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With the economy perking up under his "Abenomics" policies, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his ruling party are seen rolling to a convincing victory in Sunday's upper house election and regaining control of both houses of parliament for the first time in six years.
A win would be sweet redemption for Abe, who lost the upper house in 2007 during an earlier stint as prime minister, and make it easier for him to govern. He says his top priorities are regaining political stability and reviving the long-stagnant economy, the chief concern for voters. But a decisive victory could also embolden him on another front: the nationalistic agenda he had to abandon his first time in office.
"He may hear that internal voice saying, 'This is the time for you to pursue your own goals,' " said Koichi Nakano, a political science professor at Sophia University in Tokyo.
Abe owes his rise to prime minister in part to right-wing supporters in his party who expect him to pursue their agenda. That may include laying the groundwork for revising Japan's pacifist constitution, promoting traditional family values and making changes to the education system to instill more patriotism in students. Abe has called the current history curriculum "self-abusive" and too apologetic to Asian neighbors over Japan's wartime actions.
He needs to tread carefully, however, because any step-up in nationalism would likely exacerbate already tense ties with nearby China and South Korea. He has already upset both since taking office in December by saying he wants to revise Japan's landmark 1995 apology for its wartime aggression and questioning the extent to which Korean, Chinese and other Asian women were coerced to provide sex for Japanese soldiers.
A further deterioration in relations with China and South Korea would be worrisome for the United States as it seeks to engage more deeply in the Asia-Pacific region. To the extent that nationalism translates into a stronger military, though, some would welcome that as a counter to rising Chinese power.
"Being a nationalist means devoting your political effort to making your country stronger," former U.S. National Security Council staffer Mike Green said recently at the Japan National Press Club. "That's exactly what Japan needs, and that's exactly what the U.S. needs from Japan."
Under the campaign slogan "Recover Japan," Abe's Liberal Democratic Party vows to make Japan a muscular, gentle and proud country. It promises a strong economy, strategic diplomacy and unshakable national security under the Japan-U.S. alliance.
The message has found a measure of public receptivity amid growing tensions over Japan's long-running maritime territorial disputes with China and South Korea and widespread distrust of an increasingly assertive China.
But the top concern for voters is the economy, which is showing signs of life thanks to aggressive monetary easing and public works spending, the first two "arrows" of Abe's economic platform dubbed "Abenomics."
Surveys show that after the economy and jobs, voters are most interested in social security, the sales tax hike and reconstruction after the March 2011 tsunami. The constitution, energy and trade attract the least interest.
More economic challenges lie ahead: Whether Abe can deliver on promised structural reforms to make Japan more competitive — the third arrow — and a decision this fall on whether to go ahead with a sales tax hike next April to fund social security as the population rapidly grays.
Abe can't be seen taking his eye off the economy, but with potentially three years in power — unless he calls an early election — he may see that as enough time to make progress toward revising the constitution, a many-step process that requires two-thirds approval by both houses of parliament and then a national referendum.
Yohei Kono, a moderate former president of the Liberal Democratic Party who retired in 2009, said that Abe may turn more nationalist after a victory: "He is restraining his remarks and actions only because of the election."
The ruling party's coalition partner, the Buddhist-backed Komeito, opposes revising the pacifist elements of the constitution, but Abe could reach out to other sympathetic lawmakers. The newly formed Restoration Party is led by two nationalists including Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto, who stirred up a firestorm when he said that Japan's wartime "comfort women" — which many say was sexual slavery — were a necessary evil.
"This is the first time constitutional revision is discussed as a realistic option," Abe said earlier this month. "In that sense, I think we have achieved a first goal."
Revising the constitution is a long-cherished goal for many Liberal Democrats, who consider the U.S.-drafted post-World War II constitution a victor's imposition that hurts national pride. The party has repeatedly studied revision since the 1950s, but the idea has gained more traction in the party in recent years.
Much of the focus has been on relaxing the constitution's war-renouncing Article 9, which bans the use of force in international disputes except for self-defense. Over the years, a broad interpretation of the article has gradually expanded the military's role, now allowing it to serve in noncombat roles in U.N. peacekeeping operations overseas.
A revision could open the way for Japan to have full-fledged armed forces, under a prime minister serving as commander in chief, and make territorial protection a public duty.
The Liberal Democrat's latest proposal on constitutional revision also calls for strengthening the authority of the state and making civil liberties such as freedom of speech subordinate to the public interest.
Polls show mixed support for revising the constitution. A survey of 3,088 people on July 5-7 by national broadcaster NHK showed 28 percent said revision is needed, 26 percent said it was unnecessary and 36 percent were undecided.
Short of constitutional revision, Abe may try to enact a special law to enable "collective self-defense." It would allow Japan's troops to fight alongside Tokyo's allies — notably the U.S. troops who are obliged to defend Japan under a bilateral security pact — if either comes under attack.
Abe's advisers, including ultra-conservative former diplomat Hisahiko Okazaki, have reportedly told him to prioritize national security and the Japan-U.S. alliance, and stay away from history issues to avoid upsetting Japan's neighbors.
Sheila Smith, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C., said that given the concerns about tensions with neighbors, "not taking seriously the sensitivities on history issues, not being careful about the way in which statements and actions inflame popular reactions in other countries, doesn't seem to be the best way forward."
An early test may come in the weeks leading to the Aug. 15 anniversary of the end of World War II, a period when Abe and his nationalist colleagues in parliament will want to visit Tokyo's Yasukuni war shrine.


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SAS Eligibility Criteria as stated by LAUSD
Applicants must meet one of three eligibility criteria:
- Students who demonstrate mastery of ALL FOUR of the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills in their primary language (must check "Yes" for all four skills for the student to qualify with this criterion.< >Explain meanings or relationships among facts, information or concepts that demonstrate depth and complexity.Formulate new ideas or solutions and elaborate on the information. Use alternative methods in approaching new or unfamiliar mathematical problems.Use extensive vocabulary easily and accurately to express creative ideas.
- Students who scored in the "Exceeds Standards" range on the SBAC assessment or have TOTAL national scores of 85% or above on a District-approved standardized achievement test (e.g., OLSAT-8) in required areas (most recent year only).
- Students identified as gifted/talented in LAUSD in the Intellectual, High Achievement, Specific Academic, Creative, or Leadership Ability Categories.
Students who are on the wait-list of "current" Magnet Programs for Gifted/High Ability and Highly Gifted Students can submit the wait-list notification letter as verification to apply to the SAS programs.
All SAS eligibility criteria carry equal weight in the selection/placement process (i.e., SAS sites may not give priority placement to students identified as gifted/highly gifted or those who meet test score criteria).

subset: commoncrawl


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Archive for the 'books' Tag
Awesome new service from Google!
Okay check this out.
Go to http://www.google.ca
At the very top corner where is says web, images, video ….. click on books.
You can read any book on you labtop for free.
Why is this great. Okay its raining, and you and to read. but don't want to go to the store or the library. Pick up a book. Read it if you don't like it it didn't cost you anything. If you did continue reading or pick up a copy.
Lets say you left your copy at the train station or at your cottage. Simply go online and continue reading where you left off. What a great service.


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His hope is that the awards will become the American equivalent of the Spiel des Jahres awards, recognizing gaming excellence and recognized as a valuable source for the best in gaming from that year. Look for the Dice Tower logo to show up on game boxes in years to come!
Even though no zombie games received any nominations (if only they had their own category!), we wish the nominees the best of luck and look forward to seeing who will win.


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P The 110Xi4 was built on the legacy of the Xi series of products
The 110Xi4 was developed to improve overall operational productivity and efficiency in a variety of environments. The 110Xi4 printer is ideal for a variety of applications, including top side and bottom side circuit board labeling, product identification labels, serial plate labels, product labels, surgical tools and equipment, diagnostic kits, vials and slides, and others. p


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It has been suggested to me that people are intimidated by chainmaille, thinking it must be heavy and utilitarian, not a jewelry art. I would like to gently say ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Chainmaille (or chainmail, if you prefer) has grown far beyond the armor worn centuries ago. (Although some artisans make that kind of thing as well.) There are dozens of basic weave patterns, and hundreds of variations. Maille can be made with many materials, from gold and silver to copper and aluminum. Maille rings can be found in virtually any color you can imagine, and a skilled artist can combine colors and materials to produce unique items that will truly amaze.
An example of the dense full Persian chain, done in pure copper. A dense chain like this is rather more masculine, although a woman can easily wear it as well.
Some women fear that maille will be too bulky or masculine, but this is simply not true. There are many maille weaves that produce a beautiful, delicate, intricate product that is just right for feminine wearers. Conversely, there are some weaves that provide a strong masculine feel, perfect for men who want to elevate their style. And there are plenty of weaves that are unisex, that is that they will complement any wearer.
Parallel weave done with brass and green colored copper rings. Parallel weave is generally unisex.
This tiny jens pins spiral weave in pink, with a crown charm, is obviously quite feminine.
These half Persian bracelets are unisex as well, and their understated profile makes them perfect for the workplace.
Maille is, almost by definition, a very strong construct, and will stand up to anything you put it through. There are some delicate weaves that need special care, but even they are strong and unlikely to break.
This variation of jens pind weave is an experiment gone right. It is chunky and fun, a bold statement piece.
I like chainmaille because it is always different. Each weave has a personality, and I am always discovering new ways to use these weaves for different effects. I love to combine colors and examine the interlocking rings as they form shapes.
Another example of parallel weave, with a rainbow of connecting links. One of my favorite pieces ever; truly a joy to make.
Basically, whatever style or profile you are looking for, you can find it with chainmaille. Flat, round, thick, thin, delicate, or dense, your weave is out there. And available in any colors that you wish to use!
All items pictured above (along with many others) are available for purchase in my Etsy shop: merricontrari.etsy.com. Come browse and see what you have been missing.
(PS to all my loyal readers: I joined Instagram! My user name is merricontrari, of course. Come by and see what I'm up to!)


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A strong earthquake struck early Friday morning far off the coast of California, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
The magnitude 6.3 quake struck at a depth of 6 miles, about 163 miles southwest of the nearest city, Avalon, on California's Santa Catalina Island, at 2:36 a.m. PT (5:36 a.m. ET), the USGS said.
Earlier reports indicated that two earthquakes struck 17 seconds apart, but the USGS later confirmed that only one quake occurred.
No tsunami warning was issued.
Reports of shaking came in from San Diego up to Huntington Beach, but no major reports of damage are expected, according to NBC News affiliates in the area.
More content from NBCNews.com:
- Susan Rice drops out of running for secretary of state
- Swarming police response in mall shooting highlights 'paradigm shift'
- George H.W. Bush expected to be home by Christmas, hospital says
- Rape victim used tongue to dial 911 while hands were bound
- 'A better future': College student from India wins $1 million lottery prize


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Inspired by the ancient Lanna kingdom, renowned for its refinement and artistry, Thai Chef Suwattana Boonyarattanusorn, instructor at the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Cooking School took us on a Thai culinary adventure, preparing four traditional Northern Thai dishes in the resort's spectacular open air cooking school kitchen. The morning began bright and early at 7am with a trip to the Thanin open-air Market in Chiang Mai with Bom, to purchase fresh ingredients, herbs and spices needed to create the day's menu. In addition to a tour of the market, Bom took us to his favourite places to sample local delicacies such as sweet coconut sticky rice, fried pork crackling with spicy green eggplant relish and Chiang Mai spicy sausage called Sai Oua, made with a combination of pork mixed with lemongrass, kaffir lime zest, galangal and usually red chili paste. The lady who makes the best sausage at the market has earned a Shell Chuan Chim award similar to Michelin star for her zesty sausages.
Returning back to the Four Seasons, our private Cooking Class which were the only two participants, featured a fish and seafood menu which included Tum Tang Poo Nim, a Spicy Cucumber Salad with Soft Shell Crab; Thord Mun Pla Grai, a Deep Fried Marinated Thai Fish Cake; Tom Kha Goong, Prawn Soup with Fresh Coconut Milk and Galangal; and Pla Kapong Sarm Rod, Fried Sea Bass with Three Flavour Sauce. Served in a small sala beside the cooking pavilion, were were served the dishes we had prepared earlier, with a surprise visit by the Michael Branham, General Manager of the Four Seasons, who stopped by the sample my Thord Mun Pla Grai, and gave it a resounding two thumbs up. With a short vegetable carving lesson following lunch, Chef Boonyarattanusorn showed us the art of Thai vegetable carving. Using a small sharp knife, we were shown how carts can be shaped as leaves, peppers shaped as blossoming flowers, and scallions as leafy tendrils. Used to garnish each of our dishes, the lessons we learned during the cooking class with certainly be used to spoil friends and family once we return home in a few weeks.
Bom showed us local ingredients used in Thai cuisine, such as sugar cane which is used in Thai Green and Red Curries
Large green chills have little heat but would be used as garnish and as part of our vegetable carving lesson later in the day
Bom showing us tiny Thai garlic which is stronger than larger garlic
'Thousand Year Old Eggs' are eggs that have been marinated until they become like jelly,
identified by their pink shells
Deep fried bugs which are found in Bamboo...apparently full of protein
Food stalls are open early at Thanin Market to serve spicy breakfast noodles to hungry locals
Fresh oyster mushrooms
Mounds of Morning Glory, a dish which we've been enjoying stir-fried with garlic and oyster sauce
Pea eggplants are one of the key ingredients in Thai Green Curry,
and as the name suggests are the size of a pea
Small Thai eggplants are also used in Thai curries, and are about the size of a walnut
Deep fried pork crackling is a Chiang Mai specialty
Served with cool marinated eggplant, the pork crackling is dipped in the sauce and popped in your mouth — although not very healthy, it's very tasty
The best Thai sausages in the market are sold by this lady who has been awarded the coveted 'White Bowl' award, similar to a michelin star
Absolutely delicious, Thai 'Sai Oua' sausages are made with a combination of pork mixed with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal and usually some red chili paste
The Shell Chuan Chim award
We tasted some sweet sticky rice and coconut, one of Bom's favourites at the market
Local soft shell crab
Our culinary guide Bom, shopping for our ingredients for the cooking class
Back at the Four Seasons Cooking School to begin our half day class
A basket of herbs and vegetables purchased this morning to be used for our first dish
Chef Suwattana Boonyarattanusorn laying out the ingredients for our first dish
Chef pounding the herbs and cucumber for the Soft Shell Crab Salad
Cashews, tiny dried shrimp, cilantro root, Thai garlic, fish sauce, tomatoes and sliced cucumber
The soft shell carb is chopped into smaller pieces then tossed with cornstarch then stir fried in a wok over high heat until cooked through
Sweet and tender, the soft shell crab becomes bright pink once cooked
Chef Boonyarattanusorn shows how to prepare the dish first, then we makes it ourselves
Soft Shell Crab Salad
Chef adding garlic, chilis and shallots to a mortar to pound into a smooth paste
The paste is ponded until somewhat smooth
Chef preparing a sweet and sour sauce for fried fish
Chopped pineapple and cane sugar is added to the sauce which is cooked until reduced and quite sticky
Sweet and sour sauce for fish
Wok fried local white fish
Fried Fish with Pineapple in Sweet and Sour Sauce
Large Thai red chills dried and chopped
Kaffir lime
Shrimp paste
Chef pounding the red curry ingredients
Thai red curry paste made from scratch
Spoonful of the curry paste added to ground fish and ponded until mixed
Pounding the fish mixture until smooth and thoroughly mixed
Shaped into small patties with a round thumb hole in the centre to ensure even cooking
Wok fringe the fish cakes until brown
Chopped red chill, shallots and cucumber with crushed cashews for sauce
Water and white sugar is reduced in a brass wok, which allows the liquid to cook gently
The sweet sugar water is added to the chopped vegetables for the sauce to be enjoyed with the Fish Cakes
Ingredients for Coconut Shrimp Soup
Lemongrass, thai green chills, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, tomatoes, scallions and king mushroom
Combined with coconut milk, water and tiger prawns, the coup is cooked in a wok
The soup is brought to a boil to thicken the sauce and cook the prawns
Coconut Shrimp Soup with fried chill garnish
Learning to decoratively carve carrots, spring onion and red chilis
How to carve a decorative carrot leaf
Using a sharp carving knife, the carrots are carved and the spring onions are curled then plunged into ice cold water, the curls are enhanced
Red and green pepper flowers, carrots leave and green onion tendrils
Walking back from our cooking class and enjoyed our 4-course lunch of dishes we prepared, we walked back through the gardens for a swim overlooking the rice paddies


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Ratings / Reviews
strong violence, language and some sexual content/nudity
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The infamous Riddick has been left for dead on a sun-scorched planet that appears to be lifeless. Soon, however, he finds himself fighting for survival against alien predators more lethal than any human he's encountered. The only way off is for Riddick to activate an emergency beacon and alert mercenaries who rapidly descend to the planet in search of their bounty.
The first ship to arrive carries a new breed of merc, more lethal and violent, while the second is captained by a man whose pursuit of Riddick is more personal. With time running out and a storm on the horizon that no one could survive, his hunters won't leave the planet without Riddick's head as their trophy.
Starring Vin Diesel, Karl Urban, Dave Bautista, Katee Sackhoff, Nolan Gerard Funk, Bokeem Woodbine
Directed by David Twohy
Running Time - 1:59
Genre - Action/Adventure
Opened in Theaters - Friday, September 6th, 2013 (6 years ago)
This movie is not currently playing in theaters.
Home VideoThis movie may be available now on home video.
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Washington, Dc — Obesity is a growing and costly problem for the United States, as two recent reports show. An estimated $147 billion a year in medical spending is used to treat obesity-related diseases in America, a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study released last month found.
Between 1998 and 2006, researchers said that U.S. obesity rates climbed 37 percent, which translated to an 89 percent increase in health costs for obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. For the study, scientists from RTI International, the CDC and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality analyzed data on medical costs during those years.
The CDC released 24 new recommendations on healthy eating and exercise and encouraged communities and schools to join its efforts in combating obesity.
Another report, "F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America 2009," released in July found that adult obesity rates increased in 23 states during the past year and did not decrease in any states.
For the fifth year in a row, Mississippi had the highest rate of adult obesity at 32.5 percent, followed by Alabama (31.2 percent), West Virginia (31.1 percent) and Tennessee (30.2 percent).
Colorado had the lowest adult obesity rate (18.9 percent).
Eight of the 10 states with the highest percentage of obese adults were in the South, per the report, which was released by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Also, the percentage of obese or overweight children (aged 10 to 17) was at or above 30 percent in 30 states. Mississippi had the highest rate of obese and overweight children at 44.4 percent.


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Even though his films are most easily classified as comedies, you rarely feel good coming out of project by writer/director Noah Baumbach. That's not a bad thing as his caustic wit and insightful observations about terrible, self-obsessed people have lead to some great films like The Squid And The Whale. However, his latest feature is a little different. Teaming up with mumblecore darling Greta Gerwig following their collaboration on the underappreciated Greenberg, Baumbach has surprisingly delivered his most warm and sweet movie to date in Frances Ha. After being produced almost in secret, the film premiered at TIFF to a far more positive reception than he has ever received before. Hit the jump for additional appreciation for the appropriately frivolous and insightful ode to late 20s irresponsibility.
Gerwig stars as Frances and as usual she's a bumbling collection of elbows and awkward comments who gets away with it all simply for being so damn lovable. The immature goofball works as a dancer (well an apprentice to be precise), who is getting to the point that she needs to realize the limitations of her talent and can't quite do it. On the plus side, she does have love and support flowing out of her roommate Sophie (Mickey Sumner). They've lived together since college and it shows. Their life is a series of lunches and they survive on a steady diet of booze and gossip. Of course, Sophie's gig in the publishing industry pays better, so she decides to move out, leaving Frances alone for the first time. She doesn't even bother to visit or chat anymore since she's getting serious with her boyfriend. Oh and Frances essentially gets fired from her job. Sounds like its time for a good old fashion comedy meltdown, right?
Most of Frances Ha is spent wandering along with Gerwig from one social disaster to the next. Throughout it all, she survives on a healthy mix of optimism and self-delusion. She moves into a group apartment with two pampered rich kids that she can't afford, takes irrational impromptu vacations, and finds a way to embarrass herself every time she opens her mouth. "I'm not a real person yet," she claims at one point and indeed the character is a poster child for that special age when people are too immature to be adults and too old to drift much longer. You could call it a coming of age story, but that seems to be a bit dismissive of what Baumbach and his star/co-writer Gerwig actually accomplished. Baumbach is a director with a complete inability to slide into sentimentality or schmaltz. He's more than happy to observe and dwell on the deep flaws of his characters, yet unlike past efforts there's some sympathy amongst the harsh honesty.
That tone all comes down to Gerwig. Her character is as lost and confused as any in his back catalogue, Gerwig just provides a little light. Even though there are plenty laughs to be had at the expense of the confusion and underachievement of Frances and everyone around her, the script presents those issues as universal and more importantly, surmountable. Shot in black and white around the street of Brooklyn, comparisons to Woody Allen's Manhattan are inevitable. That's not quite accurate, but then everyone tends to remember that bitter little pill as an uplifting romantic comedy for some reason. The motivation behind the black and white visuals is unclear and if anything is more of an homage to the French New Wave than anything else (there are several vintage score drops from Goddard and Truffaut's go-to composer Georges Delerue). Despite that monochrome look, there's a freewheeling nature to the photography that lends itself to the naturalistic performances.
Gerwig is predictably excellent, effortlessly funny while still retaining a dramatic weight. Mickey Sumner provides a perfect balance as Sophie, her cold cynicism a strong counterpoint to Gerwig's wacky lifestyle of smiles and diversions. The other actors are good as well, but tend to flow in and out of the episodic narrative freely. It's ultimately the Gerwig/Baumbach show and appreciation does depends on enjoying at least one of the two. Frances Ha is certainly a sweet and funny movie, but don't allow the praise to build up the movie into more than it is. This is a tale about privileged white kid problems that will irritate plenty of folks. However, at a trim 86 minutes it flies by just as quickly as a film about such frivolous subject should. The fact that any questioning or harsh reality appears at all is a bonus for this kind of film and if you're willing to give yourself over to the hipster-baiting/mocking charms, it could be one of the most purely pleasurable films you'll see all year.
Grade A-
Click here for all of our TIFF 2012 coverage.


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From The New American Magazine, June 25, 2012
The Charlotte, North Carolina, police department has made it clear that Jesus is not welcome at its functions.
According to the Associated Press, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) has informed its volunteer chaplains that they are not to mention Jesus' name when they pray at official ceremonies.
The Charlotte Observer reported that the new policy was announced by the head of the department's volunteer chaplain program, Major John Diggs, who explained that the goal was to make sure the chaplains were sensitive to the variety of religions practiced by the department's more than 2,000 employees. "This is not in any way an effort to demean anybody's Christian beliefs," Diggs assured. "It's to show respect for all the religious practices in our organization. The CMPD is not anybody's church."
Apparently, some chaplains, most of whom represent the Christian faith, think the new policy is too restrictive. Terry Sartain, a volunteer CMPD police chaplain for the past seven years, said he got the news shortly before he was to give the invocation at a promotions ceremony last month. When he was told not to use Jesus' name in his prayer, he asked to be excused from the event.
Sartain, who pastors Charlotte's Horizon Christian Fellowship, told the Observer that "Jesus is all I've got for a blessing. Now I've got to find a balance. I want to serve the officers and their families and I don't want to jam my beliefs down anybody's throat, but I won't deny Jesus."
Diggs insisted that chaplains such as Sartain, who have strong convictions about their faith, won't be required to compromise their beliefs on behalf of the department. He said there are enough volunteer ministers to cover the now-secularized events at which police chaplains are called to officiate.
But according to the Blaze, Sartain was told that his decision not to attend and pray at the event would harm his standing as a police chaplain. In the end, while he did not change his mind about praying at the government function, Sartain said that he decided to continue as a CMPD chaplain because the spiritual service he provides to law enforcement officers is important.
The Charlotte Observer noted that earlier this year the U.S. Supreme Court backed a lower court ruling that banned North Carolina's Forsyth County from opening its meetings with sectarian prayer. The move to ban mostly Christian prayers in favor of a "non-sectarian" invocation has been increasing across the nation and even in the U.S. military, the paper observed.
Diggs said that the CMPD currently has six chaplains who serve police employees who may be Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or, perhaps, have no faith at all. Chaplains are now expected to pray in such a way that will offend no one.
Some Charlotte clergy fully support the move, emphasizing that the police chaplains must be prepared to serve those who do not embrace Christianity. The Rev. Dennis Foust, pastor of St. John's Baptist Church in Charlotte, said that the police department is simply directing its Christian chaplains "to observe the same practices we would desire and respect from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or Hindu chaplains. When we gather as citizens, we do not gather in the name of Jesus. Our prayers are offered to God with respect for the first clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution."
Foust was mouthing the mantra, popularized by the ACLU, that there is a supposed wall of separation that bars religious (usually Christian) sentiments from blending with public, government-controlled forums. Jim Gronquist, a former Methodist minister who now works as an ACLU attorney to stamp out religious expression, told local Charlotte television station WSOC that "it's past time when they should've made a policy" banning real prayer at CMPD police events.
But another local minister, the Rev. Russ Dean of the city's Park Road Baptist Church, appeared to side with Sartain, wondering, "How else do you expect Baptists to pray" but in Jesus' name? Dean told the Charlotte Observer that chaplains of all faiths — whether they are rabbis, imams, or Christian ministers — ought to be allowed to pray according to the dictates of their own faiths. But under the CMPD's politically correct policy "we are really asking people of diverse faiths to become a part of some homogenized pseudo-faith, a public religion that is offensive to all because it attempts to offend none," he said.
Sartain told Fox News that the CMPD policy "brings about a very real concern about where we are heading as a nation. I serve a God who loves people unconditionally, who died for their sins on the cross, who wants to reconcile himself to them and love them where they are … and now I'm told I can't bless people as a result of that."
The Christian chaplain emphasized that while he would honor the new policy by opting out of praying at public events, when relating one-on-one with police officers, he would continue to give them the full Christian treatment he is called by God to provide. "They know when I ride with them that I love them for who they are," Sartain said of the officers.


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thats not mac version
Through is an RPG with a focus on tactical combat and resource management. It is heavily inspired by other Roguelikes. However, Through carries some key differences. There is a large focus on accessibility and ease of use as well as simplicity and transparent design (for instance, your character only has a Strength and Intelligence stat). If you're looking for a deep RPG system thats easy to pick-up and play but difficult to master, give Through a shot. Open Source Art Credits: Oryx: Characters, tilesets | Atuun: Menu Music | Aaron P: Floor 1-5 music | Craig Stern: Floor 6-10 music | cheapshot: Floor 11-15 music | Ails: Icons and Items art
2.2 brings elite monsters, elite items, and a few new classes, as well as a series of balance changes and bug fixes. This is the first mac downloadable version!
Only registered members can share their thoughts. So come on! Join the community today (totally free - or sign in with your social account on the right) and join in the conversation.


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Professional Sports Names That Just Don't Make Sense
Thursday, the New Orleans Hornets will switch team nicknames to the New Orleans Pelicans. Pelicans are the Louisiana state bird, so it makes sense in a way. However, it's odd for a professional sports team. It seems like a NBA Developmental League team name.
Here's some NBADL team names: Maine Red Claws, Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Erie Bayhawks, Fort Wayne Mad Ants, or the Springfield Armor.
Usually sports team nicknames correlate with the team's location or the region, and sometimes they just don't make sense. Check out some of these team names that don't make a lot of sense.
Utah Jazz
Shouldn't New Orleans be the Jazz and Utah be the Utah Skiers or something?
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma is in tornado alley; I think the Oklahoma City Tornadoes sounds more intimidating.
Minnesota Wild
They used to be the North Stars for 26 seasons, and the Wild appears to be too abstract.
Nashville Predators
The Predators is vague; there's the Bears, Lions, Panthers, Jaguars. Pick an animal or even be the Nashville Rock Stars, that sounds cool and relevant to their location.
Charlotte Bobcats
Did you know they were partially named after their owner, Bob Johnson? That's bad. They will more than likely go back to being the Hornets after the NBA season.
Washington Wizards
Washington used to be the Bullets, but switched to the Wizards after their owner thought Bullets was too controversial because of gun violence. It's probably a good thing they are not the Bullets anymore, but the Wizards? Just because it starts with a "W," doesn't mean its the best nickname. As cheesy as it sounds, why not be the Washington Presidents?
Oakland Athletics
The Athletics originated from the 19th century athletic clubs.
Los Angeles Clippers
They used to be the Buffalo Braves and a "clipper" is a nautical ship. Makes sense because they live by the ocean, but it's a bit weird.
Los Angeles Lakers
Before the Lakers moved to Los Angeles they were the Minneapolis Lakers. Seem like a cop out. Minnesota is the state with over 10,000 lakes.
Orlando Magic
Over 4,296 entries were submitted and the four nicknames for the team was narrowed down to the Heat, Magic, Tropics, and the Juice. Really? Miami took the Heat later, but I think the Tropics would be better than the Magic.
Cleveland Browns
Initially the Paul Brown rejected the name "Browns," and a committee selected Panthers, but two months later named the team the Browns. Historically, it makes sense I guess.
Montreal Canadiens
Hey, let's name our team after our country.
Brooklyn Nets
Nets after the basketball nets? They were originally the New York Americans, but that's like naming your team like the Montreal Canadiens.
Detroit Lions
Are there really Lions in Detroit? Maybe at the zoo. What about the Detroit Fords?
Toronto Raptors
They were going to be the Huskies, but thought their logo would be too similar to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Some notable entries the team received in a contest were the Beavers, Bobcats, Dragons, Grizzlies, Hogs, Raptors, Scorpions, T-Rex, Tarantulas and Terriers.
Memphis Grizzlies
Here's another cop out from their relocation from Vancouver.


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With continuous improvements year after year, FinalBuilder proves itself as a leader in the pursuit of quality and innovation, and provides the features which are essential for every build and deployment implementation. Congratulations to FinalBuilder, our Jolt Product Excellence Award winner in the Change and Configuration Management Tools category.


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Naitural philosophy or pheesics (frae the Greek φυσικός (phusikós), "naitural", an φύσις (phúsis), "naitur") is a science o naitur in the braidest furm. Naitural philosophy deals wi maiter an energy an the fundamental virrs o naitur that owersees the interactions atween pairticles. Pheesicists studies a braid reenge o pheesical phenomenae, frae the sub-nuclear pairticles that maks up aw ordinar maiter (pairticle pheesics) tae the maiteral Universe as a hail (cosmologie).
Pheesics is the natural science at involves the study ay matter and its motion ben space and time, alang wi related concepts sic as energy and force. Mair broadly, it is the general analysis ay nature, conducted in order tae kin hoo the universe behaves. It is a body ay the oldest academic disciplines, aiblins the oldest ben its inclusion ay astronomy. Ower the lest tois millennia, pheesics was a part ay naitural philosophy alang wi chemistry, certain branches ay mathematics, and biology, but durin the scientific revolution in the 17th century, the naitural sciences emerged as unique research programs in their ain reit. Pheesics intersects wi mony interdisciplinary areas ay research, such as biopheesics and quantum chemistry, and the boondaries ay pheesics arenae rigidly defined. New ideas in pheesics aft explain the fundamental mechanisms ay other sciences while openin new avenues ay research in areas sic as mathematics and philosophy.
|Wikimedia Commons haes media relatit tae Physics.


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Celebrating illustration, design, cartoon and comic art of the mid-20th century.
Friday, July 07, 2006
"You get bored doing a certain thing"
While interviewing Noel Sickles (in The Comics Journal #242) Gil Kane asks the artist about his constantly changing approach and evolving techniques. Sickles replies that "you get bored doing a certain thing" and, "these are experiments to try to fit the style of the story."
Noel Sickles was not afraid to experiment. For a book on Mark Twain's adventures out West, Sickles says, "I found a new way to do quality-type line drawings" and "then, I used a slight variation on that way... I worked on frosted acetate". One gets the sense that Sickles never rested on the laurels of his tried and true techniques.
Of his integrity as an artist, his friend Milt Caniff once wrote, "Noel would research every panel [of Scorchy Smith] as if it were the BOOK of KELS. He would never draw a line until he had checked out any thing he did not know how to delineate."
And comic art master, Alex Toth had this to say about Sickles: "What I gained from Noel was... an appreciation for economy, clarity, line, mass, pattern, perspective, dramatic moment, subtlety, light source and drop shadow mechanics, negative and positive sihouette values, shapes and the overlapping of same, tension."
You can read the entire article and see a fantastic assortment of rare Sickles art, generously provided by an anonymous donor, in my Noel Sickles Flickr set.
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A few words about Vlad, Young
Judging by comments I'm receiving from readers, I should apologize for writing a story about Vernon Wells — tying his football past into the Super Bowl in his hometown — rather than commenting on something that didn't happen (the return of Vladimir Guerrero to the Angels) or something that in all likelihood won't happen (a deal for Michael Young).
I won't apologize for doing my job, but I will comment on Guerrero and Young.
As for Vlad, one of the best guys I've ever covered, when the Wells deal was made, any chance of the great slugger coming back to Anaheim effectively disappeared. There's no way Guerrero was going to agree to come back and share the DH and swing outfielder role with Bobby Abreu. That's what would have awaited him in Anaheim.
The Angels are committed to giving Peter Bourjos every shot at center field, and that is wise. His sensational defense will save dozens of runs over the course of the season. With Bourjos flanked by Wells and Torii Hunter, the Angels have a potentially great outfield – two wise veterans with Gold Glove histories guiding and tutoring a rising young star with the ability to be the premier defensive centerfielder in the game.
That leaves Abreu, a necessary component to the offense with his ability to get on base and drive in runs, as the primary DH. The only way Vlad could have come to the Angels in a meaningful role was to return Bourjos to Triple-A Salt Lake and play Hunter or Wells in center, with Abreu at a corner and Guerrero the DH.
At a cost of roughly $8 million, bringing the payroll to about $150 million, that would have improved the offense. But the defense would have slipped significantly — and one of the most exciting young talents in the game (Bourjos) would have been toiling again in the Pacific Coast League.
As for the highly respected Young, the three years and $48 million left on his contract realistically make him difficult to move. The Rangers would have to eat a chunk of that salary or accept a big salary in exchange.
At $16 million a year, Young would be an upgrade at third base for the Angels, obviously, but the truth is, this isn't Mike Schmidt or Evan Longoria or Ryan Zimmerman. Young is a good player and a great leader. Maicer Izturis is also a good player. If he makes five starts a week to remain healthy, backed by Alberto Callaspo and Brandon Wood, it's not going to cost the Angels a division title. If Wood relaxes and claims the job, performing to his talent level, the Angels will be in fine shape at third base.
From Texas' end, unloading your unquestioned clubhouse leader by kicking in millions of dollars makes little or no sense – especially if it would mean improving the club you've spent five of the past seven seasons chasing. Young figures to emerge as the first baseman in Texas or the primary DH and all-purpose role player. In either case, he remains a vital part of their attack in the No. 2 spot in manager Ron Washington's lineup.
Unless he has become extremely unhappy with the turn of events in Texas, starting with losing his third base job to Adrian Beltre, and wants out, Young should adapt yet again to another new role and continue to be a productive player — and hero to young kids in Texas. That's really the way it should be, if you can look at it objectively. – Lyle Spencer
6 Comments
Maicer Izturis staying healthy and playing 120 games this season is going to be a big part of the Angels potential success. If he's injured again all season long, they have Callaspo and Wood, but Izturis is their best bet with the tools that he has to offer.
I sincerely hope that I'm wrong, but I just don't see Wood coming around much more than he did last year, especially in a more limited role. But like I said, I hope I'm wrong.
The biggest holes on this team, like it or not, are at catcher and third base. I still feel like the Angels really shot themselves in the foot by sticking themselves to Jeff Mathis behind the plate for a MINIMUM of 100 games this season. Until he can prove that he's the defensive phenom that the Angels brass keep swearing he is, the automatic out that he basically is every second or third inning just isn't worth what he does behind the dish.
If Izturis stays healthy, and the Angels can figure out a way to improve behind the plate and in the 8 hole in the lineup, I actually really like this seasons team the way it's shaping up.
Lyle Spencer, what is your problem? As fans, we shouldn't apologize for wanting to hear about baseball over Vernon Wells' football past. Why wouldn't we want to hear about Michael Young leaving, which could help our chances against an already overpowering Texas Rangers club? Why wouldn't we want to hear about one of the last remaining DH's on the market when we're a team in need of some offense?
I liked the Wells article; interesting piece on a new (soon to be) fan favorite.
I actually am posting this in regards to a comment above about Mathis catching 100 games this year. I don't see that happening. With Napoli gone the Angels have room to potentially carry 3 catchers (Which they did last year for about half the season) giving Wilson and Conger a chance to catch 40-60 games each. There is every chance that should one or the other deliver at the dish that they move Mathis into a late inning defensive sub/reserve role. It's an if as big as Brandon Wood, but if either works out then the Angels should be in pretty good shape.
So now that Michael Young has come out and stated publicly that he wants to be traded, do you think it is possible we might see him in Anaheim? I'd really like to see that for a few reasons. 1. I truly believe he's a better player than Beltre. 2. Taking any offensive weapons from Texas is a good idea. 3. He is a proven leader and is a consistent 300+ hitter (Yes, I am aware he only hit .284 last season). I just really like the guy and I believe he could be a significant addition to the line-up. Its a shame the Rangers have treated him the way they have in the past few years (I understood the moving him over to 3rd for Andrus, but kicking him for Beltre doesn't make sense to me). Arte and Tony should jump to make this move (P.S.Try not to trade Maicer to accomplish this). Go Halos!
Lyle, do you see a possibilty of Trout out playing Bourjos in spring training and claiming the center field job???? because I do
Lyle,, just a quick question or two,, I would love to see Young at 3rd base, though that scenerio seems HIGHLY Un-likey…. Whats YOUR opinion on Brandon Wood? Do you ever think he will produce at the major league level?? He just seems to me,( an outsider looking in) that he is WAY to intimidated and severly lacks the confidence.. i get this simply by the look on his face when at the plate.. It's always, strike 1- strike 2- strike 3……. what do You feel is his problem with playing in "The Show"?? and I'm also curious to Your thoughts about Callaspo,, I like him, what do you think? Thank You for your time,
Cheers, Dominic