it all for the Spartans this year. A 5-foot-9 returning SWCL All-Star, she leads the team in scoring for a second straight year, and shows her versatility by averaging nine points, nine rebounds, four blocks and three steals per game.
"We're psyched to get into districts right now," said Kewriga, whose team will need to win three of its final four games to punch its ticket to the playoffs. "We play a tough schedule, so we're scrapping and clawing trying to get in."
The Spartans lost seven of their final nine contests last winter and finished 7-13 after being competitive earlier in the season. They have chance to finish strong, with Millbury High their only remaining opponent with a winning record. The key will be whether they can limit runaway CMass scoring leader Katherine Edmonds (27.5 ppg) of South High in their final game of the regular season.
"We're kind of really taking defense to heart," Kewriga said. "Looking at the points against, we're only giving up 35 a game, so that's been kind of the key and really focusing on what we need to do defensively to lead to more offense."
With only nine players —five sophomores, three juniors and a senior — and not much height, Uxbridge has effectively limited opponents from its 1-3-1 zone defense, and Kewriga's roster has enough stamina to press early and often. The only teams that have scored at least 50 points against the Spartans were the league bullies, undefeated Quaboag Regional and No. 8 Shepherd Hill.
"(Sophomore) Missy Morton is up in the front really steering the opposing team in one direction and then Alex Van Loon is in the middle," Kewriga said. "Then, right behind her, sort of the safety or the quarterback, is (junior) Abby Sawyer in the back, seeing the whole field and really getting to work going from side to side."
Contact Carl Setterlund at email@example.com. Follow him on Twitter @tgsports.


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The fullback has penned a two-and-a-half year deal with the Royals but, with the move awaiting ratification, will be unable to make his debut in Saturday's clash with West Brom.
Kelly has made just two Premier League appearances so far this term for the Cottagers but his new manager, Brian McDermott, is confident he will make an impact.
"I'm delighted to have Stephen here," he told the club's official website. "He has played a lot of games in the Premier League and more than 30 times for his country.
"He's the kind of player I've been talking about – someone with great experience, but at 29 still young in football terms and at a really good stage in his career.
"I've always liked him as a player, and the first time I met him was at Kevin Doyle's wedding a while ago now and I thought he was a top guy. I know he's going to fit into the dressing room here really well. He's up for the fight, up for the battle, he's hungry, he wants to do well and I know he'll be successful for us."
The club's chairman, John Madejski, has also hailed the arrival of the defender - who will take the No. 27 shirt at the Berkshire club.
"It's a great signing for Reading Football Club. He's a proven international and Premier League player and he seems like a lovely guy as well," he said.
"We've had some great success stories with players from Ireland in recent years and I'm sure the signing of Stephen will be no different. I'm delighted he has signed and we all wish him very well during his career at Reading."


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Transcript of Video:
The name Aerial means originating from the atmosphere. It basically wants to capture everything that lives in the atmosphere. It's like when I designed the Double Finger Ring that I always wear, I just imagine the wind blowing around the finger, so I wanted to really crystallize it. It's very thin, it's very delicate, so the moment you wear it you feel like the wind.
Aerial wants to capture sunshine--like in the pendent I'm wearing because it really has this explosion of light. We call it actually an eclipse, you know when the sun is covered by the moon and you have this light coming out of that and this is basically the idea.
Even the rain. So, in this collection, we brought in the pear shapes to create that sparkle, basically like no other pear shape because it has the sparkle of a round Hearts On Fire diamond.


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A 76-year-old Salt Springs man wasn't going to let anything keep him from his haircut on Wednesday.
A 76-year-old Salt Springs man wasn't going to let anything keep him from his haircut on Wednesday.
That's why, he told officers, he drove his 2001 Lincoln through a construction barricade blocking one entrance to Salts Springs Square, home of Hair Solutions for Ladies and Gents, according to Marion County Sheriff's Office reports.
William G. Faulkner also is accused of running into a construction worker who tried to get Faulkner to back up.
Deputies arrived at the location, 14100 N. U.S. 19, just after 1:30 p.m. They found Faulkner in the barber's chair getting his haircut. He said he did not realize he had driven over a traffic cone. He said he saw the construction worker trying to get him to back up, but was trying to make his appointment and did not want to take the time to back up and drive to the other entrance, according to sheriff's reports.
As for striking the construction worker, Faulkner said he figured the worker would move out of the way, reports state.
"That's why I didn't think it was that big of a deal, because the officer talked to him as he was getting his hair cut," said Melissa Land, owner of the hair salon and spa.
When the cut was completed, Faulkner was arrested.
"He's a regular customer, and I know he didn't think he did anything wrong, because he would have just missed the appointment and left," Land said.
Faulkner was booked into the Marion County Jail on one count of aggravated battery. He was released early Thursday after posting a $10,000 bond.
The construction worker, who did not want to comment for this story, told officers he was struck in the knee by the car. He complained of pain, but refused medical attention, reports state.


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I've been EBF my 3.5 month DD and I've just started experiencing painful burning sensations after a feed. I was wondering if anyone had any idea what I was experiencing or a remedy. Here are my symptoms:
* Painful burning sensation / shooting pains deep in the breast tissue (not the nipple - that is fine). It almost feels like my breasts are on fire! It starts about 10 minutes after a feed and continues for about 1-2 hours.
* It doesn't happen all the time. Its happened after 3 feeds in the past week. Sometimes I've had more mild versions of the pain during other points in the week.
* I'm not experiencing any pain during the feed and my nipples seem ok. In fact, a feed seems to relieve some of the pain.
* Cold compresses help relieve the pain too.
* The pain has mainly been in my left breast, but I've had milder pains in my right too.
* I've had recurrent bouts of mastitis but this pain is very different - and I don't have mastitis at the moment (just thought I would mention it).
* DD is still feeding ok, gaining weight ok and showing no signs of fussing at the breast. She isn't showing any symptoms of thrush either (which I considered as a possible cause, but I've read that thrush makes a feed itself painful, and mine aren't).
Anyone have any ideas what this could be?