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"Viking village" presents an innovative method for teaching history via experiential education.
In Lithuania, many children experience low quality of education in history. There is little to no motivation to improve it since history teachers and specialists in the field are not paid well and do not have an incentive to fight for better education within the field. Although museums help offset the high cost of history education, only five percent use it and the interest in museums continues to decline.
Searching for an innovative method for teaching history, Edita Gilė created a Viking village which lets children experience historical events for themselves. The goal for the Viking village is to make history accessible for the entire education system, along with professionals and families. Edita´s vision is to increase the prestige for historical museums, thereby increasing their quality. This would enable more children to get a quality education in history.
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The battle for Gold Medals and personal bests ignites excitement and healthy competition in Summer Athletics 2009. Athletes from all over the world run, throw, jump and swim for victory. Millimeters and split seconds will decide the winners. Athletes compete in 28 summer time disciplines, including 100 meters sprint, high diving, javelin throwing or long jump.
Hamburg/Germany based publisher dtp entertainment is currently working on Summer Athletics 2009. The sports game is developed by 49Games in Hamburg and will be published worldwide in summer 2009 as a multiplatform title. Read More »
Also known as: Summer Athletics 2009
Release Region: United Kingdom
Release Date: TBA
Publisher: DTP (Digital Entertainment Pool)
Release Region: United States
Release Date: TBA
Publisher: Conspiracy Entertainment
World Championship Ath... at IGN
World Championship Ath... at GameSpy
World Championship Ath... at GameStats

subset: commoncrawl


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Will a pitcher ever hit for himself again in Major League Baseball?
Pitchers can hit, too. But not all of them are as adept in the batter's box as Madison Bumgarner, Jacob deGrom or Victor Zambrano, sure. It also won't matter at all anymore.
The shortened 2020 MLB season is paving the way for the universal designated hitter, equalizing the American and National Leagues for the first time since 1973.
According to the proposed agreement for this year and next, the universal DH will be instituted beginning this season. The deal also calls for the DH next year.
Couple that with the belief the DH was going to become universal in the next collective bargaining agreement (2021), and could it mean we've seen a pitcher bat for himself for the final time in Major League Baseball history?
2020: MLB, union make progress, but can't agree on number of games
NEW GAME? Ways the shortened MLB season may stay permanently
That's not to say a pitcher will never bat again. Some may be utilized as a pinch-hitter. But a NL manager will never be forced to write in his starting pitcher's name into the lineup card. Relievers no longer carry the burden (as long as they face three batters!) of leaving the game when their spot in the order is due up.
The final two games of the 2019 season, Games 6 and 7 of the World Series, were played at Minute Maid Park, home of the American League champion Houston Astros. Therefore, you'd have to go back to Game 5 of that series to find the final at-bat a pitcher took for himself.
That would be New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole, then with the Astros, who hit for himself in the top of the seventh. Nats reliever Sean Doolittle struck him out swinging to end a five-pitch at-bat.
As unceremonious it may have seemed in the moment, Cole's whiff could become historic.
The two-way player may be making a comeback, with the Tampa Bay Rays willing to let prospect Brendan McKay pitch and bat as a DH. Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels has proved he can both hit and pitch in MLB. Other than that, though, it's sad for the starting pitchers who relished their two or three at-bats every five days, or the reliever who finally got to hit for himself once in a blue moon.
So long are the days of Bartolo Colon running into one and setting the baseball world ablaze. No more can Zack Greinke rube his position player teammates for slumping (OK, he still might).
St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright is already asking manager Mike Schildt for one more at-bat.
And former big leaguer Dan Haren realized he holds a very specific record.
Goodbye double switches and easy outs. Hello DH.
MLB pitchers hitting: Quick facts
Most home runs by pitcher (career): Wes Ferrell (38)
Most home runs by pitcher (season): Ferrell (9, 1931)
Most home runs by pitcher (active): Bumgarner (18)


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Propositions 1 and 2: Quality-of-life bonds approved
Voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved spending more than $470 million to improve parks, libraries and museums and eventually build a multipurpose arena.
Leonard "Tripper" Goodman, chairman of the El Paso Tomorrow political action committee, celebrated the approval of two propositions with others at The Garden restaurant.
"This is a renaissance for El Paso," he said. "It's going to be a new El Paso."
Proposition 1 sought $245 million in bonds to improve parks, pools and community centers as well as to continue the revitalization of the zoo.
Proposition 2 approved the sale of $228.25 million in bonds to upgrade museums and libraries, and build a new children's museum and a multipurpose arena.
As a result of passing both propositions, homeowners will pay about $41.42 more a year for a home valued at $100,000 through 2030.
Those in favor of the bonds said they will make El Paso a more attractive place to live.
"To me, it is a key component to our ability to compete on a national level," city Rep. Cortney Niland said Tuesday. "If we are not willing to put an investment in ourselves, then no one else will."
Niland was one of the propositions' biggest supporters and said both propositions are an investment in El Paso's future.
"I knew that this was a tough issue that El Pasoans would take seriously," she said. "It was obvious that El Pasoans believe in our community."
Carlos and Malena Sanchez, both 43, are native El Pasoans who studied in Austin and San Antonio and returned home about five years ago. They said approval of both propositions reinforced their decision to return to El Paso.
"We are very proud of our city tonight," said Malena Sanchez, a registered nurse. "We came back because of our families, but we're staying because of our future here."
Some residents and city representatives felt that passing of the propositions was financially irresponsible.
Lower Valley city Rep. Eddie Holguin said that some El Pasoans won't be able to afford the higher taxes.
"I just feel for the people that can't afford to pay for all theses 'wants,' " he said. "I apologize to all the people that are going to lose their homes over these significant tax increases."
Aaron Bracamontes may be reached at email@example.com; 546-6156. Follow him on Twitter @AaronBrac.Times reporter Cindy Ramirez contributed to this report.


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Monday, September 15, 2008
Gap tears
Time is going by so fast, I just want to treasure every second. I don't know if this is because he's my only child that I'm feeling this so strongly, or perhaps because our journey for number #2 has been such a long one. Perhaps, everyone feels this way and I'm just more vocal about it. I'm hoping that perhaps I'm "pre-grieving". When my grandpa died, about a month before he passed I had a day where I realized the end was near. I mourned for a week, but when the actual funeral came, I was at peace. So hopefully by the time school year rolls around next fall I will be at peace with it… otherwise prepare for multiple teary posts.
6 comments:
- AnonymousSeptember 15, 2008 at 5:54 PM
My youngest is two and I still automatically head for the newborn section at Gap.ReplyDelete
My kids are usually dressed in clothes that are a tad on the small size because I'm in a constant state of denial.
- AnonymousSeptember 15, 2008 at 11:20 PM
As I sat watching my 9 year old and her best friend play at the park yesterday, I almost cried watching a mom push her 9 m/o in the baby swing! That was me not too long ago.....wondering why the women of school-aged children were starting at me with watery eyes. Snuggle every moment. It goes too fast.ReplyDelete
I am the same way and my girl is only one and a half. It's just going by so quickly!ReplyDelete
This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 16, 2008 at 11:46 AM
I too, have only one. Just wait until the day that you watch him with fresh driver's license, drive himself off to school for the first time (in his own car)...On his first day of kindergarten his Dad and I both accompanied him to class (me dressed up and in makeup). The day he drove himself to school, I hid behind the blinds in my bedroom and peeked out at him (and cried). He's all grown up now. But you'll always remember the first day of kindergarten!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 16, 2008 at 12:10 PM
I, too, have only one. It's sometimes hard to watch him grow up, but for me the wistfulness is overshadowed by the fun of watching him unfold into a more independent human being. He was cute at 5, but at 10, he has his own ideas and we can have real, give-and-take conversations. Trust me, every year it gets better and better. Don't linger too long on the ages past.ReplyDelete


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SEATTLE — Cal was tentative. The Golden Bears were getting pushed around. They needed a spark.
Trailing by 12 late in the first half at Washington on Saturday afternoon, Cal turned to its defense. The Bears forced 14 turnovers to create what Cal forward Richard Solomon called some "feel good."
The turnovers, and the points they produced, helped Cal claim a 72-59 victory over Washington at Alaska Airlines Arena.
"We needed to be aggressive," said guard Tyrone Wallace, who led the Bears with 20 points and eight rebounds and added four assists. "We were sitting there ball watching, and they were rebounding the ball."
The Bears (17-8, 8-4 Pac-12) have won three of their past four games overall and three of their past four against the Huskies, including a 26-point win earlier this year.
Washington (14-12, 6-7) played physically early and used a 12-0 run to take 16-6 lead. Then Jordan Mathews hit a jumper to stop the streak, and Jabari Bird followed with a dunk to briefly give the Bears some momentum.
After a timeout with 6:40 left in the half, Cal stepped on the floor trailing 27-15. The Bears closed on a 19-2 run.
"We just all got on each other a little bit," said Solomon, who finished with 18 points and seven rebounds.
When asked if he had to tell his team anything during the timeout late in the half, Cal coach Mike Montgomery said: "There's not much magic going on in these huddles. They were absolutely killing us on the boards. They were way more physical than we were. Once we started getting some stops, we started getting out on the break. Once we got on the break, we got some easy shots."
Wallace scored 11 points in the first half. He helped rally the Bears by attacking the basket and pushing the tempo.
"I just started being aggressive, trying to get to the basket," Wallace said. "We were able to get some easy looks, creating turnovers. That got me going a little bit."
Cal led by five at halftime and never trailed in the second half.
Justin Cobbs finished with 10 points, seven assists and six rebounds for the Bears. He also played strong defense against C.J. Wilcox, who entered the game as Washington's leading scorer at 19.2 points per game. Wilcox finished with eight points on 4-for-12 shooting, including 0 for 6 from 3-point range. Ths Huskies were only 4 of 21 from beyond the arc.
Andrew Andrews led Washington with 21 points.
Wednesday's game
UCLA (20-5, 9-3 Pac-12) at Cal (17-8, 8-4), 7:30 p.m. Pac-12 Networks


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Conn. pols hold D.C. vigil
Connecticuters in the nation's capital including Rep. Rosa DeLauro and former Sen. Christopher Dodd gathered at the Washington Monument Friday for an emotional candlelight vigil for the victims of the elementary school massacre in Newtown, Conn.
Nearly 20 people assembled in a small circle, each clutching a thin white candle, as they spoke about the tragedy, engaged in prayer, and stood in moments of silence with their heads bowed. They expressed shock at the shootings in the small community of some 27,000 people that left 28 dead, 20 of them children.
"They were just babies," DeLauro remarked, noting that she had been in Washington this weekend to spend time with her grandchildren – ages 8, 5 and 3. "Every parent is identifying today with what happened."
Dodd, now the head of the Motion Picture Association of America, held a candle and put an arm around his young daughter, Grace. In his brief comments during the 30-minute vigil, Dodd called the shooting "just hard to accept" and said of the spate of gun violence: "When are we going to learn?"
"I just think of those parents," Dodd told POLITICO afterward. "I just can't imagine. What can you possibly say?"
The impromptu vigil was organized by the Connecticut Society of Washington D.C., a coalition of about 250 Nutmeggers in the nation's capital. Brian Mahar, the society's president and a former staffer for Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.), said he felt "we needed to put the community together."
Though DeLauro said that, for now, the public needed to focus on aiding the victims of the tragedy, she said that eventually "reasonable people need to come together" to find ways to prevent gun violence.
DeLauro also praised President Barack Obama's remarks from the White House Friday afternoon, noting that she has never seen him that emotional before.
"His words were poignant," she added.


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Status update for Arma 3
Prague, Czech Republic, Thursday 13 December 2012
In what might be described as an eventful year, Bohemia Interactive has decided to postpone the release of Arma 3. The additional development time enables the project to reach its full potential, with the studio expecting to finalize their release plans in the new year.
Recently, Joris-Jan van 't Land, a 10-year veteran of Bohemia Interactive, took over the role of Arma 3 Project Lead from Daniel Musil, who left the studio to pursue other opportunities.
Joris-Jan van 't Land: "We've been in the process of implementing changes that will help us innovate as a studio under unexpected circumstances - facing problems we simply couldn't have imagined", referring to the detainment of two Bohemia Interactive employees in Greece. Both were arrested on suspicion of espionage while spending their holiday on Lemnos - an island that served as inspiration for the environment in Arma 3. They have since remained in jail pending legal proceedings. "We're still trying to make sense of the situation and hope that our colleagues will be released soon. Although their plight has certainly affected us on a personal level, we continue working on the tasks identified as key to the release of Arma 3."
The new release window of Arma 3 has been set for 2013. Joris-Jan van 't Land: "I hope this update provides some answers regarding the status of the project. We're currently sorting the specifics so we can deliver a more complete announcement at the beginning of next year."
The studio is also working on a standalone version of DayZ, which is developed by a team led by Dean Hall.
Media Contacts
About Bohemia Interactive
Established in 1999 in Prague, Czech Republic, Bohemia Interactive is an independent game development studio which is primarily known for its award-winning mil-sim Arma series, starting with Arma: Cold War Assault. Published in 2001, this debut title became the no. 1 bestselling PC game around the world and has won many international awards. The hugely successful series was followed by Arma 1 and Arma 2 on PC as well as Arma 2 Firing Range on mobile devices, before a standalone PC expansion Operation Arrowhead was released, as well as three DLC which greatly added to the series. Bohemia Interactive is also the developer of Take On Helicopters and the recently released Carrier Command: Gaea Mission. The studio is currently working on Arma 3 and the standalone version of DayZ. More information about Bohemia Interactive is available at www.bistudio.com.


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FASHION STATEMENT Barbara Anne Fogg Spotted at: Teens for Wishes' "Silver Lining Ball"
Barbara Anne Fogg
Spotted at: Teens for Wishes' "Silver Lining Ball"
What are you wearing? A black-and-white floral dress with black satin ribbon at the waist from White House/Black Market, strappy black sandals by Nina, a Prada clutch, and pearls. I was going for something classic, sort of Audrey Hepburn-inspired. And I thought all black or all white wouldn't stand out at a black-and-white party, so I was looking for a print.
Who is your fashion idol? Lindsey Lohan. I'm in love with her style: a little modern, a little rock 'n' roll, but mostly she looks like she's not trying too hard.
What's the biggest fashion mistake girls make? Thinking something is sexy and going trashy. Sexy can be about color and shape, not just skin.
What are your favorite beauty products? Aveda makes your hair the softest. For make-up, I love Smashbox: very sheer and great colors.
What wouldn't you be caught dead in? Anything taffeta. I hate that look.
Sarasota? I do most of my shopping in Tampa. I love Hollister [at the International Mall] and Abercrombie and Fitch.
You go to Cardinal Mooney, so what do think about wearing a uniform? Ours are not too bad. You have different colored shirts according to grade and you have to wear khaki pants or skirts, but you can still find a cut that flatters. You have some choices in belts and shoes and jewelry so you can make it yours, but you don't have to spend a ton of time figuring out what to wear 'cause it's a uniform.
What do you like best about Sarasota
? I love how small it is. I love knowing the same people forever. You go to other places and you realize how clean it is here.—Patty Larsen
Crime novelist Leslie Glass infiltrates the Sarasota Reading Festival.
Shakespeare said, "The play's the thing." For Sarasota, it's the event. As I write, it's off season, but at the Sarasota Reading Festival, chaired by Renee Richardson Kling (and with a board of directors that includes me), it is high season, and a passion for books is the thing. In past years author-collecting had been the sole province of former Sarasota News and Books owner, Caren Lobo, who knew the ropes better than anyone. When Amanda Stiff took over as chairperson, she was the one to travel to the million-author march at the Book Expo, held that year in Washington, D.C., where publishers' titles for the upcoming year are laid out in a huge convention center. Five minutes of face time can be had with the publicists, and one has to talk fast to get their attention.
The Sarasota Reading Festival is a free day of books and author talks on Nov. 4. Its only fund raiser is a cocktail party at Selby Library called "A Novel Affair," Nov. 3. The festival traditionally follows the St. Petersburg book festival, and competition to get the best authors is always high. Back in August you should have heard us comparing theirs to ours. We think our authors are bigger and better, though it pains me to talk this way. If the authors only knew.
In any case, the idea is to cajole publishers to pay for sending the crème de la crème our way, but sometimes they have their own ideas of who should come—and never mind if we've never heard of them, or if they're not really suitable for our audience. Last year we got the author of French Women Don't Get Fat, and she cheated by reading from her book. Authors aren't supposed to read; they're supposed to speak cleverly off the cuff. She might have been thin and French, but no one could understand a word she read. And then there were the authors who were charming but no one really cared about, and only nine people bought their books. Publishers don't like that.
In the past the method for procuring authors was pretty much catch as catch can, and board members' wish lists for their own favorites were like vapors, lost in the thunderheads of summer. Susan Rife of the Herald-Tribune, who coordinates the special festival tabloid that the H-T runs, and writes all the author features, had no idea until the very last minute who was coming and sometimes wondered if she was chopped liver. Programming was also a secret rite performed in the dead of night, and executive directors didn't tend to stay very long.
This year the Reading Festival was like a Dr. Seuss book in which changes really happened at the zoo. There was an actual programming committee with actual member participation, and oh, the e-mail was abuzz with author chatter all summer long. Jane Summerville of the New College Library Association would not stop going on about Dan Brown. No one would oblige her by inviting him. Renee kept asking if anyone knew Stephen King. He doesn't take phone calls, and no one is totally sure he even exists anymore. And Carl Hiaasen seemed to be hanging his head over the failure of Hoot, the movie. He wouldn't take phone calls, either, and his publicist was like the devil in The Devil Wears Prada. Don't try calling her.
Dear Michael Connelly, the newest New York Times serial novelist in the Sunday magazine section, was a leader in the "yes" department. He came in right at the start. His book Echo Park is about a dirty bomb, and I'm scared already. John Jakes signed on with his novel about Newport snobs, The Gods of Newport. Apparently the protagonist is some nouveau rich dude who wants to get in with the in crowd, which will work perfectly for us. And then the ball was rolling. Jim Lehrer, the PBS anchor, said yes. The committee rejoiced and plunged on with greater confidence, deciding to build the Reading Festival around subjects of interest to the community. What a novel idea.
Foodies can debate carbs or no carbs all day long in the cooking pavilion, which features cookbook authors, while history/heritage buffs can learn more about World War II, the first female television correspondent, Nancy Dickerson, and the shot heard 'round the world. (In case you didn't know, it has something to do with baseball.) There will be comic novels about—what else?—Florida, and Marie Antoinette in novel form. Don't ask me how we got that one. All right, they couldn't resist the first sentence. "Like everyone, I was born naked." I ask you, what kind of first sentence is that?
We also got a lot of serious stuff, too serious for me to talk about here: Ecology, swamps, everglades, trees, stem cell wars and a panel titled "The Politics of Science" moderated by Mike Michalson, president of NewCollege. He's going to ask a lot of incendiary questions, and you should, too.
When I arrived at the first scheduling meeting in the history of the festival, which is celebrating its ninth birthday this year, Julie Taylor was up at the bulletin board ready to slate the authors in their slots, and Renee was hyperventilating into a paper bag. Whatever was the matter, I worried? I'd brought the cookies and was eager to get at the table full of food. There was a whole dinner waiting, but everybody was too glum to eat.
"Haven't you heard?" Terri Weldon of Comcast asked. Terri is responsible for bringing CSPAN and the Discovery Channel to the Festival. And thousands of free books to children in the children's tent. And Sponge Bob Square Pants, whatever they are. "Jim Lehrer dropped out."
"Why?" Shock traveled around the room as a dozen people panicked. "Something about the elections; he didn't want to miss them," Renee said. Dan Hoffe wondered why it took Lehrer so long to realize they were coming. Betty Morris, who is head of operations—oh, the tents and vendors—said she'll never listen to him again.
Former mayor Richard Martin, in charge of history/heritage (or is it science/environment? One of those serious non-fiction pavilions) begged for calm. More beseeching calls were made to Al Gore. Please, pretty please with sugar on top, come to our festival. No, Al couldn't come, either. He was up to his ears in elections, too. He said he'd come later, after he'd finished raising money for candidates. Lisa Endriss, the new festival director, got all excited about that. She wants to have reading festival projects all year around, and so does everyone else.
How about Anderson Cooper? He's hot. Renee's face lit up, and Liz Nolan reported that he cried when he spoke to the librarians in New Orleans this spring. Anderson didn't seem like such a good choice to me. Every time the least little thing happens, he hits the road and doesn't come back for a long time. Somebody begged me to call Alex and ask for somebody Big. (Alex is my son and a literary agent in New York.) I called Alex, and when I said I needed an author, he called me right back. "Who do you want?" he asked. Somebody big, I told him.
He promised to look into it, and everybody cheered up. Julie started slotting in authors. People filled their plates with food and then went back for more. The environmental committee had a private pow-wow while Renee moped just a second longer. Her first cancellation felt so personal. But we all moved on, and now the festival is finally here. Enjoy.
Leslie Glass is a playwright and the author or 14 novels, including the best-selling crime series featuring the NYPD's April Woo.
Up & Coming Nov. 2 A Whole Night of Food & Fashion III. Drop by for a food and wine tasting at Whole Foods Market at 5:45 p.m. and fashion show at 7 p.m., benefiting Girls Inc. Tickets $25 at Whole Foods Market. 955-8500.
Nov. 2 A Whole Night of Food & Fashion III. Drop by for a food and wine tasting at Whole Foods Market at 5:45 p.m. and fashion show at 7 p.m., benefiting Girls Inc. Tickets $25 at Whole Foods Market. 955-8500.
March of Dimes Chef's Auction. Culinary delights from 13 restaurants highlight the Autumn Splendor event, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the ChelseaCenter. Tickets $65. 355-1756.
Nov. 3 A Novel Affair. A chance to mingle with Sarasota Reading Festival authors over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Selby Public Library. Tickets $50 to $1,000. 906-1733.
Viva Las Asolo. Gaming tables, Texas Hold 'Em and a Vegas-style revue benefit the Asolo Repertory Theatre, FSUCenter for the Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. 351-8000.
Nov. 4 Hot Dogs, Cool Cats. It's a "Year of the Dog" theme gala at Hyatt Sarasota for the Humane Society of Sarasota County. Tickets $200. 955-4131.
Black and White Bowling Ball Gone Mad.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation heads to the lanes for its annual fund raiser—AMF Gulf Gate Lanes, to be exact. Teams will compete to win bowling awards while enjoying food, drink, auctions and more. Ticket prices vary. 952-5836.
Out-of-Door Academy Extravaganza. This year's dinner-auction gala to benefit private schools takes place starting at approximately 6 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton. Tickets $22. 554-3450.
Snooty Gala. It's a Diamond Jubilee Gala, as the SouthFloridaMuseum celebrates 60 years and, of course, their mascot, Snooty the manatee. The gala starts at 6:30 p.m. at the museum. Tickets $150. 746-4131 ext. 14.
Nov. 5 Brunch on the Bay. USF Sarasota-Manatee's annual celebration of leadership also raises dollars for local students. The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the CrosleyMansion bayfront. Tickets $100. 359-4340.
Nov. 9 Hear and Now. Dinner, live music, and a silent auction benefiting the Ear Research Foundation will take place at the Longboat Key Club Harbourside Room. Tickets $150. 365-0367.
New College Foundation New England Clambake. This is the 28th annual clambake for the foundation, which will feature all sorts of Northeastern-style goodies served along the NewCollege bayfront. Tickets $95. 359-4419.
Nov. 10 Aesthetic Living Showcase. Enjoy champagne, Tuscan food and jazz while roaming a Mediterranean Country home on Siesta Key, to benefit Art Center Sarasota. With an opportunity for holiday shopping, the venue will be open Nov. 11, too. 365-2032.
Nov. 11 Diamonds on the Diamond. A "dress up and decorative sneakers" fund raiser, this event includes dinner, live music, a silent auction and awards for outstanding sports persons and athletes, starting at 6 p.m. at Ed Smith Stadium (rain date: Nov. 12). Tickets $100. 928-2597.
For the Love of All Children. A cocktail party including a silent auction and live music to benefit All Children's Hospital Guild, Sarasota Branch, at the University Club. Tickets $75. 739-9229.
Florida West Coast Symphony Opening Night Gala. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served at 5:15 p.m. in the Van Wezel's Grand Foyer, followed by dinner and Symphony performance. Tickets $175. 953-3434.
Loveland Center Black-Tie Gala. The center presents a dinner-dance at Venice Golf & Country Club. Tickets $125. 493-0016.
Nov. 12 One Sensational Century: A Celebration of Helen Rogers. Sarasota Opera doyenne Rogers receives a tribute on the occasion of her 100th birthday, starting at 6 p.m. at the Opera House. Dinner and performances are included. Tickets $150. 366-8450.
All Faiths Food Bank Empty Bowls. A minimum donation of $20 gets you to this luncheon to benefit the food bank, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at PhillippiEstateMansion. 922-6059.
Nov. 13 Gathering of the Goddesses Luncheon. Goddesses, prepare your tiaras for this United Cerebral Palsy event, at Michael's On East. 957-3599.
Nov. 14 Planned Parenthood High Tea at High Noon/Safe Sex on Route 66. Planned Parenthood moves to a new venue for this year's double-header, with luncheon and the evening party both taking place at Van Wezel. Luncheon tickets $50, evening tickets $75. 365-3913.
Nov. 15 Wellness Community Celebration of Hope. This event features dinner and the presentation of the Stephen H. Goldman Keystone Award. At Michael's On East. Tickets $125. 921-5539.
Nov. 16 Kids Night Out. A dinner and auction at Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, with a chance to win a 1980 Porsche and to benefit the Club. 366-3911.
Nov. 18 Creating a Masterpiece. A "Pine View Pinnacle" dinner-auction to benefit PineViewSchool, at the Ritz-Carlton. 966-7444.
Nov. 19 Cracker Brunch. Enjoy Historic Spanish Point while dining at one of three seatings. Reservations are required. Tickets $38. 966-5214.
Nov. 29 Sarasota Ballet of Florida Gala Performance. A dinner in the Van Wezel Grand Foyer precedes the ballet performance Grand Foyer. Tickets for gala and performance $225 each; gala only, $85, $60, $40 and $25. 371-6798.
Community MusicSchool Gala. This event will feature dinner, a silent auction at the Hyatt Sarasota, and a performance of The Sound of Music at the Players Theatre with a "meet the cast" reception afterward. 929-1859.
Dec. 2, 3 Entre Nous 2006: Holiday Tour of Homes. Beautifully decorated ManateeCounty homes are open to the public from noon to 6 p.m. each day. 795-2129.


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27.FDA Approves Vaccine for Cervical Cancer
The cervical cancer vaccine—the second vaccine after the hepatitis B vaccine to target a sexually transmitted disease—debuted this year. In June the Food and Drug Administration approved the vaccine, distributed under the brand name Gardasil, for girls and women ages 9 to 26. The European Union and Australia have also approved the vaccine, and a similar product to be manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline is in the works.
The vaccines work by inducing antibodies to the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can cause genital warts and cervical cancer. In large clinical trials, the vaccines were more than 99 percent effective in preventing HPV infection. Like most vaccines, however, they are most effective among people who have not yet been exposed to the virus. An American government advisory panel therefore recommended that Gardasil be given routinely to 11- and 12-year-old girls—and in some cases to girls as young as 9.
Every year cervical cancer kills more than 230,000 women worldwide, about 80 percent of them in developing countries. In the United States, the disease claims the lives of roughly 4,000 women each year. Based on a mathematical model, GlaxoSmithKline claims that immunizing every 12-year-old girl with the vaccine would reduce U.S. cases and deaths from cervical cancer by 70 percent. But some conservative groups have opposed the vaccine, saying it might promote sexual activity.
Poor countries also face a more practical obstacle. The full course of the vaccine—three shots over a six-month period—costs about $360. "The biggest issue will be price," says John Schiller, a senior investigator at the National Cancer Institute, who did some of the early work that led to the vaccine's development. "It's the most expensive vaccine we have."
Apoorva Mandavilli
29.DDT is Back
More than 30 years after the use of DDT was abandoned in many countries, the much-maligned pesticide is making a comeback. In September the World Health Organization openly endorsed indoor spraying of DDT, saying it is not only the best weapon against malaria, it is also cheaper and more effective than other insecticides. The announcement followed a similar move in May by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
One of the reasons for the more aggressive stance is President Bush's Malaria Initiative, launched in 2005 after Congress reproved USAID for spending the lion's share of its budget on operational costs—and less than 8 percent on the insecticides, bed nets, and medicines that would actually save lives. In 2007, USAID plans to spend more than $20 million on indoor spraying—up from less than $1 million spent in 2005.
Many environmental groups support the use of DDT for malaria—but only in the short term. Meanwhile, USAID representatives say that, when used properly, the chemical poses little risk to the environment or to human health. "Until we find that it is hazardous," says Admiral Tim Ziemer, coordinator of the President's Malaria Initiative, "it's unconscionable not to use something that can save lives."
Apoorva Mandavilli
36. Nano Risks Worry Scientists
"Magic Nano" turned out not to be so magical after all. The cleaning product sold by the German company Kleinmann GmbH made headlines when it caused respiratory distress in more than 100 consumers last spring, leading to its swift removal from the market. Although the product didn't contain nanoparticles—the problems were ultimately traced to the formation of a super-thin film—the incident put the concept of nanomaterials (which incorporate particles or components measuring less than 100 nanometers, or about 1/250,000inch) squarely in the public eye and raised the question of how to harness their potential while addressing their potential risks.
More than 200 consumer products around the world are described as nanotech-based, according to the Woodrow Wilson Center's Project for Emerging Nanotechnologies. On small scales, substances often behave much differently than they do in their familiar forms, and toxicology and safety studies of these products are still in the early stages. "Good science takes time," says Sally Tinkle, assistant to the deputy director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences at the NIH. "We're asking the right questions about our regulatory frameworks, but we do not have enough scientific data yet to know if they need to be changed and, if so, how to change them in a way that would be more effective." Time may be running out, says David Rejeski, director of the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies. "Five or six years ago, this was a story about science. Now it's a story about consumer products," he says. "This is the beginning of a tidal wave of nano-based products."
So far, more effort has been put into promoting the economic potential of nanomaterials than in exploring possible hazards. The Bush administration's 2007 budget request includes $1.2 billion for the National Nanotechnology Initiative but just $44 million for nanotechnology toxicology and safety research. "How many Magic Nano stories have to appear before people get upset and start to lose confidence?" Rejeski says. "The thing that I fear is that we're investing in a $200,000 car, and we've taken out a $10,000 insurance policy."
Sarah Webb


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China evictions increase, leading to more unrest
- Evictions make up the leading cause of protests
- An increasing number of those being evicted have turned to self-immolation
- Income from the sale of land rights to developers is governments' single largest source of revenue
BEIJING – China says it has worked hard to overhaul its judicial system in ways that better protect human rights, but one of the country's most widespread abuses is increasing and is a leading cause of unrest.
The forced eviction of residents from their homes and farmland has quickened over the past three years, human rights group Amnesty International said in a report issued Thursday.
Evictions make up the leading cause of protests here, especially in the countryside. Homeowners have been risking violence and jail to prevent their ouster and protest the often inadequate compensation offered by developers and officials.
"Millions of people" have been evicted "without appropriate legal protection and safeguards," and often with violence, Amnesty said.
"The problem of forced evictions represents the single most significant source of popular discontent in China and a serious threat to social and political stability," said the group, citing Chinese academic research.
An increasing number of those being evicted have turned to self-immolation as a desperate protest of last resort.
In a recent example, police in northeast China last month shot and killed a man who had set himself on fire while resisting a demolition crew. The official explanation from police was that the officer had acted in self-defense.
Forced eviction "has become a routine occurrence in China and represents a gross violation of China's international human rights obligations on an enormous scale," said the Amnesty report 'Standing Their Ground,' which looked at evictions from February 2010 to January 2012.
Violent forced evictions are increasing as local authorities, often highly indebted, seize land and sell it off to developers to meet bank repayments for funds borrowed to finance projects, Amnesty said.
Income from the sale of land rights to developers represents local governments' single largest source of revenue. And officials looking for promotion also rely on developing land to deliver the high growth rates their superiors demand, the group said.
Of 40 forced evictions Amnesty examined in detail, nine culminated in the deaths of people protesting or resisting eviction, including Wang Cuiyan, 70, who was buried alive in March 2010 when resisting a demolition crew at her house in Wuhan city, Hubei Province.
Amnesty said it found 41 cases from 2009 to 2011 of people lighting themselves on fire to protest evictions, compared with fewer than 10 cases reported in the previous decade.
Former homeowner Hu Cheng understands the level of desperation that provokes such extreme steps.
Since his apartment in the southwest city of Chongqing was demolished in December 2010, Hu has been detained by police several times and beaten twice he says for trying to sue local government for a higher rate of compensation. The State Council, a Cabinet-like government body, stated this week that China is continuing to make reforms to "ensure judicial impartiality." Hu is unconvinced.
"I think the central government is good, and so is their white paper on judicial reform, but they don't know what goes on in local areas" which are very corrupt, said Hu, 40.
Uniformed and plainclothes police now watch his rented apartment, he said.
"If there's really no way to continue, I will go to the city government and set myself on fire," Hu said.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has acknowledged that land grabs and housing demolitions are among China's most pressing problems. New regulations in January 2011 addressed urban evictions.
"But in reality, especially at the grass-roots level, the prohibitions cannot be effectively carried out due to the constraints of various interests," legal expert He Bing wrote in the Global Times newspaper. "Some law-enforcement officers even hold that local policy is above the law, and care more about their own performance assessments than the public good."
After a demolition many Chinese are frustrated at the lack of legal recourse given that Chinese courts remain subject to Communist Party control over rulings.
In Chongqing, Liu Fuxia, 48, saw his three-story house demolished to make way for road expansion in March 2011.
"It's not about the money, people need their dignity, too," he saidof his fruitless legal battle.
Unlike Hu Cheng, who failed even to file his case, a local Chongqing court accepted Liu's lawsuit. But in the end it found in favor of the local government.
"I'm a law-abiding citizen who wants to solve problems according to the law, but I find I am always the loser," Liu said. "Now the rules and laws keep me going round a maze. But I'll never give up. I believe I can find justice somewhere."
As China's ruling Communist Party begins a once-a-decade transition to new leaders next month, Amnesty's Nicola Duckworth, senior director of research, hopes the party acts on Wen's recognition of the problem and stops all forced evictions.
"This needs judicial reform, implementation of the law, and the political will to drive it through," she said. "Beijing needs to take on the idea of growth at any cost that is causing millions of Chinese to suffer."
Contributing: Sunny Yang


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Olympic Gold Medalist Gabrielle Douglas Kicks Off Star-Studded Campaign Featuring Glee's Dianna Agron and Modern Family's Sarah Hyland To Show How You Don't Have to Be a Gamer to Enjoy Games on Nintendo 3DS Hand-Held
REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 18, 2012 – Consumers in the United States will soon see some famous faces talking about their love for the wide array of games and entertainment options available on Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL hand-held systems. On Oct. 1, 2012, Nintendo of America will launch a new campaign called "Play As You Are," designed to show how all kinds of women and young girls can explore their interests and express their individuality using the portable Nintendo 3DS – whether they consider themselves gamers or not. TV stars Dianna Agron (of Fox's Glee), Sarah Hyland (of ABC's Modern Family) and Olympic medal-winning gymnast Gabrielle Douglas are teaming up with Nintendo to showcase how games for Nintendo 3DS provide female players with fun, creative ways to challenge themselves and share what makes them unique.
Each of the three celebrities participating in the "Play As You Are" campaign will show how games for Nintendo 3DS engage their respective interests and personalities:
- Gabrielle Douglas became a household name after winning two gold medals as a member of the U.S. women's gymnastics team at the 2012 Olympic Games. She will appear in broadcast advertising and go for a different kind of gold in New Super Mario Bros. 2 (launched Aug. 19), a new hand-held adventure that challenges players to collect mountains of gold coins as they discover new levels, new power-ups and fun multiplayer options.
- Dianna Agron is not only a music lover like her character on Glee, she is also a dedicated fan, blogger and supporter of visual art. Fittingly, she will be featured in ads for Art Academy: Lessons for Everyone! (Oct. 1). The game lets players of any artistic skill level learn a wide range of painting and drawing techniques that can be applied in real life, from pencils to paints to pastels. She'll also appear in spots for the puzzle-solving adventure Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask (Oct. 28). Dianna is currently in production on the feature film Malavita, directed by Luc Besson and starring opposite Robert DeNiro and Michelle Pfeiffer.
- Sarah Hyland is a budding fashionista with a keen eye for clothing trends. Her role as Haley on TV's Emmy award-winning Modern Family is a great match for her fashion-forward style off-screen. She'll be seen in ads for Style Savvy: Trendsetters (Oct. 22), which lets players use thousands of items and accessories to create fabulous looks and manage their own customized clothing boutiques. Hyland also will star in a Nintendo 3DS holiday ad featuring Sparkle Snapshots 3D (Oct. 18), an application that lets users take 2D pictures, decorate them with 3D accents and share them with friends.
The system offers video games suited for a wide range of interests and personalities.
Dianna Agron is not only a music lover like her character on Glee, she is also a dedicated fan, blogger and supporter of visual art.
Dianna Agron photo courtesy of WireImage
Sarah Hyland is a budding fashionista with a keen eye for clothing trends. She plays Haley on TV's Emmy award-winning Modern Family.
Sarah Hyland courtesy of WireImage
"These women are all amazing role models with their own unique tastes and talents," said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "They know firsthand how Nintendo 3DS can keep them entertained and engaged wherever they go. We think young girls and women of all ages will enjoy hearing what they have to say about their favorite games and activities on Nintendo 3DS."
From puzzle games to role-playing adventures and everything in-between, more than 126 software titles are currently available for Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL, with more downloadable content added to the online Nintendo eShop every week. In addition to games, consumers can use the system's built-in 3D camera and applications like Swapnote to connect with friends in creative ways. Nintendo 3DS users can also instantly watch thousands of TV shows and movies on Nintendo 3DS with a Netflix unlimited streaming membership and broadband Internet connection.
Since launching in 2011, the original Nintendo 3DS system has sold more than 19 million units worldwide. Nintendo 3DS XL, which launched on Aug. 19, 2012, has 90 percent larger screens than the original Nintendo 3DS, allowing users to immerse themselves even more deeply into their games and entertainment. Both versions of the system include built-in wireless features such as StreetPass and SpotPass, built-in cameras and the ability to enjoy games, movies and video content in 3D without the need for special glasses.
Remember that Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.
About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™ home console, Nintendo 3DS™ and Nintendo DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 3.9 billion video games and more than 630 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company's website at http://www.nintendo.com.


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Hey everyone!
So, my favourite Rankin Bass Christmas special is Santa Clause is Comin' to Town. My favourite part of the movie is at the very end when the Postman (played by Fred Astaire) says "Poor misguided folks; they miss the whole point! Lots of unhappiness, maybe so. But doesn't Santa take a little bit of that unhappiness away? Doesn't a smile on Christmas morning scratch out a tear, cried on a sadder day? Not much maybe. But what would happen if we all tried to be like Santa, and learned to give, as only he can give? Of ourselves, our talents our love, and our hearts. Maybe if we could all learn Santa's beautiful lesson, maybe there would finally be peace on earth, and goodwill towards man". This quote makes me cry every time. People have made Santa seem like a commercial devil, but it isn't him...it's us! I truly believe that if everyone heard this quote, and stayed true to it, there would be peace on earth. Only 33 days left until Christmas!!


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With luck and brains, the search service has won the hearts and minds of millions and built a booming business. Watch out: Microsoft wants in.
Just when high tech had nothing left to believe in, along came Google.
As a skeleton key for the Internet,
|5,707 years
|How long it would take to do a manual search of Google's 3 billion Web pages, at one minute a page.
|0.5 seconds
|How long it usually takes Google to search its database.
|Market capitalization of publicly held search companies Overture, LookSmart, InfoSpace, FindWhat and Ask Jeeves.
|Market cap of Google, if it traded at 3 times estimated 2003 revenues.
|Number of languages in which you can have the Google home page set up, including Urdu, Latin and Klingon.
|Google's share of global English-language searches.
Google was launched less than four years ago by two graduate students in computer science: one, a Russian émigré named
But Google has become much more than merely a search service. It is a daily tool and main entry point for millions of users, stealing the spotlight from the browser (Explorer or whatever) and Internet portals like Yahoo. It is a labor of love for programmers, who have built applications off of Google and posted them like trophies on the Web. One does a "smackdown," comparing the Internet ubiquity of two words ("love" beats "money," but not by much); another creates poems
For Wall Street and Silicon Valley, Google is the great bright hope for an initial public offering that might revive moribund tech stocks. And Google has become its own meme, the stuff of New Yorker cartoons and a brand, like Kleenex and Band-Aid, that is in danger of becoming a part of the English language. You don't search for something on the Web anymore. You Google it.
Google now can be queried in 36 languages, with more to come. At the posh Hotel Bel Air, in Los Angeles, manager Lisa Hagen makes a point of Googling all guests before arrival, searching out better ways to spoil them. "If we find out they like to jog early in the day, we make sure they get a room with morning sun," she says. In Boston, Mark Kini manages a small limousine service that spends 80% of its ad budget on Google and other search sites. Says he: "It's how we survive the recession." In Westport, Conn. consultant Elena Amboyan's kids use Google daily; even when they research something at the library, they say they're Googling it.
It is all much more than Brin and Page ever had in mind when they started. "Sure, I'm surprised by the success," says Brin, unassuming, rumpled and wiry, his sneakers scuffing the upholstery of a conference-room chair. Users love Google, he says, because they find things there when they are desperate to know an answer. Keep offering better results and you hold their loyalty forever--and sell them stuff. Page adds that Google has become "like a person to them, helping them and giving them intelligence any hour of the day."
The passion and success igniting Google, and its emergence as a new interface for the Internet, have made it a rich, fat target for rivals.
And now Google faces the most lethal threat of all:
Will Google be the next victim of a Windows that swallows everything? To help ensure a future, Brin and Page brought in a grown-up as chief executive, Valley veteran
To survive and succeed will require lots of talent, lots of acquisitions and lots more money. More important, Google will need to quell the hubris that is much in abundance at the jubilant company these days. To be at Google is to bask in your own public relations. The hallways of the company's four buildings in Mountain View, Calif. are decorated with articles from around the world praising the company. One current job posting includes duties as Google's company historian. Over 70 of the 800 employees have Ph.D.s. Google's head of engineering admits his big-brained staff is in awe of itself; he hopes the simplicity of the Google page masks that from the outside world.
In some ways Google feels like the giddy dot-coms of the stock-market bubble, circa 1999. Informal to a fault, Google offices are littered with party-colored lava lamps, bins of free Coke and candy and giant plastic balls that invoke Google's multicolored logo. The cafeteria serves free lunch to the workaholic ranks (and dinners, too; there's lots of code to write). When pizza gets delivered at one o'clock in the morning, plenty of people are on hand to devour it. Every day a thousand more résumés arrive from people hoping to join this work party.
But the dot-com parallels end when you look at the finances. The dot-bombs burned through tons of other people's money. Google makes a pile of cash on its own. After it went live in September 1999--six months before the Internet bubble finally popped--Google took in perhaps $25 million in 2000. Then it leaped fourfold to approach $100 million in 2001 and tripled to $300 million last year. Its gross could more than double this year to $700 million, estimates Safa Rashtchy of U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray.
Google, privately held--and determinedly so, for now--won't talk numbers, but it does brag that it just logged its ninth consecutive profitable quarter.Its revenue flows include ads (the bulk); search services for Yahoo, America Online and other sites (perhaps $100 million there); and custom-tailored, bright yellow servers for corporate accounts.
"Cheesy as it may sound," says cofounder Brin about the company's early days, "we never thought in terms of revenue streams." Now he must, for the next year or two could determine whether Google delivers on the high hopes it inspires in so many quarters or instead falters, glorying in its early success while others plot its doom.
Google traces back to 1995, when Sergey Brin and Larry Page, whose fathers taught college math, met at Stanford. The sons saw search as an interesting problem in organizing very large datasets.
At the time, users typed in a few words and got a list of thousands of Web sites using those words, but most of the results were irrelevant. Brin and Page quelled users' frustrations by adding order to this randomness. They judged a listed site's prominence by how many other Web sites valued it enough to have links to it. They gave sites a resulting "Page rank" (for Larry, not Web pages). This cliquey if democratic approach was later augmented by other algorithms that weight sites by other variables--news sites get a higher ranking than a 16-year-old's personal Web log.
The two grad students soon found their results were a step above any other kind of search. They had dubbed this system Back Rub, after the "back links" that pointed to a site. They adopted the name Google in early 1997, in a tribute to scale, a play on the number known as a googol--a one followed by a hundred zeros. The universe does not contain a googol atoms. The denizens of the company headquarters breezily refer to it as the Googleplex, that being the word for the unimaginably large number defined as a one followed by a googol of zeros.
Brin and Page introduced Google to the world in a paper they presented at the World Wide Web Conference in April 1998. Naively, they were downright hostile to advertising, calling it "insidious … because it is not clear who 'deserves' to be there, and who is willing to pay money to be listed." A few hundred million in revenues later, Brin has changed his mind. On a Google results page, he says, "There are eight spots for ads and ten search results. It's a lot of room for diversity."
Soon after, the pair began trying to sell their technology to Web sites, including Infoseek, Excite and Yahoo. They found no takers; one chief executive told them that if his site could search only 80% as well as everyone else's, that was okay by him. "That company is now out of business," Page says. Then their faculty adviser invited them to a breakfast with Sun Microsystems cofounder
This presented a problem, as Google didn't yet have a bank account. There wasn't even a "Google Inc."--they hadn't yet decided to form a company. The check sat in a drawer for several weeks, and then they got serious.
By June 1999 Google had raised almost $30 million from venture firms
As Google began to thrive, the Web world was crashing, and this, too, proved lucky for the pair of founders. As dot-coms collapsed, Google took over cheap office space, barely used Aeron chairs, dozens of servers and platoons of out-of-work programmers. By mid-2001 Google was profitable, employed several hundred people and was seeing traffic grow 20% every month. Thriving despite the surrounding downturn, Google went shopping for a seasoned chief executive. "My job was to impose a little order," Schmidt says now. "I made it clear that I wasn't coming in to get rid of the founders." Sergey Brin gave up his chairman mantle and assumed the title of president of technology; Page, who had been chief executive, is product president.
While the two techies concentrated on improving their search formulas, Schmidt focused more on building a better business model. Google had run ads with its search results for a while, but on a fixed-fee basis. Its main rival, Overture, publicly held and with $668 million in sales last year (it projects $1 billion in revenues this year), had already gone a step further. It exacted higher fees from advertisers by selling them rights to given keywords so their ads pop up first when those words are entered in a query. Sponsors paid on a cost-per-click basis instead of the usual cost-per-thousand-visitors.
At one point in 2001, Google officials even met with Overture to compare notes, Overture officials say. In December 2001 Google started a similar test on its Usenet section, unveiling a service called Adwords. The response was so enthusiastic that, by February 2002, Adwords had been extended to all Google listings. It grew to 100,000 bidders in ten months, and thousands more advertisers are still signing up. Total Web advertising fell about 5% last year, to $6.5 billion, while search ads almost tripled to $1.4 billion and could hit $7 billion in five years, says Piper Jaffray's Rashtchy. (Google itself advertises very little, instead relying on word of mouth.)
"Some companies have purchased thousands of keywords, and they use them to test multiple products against multiple words," says
Schmidt calls the success of Adwords "a total accident--when we went off fixed pricing, my only directive was 'Just don't let revenues drop.'" His foes at Overture allege instead patent infringement, suing Google in April of last year; one month later
In Adwords, businesses use an auction system on the Google site to bid for the most popularly searched words and phrases. Google gets paid every time someone clicks on the ad itself. Bids start at 5 cents per click but can go to $15 or more for high-end products like helicopter parts. Critically, Google demotes a sponsor to a lower rung on its page if its response rate is too low, elevating a rival's ad for getting more clicks. This imposes a built-in pressure on businesses. They're even asked to revamp wording if less than 0.5% of viewers click on their ads. By contrast, many traditional banner ads get click rates of just 0.3%.
This could transform the $193 billion business of direct marketing. Junk mailers constantly work on narrowing the recipient list to the people most likely to respond and on jazzing up the envelopes to trick them into looking inside. Google ends the guesswork. People directly declare what interests them, and Google feeds them an appropriate ad. The ad's few pitch words are critical. For big corporate accounts like Dow Chemical, Google account executives continually recraft the message, like a haiku of commerce, aiming to maximize the click-through.
Google's long-term dream is to index all of the world's public information and make it searchable--everything from driver records to radio shows and films--and reap profits from it. This is scarier than it sounds. Google holds an archive of 800 million postings to Internet newsgroups, from alt.sex.bondage to alt.humanities.classics, most of which it bought on the cheap just before Dejanews.com went out of business in 2000.
It is a strange bazaar of information and a repository of embarrassment for people who were forthright (or shortsighted) enough to forgo anonymity in their postings. Google easily unearths the Web's first mention of Microsoft; and Sergey Brin's 1992 complaint about selling his car; and the musings of a married midwestern academic who posted a plea on alt.sex.fetish.tickling. Ours for the ages, unless he follows Google's somewhat obscure directions--located in the "Groups Help" section--on removing work from the archive. Even posts like that one trigger a precision-targeted ad: One offers "Discount 14-K Gold Anklets." Like much of the Web, Google also makes good money on porn.
While Google wants to own the world, Microsoft is going after Google. It now has 70 engineers working on search technology, and by some accounts it could triple that staff. Its new best friend is Overture, which already provides search services for Microsoft's MSN online service. Overture scientists frequently visit Microsoft in Redmond to plan next-generation features. Microsoft also could acquire a search company this year; one likely candidate would be San Francisco-based
The Google guys profess to be unfazed. They have assiduously avoided the sins of Netscape, which belligerently jeered at Microsoft's efforts to build a Web browser. "Netscape mooned the giant," says one Google exec, noting Google welcomes Microsoft ads on its site. Plenty of other threats abound. Yahoo, despite investing in Google and paying for its service, in December paid $235 million in cash to acquire faded search firm Inktomi. Overture recently spent $177 million for the Web-search assets of Fast Search & Transfer and AltaVista, while Ask Jeeves (2002 revenues $74 million, net loss of $15 million) put up $3.8 million for Teoma. Even Google's engineers admit Fast and Teoma deliver results comparable to theirs.
Google has bought some prizes of its own, including personalization technology that "learns" what you are interested in based on previous searches; and a company called Blogger, which helps people set up their own Web-based diaries, or Web logs. More "blogs" mean more content, yielding more pages on which to run ads and more links to other pages. The more links, the better Google's results. Most recently Google scored a company called
The need to acquire more tech could add to the pressure for Google to go public, so it could use its stock as currency. Both Brin and Page are daunted by the prospect of baring Google's secret financials and losing focus in the drive to boost profits every quarter. "I fear we'll grow shortsighted and lose the wider potential applications of our company," says Brin. "The biggest thing we'd lose is the opportunity cost of what we could do if we didn't go public."
But Google's growing ranks want it, Wall Street bankers yearn for it and clues hint that all of them will get it. In the overcrowded office of Sheryl Sandberg, the 33-year-old Adwords chief, sits a crimson lava lamp given to her by investment bankers at Morgan Stanley. Very hip, very Google-geist. The former U.S. Treasury official says with a laugh, "They have high hopes for us."
Downstairs, past a Google grand piano and a few big plastic balls, Chief Executive Schmidt convenes a meeting of two dozen managers for a project they refer to as "Keeping Eric Out of Jail." They are altering Google's billing and accounting systems to comply with the new Sarbanes-Oxley Act--a law that applies to all public companies but no private ones. It may take until October to comply, but Schmidt's urgency is palpable.
Every Friday he holds a companywide meeting, preaching to a cocky flock. Along with Brin and Page he talks business, technology--and attitude. He reminds these whiz kids to count on nothing. Remember the Netscapes, he exhorts, the high-tech stars that gained fans, made paper millionaires of the early staff and then burned up in the heat of competition. Just about everybody, save Google's massing rivals, hopes they're listening.


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In blog post published Tuesday, Google privacy director for products and engineering Alma Whitten announced the upcoming change, characterizing it as a way for Google to offer a better user experience.
"Our new Privacy Policy makes clear that, if you're signed in, we may combine information you've provided from one service with information from other services," Whitten explained. "In short, we'll treat you as a single user across all our products, which will mean a simpler, more intuitive Google experience."
By connecting data gathered from various services, Google might be able to target Google Offers based on where you use your Android phone or present ads influenced by information in Google Calendar entries, for example.
As a consequence of its user data unification, Google no longer needs the 60-plus different privacy policies it has maintained for its discrete products. It now has only one product, you, and so needs only one privacy policy and terms of service document to explain how it uses your data to improve its services and serve ads.
[ Google's competitors don't like the way Google is tying its services together. Read Google Foes Fighting Social Search Ignore One Truth. ]
For Google users, pretending to read only two tracts of legalese should be far less taxing than pretending to read several dozen.
Critics of the change have been quick to question Google's decision. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said in a blog post that he's troubled by the lack of an opt-out mechanism.
"The lack of opt-out means users cannot pick and choose which data they want integrated into their Google profiles," he wrote. "Private email messages might contain any number of personal, embarrassing, or otherwise damaging information, and Google's attempts to amplify and contextualize this information through targeted ads, Maps suggestions, or Calendar reminders could have negative consequences for users."
In a phone interview, David Jacobs, consumer protection fellow at the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), acknowledged the benefits of privacy policy simplification and consolidation, but said that Google's changes decrease the ability of users to control how their personal information is being used.
"Before, you could choose to disclose information with one Google service and not with another," he said. "And this information wouldn't all be combined into a single profile of who you are. Now that's no longer the case."
Jacobs pointed to the inclusion of Android smartphone data as the most significant change in terms of user expectations.
Security researcher Matt Blaze offered his own interpretation of Google's announcement on Twitter: "'Be Evil' is a simplified and easier to understand version of 'Don't be Evil.'"
But the message heard by hundreds of millions of people who participate willingly in free social networks and avail themselves of free communications tools and online services is likely to be "Paid For By Your Data."
It's no longer a matter of if you get hacked, but when. In this special retrospective of news coverage, Monitoring Tools And Logs Make All The Difference, Dark Reading takes a look at ways to measure your security posture and the challenges that lie ahead with the emerging threat landscape. (Free registration required.)


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As my kids grow older I continue to be happily surprised by the number of opportunities I have to exploit them for my own personal benefit.
Halloween is a perfect example.
Of course, I could save myself the trouble of driving to seven different stores to assemble the world's most perfect DIY SCUBA diver costume and just buy a few bags of my own miniature candy bars. However, I beleive the sooner my children are forced to experience public humiliation the easier their high school years will be.
Plus I like teaching them valuable lessons like 'what's yours is mine so hand over your candy, homie.'
Now we all know nothing beats a good mini Butterfinger. While someone rubs your feet. In a hot tub. But I think we can also agree that nothing's worse than the crippling regret of indigestion that inevitably accompanies downing an entire bag of chocolate. And, let's be honest, we all know you have no self-control when that pile of soon-to-be cellulite is staring you in the face.
So what's a girl to do?
I'm sure the thought of parting with your hard earned candy is enough to leave you shuddering in the back of your pantry. But listen up, saddle bags - it's for the greater good to get that stuff out of your house STAT. And by greater good I mean the good of your ass. And the good of keeping your kids' teeth from rotting out of their head if you choose to share.
This Saturday (November 5) from 10am - 2pm you can bring your leftover (or new) unopened, packaged candy to the Delta Dental Health Theatre (727 North First Street downtown) and they'll send it to our troops overseas. It's really a win/win - save money on liposuction while supporting our soldiers!
There will be tons of fun stuff for the kids to ease the sting of relinquishing your candy - interactive games, face painting, balloon art, shows, prizes and a meet and greet with Dora, Diego, Buzz Lightyear, the Tooth Fairy and the Delta Dental Health Theatre characters. You can also get one extra wear out of that Halloween costume you can't beleive you paid $20 for only two hours' use.
Area schools, clubs and classrooms can get involved too - the organization that donates the most candy (by weight) will receive free admission to a 2012 show at the Delta Dental Health Theatre. And the school with the highest attendance will receive a $250 donation to buy books for their library.
I hope to see you all there! I'll be the one singing "I Will Always Love You" into the candy barrel.


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Cheniere Partners Announces Closing of $0.5 Billion Senior Secured Notes due 2021 and $1.0 Billion Senior Secured Notes due 2023 by Sabine Pass Liquefaction
Apr 16, 2013, 11:18 ET
HOUSTON, April 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. ("Cheniere Partners") (NYSE MKT: CQP) announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLC ("Sabine Liquefaction"), closed its previously announced offering of $0.5 billion Senior Secured Notes due 2021 ("SPL 2021 Notes") and $1.0 billion Senior Secured Notes due 2023 ("SPL 2023 Notes"), collectively, the "Notes." The SPL 2021 Notes will constitute a further issuance of and will form a single series with the 5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 ("Outstanding 2021 Notes") that were issued by Sabine Liquefaction on February 1, 2013.
Sabine Liquefaction intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to pay capital costs in connection with the construction of the first two LNG liquefaction trains at its facility in Cameron Parish, Louisiana and fees and expenses incurred associated with the offering. The net proceeds will be used in lieu of a portion of Sabine Liquefaction's $3.6 billion Term Loan A Credit facility. The Notes are pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future Senior Debt of Sabine Liquefaction, including borrowings under the Term Loan A Credit Agreement and its Outstanding 2021 Notes.
The offer of the Notes has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and the Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the Securities Act or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale of these securities would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain statements that may include "forward-looking statements" within the meanings of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are "forward-looking statements." Included among "forward-looking statements" are, among other things, statements regarding Cheniere Partners' business strategy, plans and objectives, including the use of proceeds from the offering. Although Cheniere Partners believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Cheniere Partners' actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in Cheniere Partners' periodic reports that are filed with and available from the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Other than as required under the securities laws, Cheniere Partners does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.
SOURCE Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P.


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*The latest ruminations from LUPEC Boston, in case you missed them in The Weekly Dig.
by Pink Lady
Women's History Month is upon us! As much as the ladies of LUPEC love our cocktails, we also love our history. We spend a great deal of time on the finer points of cocktail history in this here column, and for the month of March, we'll also be celebrating the great and often unsung forebroads who paved the way for us. We hope you'll join us in raising a glass with a hearty "cin-cin!"
Monday, March 8th, is International Women's Day, a holiday we first learned about from an ex-pat friend living in Italy. We don't really celebrate it here in the US, but Women's Day has been observed in countries around the globe for nearly a century. In Italy, men give women yellow mimosas (not bad, right?) and girlfriends gather for women-only dinners and parties (anyone who's seen an episode of Sex and the City probably finds this commonplace, but in Italy, our friend reports, it's kind of a big deal). In some countries, like Poland, Women's Day is similar to America's greeting card-infested Mother's Day; in others, such as Pakistan, it's a day to commemorate the struggle for women's rights.
Women's Day was created during the rapid industrialization of the early 20th century, which caused the rise of the labor movement. On March 8th, 1908, 15,000 women protested in New York, marching for voting rights, shorter hours and better pay. The Socialist Party of America declared February 28th the following year National Women's Day.
In 1910, Women's Day went global. The delegates to the second annual International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen unanimously approved an International Women's Day, an occasion to lobby worldwide for women's rights. The following year, on March 19th, more than a million people attended rallies around the globe, campaigning for women's rights to vote, work and hold public office. The holiday was moved back to March 8th two years later, in 1913, and has been celebrated then ever since.
International Women's Day has been reinvented many times since its inception. On the eve of the Great War, it was a day for peace rallies. In the 1960s, second-wave feminists revived it. In 1975, the holiday received official sanction from the UN and has been an officially sponsored holiday ever since.
LUPEC suggests celebrating your favorite ladies this Monday with—what else?—a Ladies cocktail.
Ladies' Cocktail
Adapted from The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock
1.75 oz bourbon
0.25 oz anisette
0.5 oz pastis
2 dashes angostura bitters
1 pineapple spear
Stir in a mixing glass with ice; strain into a chilled cocktail shaker.


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Could it be true? Is Ariana really ditching her signature half-up hairstyle?!
We were literally screaming at our phones last night when Ari posted two (now deleted) photos to her Instagram last night implying that her pony is gone for good. One was a rare shot of her long locks completely down, and the other was a red carpet pic of her famous 'do, with the caption, "ciao pony tail, it's been real... new year new music new projects new chapter new weave." Whaaat?! (Also: Thank you Ariana for comforting us by revealing that your perfect, luscious hair has some help from extensions.)
MORE: Ariana Grande's Cutest Red Carpet Dresses
More From Seventeen
So far the singer hasn't posted any photos since late last night, but we're hoping for an amazing, brand new look soon—like real soon. The anticipation is actual torture.
What do you think? Will Ariana take a drastic beauty plunge, or just start switching up her style more often? What hairstyle would you like to see her try? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!


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I've been all over different websites lately and posting/sharing the links on my social media pages, but in case you've missed them, here's the latest.
Book Review:
This post is a review of my historical novel, Fortitude, by MeLeesa Swann, a newcomer in the world of Middle Grade fantasy.
Guest Blog Spots:
This one is about seeking inspiration in the world around you, on MeLeesa's site, including examples I find of Fortitude and Corroded in the world around me.
Then newest is a feature on some of my favorite books featuring Autism Spectrum Disorders on Stephanie Lawton's blog. (Enjoy contemporary upper YA and New Adult novels, she's your lady!)
Q&A Posts:
Steven Moore hosted me last weekend with some great questions. Check out his website while you're there. He's a fantastic artist ("Mr. Illustrator" from The Inscribables, who drew my "Word Rocker" avatar.) If you love fantasy books, games, etc. be sure to browse his offerings.
And I had another stop with MeLeesa Swann (she's been great to me) to answer her burning questions.
Thanks for following my blog journey and checking out my literary friends.
Be sure to signup for my newsletter because BIG NEWS is coming soon!


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Information for Suspended Students
Information for Suspended Students
According to the WKU Student Handbook Disciplinary Actions/Sanctions, suspension refers to "exclusion" for a period of time, generally from one term to one year. A separation from the university is a time away for a number of academic semesters or until certain conditions are met. This means that you are not eligible for specific privileges like a living in the Residence Halls, access to student facilities (e.g., Downing Student Union, Preston Center, and computer labs), transcripts, parking passes, or WKU student season tickets for athletic events. While you are on suspension or separated from the university, we encourage you to take the time to seek the resources and support you need in order to return to the university and complete your degree. Questions regarding your suspension or separation may be directed to email@example.com. Parents of students under 21 will be notified of suspensions resulting from either alcohol or drug related offenses.
For Recently Suspended Students
Students have two official records with the university; an academic and a disciplinary record. Written records regarding student judicial files are maintained in the Office of Student Conduct for three years from the date of graduation Digital voice recordings of the University Disciplinary Committee or conduct meetings are erased when a case decision becomes final. All student academic and disciplinary records are separate.
For Suspended Students Living On Campus
Please be advised that you must check out of your residence hall 24 hours after your hearing decision is final. If you make an appeal, your conduct officer will determine a revised timeline for your vacating your Residence Hall. If you do not appeal, this means 24 hours after your meeting concludes. Check-out is completed when the room condition report and room keys have been received by the Office of Housing and Residence Life. Residents who do not check-out/withdraw properly will be charged $150. Please consult with your resident advisor regarding appropriate check-out procedures or call (270) 745-2037 with questions.
Information Regarding Course Registration, Financial Aid and Tuition
If you have been placed on permanent suspension or have been expelled from the university, a notation will be placed on your TopNet account of the university's action. All courses in progress during the semester in which the suspension is imposed will be removed from the transcript or a grade of failure will be reflected on the document. There will be a gap in the semester sequence of the transcript. If you have been placed on permanent suspension or expelled from the university, you are not entitled to a copy of your transcripts. The Office of Student Conduct will advise each student to contact the Bursars Office to determine any financial adjustments, if any. Students should note that a suspension may result in the removal of some forms of financial aid and scholarships or failing grades. For more information regarding financial aid, visit https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/ or call (270) 745-2755. Questions regarding tuition and housing fees should be directed to the Bursar or Housing. The university refund policy can be found at www.wku.edu/bursar/refund.html or you may call (270) 745-6381.
Advising and Career Development Center
The Advising and Career Development Center is available to meet with currently enrolled WKU students. If you are interested in meeting with an advisor, you can call and set up an appointment. You cannot take classes for academic credit, but you can use this time to research a future career or volunteer in your local community. For more information regarding The Center for Career and Professional Development, visit https://www.wku.edu/acdc/ or call (270) 745-3095.
Returning To WKU after A Suspension
When you plan to return to the university you will need to refer to your original decision letter you received in your conduct meeting. You will not need to reapply to the university, but you will be required to complete a re-enrollment meeting with The Director of Student Conduct in the Office of Student Conduct In all cases re-enrollment requires permission of the Director. During the re-enrollment meeting, the Director will go over all appropriate paperwork and review your sanctions. At the same time, you may request that any notation of disciplinary hold be removed from your account. Failure to do so will impede your ability to register for classes and receive the information you'll need to make a successful return. If you return to the university, your suspension or separation will still be a part of your disciplinary record. You will be placed on a Deferred Suspension upon your return. Your Deferred Suspension will be reviewed each semester and will remain open ended. You will be allowed to remain a student and complete classes during this time. If you, as a student, are found in violation of any university rule or the requirements of this sanction during the time of Deferred Suspension, the documentation will be reviewed by the Office of Student Conduct and suspension may take effect immediately.
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Hare Krishna Address
Click Here to listen to Srila Prabhupada's address in mp3 format
As explained on the cover of the record album, this transcendental vibration — by chanting of Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare — is the sublime method for reviving our Krishna consciousness. As living spiritual souls we are all originally Krishna conscious entities, but due to our association with matter since time immemorial, our consciousness is now polluted by material atmosphere. In this polluted concept of life, we are all trying to exploit the resources of material nature, but actually we are becoming more and more entangled in her complexities.
This illusion is called Maya, or hard struggle for existence over the stringent laws of material nature. This illusory struggle against the material nature can at once be stopped by revival of our Krishna consciousness.


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He stands out among all the modern presidents. Franklin Roosevelt was more consequential, and Harry Truman may have been, too. But Kennedy overshadows them all. He's the one president from the post-World War II era who could appear on the streets now and fit right in. – Larry J. Sabato, historian
BOSTON — Four days a week, David O'Donnell leads a 90-minute "Kennedy Tour" around Boston that features stops at government buildings, museums, hotels and meeting halls.
Tour-goers from throughout the United States and abroad, who may see John F. Kennedy as inspiration, martyr or Cold War hero, hear stories of his ancestors and early campaigns, the rise of the Irish in state politics, the odd fact that Kennedy was the only president outlived by his grandmother.
Yet at some point along the tour, inevitably, questions from the crowd shift from politics to gossip.
"Someone will ask, 'Did Jack Kennedy have an affair with Marilyn Monroe?' With this woman? That woman?" explains O'Donnell, who has worked for a decade in the city's visitors bureau. Those asking forgive the infidelities as reflecting another era, he says. "It's something people, in an odd way, just accept."
The Kennedy image, the "mystique" that attracts tourists and historians alike, did not begin with his presidency and is in no danger of ending 50 years after his death. Its journey has been uneven but resilient — a young and still-evolving politician whose name was sanctified by his assassination, upended by discoveries of womanizing, hidden health problems and political intrigue, and forgiven in numerous polls that place JFK among the most beloved of former presidents.
The last half century has demonstrated the transcendence of Kennedy's appeal. It's as if we needed to learn the worst before returning to the qualities that defined Kennedy at his best — the smile and the wavy hair, the energy and the confidence, the rhetoric and the promise.
"He had a gift for rallying the country to its best, most humane and idealistic impulses," says Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Robert Caro, who cites such Kennedy achievements as the Peace Corps, the nuclear test ban treaty and the peaceful resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
"He's become more and more of an iconic figure as the years have passed," says presidential biographer Robert Dallek, whose "Camelot's Court" is one of many Kennedy books out this fall.
"I think it's partly, of course, because of the assassination. But that doesn't really account for why he has this phenomenal hold on the public." President William McKinley, he noted, was assassinated in 1901, "but 50 years after his death hardly anyone remembered who he was."
Boston is the official home for Kennedy memories, starting at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and echoing at landmarks throughout the area — the small, shingled house in Brookline where he was born and the Kennedy park in Cambridge that extends along the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, the statue on the grounds of the Massachusetts State House and the corner table at the nearby Omni Parker House Hotel, where Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier.
But thousands of Kennedy buildings, busts and plaques can be found around the country, from the grandeur of Washington's Kennedy Center to the scale of New York City's JFK Airport to the oddity of a Kennedy golf course in Aurora, Colo. (He publicly avoided predecessor Dwight Eisenhower's beloved leisure sport but actually played it well).
"He stands out among all the modern presidents," says historian Larry J. Sabato, whose book, "The Kennedy Half Century," has just been published. "Franklin Roosevelt was more consequential, and Harry Truman may have been, too. But Kennedy overshadows them all. He's the one president from the post-World War II era who could appear on the streets now and fit right in."
Kennedy, born in 1917, was the second son, and one of nine children, of business tycoon Joseph P. Kennedy. No self-made man put greater pressure on his children than did the elder Kennedy. When first son Joseph Jr. was killed during World War II, Jack became the designated heir. Himself a Navy veteran and survivor of a collision with a Japanese destroyer, he would write to his friend Paul Fay that, once the war was over, "I'll be back here with Dad trying to parlay a lost PT boat and a bad back into a political advantage."
Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946, at age 29, was a senator by age 35 and was soon being mentioned as a candidate for national office.
"From the time Jack first ran for Congress, his father had taught him everything from wearing a suit and the best way to cut his hair, how to appear youthful and wise and serious at the same time," says David Nasaw, whose biography of Joseph P. Kennedy came out last year. Still, Nasaw described JFK's relationship with his father as a "partnership," in which he didn't hesitate to differ from the elder Kennedy.
JFK was a public figure years before he ran for office. "Why England Slept," released in 1940, was a book-length edition of a thesis he wrote at Harvard about the British in the years before World War II. An introduction was provided by one of the country's foremost image makers, Time magazine publisher Henry R. Luce. "You would be surprised how a book that really makes the grade with high-class people stands you in good stead for years to come," Joseph Kennedy had advised his sons.
The JFK narrative was well in place for his presidential run in 1960: a handsome, witty and athletic World War II hero and family man who vowed to revitalize the country, which for eight years had been presided over by the grandfatherly Eisenhower.
The multimedia story began in childhood with newsreels and newspaper coverage of the smiling Kennedy brood, and it continued with books, photographs, movies and finally television — notably the telegenic JFK's presidential debates with Republican Richard Nixon.
Questions about the Kennedy image were also in place.
His Pulitzer Prize-winning tribute to political risk and bipartisan statesmanship, "Profiles in Courage," was shadowed by reports that he didn't write it, and the book's authorship remains a subject of debate. Lyndon Johnson, eventually his vice president, spread rumors (later confirmed) that Kennedy suffered from a glandular disorder, Addison's disease. An authorized campaign biography by James MacGregor Burns angered the family when the historian questioned whether JFK was independent of his father and of the memory of his older brother.
"I think you underestimate him," Jacqueline Kennedy wrote to Burns. "Jack is a strong and self-sufficient person. If we could just lay to rest those bromides about Dad and Brother Joe. Let me assure you that no matter how many older brothers and fathers my husband had had, he would have been what he is today, or the equivalent in another field."
One of the last presidents to live during an age when private vices were kept private, he was at ease around such photographers as Jacques Lowe and around the crew of documentary maker Robert Drew, whose Kennedy projects included the landmark of cinema verite "Primary" and the film "Crisis," about the 1963 standoff against Alabama's segregationist governor, George Wallace. Award-winning filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker, who assisted Drew on the Kennedy documentaries, remembered spending hours in the Oval Office and once being offered a ride in the presidential car.
"I got in the front seat and filmed into the back seat," Pennebaker said. "He was going over something that had happened at the United Nations and was using all these four-letter words, just using unbelievable language. Later on, someone said to me, 'I can't believe you can just film him like that.' But there was no way I was ever going to use it. That was the kind of relationship we had."
Andrew Ball, senior historian at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, noted that the first decade after Kennedy's assassination was defined by the stately "Camelot school" of biography, including former JFK aide Arthur Schlesinger's Pulitzer Prize-winning "A Thousand Days."
But starting in the 1970s, in the post-Watergate era, the Kennedy image was challenged by the findings of congressional committees, by a wave of gossipy best-sellers and by one of the great investigative reporters, Seymour Hersh. His "The Dark Side of Camelot" detailed Kennedy's many sexual affairs, alleged connections to organized crime and attempts to assassinate Cuban leader Fidel Castro. When the book came out in 1997, New York Times reviewer Thomas Powers said Hersh's "copious new detail often makes for painful reading," which "can't honestly be ignored."
But during a recent interview, Hersh acknowledged that Kennedy's reputation was intact and that if he'd known the president personally, he might have been charmed, too.
"We like him. He was a cool guy, no question about it," Hersh said. "But he also had a dark side, a really dark side that many people knew about and didn't want to talk about."
Kennedy scandals often run through a cycle of revulsion, then acceptance, even rationalization. Last year, Kennedy was the subject of a best-selling memoir by former White House intern Mimi Alford, an explicit account of the president's extramarital behavior.
Laurence Leamer, author of "The Kennedy Men" and "The Kennedy Women," said Alford's story "sickened" him and made him wonder: "How can you bring that into the picture and feel the same way about him?" Dallek's "Camelot's Court" is a sympathetic book that mentions the Alford affair.
"His frenetic need for conquests was not the behavior of a sexual athlete," Dallek writes. "It was not the sex act that seemed to drive his pursuit of so many women, but the constant need for reaffirmation, or a desire for affection and approval, however transitory, from his casual trysts. It is easy to imagine that Jack was principally responding to feelings of childhood emptiness stemming from a detached mother and an absent father."
Dallek has learned as much about Kennedy as any living historian. A decade ago, his "An Unfinished Life" was a landmark biography that revealed Kennedy's health problems were far more extensive than what was reported in his lifetime. Drawing on medical records long kept sealed by the family, Dallek wrote that Kennedy, who had called himself "the healthiest candidate for president," suffered from a wide variety of ailments and had been prescribed everything from antibiotics to painkillers to antidepressants.
"Schlesinger actually found my revelations interesting," Dallek says, "because they showed Kennedy was a man who struggled mightily with these health problems and yet was so stoic and effective."
Previous biographers had failed to receive permission from a three-man board that included former JFK speechwriter and longtime loyalist Theodore Sorensen, who died in 2010. Dallek's reputation as a fair-minded historian made the difference.
"My argument was, 'Look, it's been 40 years and the health records are in the library vaults. What's the point of keeping them closed forever?'" Dallek told The Associated Press. "They agreed, but Sorensen was resistant and so I went to New York and spent two hours with him in his apartment. Afterwards, he was frustrated because I said there was a cover-up and he said there was no cover-up. But there was a cover-up."
Tom Putnam, director of the Kennedy presidential library, said the family had become much more willing to make materials available. He and Nasaw cite as a turning point the decision years ago by JFK siblings Sen. Edward Kennedy and Eunice Kennedy Shriver to allow the historian full access to their father's papers. Publications in recent years include White House tapes, notably during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and Jacqueline Kennedy's memories of her husband's administration, recorded in 1964.
Major additions to Kennedy's story are unlikely, though Dallek says he is still trying to gain access to some tapes from the Kennedy White House and to boxes of Robert Kennedy's papers. Putnam said the library was working "dutifully" to make all material available.
"Sometimes things are closed for personal privacy reasons or documents may have to be declassified. That's standard in the archive community," he said. "But we have opened everything we can. There is no secret room at the library where we keep this hidden trove of materials."