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Let the Wookiee win the battle for your TV remote this week. Chewbacca comes to Star Wars: The Clone Wars for its one-hour season finale. Also: Superjail! is back on Cartoon Network. Camelot makes King Arthur gritty.
Plus there are new episodes of The Event, Adventure Time, Sym-Bionic Titan, Big Bang Theory, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, and both Being Humans. Here's everything to look forward to on television this week.
There's a new Adventure Time with Finn & Jake on the Cartoon Network at 8, followed by a new Regular Show at 8:30.
No new Chuck on NBC, because there's a one-hour "celebration of service" instead.
But The Event is still on NBC at 9 PM, with "Face Off":
President Martinez (Blair Underwood) and Blake Sterling (Zeljko Ivanek) have the Sleepers surrounded, but after Sophia (Laura Innes) triggers a national disaster, negotiations ensue. Elsewhere, with a lead on the whereabouts of Dempsey (guest star Hal Holbrook, "Water for Elephants"), Sean (Jason Ritter) and Vicky (Taylor Cole) continue on their mission.
At 9 PM, there's Syfy's remake of Being Human, with "Going Dutch." Here's a sneak peek, as Josh tries to explain where he vanished to for two days.
Stargate Universe appears at 10 PM on Syfy, with "Hope."
While Johansen tries to deal with a mysterious illness affecting Dr. Volker, Chloe's body finally falls under the sway of the alien pathogen.
No new No Ordinary Family on ABC, due to Dancing with the Stars.
At 11 PM, SOAPNet has another episode of Being Erica, "The Tribe Has Spoken."
At 8 PM, there's a new Big Bang Theory on CBS, "The Zarnecki Incursion."
When someone hacks Sheldon's online game account, the guys go on a quest to find the culprit.
At 10 PM, there's another episode of the superspy-parody Archer, on FX, "El Secuestro":
ISIS goes into full lockdown after Pam is abducted by kidnappers. Wait, Pam? Yes, but the kidnappers were really after Cheryl/Carol. Wait, Cheryl/Carol? Yes, because Cheryl/Carol isn't quite who she appears to be. Or is it whom? We'll find the answers to these questions – and two more – on this episode of Archer.
Cartoon Network has a full slate of programs. It starts at 6:30 PM with Batman: The Brave and the Bold, "Bat-Mite Presents: Batman's Strangest Cases!" This is the fabled episode in which the Bat-Mite takes us inside a Mad Magazine spoof, a Scooby-Doo team-up, and more. Of course, for some reason, this episode has already aired overseas. Here's a clip.
Then at 7:00, there's a new Ben 10: Ultimate Alien. That's followed by a new Generator Rex at 7:30 PM.
It all caps off at 8 PM, with a one-hour season finale for Star Wars: The Clone Wars: "Padawan Lost"/"Wookiee Hunt". And just who is the Wookiee they're hunting?
Ahsoka finds herself trapped on a Trandoshan moon, prey in an elaborate and cruel hunt. As Ahsoka and her allies struggle to evade the Trandoshan hunters, their efforts receive an unexpected boost when a new captive — Chewbacca the Wookiee — arrives.
Of course, these episodes also have already aired overseas. Here's a clip.
Also at 8, Disney has a special Phineas and Ferb episode, "Phineas Birthday Clip-O-Rama!":
It's Phineas' birthday and for the special occasion, Ferb puts together a clip show of the gang's favorite moments. Meanwhile, Agent P must stop Dr. Doofenshmirtz from using his 'non-inator' to pre-empt his brother's biography from appearing on television.
At 10 PM, Starz has the two-hour premiere of its new show Camelot, another look at the legend of King Arthur:
The 10-episode epic drama, redefines the classic medieval tale of King Arthur with an exciting ensemble cast including Joseph Fiennes reimagining the iconic role of Merlin, Jamie Campbell Bower as the young and reckless Arthur, and Eva Green in her television debut as the darkly powerful Morgan. The character-driven series also features Tamsin Egerton (Guinevere), Claire Forlani (Igraine) and Peter Mooney (Kay).
Also at 10 PM, there's a new (to Americans) episode of Merlin on Syfy
Or you could also check out the crowd-sourced TV show Bar Karma, on CurrentTV at 10 PM
At 9:30 AM, there's an all-new episode of Sym-Bionic Titan, airing in a new timeslot.
The Hub, the cable channel for kids, is having its usual two-hour bloc of cartoons from 7 to 9 (or 4 to 6 on the West Coast.) There's Transformers Prime, G.I. Joe Renegades, Dan Vs. and R.L. Stine's the Haunting Hour: The Series. At least some of those episodes are new.
At 9 PM, BBC America has the original British version of Being Human, "Though The Heavens Fall."
Fox has a new American Dad at 7:30, but no other new animated shows this week.
At 9 PM, HBO is showing a 15-minute preview of its upcoming George R.R. Martin adaptation, Game of Thrones.
The Science Channel is still re-showing all the original episodes of Joss Whedon's Firefly, with special segments featuring physicist Michio Kaku. Tonight, there's "Safe" at 9 PM and "Our Mrs. Reynolds" at 10 PM.
And then at midnight, there's the second season premiere of Superjail! on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim:
The hit series Superjail! is getting slammed back in general population for a second season of destruction premiering Sunday, April 3 at midnight (ET, PT) on Adult Swim. Double the insanity. Double the crazy. Double the pain of being kicked in the guts really hard. Season 2 makes Season 1 - which had a body count in the tens of thousands - look like Steel Magnolias.
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle TV section, Futon Critic, TV Guide, and various TV studios.


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The purpose of this site is to provide fans with the latest news on the career and community involvement of Brett Keisel and his official merchandise line - Da Beard Gear.
All images that appear on this site are copyrighted to their respective owners and BrettKeisel.com claims no credit for them unless stated otherwise.
This web site may contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. This page is operated under the assumption that this non-profit use on the internet constitutes fair use of the copyrighted material as defined in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
If you own the rights to any of these images or videos and do not wish them to appear on the site, please contact the administrator and they will be promptly removed. All data is posted purely for educational non-commercial informational purposes and not in order to detract from the people who have copyrights. No copyright infringement intended.
Links from BrettKeisel.com to other websites are provided only for the convenience of fans. Fans acknowledge and accept that such links do not constitute or imply any endorsement of such external websites, their sponsors, products, or services by BrettKeisel.com, and that BrettKeisel.com is not responsible or liable for any content, products, services, practices, materials or other information available on linked websites.
This site was designed by Nathan Schivley. All updates and additions are maintained by Trish Tierney.
Submissions of news, fan stories, photos, fan art, links to articles, etc are always welcome and greatly appreciated! (full credit will be given for any contributions).
If you have any questions, comments or submissions, please feel free to contact Trish at:
Old site:
The unofficial Keisel site started as a fan site under the name, Brett-Keisel.com by Trish in early 2008. Brett Keisel had been her favorite player since he was drafted by the Steelers so it was an easy decision on who to choose for her first website.
The site initially had visitors mainly from Brett's home states of Wyoming and Utah-mainly thanks to his wonderful mother, Connie and the rest of his family who made sure they told everyone about the site. If you know how big the Keisel family is then it is easy to see why the vistor numbers grew so fast! Thanks so much to all of them for their help.
As 2008 went on, visitors were coming from all over the country...and world. The United States led in the number of visitors to the site, followed by Sweden, Canada, France, China, Spain, and Italy. Costa Rica and the Netherlands. The number of visitors and their locations changed with each year and the support is much appreciated!
New official site:
In 2011 the site switched its status and got a whole new look. Brett changed the site to his official website and his partners in Da Beard Gear, Michael McGuire and Will LeDoux, added their link here so fans could have a one-stop-shop for all news, photos and official merchandise for #99.
Steeler Nation and Diesel Nation has the #1 fan base and we all appreciate the support and following Mr. Keisel has from all of you!
Thank you for stopping by and be sure to check back often to see what is new with Brett "The Diesel" Keisel.
Keisel Kam
Signing up!
Brett inks the contract which will keep him in Pittsburgh!
It means a lot to be back, said Keisel, who spent the offseason as an unsigned free agent. There really is no place like here, no place like home.
It was tough, just the unknown. For them to give me the opportunity to come back means a lot to me and I cant wait to get back to work.
I still have a little time to not only get to know these men I am going to go to battle with, but just get back into football stuff.
I feel great. I have been training my tail off with the thought that I am going to be back. It looks like all of that training has paid off.
Read more HERE.
Welcome home #99!
Everybody loves the DIESEL:
Check out these great commercials with Brett "The Diesel" Keisel, Corina Diehl and Matt Diehl HERE and HERE.
Scroll down for information on Da Beard Gear, Brett's salsa, Fear the Beard prints, Events and Appearances, Ask the Diesel questions and much more!
Pro Bowl
ROCK the vote for Brett and his teammates HERE.
#99 can be located in the Defense section under DE.
Voting is unlimited, easy and FREE so feel free to vote over, and over and over!
This seasons Pro Bowl is different. The stars are realigned. No more AFC vs. NFC. Its all about giving fans matchups theyve never seen before. The game like youve never seen it before. This is the Pro Bowl: Unconferenced.
Read more about the changes to the Pro Bowl HERE.
The game will be held on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu.
Thank you to Matt Solomowitz for creating the Pro Bowl slogan seen above!
Quick Updates & Interviews
Keisel on the Hines Ward Show:
Brett talks about Da Beard, 65 Roses Sports Auction and the loss to Oakland.Watch here.
From September 7, 2012:
Keisel talks with Mike Prisuta, WDVE about the upcoming game in Denver and how he's excited to have lots of friends and family there.
Listen here.
From September 5, 2012:
Tall Cathy from 96.1 started her "Five Questions" Segment, which will appear weekly.
From Tall Cathy: When I first walked into the locker room, Brett Keisel immediately approached me to say hello and was kind enough to agree to be the first victim of my 5 question segment!
Brett will tell you about his favorite cartoon growing up, his itunes playlist, first car, favorite food and what's hiding inside of his beard! Thanks to Brett for being such a great sport & to Max Starks for the photo bomb.
Listen to the interview here.
From August 19, 2012:
Post Game press conference after win over the Colts.
From August 7, 2012:
Keisel's interview with NFL AM.
From August 3, 2012;
Keisel sits down with the WDVE Morning Crew for a training camp interview.
New Item
The Da Beard Gear crew has been busy coming up with new designs for the 2013 season!
Some new items were recently added to the store.
One is a Da Beard Flip Up Shirt: The front of this shirt reads DA BEARD in bold type with "Da Beard" logo beneath the wording. On the inside front of the shirt, "Da Beard" has been printed on the fabric in such a way so that you can flip it up, bring up to your face and GET YOUR BEARD ON! NOTE: The image in the small box to the right is the beard printed on the inside of the shirt.
Another new shirt is the Da Beard Football T-Shirt: We've taken "Da Beard Football" shirt and made it a short sleeve. The color of the shirt is a dark heather gray with a camo screen print.
Visit the store to view all of the new gear.
Grab your gear now so you're ready to start the 2013 season off right!
Click the Store link at the top of this page to GET YOUR BEARD ON with Keisel's official Da Beard merchandise line.
Also, you can listen to the famous WDVE "Fear the Beard" song!
Watch #99 and the Steelers play while decked out in your Da Beard gear!
Visit Da Beard to GET YOUR BEARD ON!
The site offers fans a chance to purchase official Brett "The Diesel" Keisel beard gear. Brett's famous beard captured the national spotlight and was one of the most talked about topics during Media Week at Super Bowl XLV.
From Michael David Smith, PFT:
"Super Bowl week is when legends are made: Joe Namaths guarantee. Lynn Swanns catch. John Elways helicopter.
And now we can add one more..."
Brett Keisels beard.
The beard the beard is why were here. -Brett Keisel, from a Super Bowl XLV press conference.
Be sure to purchase your Da Beard t-shirts and hats so you can wear them to games or wherever you cheer on the Steelers. The link to Da Beard Gear is above under "Store" or above under the Da Beard logo. Da Beard Gear is the official merchandise line of Brett Keisel.
The Da Beard crew has added larger sized adult t-shirts and kids gear! They also added some new t-shirt designs fans will love, along with drink koozies and stickers. Thank you for your continued support of Brett Keisel's official site and merchandise line.
Residents and visitors of Greybull, Wyoming (Brett's hometown) can now purchase Da Beard gear there. Stop by the Greybull Building Center atlocated at 617 1st Avenue South in Greybull to check out their selection of Da Beard merchandise.
Also, Hometown Sports in the Pittsburgh area now carry Da Beard Gear!
If you own a store, and are interested in carrying Da Beard Gear, please email us. The email address is at the top of this page, under Contact.
Fear the Beard Prints
This amazing painting was created by artist, Scott Spillman .
Fear the Beard is now available in a very special limited edition Giclee print. Brett owns the original, but Scott is offering fans a chance to purchase a print.
This print is of the highest quality and limited to a very small edition of only 500 prints. The prints are available in 16 x 20 inches. Each print is hand signed and numbered by Scott Spillman, the artist, and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
The cost is as follows:
For 16 x 20 signed and numbered prints - $55.00. Shipping is not included.
You can see a closer view of the painting here.
If you would like a larger size than 16 x 20, please contact Scott to discuss it.
Ready to add this one-of-a-kind print to your collection?
Click here to order and to visit Mr. Spillman's website.
Brett "The Diesel" Keisel salsa
Order online here.
It can also be purchased at Western PA Giant Eagle stores.
We are excited to announce the launch of BRETT "THE DIESEL" KEISEL SALSA!
From the PLB Sports website:
Brett Keisel of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Geronimo Salsa are proud to present the BRETT THE DIESEL KEISEL line of salsas, which are available in 3 flavors: Mild, Medium, and Hot. Get your jar today! It is a must have for any Black & Gold tailgate party.
It is available at Western PA Giant Eagle stores. Don't worry if you are not able to get to Western PA, PLB Sports has you covered! You can order the salsa directly from the from the PLB Sports website!
While on their site, be sure to check out the long list of other products they offer. PLB Sports is located in Pittsburgh, PA, and is the # 1 Website for Sports & Celebrity Endorsed Products.
Come on Steeler Nation, this is your chance to include Keisel at your next tailgate party or get together-Keisel salsa that is! This is a one-of-a-kind item, with Brett's face right on the label... makes for a great collectors item. Brett says the salsa is GREAT, and we know you will love it too.
Show your love for Da Beard and GET YOUR SALSA ON!
Click here to see a closer view of the salsa jar label.
2013 Training Camp Schedule
Via Steelers.com:
The Steelers will officially kick off their 2013 season when the team reports to training camp on Friday, July 26, at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. This will be the 48th year the Steelers will train at Saint Vincent College.
First practice open to the public: July 27.
First practice in pads: July 29.
The annual night practice at Latrobes Memorial Stadium: August 2.
Evening practice at Saint Vincent College: August 14.
Last practice open to the public: August 17.
The team will release the FULL training camp schedule soon and we'll post it here also.
Pro Bowl
Pro Bowl 2013
Vote for your Steelers players HERE.
This is the official Steelers ballot, so as you click each position, the eligible Steelers will appear first.
Thank you to Matt Solomowitz for creating the Pro Bowl slogan seen above!
Worth repeating
Aaron Smith talks with WHIRL magazine about #99:
Brett is my wingman. I can't say enough about him. He's a great guy, but a great competitor, too. As good of a football player he is, he is an even better person."
Casey Hampton talks with WHIRL magazine about his teammate:
"Brett is a cool cat. He is a country guy with a little swagger--And you rarely ever find that."
Coach Mike Tomlin talks about signing Keisel to a new deal-2009.
Hes ridiculously competitive. He has a mean streak, something that is necessary to play the position that he plays, Tomlin said.
He takes a great deal of pride in his work and he doesnt care who gets the credit. A lot of times when you play defensive end in our scheme, its a lot of dirty work, occupying blocks, playing with great pad level, creating opportunities for others, such as James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley, who benefit greatly from the work of our ends.
He embraces all of that and does it with a smile on his face. He embodies the things that we value as a Pittsburgh Steeler.
NFL analyst Troy Aikman talks about Keisel:
"Brett Keisel, in my opinion, is really one of the great players in this league. I mean, this is a guy, an emotional leader, who missed some time, and him being back has really given this defense a lift. He's not a guy who you see with alot of sacks, but someone who is very disruptive. He runs sideline to sideline; an extremely versatile player. "
Keisel talks about how the team didn't let numerous injuries define them:
"It's testament to the character of this team and the players we have waiting to come in and play. When they get their opportunity and they come in and play and we win, it says something about this team."
Teammate Aaron Smith talking about Keisel:
I think Bretts really coming into his own. I think this is the chance for him to have a Pro Bowl year. Hes feeling more comfortable, more confidence. Hes a great player. Its just a matter of him maturing.
He had an unbelievable camp in practices. There arent too many guys who can block him in practice.
Brett and Cameron Heyward judging the chili at the Nemacolin Five Alarm Mountain Madness Chili Cook-off last year.
Photo from Matt Stark.
Brett will once again put on his "judges" hat to help vote the winner of the Nemacolin Five Alarm Mountain Madness Chili Cook-off.
Event details:
4th Annual Five Alarm Mountain Madness Chili Cook-Off
Date: June 8, 2013
Time: 11:00 A.M.
Location: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Event information: here.
2013 Offseason Workouts
The Steelers 2013 offseason program will begin on Monday, April 15, and it will conclude with a three-day mandatory minicamp scheduled for mid-June.
OTA Dates:
May 21-23
May 28-30
June 3-6
Mini Camp:
June 11-13
For more information on offseason workouts, please click here.
2013 Schedule
Ask The Diesel
Kids (and adults)...got a question for Brett "The Diesel" Keisel?
Well, The Diesel himself wants to answer your questions! Email them to us and we'll send them to THE DIESEL. My email is at the top of the site under CONTACT.
Please include your name and where you are from (if you wish).
Depending on the number of questions we receive, we cannot guarantee a response to every question. Please be considerate, and refrain from any personal or offensive questions. This is a great way for fans to get to know Mr. Keisel a little off the field so let's keep it clean and fun!
I live in central Pennsylvania and love to kayak and fish. My question is: Brett I know you are an outdoorsman but have you had the chance to fish for any PA smallmouth? If so, what's your personal best? Secondly you are in PRIME musky country In Pitt. Have you got a chance to hunt any muskies? You are my favorite player on and off the field. Thank you for your time man!- Rob Swann
I haven't had the chance to fish for either. Todd Haley says he knows a good place for Musky and agreed to take me sometime.
Does the added weight of da beard give his neck and delts more of a workout? - Connie-- long time Steelers fan in Arizona
DaBeard is light as a feather and strong as a Bull.
I was wondering if there's any kind of crazy things/ adventures ( like a bucket list) that you'd like to do?- Dan, NYC
I would like to sky dive one day.
What has been your favorite game so far in your career?- Bob Simmons, Hudson, NY
Hard to pick a favorite. Tough to beat 2 Super Bowl victories.
I know that Mr. Keisel is an avid hunter but I am not sure of his shoe size. I wear a size 15 and cannot find hunting boots in that size. If it were possible in passing to find out what outfitter he used to have boots made, it would be greatly appreciated. - Justin Doty
I wear a 14. Cabela's has some large sizes as well as Gander Mountain.
Any advise for a young DE player?- Michael Jablonski Worthington, Ohio
Don't let anyone outwork you.
I am always wondering what does it take to be a professional football player? What is your motivation to step on the field and be the greatest of all? And one completely irrelevant question, what genre of music do u listen to?- Sina Talebian
There is a lot of work that's involved in being a Pro. You have to handle business when nobody is watching. Do all the little things that will help you succeed. I have a strong desire to win, and I love to compete. I listen to everything..depends on what mood I'm in. My favorite band is Pearl Jam.
Where can I find your jersey, man? I have checked Steelers.com and NFL.com. Any idea where to find adult and youth sizes. I see fans on message boards & all over social media looking for them so I know they would be a big seller! - John Timmons Chicago, IL
Thanks. I'm working on getting jerseys to sell on my website. Stay tuned.
What is your favorite childhood memory?-- Haydee S. -New Mexico
As a young boy my favorite memory was camping with my parents and brothers and sisters.
Brett, what is the name of the company that make those wrist guards/braces that you and alot of players wear. Been trying to find them everywhere with no success for my son who's a D lineman. Any help would greatly be appreciated! Thanks!-- Scott Kramer
Donjoy makes the wrist rockets I wear. They work great.
What is your favorite food?-- Gabe Johnson, Pittsburgh PA. (By the way I love my Da Beard Gear. Getting ready to order some more!).
My favorite food is Meat and Taters.
What is your recommendation for a great dinner spot for a first time Burgh visitor? --Ashley Meade
There are several great places to eat but if you come to Pittsburgh you have to try Primanti's. (Click here for locations and menu.).
What is one of your favorite vacation spots?-- Brandon M., Chicago, IL.,/b>
The Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming.
One place we must visit when coming to Pittsburgh for the first time-besides Heinz Field? --Sarah Evans
Mt. Washington. Incredible view of the city.
I know you love to hunt. Do you eat the wild game and if so, what is your favorite? I like deer meat. - Submitted by Emily Cooper (Age 11).
I do love to hunt. And yes, I enjoy venison. My favorite is probably moose or a young elk.
Do you get on the net much ,and if so, what are your favorite sites (besides your own)? -Submitted by Becky Miller (the amazing artist who created several of our Keisel Kam designs and the Pro Bowl logo used last year on the site. Check out her artist page on the Links page above.)
I don't get on the internet much. I like brettkeisel.com, dabeard.com, and Steelers.com.
In a street fight, who would you pick to win: Troy's hair or Keisel's beard? - Submitted by Anne Cooper.
Troy's hair and Dabeard are best friends. They would never fight.
Would you consider dying your beard pink for the Breast Cancer Awareness Game? - Submitted by Sarah Swenson.
No, but I do wear shoes and wristbands for breast cancer awareness. I also support the Bid for Hope event that my friends Heath and Katie Miller host every year.
Bid for Hope is an event that benefits breast cancer research and will be held on October 17, 2011. You can read more about it on the "Brett in the Community" page (the link is under the banner above).
How many brothers and sisters do you have? I have 4 sisters and I like them but would really like some brothers because sometimes they drive me crazy! - Submitted by Jeremy Stephens (age 8).
I have 3 brothers and 3 sisters.
What is your favorite dessert?
Ice cream and cake.
What are your favorite pizza toppings?
Hawaiian pizza with cracker crust.
Last movie you went to theatre to see?
Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Diesel gives this 3 out of 5 stars.
If you were not a football player, what career would you choose?
Pro Basketball player.
Who is your favorite super hero?
FYI-Be sure to go see the new Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises" when it comes out...Keisel, Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller and other teammates filmed a scene for it!
Keep the fun going by emailing your questions for #99 to answer. And, keep checking back to see when we post new questions and answers. This may be a good place to get contest questions from so keep up with your Ask the Diesel fun facts!
Steelers Basketball
I will post any games I locate here, but it is not the full Steelers Basketball schedule. Please be aware...I have no information as to which players will appear at each game.
March 15: Poland Seminary High School.
For information click: here.
March 16: Bethel Park HS Gym.
For information click: here.
March 22: Washington, PA.
For information click: here.
March 23 and March 24: West York, PA.
For information click: here.
At home with Brett
Brett loves to spend time at home, relaxing and being a dad. He is also an outdoorsman whose hobbies include fishing and hunting, things he did while growing up in Wyoming.
Your favorite home-cooked meal: Meatloaf.
Your cooking speciality: Pot roast.
Three things in your refrigerator: Milk, water and snacks.
What's on TV: The Outdoor Channel.
Your TV-watching snack: Popcorn.
What do you do to relax at home: Play with my son.
More to come..so check back!
Keisel Causes
Brett works with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation each year by hosting the 65 Roses Sports Auction. The event raises money for CF.
This annual sports spectacular features a live auction with autographed memorabilia from every sport imaginable! Join the Pittsburgh Steelers, national and local celebrities for this evening of fun, food and fantastic sports items. You can own your own piece of sports history by bidding on items from the legends of the game and enjoy autograph opportunities.
For information on Cystic Fibrosis and the foundation, click here.
Annual information about the 65 Roses Sports Auction will be in the Events and Appearances section, when available.
The Keisel's work with the Homeless Children's Education Fund.
Their Mission: To serve as a voice for the homeless children of Allegheny County and to ensure they are afforded equal access to the same educational opportunities and experiences as their peers.
For more information on Homeless Children's Education Fund, click here.
Tellman Knudson is running barefoot across the country to raise money for youth homelessness in America.
Knudson is trying to raise $100,000,000.00 to aid homeless youth in a project called RunTellmanRun.
From Tellman:
"Sounds crazy, right? I get that a lot. But I live by a guiding principle: If you dont set yourself extremely ambitious goals, nothing great will ever be accomplished.
Brett and Sarah Keisel have long been involved with charities for homeless youth, so Tellman's cause was right up their alley. They met with him in Pittsburgh, and visited The Hub Outreach Center. Brett graciously signed two footballs which will be auctioned to raise much-needed funds for The Hub.
To read about their visit, and about Tellman's amazing journey, click here.
You can also donate money or leave comments about his wonderful cause through the link.
Keisel Covers
Keisel Cards
Keisel Photos

subset: commoncrawl


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Top buyer: Enniscorthy owner waits for Tyco axe
Last year, real estate circles were abuzz about the largest real estate transaction in Albemarle County history. Historic Enniscorthy had reportedly sold for $18 million to an unidentified buyer.
Exactly who the buyer identified in the property transfers as Sea Ridge LLC really was remained somewhat of a mystery. But when Enniscorthy joined the homes on tour during this year's Historic Garden Week, the owners listed were Mr. and Mrs. Mark Swartz.
Swartz is CFO of Tyco, in its heyday a $120-billion conglomerate whose former CEO, Dennis Kozlowski, recently resigned after being indicted for trying to avoid $1.1 million in New York sales taxes on paintings he purchased by Renoir, Monet, and others.
Kozlowski, who's made over $300 million selling shares back to Tyco over the past three years, allegedly borrowed $13.2 million from the company to buy the paintings and had art gallery employees falsify invoices and ship empty boxes to Tyco's offices in New Hampshire as part of his strategy to dodge the sales tax.
Tyco announced last month that Swartz, 41, named the country's highest paid CFO by CFO.com, would resign once a successor had been found. An article in the August 2 New York Times called the move an ouster by new CEO Edward Breen. On August 18, the paper reported that Swartz had been fired.
Swartz will suffer a $91 million reduction in severance pay, despite a contract entitling him to the money. According to the Times story, Breen had threatened to challenge the contract unless Swartz agreed to forfeit the $91 million, and Swartz decided not to push it. Swartz will get $9 million, and he's made at least $180 million selling Tyco shares enough to comfortably maintain a pricey estate like Enniscorthy.
The transfer of Enniscorthy occurred on February 14, 2001, when owner John Pickett, former part owner of the New York Islanders hockey team, and his wife, Robin, transferred title from Enniscorthy LLC and Esmont Farm LP to Sea Ridge LLC.
The Commonwealth of Virginia levies a tax on the recordation of deeds, mortgages, and other transactions.
A published report for this transaction announced the sales price at $18 million, but another source familiar with Enniscorthy pegs it at $17 million. Either way, such a large transaction would normally incur transaction taxes totaling over $50,000– with around $18,000 of that going into County coffers. But, according to County property records, no recordation taxes were paid.
How did that happen?
Shelby Marshall, Albemarle County clerk, points out that a tax exemption is available "to a partnership or limited liability company when the grantors are entitled to receive not less than 50 percent of the profits and surplus of such partnership or limited liability company." Huh?
Does that mean that the Picketts still own part of the property, or is this just another strategy rich people use to save a few thou here and there a perfectly legal stunt unlike, say, Kozlowski and his paintings or Martha Stewart and her alleged insider selling of $228,000 worth of ImClone stock?
Real estate agent Frank Quayle, citing a confidentiality agreement, isn't talking, even to confirm that Swartz is the new owner. Nor would McCallum and Kudravetz PC, agents listed on county tax records. And neither would Richmond and Fishburne, the attorneys who handled the real estate transaction.
Swartz is known for cutting the deals that made Tyco "one of the most acquisitive companies of the past 10 years," says CFO.com. And he has some experience in real estate transactions. In fact, Tyco is currently investigating him. How, Tyco wonders, did Swartz come to be sole trustee of Kozlowski's $5-million Nantucket oceanfront home? Swartz also signed the deed to a Park Avenue apartment Tyco sold to Kozlowski's former wife in 1997.
"There are numerous real estate transactions, and they are a focus of our internal investigation," Tyco spokesman Gary Holmes told the Boston Globe June 12.
Could the Enniscorthy deal be part of Tyco's internal investigation? Holmes won't say.
"I'm not going to be able to give any information on real estate transactions until the investigation is complete," says Holmes, predicting a mid-September announcement.
Swartz's main home is located– perhaps appropriately– in Boca Raton, Florida, where Scott "Beachfront Mansion" Sullivan, the just-indicted CFO of WorldCom, owns an unfinished multi-million-dollar palace. Holmes says Swartz also has a home in New Hampshire, site of Tyco's main U.S. operations.
Tyco is based in Bermuda, which allows it to save $300 million a year in U.S. taxes, according to an article in Executive Times. Some observers wonder if being based offshore means Tyco is trying to hide something.
With his notoriety from the Tyco dustup, Swartz is just the latest figure of note to cross the threshold of Enniscorthy. Back in the 18th century, the plantation was visited by James Madison, James Monroe, Thomas Jefferson, and Patrick Henry.
Will Swartz choose Enniscorthy as his main residence once his Tyco replacement has been found? And what's with all the secrecy about ownership of the property? Swartz, whom on-line magazine Salon has called the "master of obfuscation," was not available to tell all when The Hook called.
As the proud owner of the most expensive real estate ever sold in Albemarle County, he should find Enniscorthy a perfect retreat for a recently ousted exec. Although his tenure at Tyco is in jeopardy, his reign as highest payer in the local real estate market seems secure.


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The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has issued an emergency order prohibiting sport fishers from targeting king salmon on the Qanirtuuq River.
It's the first time sport fishers have been restricted from catching kings there, but many locals are doubtful that guide companies will comply.
"Division of Sport Fish closed the entire Kuskokwim drainage and the Kuskokwim bay drainage to sport fishing for king salmon effectively Thursday May 1, and that precludes any catch and release. If they accidentally catch a king salmon while their fishing for another species, that king salmon may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately," Alaska Department of Fish and Game Sport Fish Division Area Biologist John Cythlook said.
He said this restriction was the result of an emergency order issued around the end of April. Like rivers all over Alaska, King escapement has been dwindling in recent years on the Qanirtuuq River.
The emergency order states that only one un-baited, artificial lures may be used in the Kuskokwim-Goodnews area.
There are four guide companies operating on the Qanirtuuq River. They provide guided fishing trips among other wilderness services. There is a history of friction between subsistence fishers there and the guiding operations.
At a meeting held in Quinhagak on May 30, local fisher Willard Church said he's doubtful that the guide companies stop targeting king salmon as they try to cater to their clients.
"If I came up from New York for a float trip for the very first time with a group of twelve, I'd want my King. Especially if I could get it up there," Church said.
Of the four guiding outfits operating on the Qanirtuuq River three are currently advertising king salmon as a species anglers can expect to catch. Alaska West, which has the largest operation on the Qanirtuuq according to local residents, has this on their website regarding king salmon, "At Alaska West we have honed and refined our fly angling skills and collective knowledge to a point where we consistently hook and land these behemoth masses that more resemble chrome plated sea lions than fish."
Brian Burke, a sales representative for Alaska West declined to be interviewed but said that their website is up to date.
Owner of another sport fishing guide company called Reel Action, Paul Jacob, said his company will be complying with the restrictions. He says he makes that clear to all his potential customers. But Jacob's says sport fisher's must purchase stamps from Fish and Game, and that revnue goes towards things like salmon research. He says taking down the king salmon advertising on his website would be counter productive.
"I don't believe that there is a good reason to do that, because it throws fear into the general public about coming to Alaska, and the research that is done to figure out why these salmon are crashing. It's not just the Kuskokwim it's all across all of Alaska, and when you scare people away by having them not come up to Alaska you take away the funding that it takes to figure out why the salmon are not doing well in the ocean," Jacob said.
Meanwhile, Paul Hansen owns another guide operation called Alaska Rainbow Adventures. Hansen says he'll be moving king salmon anglers to the Alagnak River near King Salmon where sport fishing for king salmon are allowed through king salmon stamps.
While the guide companies around the area appear to comply to recent restrictions, in Quinhagak many aren't convinced, like John T. Roberts. Roberts lives in the village and once worked as a sport guide.
Department of Fish and Game says wildlife troopers will be making unannounced visits to sport fishing sites to ensure these restrictions are not violated.
For more information in the emergency order, click here.


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Books & DVDs
For online and in-person courses click here.
The Power of Showing Up:
How Parental Presence Shapes Who Our Kids Become and How Their Brains Get Wired
Parenting isn't easy. Showing up is. Your greatest impact begins right where you are. Now the bestselling authors of The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline explain what this means over the course of childhood.
Aware: The Science and Practice of Presence
This groundbreaking new book from New York Times bestselling author Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., introduces readers to his pioneering, science-based meditation practice. Aware provides practical instruction for mastering the Wheel of Awareness, a life-changing tool for cultivating more focus, presence, and peace in one's day-to-day life.
When facing challenges, unpleasant tasks, and contentious issues such as homework, screen time, food choices, and bedtime, children often act out or shut down, responding with reactivity instead of receptivity. This is what New York Times bestselling authors Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson call a No Brain response. But our kids can be taught to approach life with openness and curiosity. Parents can foster their children's ability to say yes to the world and welcome all that life has to offer, even during difficult times. This is what it means to cultivate a Yes Brain.
New York Times Bestseller!
A scientist's exploration into the mysteries of the human mind. What is the mind? What is the experience of the self truly made of? How does the mind differ from the brain? Though the mind's contents—its emotions, thoughts, and memories—are often described, the essence of mind is rarely, if ever, defined.
In this book, noted neuropsychiatrist and New York Times best-selling author Daniel J. Siegel, MD, uses his characteristic sensitivity and interdisciplinary background to offer a definition of the mind that illuminates the how, what, when, where, and even why of who we are, of what the mind is, and what the mind's self has the potential to become.
The Whole-Brain Child:
12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind, Survive Everyday Parenting Struggles, and Help Your Family Thrive
New York Times Bestseller!
In this pioneering, practical book, Daniel J. Siegel, neuropsychiatrist and author of the bestselling book Mindsight, and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson demystify the meltdowns and aggravation, explaining the new science of how a child's brain is wired and how it matures. The "upstairs brain" which makes decisions and balances emotions, is under construction until the mid-twenties. And especially in young children, the right brain and its emotions tend to rule over the logic of the left brain. No wonder kids can seem—and feel—so out of control. By applying these discoveries to everyday parenting, you can turn any outburst, argument, or fear into a chance to integrate your child's brain and foster vital growth.
(Daniel J. Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson, Random House 2011)
The Whole-Brain Child Workbook
Based on their New York Times bestselling book, The Whole-Brain Child, internationally acclaimed neuropsychiatrist Dan Siegel and brain-based parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson have created a workbook to apply whole-brain principles. The Whole-Brain Child Workbook has a unique, interactive approach that allows readers not only to think more deeply about how the ideas fit their own parenting approach, but also develop specific and practical ways to implement the concepts — and bring them to life for adults and children alike. Dozens of clear, practical and age specific exercises and activities to assist in brain development. The right tools for clinicians, parents, educators, grandparents and caregivers to guide calmer, happier children.
No-Drama Discipline
New York Times Bestseller!
The pioneering experts behind the bestselling The Whole-Brain Child now explore the ultimate child-raising challenge: discipline. Highlighting the fascinating link between a child's neurological development and the way a parent reacts to misbehavior, No-Drama Discipline provides an effective, compassionate road map for dealing with tantrums, tensions, and tears—without causing a scene.
(Daniel J. Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson, Bantam 2014)
Pocket Guide to Interpersonal Neurobiology: An Integrative Handbook of the Mind
What is the mind? What makes a healthy mind? How do we become aware and come to know about life? And perhaps most importantly, what are the connections among the mind, brain, and relationships? From psychologists to linguists, neuroscientists to philosophers, people have explored the nature of mental life, yet no interdisciplinary framework has existed for wisely answering these fundamental questions or even offering a definition of what the mind is. Here, Siegel bridges domains of knowledge to offer a book that reveals the way the mind works via a format that reflects the brain's natural mode of learning (flip the Pocket Guide open to any page and you will find an "entry point" that guides you to explore, in your own way, the web of integrated knowledge).
(Daniel J. Siegel, W.W. Norton 2012)
The Developing Mind, Second Edition:
How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are
Presenting pioneering research on early relationships and the developing brain, this bestselling book put the field of interpersonal neurobiology on the map for many tens of thousands of clinicians, researchers, and students. Daniel J. Siegel traces the interplay of human and neural connections in early childhood, examining the implications for attachment; mental processes, such as memory and emotion; and psychological well-being throughout life. Complex concepts are made accessible through lucid prose and clinical examples. Siegel highlights ways that understanding the emergence of the mind can help professionals promote healthy development and resilience.
(Daniel J. Siegel, Guilford Press 2012)
Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation
A groundbreaking book on the healing power of "mindsight," the potent skill that is the basis for both emotional and social intelligence. Mindsight allows you to make positive changes in your brain–and in your life. Using case histories from his practice, Dr. Dan Siegel shows how, by following the proper steps, nearly everyone can learn how to focus their attention on the internal world of the mind in a way that will literally change the wiring and architecture of their brain.
(Daniel J. Siegel, Random House 2010)
The Mindful Therapist: A Clinician's Guide to Mindsight and Neural Integration
Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., an internationally recognized expert on mindfulness and therapy, brings mindfulness techniques to your psychotherapeutic work with clients. An integrated state of mindful awareness is crucial to achieving mental health. Siegel reveals practical techniques that enable readers to harness their energies to promote healthy minds within themselves and their clients. He charts the nine integrative functions that emerge from the profoundly interconnecting circuits of the brain, including bodily regulation, attunement, emotional balance, response flexibility, fear extinction, insight, empathy, morality, and intuition.
A practical, direct-immersion, high-emotion, low-techno-speak book, The Mindful Therapist engages readers in a personal and professional journey into the ideas and processes of mindful integration that lie at the heart of health and nurturing relationships.
(Daniel J. Siegel, W.W. Norton 2010)
The Mindful Brain: Reflection and Attunement in the Cultivation of Well-Being
This book presents a unifying theory that shows how being mindfully aware and attending to the richness of our experience creates scientifically recognized enhancements in our physiology, mental functions, and interpersonal relationships. Using theory, science, and anecdote, Dan Siegel reveals how to transform the brain as well as promote well-being and emotional balance within psychotherapy and everyday life.
(Daniel J. Siegel, W.W. Norton 2007)
The Healing Power of Emotion:
Affective Neuroscience, Development & Clinical Practice
This book, edited by Diana Fosha, Daniel J. Siegel, and Marion Solomon, draws on cutting-edge neuroscience to help understand emotion better. Normal human development relies on the cultivation of relationships with others to form and nurture the self-regulatory circuits that enable emotion to enrich, rather than enslave, our lives. And just as emotionally traumatic events can tear apart the fabric of family and psyche, the emotions can become powerful catalysts for the transformations that are at the heart of the healing process. We are hardwired to connect with one another, and we connect through our emotions. Our brains, bodies, and minds are inseparable from the emotions that animate them.
(W.W. Norton 2009)
Parenting from the Inside Out
Born out of a series of workshops that combined research on how communication impacts brain development with Mary Hartzell's thirty years of experience as a child-development specialist and parent educator, this practical and accessible book guides parents through creating the necessary foundations for loving and secure relationships with their children.
(Daniel J. Siegel, Mary Hartzell, Tarcher 2004)
Healing Trauma: Attachment, Mind, Body, and Brain
As we move into the third millennium, the field of mental health is in an exciting position to bring together diverse ideas from a range of disciplines that illuminate our understanding of human experience: neurobiology, developmental psychology, traumatology, and systems theory. The contributors emphasize the ways in which the social environment, including relationships of childhood, adulthood, and the treatment milieu change aspects of the structure of the brain and ultimately alter the mind. Edited by Dan Siegel and Marion Solomon, contributors include Allan Schore, Bessel van der Kolk, Mary Main, Robert Neborsky, Francine Shapiro, and Diana Fosha.
(Daniel J. Siegel, W.W. Norton 2003)
The Whole-Brain Child:
12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind, Survive Everyday Parenting Struggles, and Help Your Family Thrive
***This DVD is on backorder indefinitely. In the meantime, you may want to purchase the streaming video version of this material here.***
In this engaging and practically oriented video, Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., neuropsychiatrist and author of the bestselling Mindsight, and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. teach a group of parents the core ideas and strategies from their New York Times bestselling book The Whole-Brain Child.
Please Note: This video is also available in streaming format. If you'd prefer to purchase it that way, please visit MindsightInstitute.com.
3 hours on DVD for $25
This product is currently on backorder. To purchase the streaming video version, please visit the Mindsight Institute by clicking one of the links above.
Navigating the Teenage Brain Conference Video
With this video, you can experience being in the audience for one of Dr. Dan Siegel's interactive and engaging workshops, as he discusses new ways to understand and approach the developing teenage mind. Shot and recorded in HD video at the California Endowment in Los Angeles in February 2014, this talk (based on his New York Times bestseller "Brainstorm") is now available for fans, professionals, students, or anyone with an interest in better understanding the human mind, especially during the period of confusing and often misunderstood adolescence.
3 hour webinar via F.A.C.T.
The Nature of Trauma and Dissociation
In this commentary, Dr. Dan Siegel places trauma in the context of developmental psychology and the significant negative impact it can have on a child's emotional growth. This presentation outlines the neurobiology of the sympathetic nervous system that is involved in PTSD and proposes a model of integration as the foundation of mental health.
8.5 hours of video lectures, 6 hours of audio recordings via CONFER
Mindfulness and the Brain
Mindful awareness creates scientifically recognized enhancements in our mental functions and interpersonal relationships. But how can we integrate this information into our personal or professional lives? In the Mindfulness and the Brain audio learning course, Jack Kornfield, PhD, and Daniel Siegel, MD, offer theoretical and experiential teachings on the power of inner transformation and the cultivation of a wise and loving heart. Whether you're a therapist, healer, educator, parent, meditation practitioner—or anyone interested in developing a healthy mind—this training offers a practical exploration of what it means for our world and us to be able to nurture and sustain heightened awareness.
6.5 Hours on CD
The Neurobiology of "We":
How Relationships, the Mind, and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are
If you think your mind and your brain are one and the same, think again. According to interpersonal neurobiology pioneer Daniel J. Siegel, the mind actually emerges out of the interaction between your brain and your relationships. Now, on The Neurobiology of "We", Dr. Siegel invites you on a journey to discover this revolutionary new model of human development—one that can positively transform trauma, move you from stress to calm and equanimity, and promote well-being for you, your family, or even your community.
8 hours on CD
The Mindful Brain
Does mindfulness practice improve your physical, social, and mental well being? To what extent can your mind shape your brain? What does the latest research have to say about meditation and other awareness practices? Now on The Mindful Brain, Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, a pioneer of the emerging field known as interpersonal neurobiology, answers these questions and more in this original adaptation to complement his breakthrough book.
4.5 hours on CD
Better Parents, Better Spouses, Better People
Dan Goleman interviews Dan Siegel in a lively discussion of social intelligence, parenting and relationships. In user-friendly terms, together they explore the role of Interpersonal Neurobiology in relationships and the importance of mindsight in communication.
1 Hour on MP3 Download


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The Barrington table has just the right amount of details. An extra thick top with a detailed base sets this table apart from the rest. Our favorite wood type for this table is Brown Maple or Cherry! Choose the additional extensions to host a few friends for a meal or games!
Features of the Albany Single Pedestal:
- 1.25" Thick Round Top
- Mission Edge
- Variety of Diameters
- Solid top or add optional extensions
- Standard with levelers
- Equalizer slides standard
- Made in the USA
- Solid, hardwood construction
Choose your own wood and stain combination to showcase your own style.
Product Details:
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54" Round
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Up to 2 - 12" extensions
Table height: 30" Tall
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Red Oak, Brown Maple, Rustic Cherry, Cherry, Hard Maple, Quarter Sawn White Oak, Hickory and Walnut
Just like our furniture, our samples are crafted by hand with sophistication and accuracy. We offer a full variety of options to ensure the best design fit for you and your space. Our finishing process offers a near unlimited amount of opportunity to transform your space into exactly how you imagine it.
For more info, and high quality images, view our Stain Guide.
This is the shape of the table edge. We have a variety of edges that can be chosen: Mission, Ogee, Roundover Bevel, Underbevel and Waterfall. Some styles are not available on certain tables depending on their style while other tables come with their own edge style that is table specific.
To view more details regarding our options, please visit our Table Edge Style Options page.
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Fresh air, fun, freedom and miles of lock-free boating: you get it all on the fabulous Norfolk Broads. Climb on board and experience these superbly equipped cruisers. It doesn't matter whether you've never been on a boating holiday before: cruisers are easy to handle and have all the home comforts you need. Pick from a variety of starting locations all over the Norfolk Broads, each with its own unique character. And if you are planning a week long cruise, you'll be able to explore the whole of the Norfolk Broads. We'd be delighted to help you plan your route so you see as much as you can and still be back at your boatyard in time!
Lying in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, Acle is the ideal start point for a varied and interesting boating holiday. A market town since the 13th century and set on the Bure, perhaps the prettiest of Broadland's rivers, Acle is at the gateway to the marshscapes of Haddiscoe and Halvergate.
On the northern banks of the River Yare, downstream from the medieval city of Norwich and upstream from Yarmouth on the east coast, Brundall is the ideal start point for a boating holiday in the Norfolk Broads. And although all the broads are interconnected, making cruises to Oulton Broad in the south, and Wroxham, Acle and Hickling in the northern Broads easily accessible, you can enjoy some delightful shorter cruises.
Hickling and Stalham
From your mooring at Stalham on the River Ant, in the unspoilt, northernmost reaches of the Norfolk Broads, you won't want to miss cruising through the open waters of Barton Broad, following the river as it narrows and winds its scenic way to How Hill - a beautiful nature reserve with land and water trails, a thatched mansion set on a hill overlooking the river, working wind pumps and Toad Hole Cottage, a tiny Victorian eel catcher's home furnished just as it was 100 years ago. Cruises to Wroxham and Horning are also easily possible, as are longer trips to Great Yarmouth and Norwich.


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Viking warriors used to believe that upon death, Odin would hand-pick the best of them to join the ranks of his army in Valhalla. These warriors were to be trained rigorously in preparation for Ragnarok and engaged daily in glorious combat so as to best defend the realm once the final battle came. Knowing that these Vikings saw the promise of mindless repetitive combat as their reward in the afterlife, I can only imagine how pleased they would be with Sega's Thor: God of Thunder for the Nintendo DS, which despite some promising elements devolves into the realm of plodding button-mashers.
Movie tie-in games have earned a reputation for sucking ever since E.T. first saw release on the Atari 2600. Corners are cut to finish a game in time for the film's launch, and since developers know the game will sell on the strength of its license alone, publishers don't always push for a high quality title. Thor: GoT comes off as a surprisingly well-polished game thanks to the help of seasoned DS developers WayForward. This is the team responsible for the beautiful DS platformer Contra 4, and Thor definitely benefits from their graphical expertise. As a fan of traditional 2D sprites, I was blown away by Thor's attention to detail. Even minor enemies were impressive in their design and animation.
You can't build a game on good graphics alone, and while Thor tries a few creative tricks, the bulk of the game is a simple beat-em-up with few thrills. The main problem is how linear the game is, each stage presenting a simple quest from the left end of the stage to the right with a shoddy variety of battles in between. It's unfortunate how mundane the game is because the combat system in Thor is one of the most impressive ever seen in a 2D brawler. Bad guys fly about the multi-level battlefields with each hit of Thor's hammer, the warrior jumping from screen to screen in pursuit of his foes. With the incredible range of moves Thor offers, players have no shortage of ways to savagely destroy their opponents. Juggling as many as eight bad guys at a time, I started to crave a combo counter to keep track of the carnage and wondered if perhaps the developers were at all influenced by the famous Japanese developer Treasure.
As thrilling as combat is the first time, it never changes. Thor never learns any new moves and is rarely confronted with an enemy that he can't defeat with the same standard tactics. The real excitement of the game comes from the boss battles–epic struggles against massive foes that often extend onto both screens. These boss battles were the only real payoff for playing the game, and with each stage lasting maybe twenty minutes, the short moments of glee that came from punching out the heart of a giant ice golem weren't enough to justify the experience.
Despite the monotony, Thor does offer a few solutions to try and spice up the experience. As players progress through the game, they discover a variety of mystical runes, all of which boost Thor's stats. These buffs range from typical "+25% strength" bonuses to more interesting effects such as an additional 50% damage to downed enemies and even special abilities such as a concussive shockwave that stuns surrounding enemies every time Mjolnir (Thor's hammer) is thrown. These add some interesting variety to the gameplay, allowing players to tailor Thor's abilities to their own play style. A number of extras are also packed within the little cartridge, including a survival mode, a picture gallery for all the game's incredible art, and several of Thor's allies, who are offered as unlockable characters. Though none of these make the main game much more enjoyable, they're at least nice to have. Besides, few gamers have had the chance to play as Thor's obese buddy Volstagg, so the extras are a definite plus.
While it's not a perfect game, there's a lot to like about Thor, and it definitely isn't worthy of the bargain bin treatment that less ambitious licensed titles receive. If you're looking for a great gift for a young fan of the movie or you're a diehard Thor fan yourself, then this game is sure to be a (thunder) blast. For the regular gaming crowd, there's not enough meat here to justify the potatoes. Still, it's definitely a great attempt from WayFoward, and I'll be checking out their recent DSi release Mighty Milky Way in the near future.


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Not Cox's: Hamilton dances to her own beat
(The third in our series on City Council candidates)
Words are the sea that Kendra Hamilton swims in. In her official job, she's an editor of the Fairfax-based magazine Black Issues in Higher Education. In her life as a graduate student, she's writing her doctoral dissertation on Gullah, the language and culture of the South Carolina and Georgia low country.
And in her current avatar as Charlottesville city council candidate, she has electrified forums around town as well as the February 7 Democratic convention with the conviction of her plain-spoken yet eloquent message that the Democrats "are in danger of becoming the party of the comfortable."
Political life is nothing new to Hamilton. Her father served 24 years on the county council of Charleston, South Carolina, after his election in 1970, the first African American to hold the office since Reconstruction. He took her with him to the Democratic convention in Miami in 1972.
"I was so incredibly excited," she says, the thrill of the convention that nominated George McGovern still evident in her voice.
Another political memory is a little less vivid, but no less meaningful. "My mother has a picture of me hoisted on my father's shoulders in 1963 when Martin Luther King Jr. traveled through Charleston on a train," she says. "She circled our heads in the huge crowd."
More immediate experiences, however, led to her decision to run for council. She is a homeowner in the Rose Hill area, and her role as president of the neighborhood association required regular attendance at city council meetings where she came into contact with Mayor Maurice Cox– not always benign contact.
"When we had problems," she says, mincing no words, "I'd go to Council and tear him a new one on a regular basis. We got to know each other that way."
While she says she has "tremendous respect" for Cox, she denies reports (some printed in The Hook) that she's his political protégé.
"He talked to me about running," she says. "I told him no for months. But people in my neighborhood convinced me that there needed to be a black perspective in the room.
"Eight separate people were calling and trying to talk me into it, but the thing that finally persuaded me to run was talking to my father," she says.
What are the chances that she has put down roots in Charlottesville?
"The average stay for a person getting a degree in humanities is nine years," she says. "If I'm lucky, I'll graduate in May, but I have no plans to go on the job market.
"I have the best of both worlds here," she laughs. "Because I telecommute, I can live in Charlottesville with a Fairfax salary. I have no reason to think of leaving."
Age: 45
What brought you here? Graduate school
What's worst about living here? The dancing– Charlottesville doesn't do enough of it.
Favorite hangout? The Greenbelt– my dog and I used to walk there every day, before she died, that is.
Most overrated virtue? Diversity. Justice is so much better.
What would people be surprised to know about you? I can do the Texas two-step and the cotton-eyed Joe. I used to know a group of black ranchers and cowboys when I lived in Texas. They taught me all the dances, and I got really into the culture. I had such great cowboy boots, they even asked me to be in their cowgirl beauty pageant during the Houston Rodeo. Of course I said no, but it makes a great story.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My singing range I want to hit the high notes, too.
What accomplishment are you proudest of? A couple of things this year. In public life, being named Citizen Planner of the Year and seeing Rose Hill named Neighborhood of the Year by the Planning Commission. In private life, getting a poem in the Southern Review.
What do people find most annoying about you? I am very extroverted and very social, but I have a private side, too. There are times when I just have to turn the phones off and no one can reach me.
Whom do you admire? Feisty, opinionated, outspoken old ladies– I look forward to being one.
Favorite book? Favorite recent book is Erasure by Percival Everett. It's this generation's Invisible Man, and nobody's read it.
What subject causes you to rant? The publishing industry. Abuse of the earth. Reality TV. I can go on.
What thrills you about life in the 21st century? The fact that more and more people are waking up.
What creeps you out about life in the 21st century? The fact that the people who want us to stay asleep know we're waking up.
What do you drive? '96 Toyota Corolla
What's in your car CD player right now? Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life
What's your next journey? Running for city council
What's the most trouble you've ever gotten in? I married my college sweetheart. The fact that he was the college mascot, the Duke Blue Devil, should have given me a clue that this was not a good idea.
What do you regret? That I dropped piano for boys when I was in college.
Favorite comfort food? Smothered shrimp and rice– a Charleston specialty.
What's always in your refrigerator? Shrimp
Must-see TV? Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Favorite cartoon? Is Finding Nemo a cartoon? 'Cause I really loved that.
Describe a perfect day. First of all it's a beautiful day– not too hot, not too cool, but sunny. I spend a few hours digging in the dirt, then, while it's still early, I get cleaned up, walk downtown to hang out at City Market, take in a yoga class, have lunch with friends, go to a movie then walk back for a long hot bath, then a glass of wine on my deck while I watch the sun go down.
Walter Mitty fantasy? Writing the hottest show on Broadway, getting the movie deal, retiring to a small Caribbean island– and taking all my friends and family with me to drink fruity drinks and loll beside the ocean.
Who'd play you in the movie? Rae Dawn Chong.
Most embarrassing moment? Once I fainted in the middle of a department store. It was a huge to-do. I knocked over a display case and woke up surrounded by rubber-neckers and buried under pink and red heart-shaped handbags– it was right before Valentine's Day.
Best advice you ever got? Ask smart people, experienced people, for advice– then follow it.
Favorite bumper sticker? I can never remember these things, but it goes something like: "Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty."
Kendra Hamilton


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Snowboard Mittens are a key element for any guy or girl who is serious about staying warm on the hill. Because all your fingers are together in one space it's easier for them to stay warm in a mitt as opposed to gloves where they are in an individual area. You may lose some dexterity and finger movement with this, but there are alternatives such as the lobster or trigger style of mitts where the pointer finger is free and the rest are together to stay warm. With the lobster glove you have a free finger to get your bindings on or off and to point out pillow lines to your friends. Becoming more and more popular you can get a pair of snowboard mittens from some of your favorite brands such as POW, Celtek, Burton, Grenade, Neff, Roxy, Dakine, DC, Volcom, and Analog. With short and long styles you can find a pair that fits snugly under your jacket or over your sleeve for ultimate climate control. Shop Zumiez for a wide variety of snowboard and ski mitts that are what you need to keep your hands nice and toasty season long.


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Worst impacts of climate change still avoidable if we act now
Sep 27, 2013, 09:00 ET
David Suzuki Foundation calls on Canadians to support climate action in response to latest assessment report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
VANCOUVER, Sept. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - Scientists are more certain than ever that human activity -- in particular the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation -- is causing climate change, according to the First Installment of the Fifth Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The report confirms that by contributing to droughts, flooding, severe weather events and ocean acidification, the impacts of global warming are already being felt around the world.
The David Suzuki Foundation is calling on all Canadians to support action on climate change as the report also shows it is possible to prevent the most serious risks of climate change, but the window of opportunity is closing and the response needs to be more urgent and far-reaching.
"This year in Canada, we experienced numerous extreme weather events, such as the floods in Calgary and Toronto," said David Suzuki Foundation science and policy manager Ian Bruce. "This shows how vulnerable our communities are if climate change is allowed to intensify. The IPCC report suggests that if we continue with business as usual in terms of rising carbon emissions, we will become even more vulnerable. But the report says we still have a choice; we can act to reverse the trend in emissions growth."
"If you were 95 per cent certain your house was at risk of catching fire, and if there was something you could do to prevent it, you would do it," Bruce said.
The latest IPCC scenarios show temperatures could rise from 0.3 Celsius to almost five degrees this century, with the outcome largely dependent on how much action is taken to reduce emissions. The current rising global emission trajectory, mainly from overuse of fossil fuels, is dangerous as this is more likely to cause more dramatic temperature increases (at the upper temperature range) and extreme weather events in the future. The global average temperature has already risen almost one degree Celsius since the start of the 20th century (since 1901).
"This may not seem like much, but it is," Bruce said. "Keep in mind that there is only a five degree difference between the Ice Age and our current climate, which can be likened to Goldilocks conditions -- just right for human habitation, not too hot and not too cold."
"Our parents' generation didn't know about the risk of global warming and climate change, but we do," Bruce said. "It's unfair to leave this problem to our children and grandchildren to deal with the dire consequences."
Background on the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report
The IPCC produces the most comprehensive scientific reports about climate change globally, based on the greatest consensus of international scientists. The IPCC was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. On September 27 (for the summary) and September 30 (for the full report), 2013, the first of four installments of the Fifth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are being released from Stockholm. The report collates current understanding of how the world's natural systems that support human life are changing and will continue to change as a result of the unprecedented amounts of carbon pollution being released into the atmosphere. The previous assessment, the Fourth Assessment Report, was released in 2007 and sparked serious global debate on climate change action. This first installment of the Fifth Report is on the physical science of climate change. Subsequent installments of the Fifth Report will be released over the coming year. They assess the best available research worldwide on climate impacts (second installment) and mitigation strategies (third installment), followed by a synthesis report bringing together the three chapters.
The summary for policy-makers report was released today and the full report will be released on Monday.
For IPCC media release and report:
David Suzuki Foundation media backgrounder is available here:
SOURCE: David Suzuki Foundation
For further information:
Contact: Ian Hanington
(778) 871-1782
[email protected]
Manon Dubois (Quebec)
(514) 679-0821
[email protected]


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-- President, Catholic Citizens of Illinois
-- One of the leaders of the so-called Coalition to Protect Children & Marriage
-- Says homosexuality is "a lifestyle that is damaging to body and soul" (at 2:10)
-- Not only against legal recognition, but says that "homosexual acts" themselves cannot be approved: "There are absolutely no grounds for considering homosexual unions to be in any way similar or even remotely analogous to God's plan for marriage and family. Marriage is holy, while homosexual acts go against the natural moral law. Homosexual acts close the sexual act to the gift of life. Under no circumstances can they be approved."
-- Once wrote to the Vatican requesting that Depaul University's Queer Studies program to be shuttered: "In public statements regarding this program, DePaul faculty and staff have been unapologetic in seeking to train the next generation of homosexual activists who will use their Catholic university experience to attack the traditional family and the Catholic faith. We believe this scandal must be stopped immediately."
-- Labeled the Human Rights Campaign's Harry Knox "an anti-Catholic bigot" who "has chosen to live a lifestyle described by the Church as 'disordered' and by the Bible as an 'abomination.'" Compared Knox' activism on behalf of LGBTQ people of faith to racists and anti-Semites: "Would President Obama be comfortable with a racist, an anti-Semite, or a member of the KKK on the council or is anti-Catholicism the only bigotry that is acceptable? What kind of advice can a bigot give to a faith-based council?"
-- Says gays are not really seeking marriage rights but instead "desire an end to marriage" (at 2:50)
-- Says of a gay student body president at a Catholic University: "Homosexuality is against the teachings of the Church. St. Vincent DePaul would be rolling over in his grave"
-- Said of San Francsico Archbishop's decision to offer Communition to gay activists: "Catholics believe that Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ. If you are aware of the outrage among Christians around the country, you can imagine the horror and shame among Catholics to see their most Holy Sacrament mocked and repudiated in this blasphemous reception by homosexual activists with the full participation of the Archbishop of San Francisco."


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In Business: Carolina Architectural Lighting and Design
Wednesday, December 17, 2014on
Carolina Architectural Lighting and Design (CAL+D) celebrated the grand opening of their new 7,800 sq-ft headquarters on December 12, 2014 and participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Greenville Chamber. During this event, the employees ...
YP Perspective: Looking to 2015
Tuesday, December 16, 2014on
2014 has been the most productive year I've experienced in my 5 years as an active PULSE member. Every year seems to top the last, be it new planning committees like Capacity and Arts, or enriched programming and content. While it's ...
In Business: Paxton Access
Wednesday, December 10, 2014on
Paxton Access announced the grand opening of their new distribution facility located in Greenville SC with a ribbon cutting ceremony. They included their staff and customers in their celebration. Paxton offers a vast product range to provide ...
Legislative Update
Monday, December 8, 2014on
OPENING STAT – 4. The number of women who have chaired a State House of Representatives committee in the body's 240 years. Rep. Rita Allison, R-Lyman, was elected chairwoman of the House Education and Public Works Committee.The 2015 ...
A Year in Review – Reflecting Back & Looking Forward
Wednesday, December 3, 2014on
The time has come to close the chapter on another incredible year for PULSE, for our young professionals and our amazing community. It seems just like yesterday that the proverbial torch was passed to me and I began this journey in leadership. As ...
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Transgender student wants to be prom king, not queen
Issak Oliver Wolfe, whose legal name is Sierra Stambaugh, said he has known he was different his entire life.
"It was just a matter of going through a process of figuring out what it was," he said Monday outside his home in North Hopewell Township Pa., about 100 miles west of Philadelphia.
The summer after ninth grade, he thought he figured out what it was.
Wolfe said his name comes from what his parents would have named him at birth, and Wolfe is in the bloodline of the family before Stambaugh.
"Junior year is when I would tell people and socially transition," he said. He's in therapy, and he plans to physically transition from a woman to a man.
Wolfe, a student at Red Lion Area Senior High School, recently drew attention and support online after his name was put on the ballot for prom queen; he had anticipated being on the ballot for prom king.
Wolfe, 18, said everyone who buys a ticket is on the ballot for prom court. On Wednesday, he thought he would appear on the ballot as Issak Oliver Wolfe.
"I was completely under the impression that everything was a go," he said. "That night I came home and I made these ridiculous little fliers with pictures of me and little sayings."
He handed out fliers, and said he got positive feedback. Around lunch time, he was getting ready to cast his vote. His friends told him they couldn't find his name on there.
They finally found his birth name on the girls' side.
"If I would have known they would've done that, I probably would have opted out," he said. "...What bothers me the most is they never told me."
He said he felt horrible after that. He went to speak to an assistant principal. The principals were out of the building at a meeting.
A guidance counselor consoled him, he said. Then a teacher and assistant principal joined them.
"I was just humiliated and distraught at that point," he said.
Wolfe's story became the subject of a Facebook page, and it was shared on the Facebook page of Have a Gay Day, which describes itself as supporting equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight people. As of Tuesday, that post had been liked by more than 3,000 people and shared nearly 1,300 times.
A petition was also posted to Change.org supporting Wolfe for prom king and for his name to be read at graduation. It had 2,165 supporters as of Tuesday afternoon.
The online posts identify a high school official as responsible for making the decision to put Issak on the ballot for queen and not king.
District Superintendent Scott Deisley responded to an email, saying "for the safety and well-being of the students at RLASHS, the family, staff and administration ask that you respect our privacy in this matter."
William Stambaugh, Issak's father, said he became aware of the issue over the weekend and met with Principal Mark Shue and an assistant principal on Monday. Stambaugh said Shue told him he didn't feel comfortable because of the traditional nature of prom king and queen.
Shue could not be reached for comment.
Stambaugh, of York Township, supports Wolfe's efforts to be prom king, he said.
"I thought it's very progressive and inclusive," Stambaugh said. But he understands the district not wanting to cause an uproar, too.
Wolfe declined to name several people when telling his story. He said he doesn't want to hurt the principal, Shue, or the principal's position.
He also praised the school.
"They're all good people," he said. "They just -- a bad decision was made."
He said there are a lot of supportive teachers who don't tolerate discrimination in any shape or form. The school recently allowed students to hold a Day of Silence, a national movement that focuses on harassment, bias and abuse of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, he said. At Red Lion, Wolfe said he and others wanted to send a broader message about bullying, that they wouldn't tolerate harassment of anyone.
Wolfe said his official school documents, use his former name. If he feels comfortable with his teachers, he uses Issak.
Stambaugh, too, said the district has been supportive as Wolfe has gone through his transition, trying to provide guidance.
"They could've just ignored the whole situation," he said, which would have made Wolfe's life more difficult.
Stambaugh said he was concerned for Wolfe's safety, if the prom issue "blows up." He wants Wolfe to be safe more than he wants him to be prom king.
Stambaugh said he might check back in with school officials this week, but he doesn't expect a change in the decision on prom king.
Wolfe said he's tried not to read the comments about his story online.
"They'll either inflate my head or break my heart," he said.
The prom is Saturday. Wolfe said if he doesn't go, that wouldn't be sending a positive message.
"It'll almost look cowardly if I don't go," he said. "I have this great suit, too."


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NEW YORK, N.Y. – Robb Hilson's job as head of small business banking at Bank of America is to convince small business owners that the bank wants to do business with them.
That's not easy when small businesses have consistently said in surveys that they find it hard to get loans from banks, and when banks have become more cautious about lending to small companies following the recession. But in the 18 months Hilson has been on the job at the nation's second-largest bank it has had some success with its 3.2 million small business customers. Last year, Bank of America made $8.7 billion in new loans to small businesses, up 28 per cent from 2011.
"I feel really good about the momentum. There's obviously more work to do, but we've made a lot of progress," Hilson says.
Hilson, 54, took the job as small business executive in November 2011 soon after Bank of America started placing 1,000 bankers in cities and communities around the country to serve small companies. Bank of America and other big banks began bolstering their small business outreach after they were criticized by company owners and lawmakers for stringent lending standards that prevented many companies from getting loans. Bank of America was also one of the banks that pledged to the Small Business Administration that it would increase its loans to small business.
Hilson previously served larger companies during more than two decades at the bank. This job is very different from anything he has done before.
"It's a bigger challenge because we're building a business," Hilson says. "It's a different conversation with small business owners. So many of these folks are wearing a bunch of hats. It's just a different environment than meeting with the CEO."
Hilson's role puts him in a position to hear about, and gain understanding, of the problems small business owners face. He recently spoke with The Associated Press about his work and small businesses. Here are excerpts, edited for brevity and clarity:
Q. How do you size up the state of small business today?
A. This most recent downturn by almost any account, if not all accounts, was the steepest, the most dramatic, severe, however you want to characterize it, since the Great Depression. I think it's also fair to say that small businesses relative to other businesses were particularly hard hit. I think it really speaks to the remarkable resilience of American small business owners that they have come back as far as they have. The economy isn't perfect, but it continues to slowly but surely get better. We saw small business owners doing a great job of rightsizing their businesses when sales dropped off so dramatically in 2008 and 2009, and they've come back. Surveys have told us that despite all the challenges and the recession that they endured, very few of them have second thoughts about getting into business for themselves. They are very confident and optimistic about their own capabilities, less so about things that they don't have as much control over.
Q. What will it take for small business owners to be more confident?
A. You probably see a little more confidence today than what you saw in November or even last May. I think there were things leading up to the election and all that (that contributed to some pessimism).
I think they're dealing with this new reality of sluggish growth, very low interest rates and not taking as much risk as they were in 2005. What is it going to take to go back to 2005? I don't know if we're going to see that, maybe ever. Certainly not in the near term.
I think we'll see more optimism than what we've seen today. In our survey, we did a subset around the millennials (people age 18-34). The numbers were off the chart versus any other age groups we looked at. They were very optimistic, more likely to hire, more optimistic about where the economy is going and prospects for the near term. As that group becomes a bigger part of the small business owner population, maybe you'll see some lift there as well.
Q. Suppose a business owner doesn't qualify for a loan at Bank of America? What do you do?
A. We would give them a pretty good sense of what it would need for them to look like for them to qualify. But we also work with some non-profit organizations in the community that might be able to work with them. Community development financial institutions — these are by and large non-profit financial institutions, and we've been one of the biggest supporters of these. They're smaller organizations that aren't subject to the same regulations as Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. banks. We extended a $110 million grant a couple of years ago to some CDFIs that turned around and leveraged that to the tune of more than 10 times. So they were able to leverage that to more than $100 million that they could then invest or lend directly to small businesses.
If we're not able to help a client today from a credit standpoint, our goal would be to give them a pretty good sense of, what were the gaps, and what they would need to work on to make the answer a positive one the next time around.
There are other opportunities for us to help them, not just with credit. There are opportunities for us to help improve their cash flow by helping them collect payments, for instance.
Q. What results are you seeing from the 1,000 bankers you've placed around the country?
A. We have a lot of nice charts with impressive trend lines. Let's talk business lending. I think it's safe to say that small business owners, their health continues to improve, so balance sheets and cash flows are getting stronger, interest rates are at an all-time low. So it's a good environment to borrow in. The economy, while not robust, continues to grow. Translated, that equals greater loan demand, and our bankers have a lot to do with that. We're excited that we were up 28 per cent in new loan originations in 2012 over 2011. And through the first four months of this year, we're ahead of that pace. I feel really good about how we're delivering credit. But we know we can do more.
We know that the bankers are focused on credit but they're also focusing on delivering all of our capabilities, not just meeting the needs of the business. They're also working with other experts, pairing up with financial solutions advisers who will work with small businesses on the personal side — investing solutions, preparing small business owners for retirement or for taking care of their children's education.
Q. But small business owners are known for plowing every penny they can into their companies. How do you convince them that their personal finances should be more of a priority?
A. I think part of it is our enlightening small business owners about all that we can do for them. They may just be focused on their business, but we will lead a conversation that will provoke them to think about, are they addressing their kids' college education? Or are they doing some things that would benefit their employees? Are they doing some things that would help them prepare for retirement? Through our Merrill Lynch platform, our financial services associates were able to introduce some expertise that we weren't having before we deployed this model. We're taking a more holistic view, not just the business piece of it, but the personal side as well.
Q. What do you feel have been your biggest accomplishments as head of small business at Bank of America?
A. I feel really good about how we have pulled together this organization. We've got 3.2 million customers that were up, until 18 months ago, embedded in different parts of this company that we call Bank of America. We're more thoughtfully organized around them, from a sales perspective, product standpoint and from a service capability. There's obviously more work to do, but we've made a lot of progress in the 18 months.
A majority of the bankers' time is spent working with existing clients that we haven't had much of a relationship with or we have a relationship and we want to do more with them. While we love new relationships, the biggest and best opportunity for us today is to do more with what we have.
Q. Why are your biggest opportunities with existing customers?
A. Based on what they do with us, we know there's a lot more we could do with them. A number of clients that might consider us to be their lead bank, but it's primarily through basic checking and cash management with us. They don't necessarily have any borrowing with us. They might have a credit card, but they don't have a term loan or a building on their property. Or they might have all of that business with us, but they're not a client of Merrill Lynch. We have a great opportunity on the investing side of the house.
Q. If you were to own a small business, what would it be?
A. I would love to own a little record store. And vinyl is coming back! Vinyl isn't dead and in fact, it's thriving and I would love to do it. But what is more likely to happen at some point is I am going to get into a business with one or both of my children. My son is two years out of college and doing very well in a small business here in Miami. It's a company that's in this growing field called e-discovery, kind of navigating the legalese in this day and age of social media. And my daughter, an aspiring small business owner, is in her first year at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley. She wants to be an executive chef and own her own restaurant someday.
Q. If you did open this record store, what vinyl would you stock it with?
A. You'd have to start with Sinatra and you'd have to capture some of the current genres. But the cool thing about vinyl is, not only are current bands coming out with that format, you've got this huge catalogue of artists that been around a long time, where they're reissuing these pressings that sound better than ever.


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- This has passed.
Warrior Flow Yoga
November 13, 2019 @ 5:30 pm - 6:25 pm
|Recurring (See all)
An event every week that begins at 5:30 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, repeating until February 25, 2021
Warrior Flow Yoga incorporates Yoga with light weights. Get stronger by adding weighted exercises to your Yogic practice. We will also focus on strengthening the core thru isolation poses.
So join us for uplifting music, teachings and Yoga with weights.


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Chiefs introduce QB Alex Smith
Smith joins team amid busy free agent signing period
The Kansas City Chiefs introduced the team's new starting quarterback, Alex Smith, at a news conference Wednesday afternoon.
Smith was acquired in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs gave up their second-round draft pick and a conditional high-round draft pick next year.
"There is no doubt in my mind this is where I wanted to be," Smith said. "It wasn't even close. Everything pointed here."
He said he was drawn to Kansas City by the nucleus of the team that was in place and by a chance to work with head coach Andy Reid.
Reid said he had inquired about Smith's availability back when he was still the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.
"You'll find out in time what you've got here, but from a coaching standpoint, what a tremendous addition to the locker room," Reid said.He said Smith was a good leader, a good player and a good person.
Reid said that while he encourages competition at every position in training camp, he made clear that Smith was brought in to be the team's starting quarterback. He said that the signing of Chase Daniel would not create a quarterback controversy.
Smith was the starting quarterback for the 49ers last year when an injury sidelined him. The strong play of backup Colin Kaepernick kept Smith from returning to his old job.
"Because of what I've gone through, you grow as a player and grow as a person," Smith said.
He said he just got to Kansas City Tuesday night and was prohibited by NFL rules from having any contact with the team until the league's new calendar year opened on Tuesday. He said he was eager to get to work.
"It's just a matter of getting this going, getting the chemistry right, getting the culture right," he said.
The Chiefs had been expected to part ways with former starting quarterback Matt Cassel. General Manager John Dorsey wouldn't say much about Cassel's status with the team, except that Cassel was still on the roster.
The team has been busy during the free agent signing period. The Chiefs have announced deals with former New Orleans backup quarterback and University of Missouri standout Chase Daniel, former Colts wide receiver Donnie Avery, cornerback Dunta Robinson, tight end Anthony Fasano and defensive tackle Mike DeVito.
Former Chiefs lineman Glenn Dorsey will leave the team for the 49ers.
The Chiefs also still have the first overall pick in next month's NFL draft, a selection many expect the team to use on an offensive lineman.


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In addition to Sarah Kiran of Respect, UKIP's Maureen Vines is also asking for votes this year, in the Rotherham West Ward:
This looks to be identical (down to the spelling and grammar mistakes) to the one that was put on this site on 30 March https://rotherhampolitics.wordpress.com/2014/03/30/maureen-enters-the-fray/ .
The usual pedantic carping by RR, It's what's being said not the spelling and grammar that's relevant! I'm not a member of UKIP but I challenge you to dispute what she says if you can. Every word on tax,debt and immigration is true as far as I can see.
I am glad that malcontent added at the end of his supportive comment of UKIP -'that the facts are true as far as I can see'. Yes they maybe so but what UKip are good at is identifying other partys' way of running an economy on hock which resembles the way many live their own life styles. But what they never have on their leaflets or posters is what they would do. Its easy to gripe but the alternative taht they offer will take this country back to the free market ideals that Nigel Farage and his ilk support and believe in. Such as a flat rate of tax for rch and poor of 31p in the pound. Also the use of fear and open borders that they also make their main platform and blaming Europe for all our ills is also a ploy to reduce the gains that were brought about Labour of Welfare -Health & Safety at Work and other laws that were necessary due to the actual sexism and racism taht prevaiuled in our society. The candidate in Wickersly has claimed he wants to get rid of Political Corectness-and the result of such a policy- is the withdrawal of the Sex discrimination laws-the gae and Disability laws-the Health & Safety laws and The race relation laws. This party is as racist as they come -it is sexist and it wants to return to a free market of exploitation of the Commonwealth countries-and has the flavour and arogance of white superiority. So its not just the facts that matter -it's the fact that they do not want to move with the times and want the old ways-where arogance-bullying and ignorance prevail, rather than aiming for a more harmonious world. They like most of the Far Right are the politics of Hate and Respect and Left parties are for the Politics of Hope.
UKIP need to up their game if they are to win Rotherham West.
Labour has taken the threat seriously and has acted accordingly, one big last push UKIP and you just might get in by a whisker, get out knock on more doors, more leaflets and get yourselves seen, Aldi is always a good spot!
yes ukip need to focus on more local issue's , doncaster gate hospital , herringthorpe playing fields , eastwood and ferham , …. grab the bull by the horns !
Good grief Ronnie! Are Doncaster Gate hospital and Herringthorpe playing fields really the issues that should be focused on? Yes, it's a shame that Doncaster Gate is to be demolished but isn't the closure of 13 children's centres or the question of how the Council is going to balance its books over coming years a little more burning than the demolition of an empty old building?
Agree 100% Rob.
The fiscal incompetence of Labour controlled RMBC is a shining example of what happens when ideology takes precedence over the interests and welfare of the people who are supposed to be represented by councillors who agree to the Nolan Principles.
Councillors cannot assume they represent the interests of all their electors without consulting them.
Whilst Doncaster Gate Hospital and Herringthorpe playing fields may have some importance to the townspeople,they are not paramount issues in Rotherham West. The influx of Roma and the overnight appearance of old beds, cookers and fridge freezers and bags of rubbish dumped in the streets is of more concern in the ward as is the responsibility of the Labour Leader and Councillors for this appalling situation that some of the residents now find themselves in!