text:
You've been told that part of your job description is to approach Darryl Sutter as he's situated behind the Kings' bench during an NHL Stanley Cup Western Conference final game, stick a microphone under his nose and ask him to make a coherent comment about what he's just seen for the TV viewers at home.
Bless you, Brian Engblom.
Having accepted this assignment to be part of NBC's coverage for every second- and third-round series game that the Kings have had during this recent playoff run as the "Inside the Glass" man, Engblom says this particular task to ask is actually easier than it looks, and doesn't involve keeping raw meat in his blazer breast pocket.
"Considering I am invading their territory at sometimes the worst moment, I think Sutter and (Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel) Qunneville are both terrific with me," Engblom said via an email exchange Thursday afternoon, after scrambling to make the latest Chicago-to-L.A. quick trip so he could be at Staples Center for Friday night's Game 6.
"I ask open-ended questions often, because they, like all of the coaches, don't like to be pigeon-holed. Joel knows the sound bite length we need and gives a slice of what's on his mind. Darryl doesn't like to answer specific questions usually. I am really just trying to get a glimpse of what is on their mind."
Working with the Kenny Albert-Joe Micheletti team in this series, Engblom's position between the team benches facilitates the broadcast from an ice-view level that has become more common with national NHL broadcasts. From that spot, Engblom has to grab the home-team coach for about a 30-second break conversation that's taped during the second commercial break of the first period and then airs right out of that break. The visiting coach is then tracked down in the second period.
The fact that Engblom is a former big-haired Kings defensemen (1983-86) who was Nick Nickson's radio partner for four seasons (1991-94) after his 12-year NHL career ended in 1987 (659 games, 29 goals, 177 assists, 599 penalty minutes) gives him plenty of ice cred with all the coaches he encounters for this job.
Then again, the occupational hazards that come with it can be far-reaching.
"I think they both treat me with respect, and I am very appreciative of that," said Engblom, who, according to hockeyfights.com, did not ever throw down with either coach he currently has to talk with during their NHL careers, but once did have a tussle with one of Darryl Sutter's many brothers, Brian, in a 1978 game.
"We put them in a tough spot oftentimes," Engblom said. "I think they are both terrific coaches and truly really good people. The fact that I am a former player and they know my intent is not to bushwhack them, it allows them to answer me with some insightful information.
"I think they are both the type of coaches and people that you would love to sit down for an hour with and have a beer and talk hockey. You would be well educated and very entertained at the end of it."
Perhaps Engblom's greatest battles during this Western Conference final have been the travel logistics over the last few days. Engblom said he arrived in Chicago three hours late the night before Wednesday's Game 5 because O'Hare Airport shut down due to bad weather, and his flight was diverted to Indianapolis for an hour-and-a-half wait before it went back to Chicago. He joins Albert and Micheletti for the morning skates, compiles notes, heads to rehearsals and then jumps into live interviews as the game starts and ends.
"The playoffs are a grind," Engblom admits, "but they are what we all wait for. The regular season is great, but the playoffs matter."
That could be a matter of opinion in some cities.
NBCSN reported Thursday that 2.175 million viewers watched Chicago's 5-4 double OT victory in Game 5 – calling it the most-watched Western Conference final game on cable in five years.
The Chicago market led the way with a 16.3 rating.
The Los Angeles marker was second. At a meager 3.0.
And they wonder why a 5 p.m. faceoff on the West Coast is a tough sell.
Gauging the media's high- and low-level marks of the week, and what's ahead:
What kind of counter programming does the Dodgers' SportsNet L.A. channel have when the team's game is on a national network? Perhaps we'll never know. Two Dodgers-Pirates games this weekend have been emancipated for general public consumption — at least for those with cable TV — starting with Fox Channel 11 taking Saturday's 4 p.m. start and calling upon play-by-play man Kenny Albert to switch gears — he's been on the Kings-Blackhawks Stanley Cup Western Conference final series for NBCSN. Eric Karros partners up with Albert here. Oh Sunday, ESPN2 has a 5 p.m. game, which takes on a major facelift, beginning with "Baseball Tonight" studio hosts Karl Ravech and Barry Larkin filling in for Dan Shulman and John Kruk in the booth. From there, the ESPN coverage has five more analysts and reporters spread around the ballpark. Former manager Eric Wedge will be somewhere behind home plate to talk about "big picture strategy," Mark Mulder (focused on pitching strategy) and Aaron Boone (on offensive situations) are in the dugout wells, Doug Glanville (talking about defensive alignments) will be in the right field pavilion and Buster Olney, usually on the field, will be up in the press box ripping news off the high-speed sports wire. "The booth, in my opinion, is somewhat antiquated but a safe haven to do a game from," said ESPN vice president of production Mike McQuade. "We need to look at ways we can give more to the viewer by being in different locations. This is a great venue to try all this out. I'm not as concerned as others may be about this becoming a big talk-fest. I'm just hopeful we get enough out of all the analysts there because they are so respectful of each other's opinions that they don't want to talk over each other." Meanwhile, an L.A. Times-promoted gathering to protest the Dodgers-TWC-SportsNet L.A. situation is planned for 3 p.m. Saturday at the Short Stop bar (1455 W. Sunset Blvd.), with perhaps revised plans that more than one person draws up the "picket signs" that are arranged for staff photographers and, if the story is later presented as a news event, readers may have a better understanding of its staged context.
Chris Roberts admits that the extended travel these days involved with college football and basketball more than anything else has gently pushed him into announcing last week that this 2014-15 season will be his last as a UCLA play-by-play man, which will end his run after 23 years, tying him with Fred Hessler for the longest tenure calling Bruins sports. "My wife knew that the travel was getting to me even 10 years ago, but I stayed with it and if not for (UCLA athletic director) Dan Guerrero asking if I could give it one more year and rolling out the red carpet, I think I might have been done by now," said Roberts, who will turn 66 at the end of the next basketball season. "Maybe it's better to do it a year early than be a year too late." Roberts was hired to replace the late John Rebenstorf in August 1992, after spending the previous 10 seasons at Long Beach State doing 49ers football, basketball and baseball. The Glendora resident also was a fixture on KFI-AM and KOST-FM doing morning show sports updates, a 40-year run in L.A. radio that solidifies his induction into the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2012. ""Even the tough times are good to look back on and savor. I've loved every single minute of it, but maybe it's time to let someone younger and thinner have their opportunity," said Roberts, who has called 15 bowls games (including two Rose Bowls) and one national basketball championship among the 18 NCAA tournament appearances for UCLA. His travels next season will include trips to Virginia and Texas for football and then to New York, Chicago and Alabama for basketball. Guerrero said about Roberts in a statement: "You will find no better Bruin than Chris Roberts. Whether the game is close down the stretch or the Bruins are running away with it, his joy and enthusiasm never wavers. … We are all excited that we get one final season to honor Chris for everything he has meant to UCLA athletics."
CBS Sports Network has invested in another year of the reconstituted pro beach volleyball tour, increasing its coverage this summer to seven AVP events that starts with Chris Marlowe and Dain Blanton calling the St. Petersburg (Florida) Open final live on Sunday (10 a.m.), includes the Aug. 17 Manhattan Beach Open and finishes with the AVP Championships in Huntington Beach on Sept. 21. "It looks like the players are on board, they're in this together, and maybe not having a tour after a couple of years off was kind of humbling for them," said Chris McGee, the longtime AVP site public address announcer-turned-broadcaster who will call the last six events on this CBS Sports Network package. "I think having the women's game evolve into a college sport, and a lot of young players developed on the grass roots level will keep the sport moving forward, along with the usual stars coming back like Kerri Walsh-Jennings, Casey Jennings, Sean Rosenthal, April Ross and Phil Dalhausser." Later this summer, Marlowe will call eight FIVB international world tour events for Universal Sports, as well as handle the play-by-play for NBC when the FIVB stops by for its Long Beach event in July.
More media notes on Tom Hoffarth's blog: www.insidesocal.com/tomhoffarth


text:
Steven Latter lived for Tujague's. Tragically he died recently; so too might Tujague's. So far what we've heard is rumors but one source is a person who usually gets the "New Orleans going to hell" rumors right. (He was the one who first tipped me off about the improbable rumor that The Times-Picayune was going to cut back to three times a week. "That can't possibly be," I thought.) Also bothersome about the rumors is that while no one is confirming them, no one is denying them either. We know this: Something is being considered that people are not going to like.
According to the rumors, the building on Decatur Street that houses the last of the original Creole Restaurants and the second oldest (after Antoine's) restaurant in the city will be sold to businessman Mike Motwani who is known for converting businesses into tacky, touristy T-shirt and gift shops. Motwani supposedly will do the same, though the front part of the building, according to my source, might be used to serve fried chicken.
Preservationists and those who care about urban style and character have long despised Motwani's businesses. Legally he has gotten by – further evidence that justice being blind isn't always a good thing. (Besides the aesthetic considerations, another objection to Motawni's businesses is that they are totally targeted to visitors further taking away reasons for locals to frequent the Quarter.)
Latter worked tirelessly to maintain the old restaurant's character. He kept the tradition of serving beef brisket with horseradish sauce as part of every meal. His menu was classic old line. His bar was busy and, a significant sign, had a good following among locals.
According to the rumors, and some reporting by WWL-TV, while Latter owned the business, his brother Stanford owned the building and that's where the problem lies. (Latter's son, Mark, who is experienced in the business, runs the restaurant.)
Motwani has been in the news many times including in 2009 when he was accused of illegally installing ATM machines in downtown buildings. Coverage by Bruce Eggler of The Times-Picayune included this astonishing statement:
"Mike Motwani is not a good person. No one is going to deny that," structural engineer Roy Carubba told a city preservation agency.
Carubba, who said he has done a lot of work for Motwani and who was supporting his client's request to demolish a badly deteriorated Central Business District building, said he has often expressed the same sentiment directly to Motwani.
No one on the CBD Historic District Landmarks Commission spoke up to defend the Indian-born businessman.
Please Mr. Latter, keep the legacy of your brother's restaurant alive. At the very least, don't let the builiding fall into the hands of those who don't give a damn about the character of the city.
Krewe: The Early New Orleans Carnival – Comus to Zulu by Errol Laborde is available at all area bookstores. Books can also be ordered via email firstname.lastname@example.com or (504) 895-2266.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
We talked werewolf slaying with this year's modern-day Red Riding Hood, Felicia Day. Plus she revealed a tiny bit more about her recurring Eureka character, Dr. Holly Marten.
What can you tell us about Virginia, the Red Riding Hood werewolf hunter?
This is a modern update of the Red Riding Hood story. The connective tissue is that there's a family legacy with being werewolf hunters. I really think it's a fun idea, taking little aspects of fairy tales and putting modern twists on them. It really is kind of a small story but with a great scope. I play Virginia who is basically the legacy of Red Riding Hood. It's a struggle [dealing with] my fate as a werewolf hunter and my fiance. So bringing him back to my family and wanting to reveal my past and my real background to him is a catalyst for some very dramatic werewolf events.
What did you learn about werewolves in this movie?
I learned that there's a wide array of werewolves. I'm a huge fan of paranormal fantasy and paranormal romance. I read everything from the really great stuff to the really trashy stuff, because the trashy stuff is just as fun sometimes. So I'm a huge fan of this genre. This is kind of translation of that genre. [And in regards to the werewolves] everyone invents their own lore about the werewolves. In this movie we are dealing with a very specific werewolf clan, and their history with the clan. There's a long family history of keeping the werewolves secret from the public. And there's an overarching theme about fate, and not being able to hide from your obligations to your family. And it's not all really dramatic - there are lots of fun aspects in the movie as well with the werewolves and the transformation and the fight scenes.
What are the werewolf rules for this movie?
I don't want to give anything away. But there is a situation where someone might have been compromised: he was bitten. But I don't want to give away all of the werewolf mechanics from this movie. There are ways to prevent someone from becoming a whole werewolf, to turn someone back from a werewolf. And they fall into the lore that's in this movie. And it's important to the overall plot.
What do these werewolves look like?
They did a really good job. You have like the Twilight wolf, which is full on wolf, this is more of a human wolf hybrid. They retain a little bit of the characteristics of the person, even when they turn into the wolf.
Is there a chance for a series to be developed around this movie?
I don't know, that was certainly not something that I went thinking that would happen. I know that Syfy has done that in the past. And the paranormal is really popular right now. It's almost like going back to Buffy. It's funny because I've gotten more feedback about people watching Buffy for the first time in the last 6 months than in years. I think that people are going back to that, it's like the genesis of the renaissance of the paranormal culture right now. It's certainly an area to be mined more. But we just treated this as the standalone movie that it is. It was a lot of fun to do something completely different.
You've got some amazing guns in this movie. Was there a lot of weapon training?
I would say that of all the things that I've done in the past, my character from Dollhouse was most similar to this character. I learned first how to handle a gun on that set, for those two episodes "Epitaph One" and "Epitaph Two." So I used a lot of that experience to inform this character. In between Dollhouse and doing this movie I went home, to Texas, and my dad very excitedly took me to a gun range to show me how to shoot a gun properly. It was really fun to actually put that knowledge into play here. I was able to carry a gun, and do knife fighting, as well as shoot a harpoon, which you saw in the trailer.
Did you actually get to shoot that gun?
No that was CG, so air shooting a harpoon was definitely more challenging acting, but it was fun being on the roof at 4 AM in Toronto, shooting a harpoon at a werewolf.
But that's not your only Syfy project - you're also involved in Eureka right? What can you tell us about your character, Dr. Holly Marten?
I can't tell you a lot but I can tell you I'm in many, many episodes - almost all of the back 10. So I've been in Vancouver for months now, and that is very very awesome. All I can say is she's a very eccentric scientist who comes to Eureka to work on a secret project, and that's all I can tell you about what she does. I can tell you that she has an antagonist relationship with Fargo and Will Wheaton, who plays Dr. Isaac Parrish, so there's definitely a lot there. I've been working with those two a lot, and it's really been a fun ride. Every single episode, when I read a script, I'm just so excited to get on set and read those words because that show in particular is driven by geeks. Those guys know what they are doing and they are passionate about their show, the fans, and the subject matter. It definitely translates from the page onto the screen for me. That and everyone there is wonderful to work with.
What are you going to be for Halloween?
I've been traveling so much that I haven't had any plans, as of yet. I always wait until the last minute and then I just go to the store, and then I'm frustrated and I almost cry. The year before I was Zac Efron because I went to the kids section and I got a Zac Efron t-shirt and a Beatles wig. This year I would love to be a video game character. I was thinking of making a Plants Versus Zombies sunflower outfit. But I don't know if I'll have time because I have to go back and finish the finale of Eureka.
Red will be on the Syfy channel on the 30th.


text:
Law Professor: Only Prostitutes Would Directly Say "Yes" to Sex
The fallout from George Will's silly, under-researched column on sexual assault on university campuses can at least be credited with inspiring some entertainingly clueless commentary. Exhibit A: the thoughts of a George Mason law professor named David Bernstein, published by no less than the Washington Post.
The title of Bernstein's effort yesterday gives you an indication of the subtle depth of thought contained therein: "YOU are a rapist; yes YOU!" The subject is the move by a California legislator to introduce an "affirmative consent" standard into college campus disciplinary systems. That is a relatively harmless move to address the growing, and well-documented, debate about how to develop a more effective way of dealing with sexual assault on university campuses.
But the manner in which Bernstein addresses this makes him comes across as someone who has only recently landed on Planet Sex. For example:
The answer is that [an explicit consent standard is] not a good idea, and it's a product of the current moral panic over the hookup culture.
"The hookup culture." This man understands those Kids Today.
Spinning out further into apoplexy, Bernstein moves on to trawling the web for inopportune statements. He spots one on the website of the Office for Violence Against Women (that hotbed of sexual fascism) where they explain that "sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient."
This relatively anodyne statement causes Bernstein's heart to pound. Courts don't use this standard, he says, without apparent regard for the fact that literally no one who's studied sexual assault thinks that the way the law currently addresses the question is ideal.
But Bernstein isn't speaking from careful study or thinking. He's speaking from his "understanding," as when he offers his own I'm-from-Mars view on how consent in sex really works:
The vast, vast majority of "sexual contact or behavior" is initiated with only *implicit consent.* [UPDATE: There is one type of sexual relationship that, as I understand it, involves primarily explicit consent—the relationship between a prostitute and her (or his) clients, with exact sexual services to be provided determined by explicit agreement in advance.]
Oh dear. It's hard to pick the most wrong-headed part, though the "UPDATE" might take the prize. I am not sure the "vast majority" of sexual consent is implicit in the way he suggests here at all. I do not think we are looking at any real danger of people being marched off to death camps for kissing each other. I am absolutely certain that sex workers are not the only people who prefer that consent be clear, open and well-stated between the parties.
Writing this sort of thing makes you come across as a man who feels oppressed by the mere idea of getting a clear "yes" out of the person you're sleeping with. Which, you know: please, put that in your dating profile in future so women know to weed you out.
It's funny because the main thrust of Will's column, and of the various defenses of it, has been to accuse the people who are seeking reform of sexual assault laws of participating in an "outrage machine." Of being hysterical, emotional, lacking the clear-headedness to consider the facts.
But it's the people who object to the reform who are turning feverish and irrational. They're writing from "understanding" rather than research. It's not hard to find real, hard reporting about college mishandling of sexual assault. These guys should try reading those stories and see if that reduces their defensive foaming at the mouth.


text:
Cheekys Original ~ Hunters Heart on Teal Unisex Tee
100% Ring-Spun Cotton (Ring-spun cotton is thicker cotton that is more durable and will last longer, it means it has been through a spinning process that softens and straightens each fiber.)
All images & designs are copyrighted & we have worked very hard to make them. Please feel free to use our images for social media & sharing, but please give credit when doing so.


text:
STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma absorbed more than $400 million in losses in 2012 due to the ongoing drought, according to estimates by researchers at Oklahoma State University.
The estimated $426,125,520 in losses include crops and livestock, as well as two new measures, wildfire property losses and municipal costs. Combined with last year's $1.6 billion setback, the state has suffered more than $2 billion in drought-related agricultural losses since 2011.
"From the crops and livestock perspectives, there were much lower impacts this year that don't necessarily speak to the severity of the drought," said Dave Shideler, OSU Cooperative Extension economist for economic development. "Conditions were still very severe, and farmers and ranchers will need to continue to be careful about the ways they manage their land and herds."
The estimated losses for the 2012 drought in Oklahoma are:
Crops (hay, alfalfa, soybeans, cotton and grain sorghum) – $239,299,520
Livestock (lost pasture production, fewer winter stockers) – $157,109,000
Wildfire property loss – $27,299,000
Municipalities – $2,418,000
The estimates were generated using the most recently available U.S. Department of Agriculture – National Agricultural Statistics Service data. Wildfire losses and municipal costs were estimated based on feedback provided by Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service county educators.
Shideler said a number of factors contributed to this year's lower loss estimates in spite of spreading drought conditions affecting the Great Plains and much of the western portion of the United States.
The biggest difference from last year to this year was the historically high rate of herd liquidation in 2011.
Also, moisture from winter weather resulted in good pasture land that cut down on the need for supplemental feed because of smaller herds.
A third factor came in the timing of a flash drought, a heightened drought over a short period of time, that hit Oklahoma in June and July, giving producers the chance to haul in strong wheat and early spring soybean harvests.
"What got impacted in terms of crops were summer crops such as summer soybeans, hay, alfalfa, cotton and sorghum," Shideler said.
Two new figures added to this year's estimates reflect costs associated with wildfire property loss and municipal expenditures for activities such as removing and replacing landscaping. Those calculations, which accounted for about $30 million combined, were captured through a new survey that researchers anticipate will be administered three times a year going forward.
"County Extension educators are helping us collect this data, and we believe the feedback will give us a clearer idea of the extended impact of the drought," said Shideler. "We know there aren't just farmgate issues associated with the drought, but there are some broader impacts as well."
The 2012 drought loss estimates were shared publicly at the Oklahoma Water Research Symposium Nov. 13 in Tulsa.
For more information on drought management resources, visit www.beefextension.com.
Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
Leilana McKindra
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
140 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-6792
Fax: 405-744-5739
Email: [email protected]
Read more http://www.dasnr.okstate.edu/Members/trisha.gedon-40okstate.edu/drought-losses-in-ok-top-400-million-for-2012


text:
Zion Williamson is back for a rematch in the Sweet 16 against one of the four teams the Blue Devils lost to this year.
Duke gets Virginia Tech on Friday night in the NCAA Tournament, a team that beat the Blue Devils in February. That game was played without Duke's flying freshman, and R.J. Barrett played sick.
Virginia Tech has victories against Duke in each of the past three seasons, and won't be intimidated by the tournament's No. 1 overall seed.
"I don't think we're excited for the moment," Virginia Tech point guard Justin Robinson said. "I think it's just another game for us. And I think we're going to be ready for whatever is going to come for us to end the game."
The rematch in the East Region semifinals will certainly have a different feel.
Duke (31-5) is the bracket's No. 1 overall seed and playing in its 25th Sweet 16 under coach Mike Krzyzewski after beating Syracuse and surviving UCF. Williamson is healthy and dominating again following his knee-spraining shoe blowout.
No. 4 seed Virginia Tech (25-8) got Robinson (foot) back just in time to beat Saint Louis for its first NCAA Tournament in 12 years and reached the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1967 with a victory over Liberty.
"We should know based on the history of March Madness that it doesn't matter what the ranking is," Williamson said. "The game is completely different. It's different stakes now."
Outlaw is expected to play after being charged with possession of marijuana because of an incident at his residence while he was with the team in in San Jose, California, during the first weekend of the tournament. Coach Buzz Williams says Outlaw took a drug test after the team learned of his arrest and it came back negative.
POINT GUARD SHOWDOWN: The NCAA Tournament had a superb point guard duel in the opening round between Murray State's Ja Morant and Marquette's Markus Howard.
Another one comes Friday in the East Region, when LSU's Tremont Waters squares off against Michigan State's Cassius Winston City.
Winston was the Big Ten player of the year, averages 18.9 points per game and was third nationally with 7.5 assists.
Waters was the SEC co-defensive player of the year after finishing third nationally with 2.97 steals per game. He averages 15 points and 5.9 assists per game. He also hit the winning shot with 1.6 seconds left to lift the Tigers over Maryland in their NCAA opener.
"That's what we play for — to go out there and play against the best, but you can't get caught in the individual," Winston said. "He does a lot for his team, I do a lot for my team. If we're winning, there's a pretty good chance that we're playing well for our team."
WASHINGTON'S STATUS: Kentucky won its first two NCAA Tournament games despite playing without PJ Washington due to a foot injury.
The second-seeded Wildcats still don't know if their sophomore forward will be able to play against Houston in the Midwest Region semifinal Friday in Kansas City.
"I feel good," Washington said. "It's just about going out there and seeing if I can do stuff on the court. I haven't put any pressure on it yet."
Washington is a key cog for a Kentucky team trying to reach the Elite Eight for the seventh time in 10 years. He averages 14.8 points and 7.5 rebounds, is an adept passer and is a leader for a young team.
"We're a very different team without him," Kentucky forward Reid Travis said.
TIGERS AND HEELS: Friday's South Region game between top-seeded North Carolina and No. 5 Auburn should be the polar opposite of the low-scoring games Thursday night.
The Tar Heels (29-6) and Tigers (28-9) like to play fast. As in look away from your TV and you might miss a basket — or three.
North Carolina averages 14.6 seconds per offensive position, fifth-fewest nationally, and is third in Division I with 86 points per game.
Fast and effective.
"They're faster than anybody we've played against," Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said.
Auburn has hit the fourth-most 3-pointers in Division I history with 421 and uses its pressure defense to create waves of baskets in transition. Kansas found out the hard way how quickly the Tigers can get rolling, falling behind 17 points before the first half was halfway over.
"It's kind of weird because you think about getting back in transition, (you) think about protecting the basket," North Carolina's Kenny Williams said. "They like to run to the 3-point line and get those 3s in transition. You've got to make some adjustments."
One thing's for sure: it's going to be fun to watch.
More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/MarchMadness and http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25


text:
Republicans Push Constitutional Amendment as Part of Debt Deal
Congressional leaders want to require a balanced budget
Perhaps as an antidote to his decision not to sign the "Cut, Cap, and Balance" pledge circulating among Republicans in both chambers, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) teamed with the congressman leading the charge in a USA Today op-ed to advocate support of the balanced budget amendment, which the House will vote on Wednesday.
Obama-Boehner 2012?
A Closer Look at Bachmann's Past as a Tax Lawyer
How Baseball Explains the Debt Ceiling
Conceding the historical unlikelihood of successfully amending the 223-year-old Constitution (there have only been 27 amendments), Cantor and Republican Study Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) argue that because amendments require passage of two-thirds of the House and Senate and three-fourths of the states, "successful amendments tend to stay in place. Only one, Prohibition, has ever been repealed.
"The moral of this story is clear," they write. "Anyone who hopes to rein in the debt and make Washington live within its means should support amending the Constitution to require a balanced budget."
Though Jordan has emerged at the front line of the "Cut, Cap, and Balance" pledge -- which holds signers to opposing any debt-ceiling increase unless it is accompanied by "substantial" spending cuts, federal spending caps, and a balanced budget amendment -- Cantor and House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) have refused to sign for fear of being bound by either side's conditions.
But both Cantor and Boehner have publicly promoted passage of a balanced budget amendment, and though it's still likely to fall short of the necessary votes, Democrats -- in a scurry to shore up the massive disparity between their budget preferences and Republicans' before the August 2 deadline hits -- see political incentive to OK it: If it passes, the GOP will be much more inclined to strike a deal that includes a debt-ceiling boost.
In an appearance Wednesday on CBS's Early Show, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C), tea party favorite and one of 12 senators to have signed the "Cut, Cap, and Balance" pledge, confirmed that Republicans hope to use the amendment as leverage over their budget stalemate with Democrats.
"This idea that Republicans will not vote to increase the debt limit is wrong," DeMint said. "We're going to introduce a plan that would give the president an increase in the debt limit, but it's contingent on cutting and capping spending over several years and giving the states the opportunity to decide if we're going to balance our budget sometime in the next decade. It's a very reasonable proposal, and I think you'll see that coming out of the House over the next few days."
Image credit: Molly Riley/Reuters


text:
Let's travel to my favorite place in the world…Paris. An infrared view of the Eiffel Tower. Its been a while since my last visit to Paris. I miss crepes and Royales with Cheese!
Peter Talke Photography Settings:
Camera: Nikon D70S (Converted to Infrared)
Infrared Conversion: D70S modified by LifePixel
Lens: Nikon 18-200 f/3.6-5.6
Setting: Aperture Mode
Focal Length: 24.0 mm
Exposure: 1/60 second
Aperture: f/25
Gear: Tripod
Post Process: Adobe CS6, onOne Software Perfect B&W


text:
Who Was "Smiling" During Christie's Traffic Jam? A Jersey Mystery
Three days after the release of dozens of emails and text messages implicating key aides of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in a crackpot scheme to deliberately engineer a traffic jam in Fort Lee, New Jersey, a very interesting puzzle remains unsolved. Who, exactly, texted David Wildstein, Christie's high school classmate and close aide, that he or she was "smiling" about the Fort Lee traffic jam (but also felt bad about schoolchildren affected by it)?
Critics latched onto the quote—"Is it wrong that I'm smiling?"—like few others contained in the initial leak. Yet in both the messages published on Wednesday and today's document dump, the identity of the author remains redacted. And during testimony on Thursday, Wildstein refused to disclose the author's name. How strange! Maybe you can help us.
This particular mystery flew a bit under the radar due to the unclear purpose of the redactions, and an initial disagreement between two top outlets about whether the identity was implied by other messages.
The Record, which broke the story, noted in its first report that the identity of Wildstein's interlocutor "is not clear because the documents are partially redacted for unknown reasons." The New York Times, by contrast, changed its story several times. The paper initially attributed the "Is it wrong that I'm smiling" question to Wildstein, and the following response ("No") to Christie's deputy chief of staff, Bridget Kelly. Following several inquiries from Gawker—did the Times have another source?—the Times appended a lengthy correction:
Because of an editing error, an earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Bridget Anne Kelly was texting with David Wildstein about children being late to school as a result of the lane closures. The documents are redacted and who was texting with Mr. Wildstein is not identified. The article also rendered the attribution for the quotes incorrectly. The unidentified person said, "Is it wrong that I am smiling?" And Mr. Wildstein responded, "No," and then added, "They are the children of Buono voters."
So: Who was Wildstein texting with? We recently heard that the rumor going around New Jersey's political scene is that he was texting with Kevin O'Dowd, Christie's 41-year-old chief of staff at the time the messages were exchanged. Christie nominated O'Dowd for the state's attorney general in early December, and hearings for his appointment begin next week.
Post your own theories, and inspect the messages in question, below. Those seeking more discretion can email me at email@example.com
Update, January 12, 2014: Ryan Lizza of The New Yorker found convincing evidence, in the 1,000+ pages released by the New Jersey Legislature on Friday, that Wildstein was texting with ex-deputy chief of staff Bridget Kelly:
Here's the evidence for Bridget Kelly being the person on the other end of these infamous Wildstein texts: pic.twitter.com/TNv6M1I1ll
— Ryan Lizza (@RyanLizza) January 11, 2014
On 9/17, when Wildstein writes, "Please let me know instructions," we now know he's texting Christie's Bridget Kelly pic.twitter.com/BdXFbQ70Kk
— Ryan Lizza (@RyanLizza) January 11, 2014
And here's final bit of evidence it's Bridget Kelly: pic.twitter.com/5XomaLkSJw
— Ryan Lizza (@RyanLizza) January 11, 2014


text:
Vontobel Asset Management Asia Pacific Ltd.
1901 Gloucester Tower, The Landmark15 Queen's Road Central
HK - Hong Kong
- Phone:
- +852 3655 3990
Important note: Vontobel Group would like to alert its customers and the public about fraudulent websites that indicate that Vontobel has a business establishment or representation in Mainland China. Neither Vontobel Group nor Vontobel Wealth Management (Hong Kong) Ltd in particular have any business establishment or representation in Mainland China. Vontobel declines any liability and takes no responsibility for the malpractice of hyperlinks and the content of fraudulent websites.


text:
Guest blog post by Anna M. Gomez, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and Deputy Administrator, NTIA
This week construction began on a fiber-optic network that will bring broadband Internet service to more than 120 communities in western and north central Massachusetts. Thanks in large part to a $45.4 million Recovery Act investment from NTIA, the project will help residents and businesses in these underserved parts of the state to better compete in today's knowledge-based economy.
On Tuesday, I joined state and local officials, members of the project team at the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (a state-created organization that is our grantee), businesses, and others in the community to discuss the initiative, called MassBroadband 123. It will deploy broadband service to nearly 1,400 community anchor institutions, including schools, community colleges, libraries, healthcare providers, and public safety facilities – like the Sandisfield Fire Station where we met, and whose fire chief has emphasized the importance of up-to-date technology for keeping residents safe.
The project estimates they will create hundreds of jobs to build the network, but there are also longer-term economic benefits. For example, as a Sandisfield city councilman explained, the town has lost many residents to other locations where broadband, and more jobs, exist. High-speed Internet will enable residents to stay in town while working in the global market. Small businesses in western Massachusetts will be able to access consumers across the U.S. and around the world. Doctors in rural communities will also be able to connect with top specialists, whether they're in Boston, Baton Rouge, or Bangalore. And students will have access to classrooms in the world's best colleges. (No wonder there were even children in the crowd holding signs that read, "Broadband Rocks!")
At the close of the gathering, in a twist on the traditional ribbon-cutting, Governor Deval Patrick commemorated the start of construction by splicing a fiber optic cable. I was very impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication of the staff and the Massachusetts leadership, and I congratulate them on this important milestone.
Comments Closed
Due to increased spam, comments have been closed on this content. If you wish to comment about the content, we encourage you to email email@example.com.


text:
Story highlights
NEW: Obama and Netanyahu meet at the White House
NEW: Diplomatic overtures between the U.S. and Iran are a key topic
NEW: Both leaders say Iran's words must be backed up by actions
The relationship between Obama and Netanyahu has been strained
President Barack Obama once again finds himself in the middle of a high-stakes, tension-fraught meeting with a key leader from the Middle East.
Must be Monday.
Just days after a historic phone call with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, the U.S. president met with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, at the White House late Monday morning.
The relationship between Obama and Netanyahu has been one of the more strained in the history of the two nations. Obama has come under criticism from some Israelis for what they perceive as a lack of enthusiasm toward pro-Israeli policies and interests.
In March, Obama made his first visit to Israel as president, a charm offensive to reassure Israelis that the United States is committed to its security.
On Monday, Obama said he has a "good working relationship" with Netanyahu, and he didn't mince words when talking about U.S. support of Israel.
"Our unshakeable bond with the Israel people is stronger than ever," he said. "Our commitment to Israel's security is stronger than ever."
But beyond the handshakes and smiles the two leaders shared while talking to reporters about their meeting, this week will be a test of how they can work together.
Poll: Most in U.S. favor negotiations with Iran over nukes
Both leaders said the new diplomatic overtures between the United States and Iran were a key topic for them on Monday.
As he boarded his flight to the United States for his meeting with Obama and his appearance at the U.N. General Assembly, Netanyahu threw cold water on the developments.
"I will tell the truth in the face of the sweet talk and the onslaught of smiles," he said. "One must talk facts, and one must tell the truth."
After his meeting with Obama, Netanyahu seemed to strike a more accepting tone while stressing that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons is "the most important challenge" that both nations face.
"I appreciate deeply the fact that you have made clear that you remain committed to this goal. I also appreciate the statement you made that Iran's conciliatory words have to be met by real actions – transparent, verifiable, meaningful actions," he said. "Iran is committed to Israel's destruction, so for Israel, the ultimate test of a future agreement with Iran is whether or not Iran dismantles its military nuclear program. … That's the bottom line."
Netanyahu said sanctions against Iran should continue and even strengthen if Iran continues to advance its nuclear program during negotiations.
"If diplomacy is to work, those pressures should be kept in place. And I think they should not be lessened until there's verifiable success," he said.
Obama said that if Iran wants sanctions relief, it will have to meet "the highest standards of verifications."
"It is absolutely clear that words are not sufficient," Obama said. "We have to have actions that give the international community confidence that, in fact, they are meeting their international obligations fully and that they are not in a position to have a nuclear weapon."
In the latest indication of Tehran's new approach to relations with Washington, Iran's Fars News Agency reported that Rouhani wants to establish direct flights between Iran and the United States.
The news agency cited the head of the High Council of Iranian Affairs Abroad, Akbar Torkan, as saying that Rouhani had instructed him to look into how to establish direct flights between the two countries.
Over the weekend, Israel said it arrested an Iranian-born man and accused him of spying for Tehran.
According to the Israeli government, the alleged spy was carrying photos of various sites, including the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv.
Obama focuses foreign policy on Iran and Middle East peace talks
CNN's Leslie Bentz reported from Washington. CNN's Catherine E. Shoichet reported from Atlanta. CNN's Sara Mazloumsaki contributed to this report.


text:
Baseball's most acclaimed relief pitcher made an emotional exit in his final appearance in the Yankees' home pinstripes, when captain Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte came to the mound to remove him with two outs in the ninth inning of a 4-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday night.
"It's time to go," Jeter appeared to tell Rivera.
During four minutes of thunderous chanting from the sellout crowd 48,675 began, an overcome Rivera sobbed as he buried his head on the shoulder of Pettitte, who also is retiring when the season ends Sunday, and then hugged Jeter.
It was an extraordinary sight in a sport where a manager almost always goes to the mound to make a pitching change.


text:
Films with multiple narratives can be hit or miss. Producer Alejandro González Iñárritu's 2006 film Babel, for instance, left me wanting to fast-forward the other two plots to see what happened in the Japanese storyline. But González Iñárritu's new film Mother and Child, written and directed by Rodrigo García, is a successful example of illustrating three separate yet intertwining narratives that are equally intriguing, comical and captivating. Each story reveals the heartache and joys of motherhood while focusing on the life-changing effects of adoption.
Annette Bening, Naomi Watts and Kerry Washington head the all-star cast, which includes Samuel L. Jackson and Jimmy Smits. Bening plays Karen, a 51-year-old single woman with a harsh exterior who cares for her ailing mother and works as a nurse. She gave birth at age 14 to a baby girl and signed custody over to her mother, who then gave it up for adoption. Now grown up, Elizabeth, a 37-year-old successful lawyer played by Watts, fears commitment, demands sexual control and is hardened by her unstable upbringing. She has affairs with her boss Paul (Jackson) and a neighbor whose wife is with child. The sex scene between Elizabeth and Paul shows her need for sexual domination by instructing him not to move, telling him when to come and rewarding him like a dog by saying, "Good boy, Paul. Good boy."
There is also Lucy (Washington) whose infertility, combined with pressure from her husband, takes her to a Catholic adoption agency. She meets Ray (Shareeka Epps), a fiery college senior, who is six-months pregnant. Ray has already turned down several couples who have not lived up to her long list of expectations. Lucy seems to fit the mold until a day after the birth, when Ray decides to keep her baby, leaving Lucy heartbroken. But in Garcia's world, everything happens for a reason, and it turns out that one woman's loss is another's gain.
The psychological drain is lightened by bursts of humor between Bening and Smits. Smits plays Paco, Karen's new co-worker and eventual love interest, who compliments her roughness with patience and honesty. Washington's performance as an intelligent, self-deprecating one-woman show also adds comic relief to an otherwise emotionally exhausting adoption process. Elizabeth, too, finds comfort in humor when she partakes in witty repartee with her blind teenage neighbor Violet (Britt Robertson) during an accidental rooftop rendezvous.
The film is an Almodovar-esque melodrama that explores the physical and emotional bonds between mothers and children. Each woman eventually learns that neither blood connections nor time spent matters in the process of motherhood, but that motherhood is achieved by letting your guard down and embracing life in all forms.
Mother and Child hits select theaters May 7th, 2010.
Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classic.


text:
Google Experiments is an A/B testing tool that is available within Google Analytics interface. This post is not about what A/B testing is, why you should conduct A/B tests and what other tools are available but really to make a case for using Google Analytics as your testing platform. I am not getting paid to write this or have any affiliation with Google. This post is in response to a question I received from a reader of my blog.
- Free –There is absolutely no cost for the Tool. You can't beat Free, it is a great way to start with A/B testing and learn about how testing works. I strongly recommend that you try this tool before moving to more sophisticated paid tools. Additionally, if you are just trying to make a case for Testing within your organization then cost does become a barrier and this tools removes that barrier.
- Easy To Setup – Easy to use wizard allows you to choose the pages to test and setup test parameters.
- Easy Implementation – Once you are done with setting up (point 2 above) the page(s) you want to test, you have to implement some code on your site. It may sound daunting but that code is very easy to implement. Google provide you the code after your setup is done and all you have to do is stick that on your pages. Since you already have Google Analytics installed, you are already half way through. Easy setup makes it easy for you to cross the IT/development team barrier.
- Setting up Objective– If you have already defined the Goals in Google Analytics, you can use them as the objective of your test. During your setup you can pick a goal that you have already defined in Google Analytics as your desired optimization objective. If you have not defined them already then you can quickly define them while setting up your test.
- Segments – Many tools just gives you the final results based on the data of entire population or based on some predefined segments. In case of Google Experiments, you can pick Segments that you have defined in Google Analytics and see how each variation is performing for each of your segment. Since not all segments behave in similar fashion this kind of analysis helps you drive even more conversion by understanding which variation of your pages(s) work better for which segments.


text:
MN Power gets more time to shut coal plants
Duluth-based Minnesota Power will get more time before it has to make a decision about closing three of its oldest coal-fired power plants.
The Public Utilities Commission decided Thursday to wait until next year when the company files its resource plan.
Minnesota Power says it needs more time to study the reliability and socioeconomic implications of closing the plants, which are located in the Iron Range town of Aurora and in Taconite Harbor on Lake Superior.
The state energy office and environmental groups had hoped the PUC would order the company to close the plants.
MPR News is Member Supported
What does that mean? The news, analysis and community conversation found here is funded by donations from individuals. Make a gift of any amount today to support this resource for everyone.
J. Drake Hamilton, with the group Fresh Energy, says there's no reason to wait.
"There is overwhelming analytical support and lots of public input that continuing to operate those 50 and 60-year-old coal plants, that are very dirty, isn't in the public interest for economic reasons and health reasons," said Hamilton.
The company is the first of several Minnesota utilities directed by the PUC to look at closing older coal plants.
Rochester's utility board decided earlier this week to close its old coal plant.


text:
How To: Plant a Bush or Shrub
As a boon to your backyard landscaping or curb appeal, you can plant a bush the right way in only a couple of hours—no special tools or techniques required.
Available in countless varieties, bushes add depth and diversity to the landscape, whether they are fruit- or flower-bearing, evergreen or deciduous. Use them to define borders, frames, or fences—the choice is yours. But to ensure the health of your shrubbery, make sure you understand how to plant a bush properly.
Choose a location for your bush, keeping in mind that like most ornamental plants, shrubbery requires well-draining soil. How do you know whether or not there is good soil drainage in the location you're considering? Try this method of finding out:
- Dig a hole one foot wide and one foot deep.
- Fill the hole with water and wait for it to drain completely.
- Fill the hole again, then wait half an hour.
- Now use a ruler to measure how much water has drained.
The ideal soil drains at a rate of one or two inches per hour. So if anywhere between a half inch and one inch of water has drained within 30 minutes, congratulations! You've found a great place to plant a bush. Of course, it may be necessary to test a few parts of your property before a suitable spot is found.
Generally, higher ground has better drainage; focus on the most elevated parts of your landscape. But know that if your heart is set on a particular area prone to slow drainage, you can encourage the process by tilling a radius of soil as wide as fifteen feet around the place where you'd like to plant.
You've found the perfect location to plant a bush? Terrific. At this stage, it's wise to get a grip on how much space your shrubbery will occupy at full growth. Find out the mature size of your shrub species, then dig holes to mark out its dimensions in relation to preexisting plantings, fences, and buildings.
Site Readying
There are three types of shrub preparations on the market today:
- container-grown
- balled and burlapped
- bare root.
The process for planting each is slightly different. Organize your tools and supplies in advance so that once you begin, the roots don't have a chance to dry out during their transfer from wrapping to soil. If your plant is very large or heavy, enlist the help of another person to move it safely, with no injury to yourself or damage to the bush.
Plant bare-rooted bushes in late fall, once the shrub has gone dormant (around early November), or wait until early spring, before new growth develops.
Technically, container-grown or balled and burlapped shrubs can be planted any time, but they tend to fare better if installed on the same schedule as bare-rooted selections.
If you decide to plant any shrubbery in late spring or summer, success depends on your vigilance in watering the newly planted bush.
Different holes are suggested for planting shrubbery with different root preparations.
Container-grown or balled and burlapped.
Dig a hole two or three times as wide and deep as the earth ball. Flatten the soil at the bottom of the hole, or slightly raise it in the middle, to promote drainage. The sides of the hole should be sloped slightly outward. The root ball, once inserted, should either sit flush with the top of the hole or rise a couple of inches above it.
Bare root.
A few hours before planting, begin soaking the roots of your bare-rooted bush. Meanwhile, dig a hole roughly equivalent to the depth of the soil in which the shrub was originally planted (nursery instructions may indicate this, or you can estimate from the soil mark on the trunk). It's crucial to avoid planting too far down, as doing so blocks oxygen from reaching the roots. Build a slight cone shape at the bottom-center of the hole, and make sure the hole is wide enough to accommodate the shrub's spreading roots.
Setting the Bush
Handle the plant by its root area, as damage may result from grasping the stem. Set the plant gently into the hole in order to test its depth; make any necessary adjustments at this point, either removing some more soil or adding a little back in. Orient the plant so that its most beautiful side faces out.
If you're working with a balled and burlapped plant, there's no need to completely remove the burlap, unless it has been treated or is made of vinyl. So long as the burlap is biodegradable, you only need to peel it back from the trunk. However, remember to take off any plastic, wood, or wire still attached to the shrub.
If your container-grown bush has tightly coiled roots, now is the time to use your hands or a knife to loosen and separate them. Bare-rooted bushes do best if you spread the roots over the cone shape already formed along the bottom of the planting hole.
- Use soil removed to make the hole to fill half the excavated area around the plant.
- Pour water over the dirt to eliminate air pockets and help the roots settle.
- Add the remainder of the soil, tamping it down as you go to keep the plant stable and upright.
- Finally, shovel on a layer of topsoil.
- Water again.
Fertilizing newly planted bushes is not generally advised, as roots be established in order for fertilizer to be effective. That said, recommendations do vary, depending on the shrub and its preparation and the time of year in which you are planting, so the wise course is to follow the grower's specifications.
Apply a three-inch layer of mulch over the topsoil. Mulch helps maintains moisture and helps insulate the roots from temperature fluctuations.
As soon as you finish planting a bush, water it thoroughly. Set and follow a regular watering pattern from that point forward. Again, consult the grower's instructions, as how much and how often you water the shrub will vary based on what and when you are planting.


text:
The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette. Larger version here.
You can tell a lot about aesthetics just by looking.
Of course, there's no way to judge whether you're always right or not. For instance, I have a strong conviction that I can almost always tell when a painting was made from a photograph. I have no good or easy way to test that conviction, though. Is my confidence on that score to some extent self-delusion?
It's possible. I just don't think so.
So here's what I think about the newly-introduced Corvette: it looks to me like what happens when an inherently conservative, cautious, committee-based, buttoned-down corporation tackles a project for which the design brief is to create something flamboyant, adventurous, ambitious and individualistic.
The result—not great, not completely terrible—has a decidedly "too many cooks" look about it. Two things I'd lay money on: there was more than one stylist in on the project, and none of the stylists involved were completely happy with the result.
No way to test that, of course.
But you can tell a lot just by looking.
Original contents copyright 2013 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved. Links in this post may be to our affiliates; sales through affiliate links may benefit this site.
(To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below.)
Featured Comments from:
richardplondon: "I believe I know the name of the designer: Alan Smithee."
MarkB: "'An inherently conservative, cautious, committee-based, buttoned-down corporation tackles a project for which the design brief is to create something flamboyant, adventurous, ambitious and individualistic.' Having worked with automotive designers and styling studios for the past decade, I can confirm that you've just described the way design is handled at nearly every major car manufacturer. There will always be the occasional 'risky venture' like the original Ford Taurus, the New Beetle, or the 'Bentley' redesign of the Chrysler 300, but 90% of the cars we see on the road are produced as you describe. Even the outlandish, 'way off the mark' vehicles, like the Nissan Juke or Pontiac Aztek, would've been better if the non-designer executives could trust their designers to do their jobs. Of course, everyone with two eyes and a mouth has to 'help.'"
m3photo: "What were they thinking? In short: the Asian market."
Hélcio J. Tagliolatto: "Car design (and haute cuisine) are those rare instances when Americans must learn from Europeans."
Hugh Crawford: "Running boards? It looks like a Chris Bangle restyle of a Dirt Devil. And really, running boards? Really?"
Mike replies: That "looks like" line made me laugh.
Gene Baucom: "As a 'stylist' and graduate of Art Center who worked for GM both in the U.S. and Australia, I can assure you that no car is the result of a single designer. Not ever. Designers come up with concepts. Design managers takes parts of those concepts and mix them up into a concept of their own. Clay models are created. The old men with gray hair and expensive suits arrive. They often make suggestions: 'I like the front end of that one, but the back end of the other one.' Or 'it needs to be more swoopy,' or 'If we expect to see this for $60k it needs more chrome.' Not to mention the carefully selected focus groups, and that everything is designed on computers by people who couldn't find a spark plug if their life depended on it.
"It's not good or bad, just the way the industry works."


text:
Defense attorney says Keith Luke was 'cold as ice'
The 22-year-old woman lay face down on the snow-covered sidewalk, bleeding profusely and barely moving.
Joaquin Lopes saw Selma Goncalves on that winter morning in 2009, stopped his truck and tried to help. That's when he said he came face-to-face with Keith Luke, who is accused of the rampage on Jan. 21, 2009, during which three people were savagely attacked in Brockton. Two died.
Lopes recalled the events in Brockton Superior Court on Thursday, during the first day of testimony in Luke's murder trial. Lopes, appearing as a witness for the prosecution, said as he tried to help the wounded woman, Luke appeared and began shooting at him.
Luke, driving a dark-colored van, backed out of an adjacent driveway and began firing at Lopes and other bystanders. Several had also stopped to help Goncalves, who died from her wounds.
"You see the muzzle pointing straight at you," Lopes testified. "I moved pretty fast."
Lopes later pointed and identified Luke as the gunman.
He was among five witnesses who testified Thursday in the trial of Luke, now 26, who is accused of carrying out a hate-filled plan, killing two people and raping and critically injuring another before a car chase and shootout with police that had bystanders ducking for cover in a crosstown chase.
A self-proclaimed white supremacist who once came to court with a swastika etched into the skin of his forehead, Luke smirked and laughed during opening statements by Assistant District Attorney Frank Middleton on Thursday. Luke appeared in court wearing a white T-shirt, green prison pants and manacles, but court officers removed the restraints when statements began.
Luke's attorney, Joseph Krowski Jr., told the all-white jury – eight men and eight women, including four alternates – that Luke, then 22, "was not criminally responsible for the acts he perpetrated upon those people."
Claiming insanity, Krowski outlined a life of mental illness for Luke. Krowski said Luke obsessed about drawing death scenes growing up and saw more than 30 mental health workers during several stints at hospitals during his teenage years.
"They warned of Jan. 21, 2009," Krowski said about psychologists who saw Luke. "They warned that it would happen."
The defense and prosecution both graphically described the horrific attacks four years ago.
"In a vile and cold, dispassionate and despicable manner" Luke raped one of the victims, Krowski said of his client.
He went on to describe Luke as "cold as ice" when he pointed the gun at a second victim and "killed her in cold blood." That victim was Selma Goncalves, 22, of Clinton Street.
"He drove down the street not a care in the world, cool, calm and collected," Krowski said about Luke before he shot a third victim in the face.
That was Arlindo Goncalves, 72, who is not related to Selma Goncalves.
All three victims are of Cape Verdean descent.
Middleton, the prosecutor, said Luke had spent more than six months planning his murderous rampage on that day.
"He had packed his black van with all the tools of torture and murder he would need," Middleton told jurors.
Holding a handgun that Luke is accused of using during his killing spree, Middleton described a graphic and brutal rape – at gunpoint – of a third gunshot victim who survived. The prosecutor then held up handcuffs, among other pieces of evidence used during the crime.
"The evidence will show that he was a sexually frustrated and angry young man bent on revenge, and that he had been planning this day for months," Middleton said.
Middleton said Luke, who weighed more than 300 pounds in 2009, gave previous statements that he had been repeatedly rejected by women.
"This sexual frustration began to build and build and with it his rage, so he started to plan," Middleton said.
Luke purchased restraining tools online, including ball gags, handcuffs and blindfolds, and began stockpiling weapons, prosecutors said.
The witnesses who testified Thursday were Samaritans who tried to help Luke's shooting victims that day, prosecutors said.
Angelo Ramos testified that he stopped to help Selma Goncalves as she lay bleeding on the sidewalk. He said he then heard about five or six gunshots.
"I was leaning like this, lifting her up, then I heard the shots, so I just lied down beside her," Ramos said.
Lopes' voice broke as he spoke of seeing Arlindo Goncalves moments after he was fatally shot in the head.
Luke "tore his last shot" into the elderly man as he pushed a carriage full of cans, Lopes testified.
Goncalves stumbled, Lopes said.
"I slowed down, asked him if he's OK. He didn't respond," Lopes said.
Maureen Pert testified that she was driving on Clinton Street when she saw a woman, Selma Goncalves, on the street bleeding, and a man trying to help her. She said she stopped and got out of her car to help.
Then the bullets came.
"I hit the ground ... I panicked. I was scared to death," Pert said. "I thought I had been shot."
Testimony was to continue today in a trial expected to last about three weeks.
Maria Papadopoulos may be reached at email@example.com or follow on Twitter @MariaP_ENT.
READ MORE about this issue.


text:
Alan Brownjohn
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Alan Brownjohn (born 28 July 1931) is an English poet and novelist.
- Following daily such a dread-
ful trade to earn a living,
With every second on that cliff
So cruel and unforgiving,
- Is fine - as long as no one comes
And asks us what we do there...
We'd have to say, Without our toil,
Just who would know it grew there?
- The Cat Without E-Mail (2001).
- At dawn, a railwaywoman
On a country platform whirls on the end of a chain
An irrelevant key, while a young guard makes to wipe
A crumb from her lapel; and see, she smiles
A permissory smile you take in from your corner seat:
A cameo of unrehearsed perfection.
- The Old Flea-Pit (1987).
External links[edit]
- Alan Brownjohn - Poetry Archive website
- Enitharmon Press website


text:
Every once in a while I think I catch a glimpse of Buddha nature. Actually, it is more of a feeling than an actual sighting. In other words, any "aha-moment" vanishes the moment the recognition is mine. I suspect that is how it always is with Buddha nature.
Even the term, Buddha nature, is known by many other names. For me, it is the eternal aspect of existence–energy vibrating in infinite dimensions and form as matter and anti-matter—creating a background of immutable harmony so that we are able to live our lives with choice.
The reason everything looks beautiful is because it is out of balance, but its background is always in perfect harmony.
This is how everything exists in the realm of Buddha nature, losing its balance against a background of perfect balance.
~Shunryu Suzuki~
Suzuki's description is a familiar one on this blog, as I have cited it many times. For me, it is the essence of the feeling I get whenever I sense Buddha nature. No matter the definition or description, the idea of a balanced background against the days of our lives means we always have options.
For me, Buddha nature is what I am and have been from my inception, the blank canvas that was me at birth. If I look closely at this painting that is my life, its background is in perfect balance, allowing me to lose and regain myself moment after moment.
Dates and years frame the triptych of my past, present, and future. I am the artist's brush, swirling with the color of every choice, stroke after stroke on the canvas that is my moment in Buddha nature. Its balanced background—the context of my life—absorbs the outcome of each moment that is my life.
Buddha nature does not allow me to slide through my life unaware or it does. The choice is mine. In any given moment it is up to me how aware I am of my own brush stroke. In mindful moments is when I glimpse Buddha nature.
The moment is hazy at first, floating in and out like any other, yet its rhythm is different, like an undercurrent that absorbs rather than pulls. Maybe this is what synchronicity is; regardless, I am immersed in it. In such a moment, the ending is as uncertain as is the beginning but I am bothered by neither.
Rather, it is like a story that begins with "once upon a time" and ends with ever after and forever. I am confident there is a bridge between the beginning and the end and indifferent to the outcome. Buddha nature has the essence of a rainbow, a bridge to and from and back again.
Only life is in flux, neither ending nor beginning but always being, not a snapping of photographs or a study in stillness but a series of scene changes as the stroke of the artist aligns with change against the constancy of Buddha nature. The painting that is my life is only one scene in the tapestry of existence yet mine mirrors all others in that it is lived.
As I say, every once in a while I think I get a glimpse.


text:
Josh Willingham Laying Down The Hammer in D.C.
By Tommy Rancel //
When the Nationals acquired Josh Willingham and Scott Olsen from the Marlins in exchange for Emilio Bonifacio and a pair of minor leaguers before the 2009 season, it was Olsen who was thought of as the key player in the deal. After all, he was a 24 year-old left-handed starter who had made at least 30 starts in each of the previous three years without a trip to the disabled list.
Willingham was a throw-in perhaps, a soon-to-be 30 year-old serviceable outfielder with some okay offensive numbers. Marlins President of Baseball Operations, Larry Beinfest admitted money was one of the reasons the deal was made as both players were entering their first year of arbitration.
Things turned out a little differently. Although he escaped the DL in Florida, Olsen has been bit by the injury bug in Washington. He has made just 19 starts since the trade – tossing 105.2 innings with a 4-6 record in two seasons. On the other hand, Willingham has become one of the best offensive players in the National League no one is talking about.
After posting a more than respectable slash line (AVG/OBP/SLG) of .260/.367/.496 with 24 home runs, 61 RBI and 70 runs scored in 2009, Willingham is turning in his best work in 2010. The former catcher is hitting a modest .273; however, he is slugging .502, and is getting on-base at a .405 clip. Both would be career highs for a full-season.
Whenever a player has a breakout season beyond the age of 30, some will assume it is a fluke or an outlier. In a lot of cases this is true. That said, Willingham is on a steady four-year OPS incline suggesting that he maybe nearing – or right at – his career peak.
If you are looking for fluke stats – good luck. His batting average on balls in play (BABIP) of .295 is lower than his career .299 number. His ISO (Isolated Power), which indicates raw power by taking slugging percentage and subtracting batting average, is .229, or within 15 points of his career .215 average.
The biggest change for Willingham in 2010 is better plate discipline. He is walking 15.8% of the time (up from 11.5% career), and is striking out slightly less (22.1% in 2010, 23.1% career).
Despite the .907 OPS and a .403 weighted on-base average (wOBA), an advanced metric that measures multiple offensive numbers and is scaled to mirror OBP, "The Hammer" is only owned in 55% of leagues according to hotboxsports.com.
Because of his age and contract status (one more year of arbitration), Willingham could be a trade candidate in both leagues should the Nationals choose to sell. That would make him a slight risk in NL-Only formats. Nevertheless, there is no reason to wait on grabbing him off of waivers – if you're lucky enough – or through a trade in mixed leagues right now.
For more on Josh Willingham and other breakout candidates, check out Bloomberg Sports Fantasy Tools


text:
The annual Venn Festival runs from May 31-June 3 in Bristol, and here is a neat list of all the wonderful acts playing!
Green Gartside, Jason Forrest & His Band, Goodiepal, Dr Joel, KTL (Stephen O'Malley & Pita), Paavoharju/Faust with Colin Porter (Nurse With Wound), A Hawk And A Hacksaw (pictured) with the Hun Hangar Ensemble, Springheel Jack with J Spaceman, Ghostigital, Luke Vibert, Vladislav Delay, Jack Rose, Safety Scissors, Extreme Noise Terror, The One Ensemble Orchestra, Yellow Swans, Lawrence, Maher Shalal Hash Baz, Morningstar, Aufgehoben, Withered Man, Baby Dee, Manyfingers, Silver Pyre, Arrington de Dionsyo, Adrian Orange and the Child Slave Rebellion, Vexkiddy, The Levenshulme Bicycle Orchestra...
Plus there's loads more stuff... art and things that link (and don't) with all the music going on. Fun times.
For more information click to the festival's official site here.


text:
Make Me Think
Lack of communication will kill any relationship. - Doug Kelley
Welcome to the Media Gallery
Home - Albums
Recent Items
Random Items
Recent Comments
In Perfect "ghost woman"...too perfect By Frank Mangabang Apr 13, 2017
In Mel SB7 - Ghost Adventures By Lori Del Rio Sep 08, 2010
Latest Albums
Mars Anomalies (1) By Admin
Earthworms of Ecuador (14) By Admin
Science Related (2) By Admin
Planets & Space (9) By Admin
Just for Fun! (4) By Admin
Cryptozoology (2) By Admin
Miscellaneous (3) By Admin
UFO / Alien Related (19) By Admin
Parapsychology / Hauntings (5) By Admin
EVP's & ITC (1) By Admin


text:
People often equate actors with roles they play, and 10 seasons into "NCIS" some folks think Mark Harmon is Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
"There's an honor, focus and moral dedication that exists between the man, the actor and character," says "NCIS" exec producer-showrunner Gary Glasberg. "Mark's abilities and talent that have brought Gibbs to life. If there's any blurry line between the two, that's because Mark is that good of an actor."
Unlike Gibbs, Harmon's a family man with playful side. Andlike Gibbs, he's a principled man of integrity.
"He was one of the first to say it's our duty, as a family, that when someone's having a bad day we need to carry them through," says co-star Cote de Pablo. "That kind of attitude is very team-oriented."
Harmon's team concept extends beyond cast and exec producers.
"Mark's the kind of guy who's very close to the crew," de Pablo adds. "He never cuts the line. He always goes to the back of the line when he's getting lunch. If someone doesn't have a chair, he's always the first to offer his."
Rocky Carroll, who worked with Harmon 15 years ago on the CBS hospital drama "Chicago Hope," says while Harmon has evolved as an actor and a person over time, much remains the same.
"Guys like Mark tend to hang around for decades because they have this everyman quality that's very relatable," Carroll says. "You get that sense that he's a moral person who lives by his own standards, but has a true sense of right and wrong."
"NCIS" exec producer Charles Johnson says Harmon's work ethic pays off.
"People like Mark amaze me because they work really hard at studying their characters. There's such an ease with him that he makes it look effortless," Johnson says, comparing Harmon's work demeanor to James Garner.
Director Tony Wharmy adds, "He's one of the most committed professional actors I've ever worked with, and I've worked with quite a few; people like John Gielgud and Anthony Hopkins, and Mark's in that category."


text:
Remember me!
Forgot your password ?
Not a member yet?
Keep all your notes, thoughts, ideas and ramblings here. Also you can create links
to other fun things you want to track.
(If you chose your page to be Public, your notebook tab will show)
Organize, capture and share your photos. You can upload any photo or you can link
to your photo albums outside of BB. Currently, you can upload 25 photos or photo albums.(If you chose your page to be Public, your photo tab will show)


text:
Le Mars, Iowa (CNN) - GOP candidate Mitt Romney pledged Saturday to veto any effort by Congress to create a path to citizenship for young adults in the United States illegally.
Romney's declaration was not out of step with previous statements he has made about the issue, but it appeared to be the first time the candidate directly said he would veto a congressionally-backed effort.
– Follow the Ticker on Twitter: @PoliticalTicker
"The question is, if I were elected and Congress were to pass the DREAM Act, would I veto it, and the answer is yes," Romney said in response to a query from the audience of roughly 200 at The Family Table in Le Mars.
The DREAM Act would offer a path to citizenship for minors in the country illegally, providing they served in the armed forces or attended college.
The initiative has not gained enough support to pass Congress despite several attempts.
Romney said Saturday he would support a path to residency - not citizenship - for those who served in the military, but would not support other DREAM Act proposals.
"I'm delighted with the idea that people who come to this country and wish to serve in the military can be given a path to become permanent residents of this country," he said. "For those who come here illegally, the idea of giving them in-state tuition credits or other special benefits I find to be contrary to the idea of a nation of law."
A campaign aide said Romney opposed the DREAM Act provisions which would grant a path to citizenship for people who complete high school and two years of post-secondary education or those which allow states to grant illegal immigrants in-state tuition.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry has come under fire from conservatives for supporting Texas legislation that granted in-state tuition for the children of some illegal immigrants.
The Democratic National Committee released a statement Saturday seizing on the comments.
"Mitt Romney has shown once again that he is out of touch and far to the right of even members of his own party, and that he would not represent the best interest of middle class Americans, those still trying to reach the middle class, and Hispanics in the country," said DNC Senior Advisor for Hispanic Affairs, Juan Sepúlveda.
Both parties are courting Hispanic voters, a growing voting bloc, in the run-up to the 2012 elections.
What alternate reality are the demos living on? Poll after poll shows Americans do not support their efforts to legalize illegal aliens or the so called 'dream' act.
I will not be fooled by slick relaxed fit jeans from old navy.
Ron Paul & Jon Huntsman 2012
Mitt Romney is trying to "out conservative" Rick Perry and Newt Gingrich in threatening to veto The Dream Act.It just proves that he is willing to pander to any group , as usual, to get their vote.Yesterday , his son raised the president's grades and birth certificate, "accidentally"(RIGHT).Whether the GOP likes it or not, Hispanics are now, and will be for generations to come, a numerous, powerful segment of the electorate, and if he and his party know what is good for them, they will stop looking for ways to further alienate them.
Typical Romney, pandering to the right-wing for any vote he can get. What a pathetic excuse for a man.
This guy has figured out that he can say anything, then make a u-turn and still not be held accountable. Hence, once he scales the hurdle of GOP primary, he can sing new tunes on everything. His calculation is that since the so-called conservatives will vote for a "goat" as US president rather than Obama, they will still vote for him if he changes his current extreme views to milder ones to suit the general election. Americans are gullible!!
Get ready teabaggers and Ron Paulbots, he's going to be crammed down your throats. The fix is in.
I guess my concern with all the illegal aliens is if we pass the "Dream Act" are we then telling people it is OK to break our laws because we're going to reward you? And are we telling those who have entered this country in a legal manner that they are stupid? No, on this one, Romney has it right and I'm not a Romney fan. Don't reward bad behavior.
...and the "Who's the most mean spirited candidate?" contest continues.
Next up – Perry, who will suggest firing squads.
Hey Republicans, there may be a division or two of une,ployed old Soviet Union border guards available. That kind of fits your love of outsourcing. Build towers, plant land mines between twenty foot high barbed wire fences, set up floodlights and you've got a hunting camp Uncle dick would love.
Good for Romney, a point in his favor. Politicians in favor of the "Dream act" should be tried for treason.
When will his sons be joining the military?
Romney want have any veto power anyway, because he willl never make it to 1600 Pennsylvannia Blvd.
This moron can never be president. He's so desperate but that's not gonna happen


text:
Apple will not be able to meet demand for the new iPad when it goes on sale later this month, analysts have said.
The company will host an event in San Francisco Wednesday morning , by all signs the launch of its next tablet. According to reports today, Apple will begin selling the new model on March 16.
But as with the iPad 2 and the iPhone 4S last year, experts expect that supply will be out of sync with demand for at least several months after the tablet hits stores.
"They'll face a shortage for a while," said Ezra Gottheil of Technology Business Research today.
"Supplies of the iPad 3 will be tight," agreed Rhoda Alexander, the lead tablet analyst at IHS iSuppli, in an interview last month. "It will be a repeat of 2011."
Last year, Apple admitted its suppliers could not assemble iPad 2 tablets fast enough to meet demand. Four months after the iPad 2's introduction Apple executives said that they were still short of inventory.
"[Although] some SKUs and some countries are at a supply-demand balance, we're still working very hard on the balance of the world," acknowledged Tim Cook, then the chief operating officer and now Apple's CEO, in a July 19, 2011, earnings call with Wall Street analysts.
During the same call, Peter Oppenheimer, Apple's chief financial officer, said iPad inventories remained "well below" the company's target.
It wasn't until part-way through 2011's July-September quarter that iPad supplies met demand, Cook said in a similar earning conference call last October.
Alexander thought that the new iPad would suffer the same fate for five to six months after its introduction, or slightly longer than last year. She attributed the longer stretch to the fact that she -- and other analysts -- expect the company to continue selling the iPad 2 alongside the new device, consuming its share of a finite production capacity.
Both Gottheil and Alexander cited the anticipated higher-resolution screen of the iPad 3 as a major reason for the bottleneck. "Even though it seems now that Apple has had that HD screen in the works for some time -- I think that was behind its huge pre-purchases [last year] -- they still come out at a certain number per minute or hour or day," said Gottheil.
The pre-purchases Gottheil mentioned were disclosed by Apple in January 2011, when Oppenheimer said that Apple had signed agreements with three of its suppliers that obligated it to spend about $3.9 billion "in inventory component prepayments and capital expenditures over a two-year period."
Apple will certainly go into the iPad 3 sales swing with a large inventory -- Gottheil said that the company had about 4 million iPhone 4S smartphones on hand last year when it kicked off sales, and figures that the iPad 3 number will be somewhat smaller -- but it's inevitable that supplies will be short.
"It's an equation to them," Gottheil said. "They have to balance how long they delay the availability [of the new iPad] to build up a sufficient stockpile [for the first round of sales] with having more on hand but waiting longer to launch it."
According to reports by bloggers and reporters , Apple will call the new tablet the "iPad HD" rather than the iPad 3 in a nod to the screen's higher resolution.
Most analysts believe that the new iPad -- whatever it's called -- will sport a screen resolution of 2,048-by-1,536 pixels, or four times the number of pixels as 1024-by-768 resolution of the iPad and iPad 2.
Also today, 9to5Mac.com said that a source who works in an Apple retail store told it that the new iPad would go on sale March 16, or one week from Friday.
That would fit exactly with the timeline of last year's iPad 2, which was unveiled Wednesday, March 2, 2011, and went on sale nine days later on Friday, March 11.
Last year, Apple broke with past practice and did not take online pre-orders for the iPad 2, instead, telling customers that they could purchase the new tablet March 11 at its retail stores, and order one from its online store that same day.
Tomorrow's Apple event is slated to start at 10 a.m. PT, 1 p.m. ET.
Gregg Keizer covers Microsoft, security issues, Apple, Web browsers and general technology breaking news for Computerworld. Follow Gregg on Twitter at @gkeizer , on Google+ or subscribe to Gregg's RSS feed . His email address is firstname.lastname@example.com .
See more by Gregg Keizer on Computerworld.com .
Read more about macintosh in Computerworld's Macintosh Topic Center.


text:
Welcome to my Bonsai Blog.
Over the last few years I have become a fan of following bonsai blogs and I decided to jump in and give one a go for myself. I started this Blog in February 2011.
I have tried over the years to keep records of my bonsai and usually forget to keep them updated, or loose the information when the computer crashes! It dawned on me that a better way would be to keep those records here in the online world were others can also view and share my experiences, successes and mistakes.
Please keep checking in as I will be adding Case Studies to help me keep a record of certain bonsai in my collection. I plan to include a full gallery of my trees through the seasons. In recent months I have been doing my best to add daily blog posts covering, not only my bonsai, but my adventures while out walking and looking for inspiration.
A few years ago I was asked by BBC NI to feature my garden on their new gardening programme called 'Secret Gardens'. I was a tad camera shy, but agreed, and this is what was produced. It took two days of filming and they left out the best bits! It's was filmed in 2006, so is a bit out of date as far as my trees go, but it'll give you an idea what I look like at least.
Feel free to comment on any page, and I would love you to say 'hi' on the guest book if you have liked what you've read.


text:
One-week International Deepening Retreat
A deepening retreat offers the possibility to experience the full effect of Acem Meditation, leading to essential changes in your meditative process and in everyday life.
A deepening retreat is suitable for Acem meditators who already have some experience with long meditations and who want to practise meditations of more than six hours.
Long meditations
A deepening retreat gives you an opportunity for daily long meditations of at least six hours. The retreat will focus on how to enhance your meditation. All activity under the course of the day is designed to stimulate the deeper meditative process.
Guidance groups
The long hours of silence are followed by daily process-oriented guidance groups led by experienced meditation guides, in order to maximise the results of long meditations.
Questions arising from performing long meditations, along with meditative and existential topics will be covered in the evening seminars.
Walk and talk
There will be ample time for walks in the beautiful surrounding areas. Some of the walking time is combined with one-on-one discussions of themes and issues from your meditation.
Daily sessions of basic Acem Yoga have a refreshing effect and facilitate the practice of long meditations.
Typical daily programme
0730 - 0830: Breakfast, exercise
0830 - 1600: Silence for meditation
1600 - 1630: Yoga
1630 - 1700: Pause
1700 - 1900: Process guidance
1900 - 2000: Dinner
2000 - 2130: Seminar
Who may participate?
Deepening retreats are for regular meditators who already have experience from regular weeklong Acem Meditation retreats and who are prepared to participate in the entire retreat.
The venue
Acem International Retreat Centre at Halvorsbøle is situated outside Oslo in beautiful and peaceful surroundings. Most of the rooms have a direct view of the Randsfjord lake.
Other retreats
A Young Retreat, an International Regular Summer Retreat and other International Deepening Retreats take place each year. See the dates on our calendar.
For people with ample experience from deepening retreats, Acem also arranges advanced deepening retreats.
The official language is English. Simultaneous translation into other languages will be provided when needed. Guidance groups in Scandinavian, German and Mandarin will be offered.
Discounted course fees:
The course fees above are for participants residing outside Scandinavia only:
20 percent off the regular fee when paid before 1 June, 10 percent off the regular fee when paid after 1 June.
The fees include full board (lacto-vegetarian diet) and ensuite accommodation in a single room.
There is an additional 10 percent discount for full-time students. If the retreat is fully booked, student discount may entail accommodation in double room.
If you cancel your registration before 1 July, your course fee will be refunded minus an administration fee of EUR 30. If you cancel your reservation after 1 July, your course fee will only be refunded if your cancellation is due to illness or other serious reasons.
Shared transport will be arranged from Oslo Airport Gardermoen (not Oslo Airport Torp or Oslo Airport Rygge) on 6 July at 4.30pm, as well as back to the airport on 13 July at 2pm (estimated arrival: 3.30pm).
There is a bus transfer from Oslo Airport Gardermoen (bus stand 37 outside the building) to Jevnaker (near Halvorsbøle Retreat Centre). On Saturdays, the bus leaves the airport at: 09:30 a.m., 13:45 p.m. Approximately 1 hour drive. Price 230 NOK. From Jevnaker, one can go to Halvorsbøle by taxi. Price 250-300 NOK. A pick-up at Jevnaker may sometimes be arranged. If this should be possible, we will send information in advance.
Budget accommodation in Oslo:
Cochs Pensjonat
Anker Hotel
Anker Hostel
Haraldsheim Youth Hostel
Ellingsens Pensjonat
Comfort Hotel XPress Oslo
Information, registration and payment
Scandinavian participants
Contact Acem Norway (tel: +47 23 11 87 00, address: P. O. Box 2559 Solli, NO-0202 Oslo, Norway)
Non-Scandinavian participants:
Use "Registration and payment" button at the top of this column. For info, contact Acem International.
I want to apply for student scholarship.
Course type: Deepening Retreats
The course is arranged by Acem International School of Meditation
Course number: V13302


text: You have probably heard the term "starving artist" a time or two in your life, but it doesn't have to apply to you if you can find the right entry-level jobs in art. This term is a reflection on the difficulty most artists have making money at their preferred crafts. Though it is often used to describe all artists, it's really a misnomer, and it perpetuates a stereotype of artists as poor and desperate. The truth, in fact, is that many artists are living and working quite successfully; in fact, they're doing more than that—they're thriving. There are many different jobs in art, and how much you'll make and how successful you will be really depends on which job you have. Some artists, for example, work in the motion picture and video industries, and the average yearly salary for these positions is an impressive $70,420—not quite "starving." Artists who work in advertising, public relations, and other related areas can make around $64,010 per year, while those working in publishing average around $64,350 yearly. Even the average independent artist can make around $33,670 per year. That might seem like a low salary, but many artists feel the trade-off of doing what they love is well worth it. These are just a few examples of the types of art entry-level jobs available. There are many other art jobs to consider, such as becoming an art teacher, working in an art museum, and managing art programs for community centers, hospitals, and the like. The trick is simply to find your passion and then to go after it with everything you've got.


text:
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Don Meyer, one of the winningest coaches in college basketball who came back from a near-fatal car accident and liver cancer before closing out his career, has died in South Dakota. He was 69.
Meyer led his teams into the playoffs 19 times and compiled a 923-324 during his 38-year career, most of which he spent at Lipscomb in Tennessee and Northern State in South Dakota.
The former Northern State coach died of cancer at 6:52 a.m. Sunday at his home in Aberdeen, where he had recently gone into hospice care, family spokeswoman Brenda Dreyer said. She added that Meyer's wife, Carmen, said, "He's running in heaven."
Four months after a near-fatal car accident and a cancer diagnosis, Meyer passed Bobby Knight as the NCAA's winningest coach in men's basketball history in 2009. The native of Wayne, Nebraska, retired following the 2010 season at Northern State and a 13-14 record – only his fourth losing season – before Duke's Mike Krzyzewski surpassed his record in 2012.
Some of the greatest names in college basketball were his biggest fans, including Krzyzewski, who once said Meyer did "a wonderful job of giving back to our great game." Former Tennessee women's coach Pat Summitt, who holds the all-time win record for college basketball, has called Meyer "truly one of the best teachers in the history of the game."
Praise also came from opponents, including Nebraska coach Tim Miles, who coached against Meyer at Northern State and worked Meyer's camps at Lipscomb when he was an assistant coach.
"It didn't matter if you were friend or foe," Miles once said. "He would open up his playbook and show you his plays, and then he would turn around and beat you with that same play when your team played his."
Meyer kept coaching after being critically injured in traffic accident in September 2008. He was alone in a compact car, leading a caravan of vehicles heading to an annual team retreat, when he collided head-on with a grain truck. Multiple operations followed to remove Meyer's spleen, repair cracked ribs and deal with a mangled left leg later amputated below the knee.
He would later call the accident a blessing, because doctors also found cancer in his liver and small intestines.
Four months later – while coaching from a wheelchair – he became the winningest men's basketball coach on Jan. 10, 2009. Yet always the humble teacher, Meyer noted during the postgame huddle defensive lapses on some 3-pointers.
"How selfish it would be if I was celebrating all this stuff and they were trying to be a better team," he said at the time.
But a few minutes after the historic victory, Meyer finally smiled – and thought of his wife.
"I haven't had this much fun since Carmen and I were married," he said, standing on his right leg and leaning against the scorer's table as streamers and confetti drifted to the floor and the crowd of 6,654 listened to his postgame comments.
He was honored in July 2009 with ESPN's Jimmy V Perseverance Award, given to a member of the sporting world who has overcome great obstacles. It's named for former North Carolina State coach Jimmy Valvano, who died in 1993 after a fight against cancer. Meyer also was given the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in August 2010.
Meyer was a standout baseball and basketball player at Northern Colorado. He graduated in 1967 then began his head coaching career with three seasons at Hamline in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1972.
He later moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he coached 24 seasons at Lipscomb – where he twice was NAIA coach of the year and led the Bison to the 1986 title. He took over at Northern State in 1999, and two years later started a run of seven straight 20-win seasons.
Meyer compiled records of 37-41 at Hamline, 665-179 at Lipscomb, and 221-104 at Northern State.
He'd had other health problems in recent years, including surgery in August 2012 to implant a heart pacemaker. That came after doctors replaced three of Meyer's heart valves with mechanical ones and repaired a hole in his heart.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.
Send questions/comments to the editors.


text:
Is it cold in here, or is that just Rihanna? The singer hit the launch of her latestcollection for River Island
rocking a serious statement lip! We're all for a bold pout, but bright blue definitely isn't the most wearable shade. Still, unsurprisingly, RiRi pretty much pulls it off by pairing the matte, aqua lipstick with shimmery neutral eye shadow and gorgeous, long lashes!
Even though you might not be jumping at the idea of exactly copying Rihanna's look, wearing a toned-down version of this beauty dare will actually make your smile brighter! Blue-toned lipsticks and glosses give the illusion of whiter teeth, since it counteracts any yellow that might be lingering on your enamel. Lipstick Queen has an amazing, sheer navy lippy ($25, ulta.com) that transitions to a deep, cool berry tone when you apply—perfect for easing your way into the sapphire lipstick look!
What do you think—would you try a blue-tinted lipstick? How about full-on opaque aqua like Rihanna's? Leave a comment below!