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Photo montage courtesy of ICE
Federal agents are asking the public's help in finding this woman, along with a child who is believed to be aged 4 or 5.
Update: Within hours of posting an image of a "Jane Doe" suspected of engaging in sex acts with a child in a pornography video, Homeland Security Investigations received tips that led to the woman's arrest.
Corine Danielle, Motley, 25, was arrested by the Homeland Security Investigations team in Pensacola, Fla. and Northwest Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Authorities believe that Motley produced at least one long-form porn video with a child between the ages of 4 and 6, and that the video was posted on Nov. 27.
"There is nothing more satisfying than knowing that, due to these efforts, a child is now safe and her tormentor now in custody," U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Morton said in a statement. The agency had released the photo as a last-ditch measure after other leads had been exhausted.
Motley is being held without bail.
Federal officials are seeking help from the public to find a woman suspected of producing a child porn video - as well as a young victim who appears in it.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement described the effort as not only one to arrest the woman, who is believed to be in her mid- to late 20s, but also to "rescue the victim," whose identity has not been determined.
At the center of the case is a video that officials say shows the woman engaged in explicit sexual conduct with the victim, who appears to be aged 4 or 5.
Authorities believe the woman lives somewhere in the United States.
A "Jane Doe" arrest warrant was issued for the woman on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Washington, only the second such warrant obtained by ICE's child-exploitation investigations unit this year.
ICE has posted photographs of the woman on its website, along with details of how to submit information that could assist with capturing her and finding the child.
The woman is described as white, aged 23 to 29, with a medium build and brown hair with blond highlights. She has greenish hazel eyes, a mole on her left thigh and a tongue piercing.
The Danish National Police alerted U.S. authorities to the video after officers downloaded it in Denmark. The material was submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Authorities request that anyone with information about this person contact ICE immediately by calling 866-347-2423.
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Follow US news from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook


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MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Juan Ramirez makes up to $42 a week selling candy, newspapers and other items from his street kiosk, but he's not interested in a new Mexican law that aims to bring millions of workers out of the country's informal economy.
"I don't think it is going to benefit companies or workers," said Ramirez, who has scraped together a living on the same street corner for nearly three decades, working 72 hours a week.
Low company salaries and his own lack of academic credentials would keep him there, he said.
The 46-year-old is one of at least 14 million informal workers in Mexico and policymakers hope the new law, which went into effect last weekend, will entice at least some of them into formal positions by creating up to 400,000 jobs a year.
But many companies, workers and lawyers say the law creates scant incentives for employers to boost hiring and offers little to draw workers out of the informal sector, where selling gum, moonshine or water at traffic lights or on the beach can often make more money than working in low-paid formal jobs - and also escapes taxes.
"There simply aren't very notable changes of substance ... It is really more appearance than reality," said Carlos de Buen, a union labor lawyer, who said the benefits of informal employment trump the law's minor fixes.
Some economists put the job gains from the reform, which aims to make it easier for companies to hire and fire workers, as high as 1.2 million per year, eating away at the black economy that costs the country roughly $50 billion in lost revenue each year.
Mexico's biggest labor shake-up in four decades has been cheered by business leaders who had long argued that an overhaul of workforce regulations was needed to make Latin America's second biggest economy more competitive.
The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which took power on December 1, has strong links to unions and for many years blocked reforms proposed by the former administration.
But the new PRI government was elected promising structural reforms aimed at boosting growth to 6 percent a year, stoking optimism about the outlook and fanning foreign investment.
Although wages in Mexico are low, labor productivity gains lag the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development average and Mexico ranks 114th of 142 countries in the World Economic Forum's scorecard of labor market efficiency.
"Mexico has a great opportunity to recover its position," said Pablo Norena, a partner at accountants KPMG in Mexico City. "The purpose of this new law is to make a much more competitive workforce."
The labor law aims to make work contracts more flexible by providing for trial periods for new employees and specifies that productivity, not seniority, should be the main criterion in assessing a worker's suitability for a new position.
It also caps the amount of back-pay workers can receive after winning a lawsuit for wrongful dismissal, taking aim at prized worker protections that many analysts say have weighed on the economy but have been tough to take on politically.
"There has been a clamor for this for 15 years ... but the labor law was never modified out of fear of offending the working class," said Barclays economist Marco Oviedo, who thinks the reform will create 1.2 million jobs a year and could add 1.5 to 2 percentage points to potential growth within 10 years.
Former International Monetary Fund official Claudio Loser estimates Mexico's large informal sector costs the country about 4.5 percent of GDP annually. It also eats away at the country's tax take, which is already the lowest among OECD countries.
International Labour Organization (ILO) figures show 34.1 percent of Mexican workers labor in the informal sector, against 24.3 percent in Brazil, depriving the government of revenue needed to provide key services, weighing on productivity and leaving workers uninsured and vulnerable.
Many informal business operators avoid taxes by keeping their business small to avoid attracting the attention of authorities. But by sidestepping taxes, they also fail to qualify for credit, keeping them from expanding their business.
"There are about 5 million companies (in Mexico); about 4.5 million are small with a low tax burden. Those are very difficult to monitor," said Manuel Molano, deputy director at the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness. "Normally, they operate in cash. They don't have bank accounts."
Mexico's informal sector is deeply entrenched and will be hard to eradicate. In Mexico City's open-air Tepito bazaar, dating back to Aztec times, cheap black-market goods abound, few pay taxes and political hand-greasing thrives. Associations and other groups representing informal workers date from the 1940s.
Politicians eventually began to use the groups to organize votes in their favor and extract bribes, said Sandra Alarcon, an anthropologist at Ibero-American University who studies the underground. Stall owners pay for their Tepito spots and are also expected to show political allegiance when needed.
"In exchange for space, there are votes, directly at the ballot box," Alarcon said.
Despite the excitement surrounding the historic overhaul, many are less sanguine about its on-the-ground impact.
One section of the new law officially allows employers to hire workers for an hour. But it also stipulates that minimum wage employees be paid no less than a full day's salary - unlikely to encourage companies to put on short-term workers.
Another section of the law authorizes short-term hiring, but workers and analysts agree that many companies already hire workers in this way under the table.
Experts say a better way to bring informal workers into the official fold is to shift more of the tax burden from workers and employers to consumption taxes, making formal hiring cheaper, and perhaps increasing minimum wages.
Mexico's minimum wage stands around 60 pesos ($4.60) per day, which the ILO says is below market levels. Kiosk owner Ramirez says he earns up to 80 pesos a day on the street.
Even if its impact is still unclear, the bipartisan support the labor law received does at least bode well for the deeper reforms that Mexico's new administration will have to negotiate through a divided Congress: opening the state-owned oil sector to more foreign investment and improving the paltry tax take.
"In some ways <the labor reform is> more a political step, that there could be a negotiation and two parties could come together and pass something together," said Shannon O'Neill, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.
(This story was fixed to correct time reference in line 84 to 1940s not 1970s)
Additional reporting by Rachel Uranga, Gabriel Stargardter, Michael O'Boyle, Gabriel Debenetti, Armando Tovar and Miguel Angel Gutierrez; Editing by Krista Hughes and Bill Trott

subset: commoncrawl


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Has Shaq burnt his bridges in Miami with Riley and D-Wade?
I can't tell you how ugly it got in Shaq's final weeks in South Florida. You can't un-burn those types of bridges. Now, if the Heat was desperate for a man in the middle, it might have been a different story. But, clearly, Pat Riley sees plenty of workable non-Shaq options.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Sometimes, you can't go home.
Shaquille O'Neal –the free agent Hall of Fame center – is learning this the hard way. The larger than life five-man burned his bridges with the Miami Heat halfway through the 2008 season, which led to him being traded to the Phoenix Suns.
On his way out the door, O'Neal insulted Heat coach and legend Pat Riley. There were also reports of a dispute with resident superstar Dwyane Wade.
So it's no surprise 'Riles' went in a different direction this summer, signing four centers – Joel Anthony, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Jamaal Magloire, and Dexter Pittman – not named O'Neal.
After all, Miami has enough leaders: Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Wade. They don't need a fading veteran, O'Neal, who will demand first option touches, spotlight, and treatment.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.


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What are you waiting for? Call us now on: 020 7041 6006 to help you with your pest problem in Harlesden nw10.
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Adam Lambert has revealed the cover art for his first post-"American Idol" album.
The big-voiced singer is pictured on the sleeve in multi-colored eye shadow, caressing his face with a black leather glove.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: From 'Wicked' To 'Idol': Hot Shots Of Adam Lambert
The picture is glam-tastic, reminiscent of past album covers and looks from Pete Burns of Dead or Alive, Kylie Minogue and David Bowie. And Adam himself noted of the cover, "Glam is back!!!" on his Twitter page.
Adam's new CD, "For Your Entertainment," will drop on November 23 via 19 Recordings/RCA.
VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'American Idol's' Final 3: Adam Lambert, Kris Allen & Danny Gokey
"Idol" winner Kris Allen's self-titled debut CD comes out the week before.
Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'American Idol' Season 8 Contenders & Their Celebrity Look-A-Likes
PLAY IT NOW: Behind The Scenes: Adam Lambert's 'Time For Miracles'
PLAY IT NOW: Dish Of Salt: Adam Lambert On AMAs, Debut Album & More
MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Adam Lambert - Music - American Idol - Kris Allen - Twitter


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Dealing with social networking overload
Posted by Unknown in Facebook, Social Media, Social Networking, Twitter on Monday, 10 August 2009
A lot of people talk about Information Overload being a real problem and I agree to a degree inormation oerload is a problem for many. I was recently interviewed by a post-graduate Information Science student who was looking at this very problem and how it affects the work of Information Officers and Professional Support Lawyers. One of the problems I see is that we prepare a huge amount of current awareness material, which we then send out but we never ask our clients, whether what they're receiving is actually useful or whether there could be a better way for us to send it to them. That will be the subject of another post no doubt.
In this post I want to talk about how information overload is becoming a problem in relation to the many social media tools people use. Mashable have written a post on this very subject. Called "How to deal with social networking overload" the article provides four step plan for helping you figure out how to keep up with your social media universe and get over that overloaded feeling. The steps outlined in the plan are:
- Ask yourself why you're using a particular site? Is it because you heard about it from your friends, who all heard it was cool. Ideally you should have a genuine reason for using each social networking site you use.
- Consider your purpose - or what value you think each Social Networking site provides you.
- Creating boundaries - is a very important point - this is about keeping one social networking site for friends and family and one for work. This is actually quite difficult to do and the boundaries are and will continue to be blurred between the two different types of usage.
- Communicate your plan - or make it clear how you intend to use each site - just because you're on Facebook doesn't mean you have to change your status every two minutes and tweeting 20 million times a day might be fun but your friends might soon stop reading everything you Tweet.
I found this a really interesting article, which I recommend everyone read for some good suggestions on how to manage your Social Networking applications.
This entry was posted on Monday, 10 August 2009 at 10:00 and is filed under Facebook, Social Media, Social Networking, Twitter. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response.


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Still thinking ...
Originally uploaded by j_q_adams
I am still trying to decide what to make for my DQS6 partner. This is a mash-up of some of his / her favorites and some of my favorites. I need help not only with the pattern idea, but with the fabrics as well. I am deciding between the new "Fresh" line and the new "Soiree" line, both by Moda.
So help me envision something ... pattern + fabric combos ... any thoughts??


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Miami, Florida, United States
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If you saw a five pound note on the pavement, you'd pick it up wouldn't you? Well, I've found a 'virtual' fiver that's yours for the taking. Debenhams is giving away a free £5 voucher. No minimum spend, no catches. Just click here to get yours now. It's valid until 12 November 2010.
With concessions such as Topshop and Warehouse, the Designers at Debenhams collections (think H! by Henry Holland and Star by Julien Macdonald) and the beauty hall, spending your £5 voucher couldn't be easier. Call it an early Christmas treat or, if you're being good, put it towards your Christmas shopping.
Me, I got a £6 Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose (below) for just £1 (top tip: use a cotton bud to apply tinted lip colour). It's like the Nivea Cherry Kiss Lip Balm I loved so much and, as it's tinted, it's not as dark as it looks in the pot. One of my Twitter followers, meanwhile, saved £5 on a Chanel nail polish.
For more bargains likes this, follow me on Twitter. I'll often tweet about things I haven't got time to blog about or if I hear of something that needs to be shared immediately. My Twitter name is Bargainistafash.
While I'm on the subject of freebies, Clinique is giving away free samples of its High Impact Mascara (above) and High Lengths Mascara. Simply head to the Clinique counter in Boots and trade in your current tube (it can be any brand) for a Clinique one. Offer ends 16 November 2010, while stocks last.


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Nookie's Edgewater
Sponsored By
Date Spots On The 'L'For whatever reason, tonight's date is going to be car-less. And that's okay! If you're up for a little transit of the public manner, you can reach all sorts of destinations in the city. In fact, we've laid out a date where you can hit stops all over the city, and barely walk farther than you would to find the nameless one-way street you left your car on during the last date.


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- changed status to resolved
This was fixed in 7a421925646c
This is a copy of http://bugs.python.org/setuptools/issue20:
It was confirmed resolved via:
r65949 | phillip.eby | 2008-08-21 20:41:59 +0200 (Thu, 21 Aug 2008) | 2 lines
Candidate fix for http://bugs.python.org/setuptools/issue20
This fix was so far not backported to the 0.6 branch.
This was fixed in 7a421925646c
Wait a minute, if I want to comment on this issue should I use this web page -- http://bitbucket.org/tarek/distribute/issue/12/ -- or http://bugs.python.org/setuptools/issue20 ? I prefer the latter because it is hosted on "python.org" and because it is more likely to be read by other people e.g. PJE. (This is presuming that the issue and the comment is relevant to setuptools, which in this case I believe it is.)
By the way, a great thing about http://launchpad.net is that it ties together issue tracker entries from multiple issue trackers. If we're going to be using this issue tracker here, hosted on bitbucket.org, then we should probably use launchpad (or something) to cross-link to issues on http://bugs.python.org/setuptools . I can set that up.
And by the way, I have a comment on this issue. I don't think that the patch fixes the issue, or at least not the whole issue, or at least not all the issues described in http://bugs.python.org/setuptools/issue20 . Of course, without unit tests, who can tell? Maybe we should write unit tests for these issues. I might be able to make some time for that.
I think we are not going to be able to sync the two trackers in a fully automated way. We will loose some contributed effort here, which is unfortunate but unavoidable at this point.
Regarding this issue, I think the original issue was confirmed fixed by the patch that was applied.
There is a new message in http://bugs.python.org/setuptools/msg235 which seems to hint at a related problem. I'd consider that worth a new issue and not part of this issue itself.


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If the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., ever puts your area at "high risk" of severe thunderstorms or tornadoes, go look for shelter.
The meteorologists in Norman once again nailed the forecast Wednesday, correctly predicting the massive outbreak of tornadoes that killed about 200 people. It's the second time this month that one of their rarely issued "high risk" forecasts panned out.
When severe weather is a possibility, the Storm Prediction Center classifies areas as being at "slight," "moderate" or "high" risk of storms. The "slight" risk classification is used most of the time. Occasionally -- maybe a few times a month -- they'll use the "moderate" tag.
According to a list I found, the "high risk" classification has been used 86 times in the last 27 years. By my Cleveland State math, that's about three times a year, so it's rare.
They've issued a "high risk" three days this month -- but, actually, for two events.
The first was April 16, when the Oklahoma-based meteorologists predicted a major tornado outbreak in eastern North Carolina and southeast Virginia. The result: dozens of twisters that killed more than 20 people. It was one of the worst tornado outbreaks in Carolinas history.
Then the Storm Prediction Center used the "high risk" tag on Tuesday and Wednesday -- Tuesday for the Arkansas and Texas area that was clobbered by tornadoes and flooding that day; and Wednesday for northern Alabama, southern Tennessee, northeast Mississippi, and northwest Georgia.
Thursday's forecast turned out to be the bulls eye for the storms that will turn out to be the deadliest in decades.
The risk classification is based on a number of factors -- the amount of lift in the atmosphere; helicity, or the spinning motion of the atmosphere; and shear, which is the term for winds blowing from different directions at various levels of the atmosphere.
They don't bat 1.000 in Norman, but the Storm Prediction Center scientists have a pretty good average. And this month, they've been incredibly accurate.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Sadly, storm specialists were correct again
If the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., ever puts your area at "high risk" of severe thunderstorms or tornadoes, go look for shelter.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Just how bad tonight?
The last thing meteorologists need to do is warn people about severe weather -- only to have none develop. There already are enough skeptics out there.
But forecasters seem to be taking a bullish approach about the predictions overnight in the Charlotte area.
Typically, thunderstorms weaken at night, because one key ingredient -- the unstable atmosphere caused by daytime heating -- disappears. Occasionally, however, a weather system brings along its own trouble, and some meteorologists think that will be the case tonight.
A few strong storms developed Wednesday afternoon across the Carolinas, but they're not related to the system expected early Thursday morning.
Jeff Taylor, of the National Weather Service office in Greer, S.C., said late this morning that the atmosphere will have plenty of shear -- winds blowing from different directions at various altitudes. Helicity, or the spinning motion in the atmosphere, also could be significant. Thunderstorms that move into such conditions often turn severe.
Forecasters are strongly convinced that a major tornado outbreak will take place this afternoon and evening in northern Alabama, southern Tennessee and northwest Georgia. They think that same system will convert from a broken line of storms -- a condition in which tornadoes form more easily -- to a solid line as it moves into the Carolinas overnight.
Solid lines of storms don't produce many tornadoes, but they are very capable of the kind of damage we saw early April 5, when strong winds knocked out power to more than 300,000 customers in the region.
So pay attention to forecasts tonight.
Monday, April 25, 2011
No hurry for 90-degree days
A few months ago, I told someone who was relatively new to Charlotte that we usually get one or two 90-degree days in April.
The other day, I decided to check out the facts -- always a good thing to do. It turns out that I was wrong. I hate when that happens.
In fact, 90-degree days in Charlotte are rather rare. The closest we've gotten so far this year, not including Monday, was a pair of 86-degree readings -- on Easter Sunday, and back on April 11. It looks as if it will be at least May before we have a 90-degree days this year.
But that wouldn't be unusual.
In 132 years of weather record-keeping in Charlotte, it was reached 90 degrees on an April day only 28 times. That comes out to about once every four or five years.
It happened last year. In fact, the first 90-degree days last year was among Charlotte's earliest. It happened on April 6, when the thermometer hit 90 for a high. But in 2009, it was June 20 before we had a 90-degree day. It hit 94 that day.
The first 90 days were May 31 in 2008; May 30 in 2007; and April 27 in 2006. Just eight years ago, it didn't hit 90 until July 8. That set a record for the latest in Charlotte for the first 90-degree day.
Eventually, it will get there. And when it happens, a lot of Charlotte-area residents will complain. But it's a part of life around here.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Mecklenburg ... a tornado magnet
I wrote a few days ago about three recent Charlotte tornadoes, and a closer look at the archives shows something interesting -- Mecklenburg County has been hit with more tornadoes than any other North Carolina county in the region over the past 60 years.
The Storm Prediction Center's records show 20 tornadoes in Mecklenburg since 1950. For those of you into averages, it means the immediate Charlotte area gets a tornado about once every three years.
You'll notice I said Mecklenburg leads the area's North Carolina counties. That's because Chesterfield County in South Carolina has been hit with 22 tornadoes during that time.
I'll get into the county-by-county totals later, but this whole topic resulted from readers' questions about whether twisters ever hit the immediate Charlotte area. The classic perception of a tornado is a storm that rampages across farmland, but urban areas are not safe.
Christopher Burt, a meteorologist who has written a great book, "Extreme Weather," assembled a list of the 10 most tornado-prone cities, based on their location in parts of the country that received a large number of twisters.
No. 1 on his list is Oklahoma City, which he says has been hit more than 110 times, including an EF5 (the strongest level) in May 1999. No. 2 on the list is the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, which also has been hit dozens of times. Only one city in his top 10, Chicago, has never taken a direct hit.
So urban areas get their share of tornadoes.
Atlanta and the rest of Fulton County have been hit 27 times since 1950, including an EF3 in March 1975 that killed three and injured 152; and the March 2008 twister that hit during the Southeastern Conference basketball tournament, killing one and injuring 30.
Columbia and Richland County have recorded 34 tornadoes, the worst of which was an EF2 in May 1976 that caused one death.
Raleigh, which took a direct hit Saturday, had recorded 30 tornadoes before last weekend. That included an EF4 in November 1988 that caused two deaths, 105 injuries, and $250 million in damage.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg's 20 tornadoes include a pair of EF2's -- on Sept. 7, 2004, caused by the remnants of Hurricane Frances; and on March 10, 1992. That storm hit in southwest Charlotte, causing 18 injuries and $2.5 million in damage -- the most ever for a Mecklenburg twister.
Here is a look at the tornado history of other counties in the region:
Anson: 4.
Burke: 6.
Cabarrus: 11.
Caldwell: 6 (includes and EF4 near Dudley Shoals on May 7, 1988).
Catawba: 15.
Chester: 12.
Chesterfield: 22 (the Carolinas' biggest recent tornado outbreak, on March 28, 1984, produced an EF4 that caused $25 million damage and 24 injuries).
Cleveland: 17.
Gaston: 13.
Iredell: 16.
Lancaster: 11 (includes an EF4 in that March 1984 outbreak).
Lincoln: 19 (includes a killer storm during the big May 4, 1989, outbreak; the F4 tornado caused four deaths, 19 injuries, and $25 million in damage). Lincoln County is tied for third (with York County) in the area, behind Chesterfield and Mecklenburg, in tornado frequency.
McDowell: 3.
Montgomery: 7.
Richmond: 3 (this number was surprisingly low, because Richmond is in the Sandhills and more prone to the significant tornado outbreaks in the springtime).
Rowan: 9 (does not include Saturday's EF1).
Rutherford: 7.
Stanly: 10 (this county is living a charmed life, with no recorded tornadoes in 12 years).
Union: 16 (includes a killer storm May 5, 1989 -- an EF4 with one death and six injuries; the total does not include Saturday's EF0).
Watauga: 2.
York: 19 -- tied with Lincoln County for the third-highest total in the area.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Charlotte has a tornado history
The tornado that struck Raleigh on Saturday has caused a couple readers to ask if twisters ever have hit the incorporated Charlotte area.
I'll try to go into more detail on this Tuesday, but the quick answer is "Yes."
There have been about two dozen tornadoes in Mecklenburg County over the past 60 years, and most of them were inside the Charlotte city limits.
The most recent was May 9, 2008, when an EF0 tornado (weakest on the Enhanced Fujita scale of 0 to 5) hit northwest Charlotte. That twister developed in Gaston County and crossed into Mecklenburg after 1 a.m. It knocked down some trees, but to be honest with you, I don't remember that one very well.
Two other tornadoes in Charlotte are more memorable.
On March 8, 2005, an F1 twister touched down near 36th and North Tryon streets. That storm followed an eastward path, damaging roofs and snapping off the tops of trees for a few miles. It knocked down a tree on the campus of Cochrane Middle School in northeast Charlotte before lifting up.
About $50,000 damage was caused.
And on Sept. 7, 2004, an F2 tornado struck southwest Mecklenburg and southwest Charlotte. That storm caused about $150,000 damage. You might remember stories at the time, of teachers and students huddling in the hallway of Lake Wylie Elementary School with the tornado nearby.
That twister was caused by the remnants of Hurricane Frances as it pushed northward from Florida into the Carolinas. The remnants of Frances produced a single-day tornado record in South Carolina that day.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Boo! Bad storms are coming
I'm not sure who gets more excited during an outbreak of severe thunderstorms -- those who are mesmerized by bad weather, or those who can't stomach the people mesmerized by bad weather.
Whether it's severe storms, tornadoes, hurricanes or snowstorms, the media coverage of bad weather (or predicted bad weather) seems to rile some people.
From what I've gathered, the critics' chief complaint is that meteorologists, or those who report on the weather, tend to sensationalize.
I've made a special attempt to use some restraint in covering the weather. Sometimes, I've used too much restraint. On April 4, I wrote that there was a chance of a few heavy storms overnight. Other media outlets were much more bullish in their advance coverage. They were right. I downplayed the threat too much.
The same thing last Saturday, when hail caused millions of dollars of damage locally.
A special target of the critics are the TV meteorologists, particularly during tornado events, when the stations usually go to full-time coverage. Those silly severe storms and tornadoes have no sense of timing. They have a bad habit of coming along in the afternoon and evening, which means weather coverage sometimes cuts into coverage of basketball, football, golf tournaments, NASCAR races, or maybe your favorite program.
I don't deny that meteorologists -- including amateurs who are fascinated by weather -- get excited in big events. However, I've also met political junkies who think the whole world should be fascinated by a big election, or sports fans who think their favorite event is the biggest thing in the whole world.
TV meteorologists say their coverage during severe weather is designed to save lives. I believe them. Don't try arguing that advance warning of tornadoes and hurricanes doesn't save lives. That ship has sailed. The statistics show how the toll of injuries and deaths has plummeted in recent decades, due to warnings.
The problem, perhaps, is when the big event -- a tornado, hurricane, snowstorm -- doesn't develop as anticipated. Maybe the critics feel they have been manipulated somehow.
Meteorology is a science, but as one National Weather Service veteran once told me, "It's not an exact science. There's still a bit of art mixed in."
The Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., and the National Weather Service -- and many other meteorologists -- predict an outbreak of severe weather Saturday in the Carolinas. If it doesn't happen, I won't complain.
It means my car won't be damaged by hail, or those two big trees along the creek won't come crashing into my fence or onto my roof.
It also means people outdoors Saturday -- playing baseball, softball, soccer, tennis or golf -- or the parents and children at Easter egg hunts will be safe.
But people who know a lot more about atmospheric science than me say there's a threat. My job is to report that.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Another stormy Saturday?
This won't be good news to the thousands of people who have plans Saturday morning -- the youth baseball, softball and soccer players; the golfers; the tennis players; the gardeners; and those planning to participate in Easter egg hunts.
But it looks like we're facing another stormy Saturday.
Last weekend, the bad weather arrived in the evening. This time, it looks like a morning event.
The computer models can't agree on the exact timing, but most meteorologists are looking at a time frame of 5 a.m. until 1 or 2 p.m., with the 7 a.m. to noon period most likely.
A cold front will be crossing the area, and the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla., says atmospheric conditions will be conducive to the development of severe thunderstorms. A major outbreak of severe weather is expected Friday in parts of the South, and that same system will be moving into the Charlotte region by Saturday morning.
As we move into Friday, the picture should become clearer. But you might want to have a backup plan on your Saturday schedule.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Spring break outlook: Very promising
It's looking more and more as if chances of frost and cold weather are on the ropes, and if you're thinking ahead to the upcoming vacation week for many area public school students, there's good news.
The outlook for the next two weeks is for consistently mild weather. By that, I mean daily highs of 70 degrees or warmer -- in most cases, warmer.
Students in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and many other nearby systems will have spring break the week of April 18, the week before Easter. I've checked advance forecasts from several private companies and the Climate Prediction Center (the government folks), and the outlook is for temperatures at or above average for this time of year.
Average highs are now a bit above 70, and those averages will be in the low to mid 70s by the end of the month.
A couple of people have asked me whether it's safe to plant flowers and vegetables that can be damaged by frost. On average, the date for the last frost in Charlotte is April 7 ... which was Thursday. So if you follow statistics, it's safe.
But given that no chilly weather is on the horizon for the next 10 days or so, I'd say the odds are even more in your favor.
Don't forget ... we've had frost in early May in years past, and there will be a few more outbreaks of cold air in the North that could push near the Carolinas.
But all indications are that we've might have turned the corner.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Was that a record storm outbreak?
Friday, April 1, 2011
It's hurricane forecast season
For the people who follow hurricanes, there are two times of year -- Hurricane Season, and Hurricane Forecasting Season. And we're coming into the prime part of Hurricane Forecasting Season.
Over the next six weeks, we'll get forecasts from Accu-Weather, the Colorado State University specialists, a team from N.C. State University, and the National Hurricane Center -- among others.
The first of those predictions is in. If I were aiming for exciting headlines, this blog entry would have said, "Carolinas In Hurricane Bulls-Eye This Year." But I didn't, because if we learned anything from the last few years, it's that hurricane forecasts are far from a science.
In 2007, the forecasts over-estimated the number of storms. Last year, the predictions of an above-average season were on target, but several forecasters said the U.S. coast would take a beating. That didn't happen. Not a single major hurricane made landfall on our coast, even though several big storms churned in the Atlantic and Caribbean.
So take this with some caution ... Accu-Weather is predicting above-average hurricane activity this year, with a higher-than-normal chance of tropical storms and hurricanes hitting the Florida and Carolinas coasts. Accu-Weather's reasoning is the position of high pressure systems in the Atlantic. Last year, strong high pressure served to steer hurricanes westward through the southern Caribbean, into the coasts of Mexico and Central America.
If I understand it correctly, the thinking this year is that high pressure will be farther east. That will allow tropical storms and hurricanes to bend northward near North America.
Accu-Weather predicts the Gulf Coast, especially Texas, will be at risk early in the season, with south Florida and the Carolinas feeling the brunt of activity in mid- to late-season (roughly, from late August through October). You can read all of this at http://bit.ly/eB5suO. Incidentally, William Gray and Phillkip Klotzbach, the kings of long-range forecasting, issue their prediction from Colorado State on Wednesday. They put out a preliminary forecast last December, and it also called for above-average activity.


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In this post, we'll continue our blog series by examining the various treatments for treating peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Before we delve into the various medical treatment options for PAD, we must point out the importance of taking control of your own health. If you're suffering from diabetes, this means that you must carefully monitor your blood sugar levels. If you're a smoker, we cannot stress the importance of doing everything in your power to quit the habit. PAD is very common among smokers, and smoking only exacerbates the effects of the condition.
Additionally, we strongly encourage regular exercise as a means of treatment—it increases blood flow to your legs and can actually alleviate symptoms. For some, exercise may be painful; however, you can often work your way up to a level of exercise that's extremely beneficial as well as tolerable.
Medication may be necessary to offset the effects of PAD and lower the risk of heart attacks and stroke.
Antiplatelets affect blood platelets, causing them to be less likely to stick together to form blood clots. One of the most common antiplatelets is aspirin.
Anticoagulants prevent blood clotting, but must be monitored carefully for side effects. Two examples of anticoagulants are heparin and warfarin.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs have also proven to be effective in preventing heart attacks and stroke. Additionally, they can improve atherosclerosis and alleviate painful symptoms resulting from claudication. Statins and niacin are both examples of cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Angioplasty & Surgery
Many times, PAD patients require treatments such as angioplasty or surgery. As we described in our last blog post, angioplasty involves the insertion of a catheter into the groin area and then into the narrowing arteries. Partially blocked arteries can be opened through the insertion of a tiny stent or balloon.
For patients with more severe instances of PAD, more invasive means of surgery may be necessary, such as endarterectomy, which removes the buildup of plaque within the affected arteries. Bypass surgery may also be performed, which involves the replacement of blocked arteries with a graft. This encourages blood flow to move around the narrowed or blocked arteries.
If you have questions on any of these procedures or treatments, please be sure to let us know in the comments.
About Gregory Robertson, MD:
Dr. Robertson specializes in Cardiology and Internal Medicine, and is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Emory. Some of his areas of clinical interest include atherosclerosis, cardiac catheterization, cardiovascular disease, valve disease, and peripheral artery disease. Dr. Robertson holds an organizational leadership membership at The American College of Cardiology, and has contributed to multiple publications in his field.
About Ravi Veeraswamy, MD:
Dr. Veeraswamy specializes in surgery and vascular surgery, and has been practicing with Emory since 2006. Some of his areas of clinical interest include aortic aneurysm, carotid endarterectomy, peripheral arterial and vascular disease, and vascular surgery. Dr. Veeraswamy had major or recent publications in the Washington University Manual of Surgery, Vascular and Endovascular Challenges, and the Annals of Vascular Surgery.


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Camp Questions Answeredby Ron Knabenbauer / Colorado Avalanche
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – Avalanche head coach Joe Sacco expects 26 players to be in training camp as soon as the players ratify the new collective bargaining agreement.
"We can only keep 23 so there will be some healthy internal competition on the ice for spots," said Sacco on Friday when he met with members of the media at the Family Sports Center. "We will be looking over the course of the period of five days to watch these players and we'll make our decision then on who stays."
Of those 26, six will be Avalanche prospects from Lake Erie, the team's American Hockey League affiliate. The Monsters players expected to be at training camp will be defensemen Tyson Barrie and Stefan Elliott and forwards Patrick Bordeleau, Mark Olver, Michael Sgarbossa and David Van Der Gulik. Only Bordeleau and Sgarbossa have yet to see game action in an Avs sweater.
With less than a week to prepare for the regular season – and with no preseason games – Sacco said the players should expect an increase in workload each day of the abbreviated camp.
"We don't have a lot of time to wait so we are looking for guys ready to play straight off the hop," he said. "That sense of urgency, you'll see that right from day one of camp and you'll see it carry over through the 48-game season. Every team is in the same boat here. Every team wants to get out of the gates running here and we are in the same predicament."
A big topic of debate across the league recently has been who benefits more in a 48-game schedule, young players or veterans. This topic topic was brought up to Sacco in regards to Milan Hejduk, the club's oldest player at 36 years of age.
However it didn't take long for the Colorado head coach to respond with a confident "I think it will benefit him."
"I have had the chance to watch him (Hejduk) the last couple of days here, looking out my window, and he looks like he has some good jump in his stride and looks light on his feet," Sacco said. "I think [the long break] has benefitted him. He takes pride in his play and his commitment to fitness and he looks a little bit recharged. I really think it will benefit him having the short schedule."
With the players having yet to ratify the CBA (expected on Saturday), Sacco hasn't been able to "coach" his players during this past week's player-ran practices.
But what he has seen from the window of his second floor office at the Avalanche practice facility has no doubt excited him – just in case the beginning of a new hockey season didn't already.
"Moods and spirits are high and everybody is excited to be back. They all (the players) have a lot of enthusiasm," Sacco said. "There's some good jump and pace in their steps. It's exciting for everybody and it has certainly been a long time coming. I can tell our players are very excited as well."


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Uncyclopedia:Writer of the Year
Alrighty, people, it's the big one. The Booker Prize of Uncyclopedia, just like Writer of the Month, but for the whole year. It's the coveted Uncyclopedia Writer of the Year page!
Eligibility Requirements
To be nominated:
- You cannot nominate yourself, but you can vote for yourself if you
are feeling greedylike.
- You must have written some articles. This goes without saying, dummy.
- You must be alive.
- Winners announced at the end of January. Probably.
Super prizes
- A place in the Hallowed halls of Uncyclopedia for all time.
- A shiny template.
- "Respect" of your peers.
- A smack on the head from everyone else.
Past Winners
- Savethemooses (2005)
- Hardwick Fundlebuggy (2006)
- The Thinker (2007)
- Modusoperandi (2008)
- Hyperbole (2009)
- Aleister (2010)
- Black flamingo11 • Sog1970 (2011)
- Funnybony (2012)
- ScottPat (2013)
- Romartus & SPIKE (2014)
See Voting Record for Full Details
Uncyclopedia:Writer of the Year
Score: 3
- For. A great writer who has contributed a lot over the past year since he has joined. SirScottPat VFH NotM WotM WotY UotM 16:43, January 18, 2016 (UTC)
- For. By far the biggest catch of 2015! His Day Job as a commander of men has given him a big human palette that he splashes our articles with, gory but always funny, from wryness to goofy puns. He has saved several of my articles by infusing lighter humor. Though irrelevant to this award, he has also embraced Adminship and even its less savory chores, such as patrolling and welcoming and gently guiding the pre-pubescent. Spıke 03:15 22-Jan-16
- For. I am hoping he will write an article about 'Navalism', being as he is often on board a lot of the time. --RomArtus*Imperator ITRA (Orate) ® 09:27, January 22, 2016 (UTC)
|Awards, Decorations and Honours
|Order of Uncyclopedia · Awards, Decorations and Honours · Admin Rank · Ninjastars
|Ranks &
|Writer of the Month · Uncyclopedian of the Month · n00b of the moment
Potatochopper of the Month
Foolitzer Prize
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Happy Monkey Competition · Other competitions


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Connery Canard
"Ye see folks? Makin a Sean Connery canard is kinda like eatin haggis... Wh- What you say- YA you der, da fat little nigger in the back row. What? You dunno what haggis is?!... I don care if you know what Kentucky Fried- Look! Get yo ass over hea boy; ahma give yo jello ass a spankin!"
"I onsh shaw my Shcottish coushin feeding a rabbit, sho I shpanked a Phillipino emigrate."
Connery Canard is a type of farce or phrasal colloquium popularized by Scottish terrier mutt Sean Connery. This particular brand of verbal utterance, which frequently appears in many online communities and cheese shops, is used as a comical anecdote to insult the senile and mentally impaired; however, some people, particularly the elderly, regard the anecdote with sentimental veneration. The general form of the Connery Canard joke begins with a single dependent clause; then is separated by a comma, and then the sentence finishes with a highly random independent clause which contains a racial slur and sometimes a punch-line.
Example: "I got shtuck in an elevator onsh, sho I shpat on the sheiling."
A standard Connery Canard will begin with a single dependent clause, and will end with an independent clause which typically embraces the merits of humor for the insane. The word order item "I Once/Onsh" will always appear at the beginning; then the 1st subject will follow preceded by an (sh)verb (indicating causality). The 2nd predicate "sho I" (indicating effect) will follow; finally the 2nd subject marker appears with a preceding (sh)verb successfully ending the sentence and conversation.
The orderly syntax of these statements can be re-arranged to a certain extent; however, the meaning and subjective qualities will remain the same. Rarely the dependent and independent clauses are reversed, which consequently forms a Connery Canard Reversal.
Reversal Example: "I onsh shucked off an Irishman, sho I shaid Happy Shanksgiving."
This particular application of the Connery Canard is less funny than the standard Connery Canard because it begins with the derogatory punch-line rather than ending it with one. The standard formation of this example is a rare occasion in which a Connery Canard Reversal is actually funnier.
Standard Example: "I onsh shaid Happy Shanksgiving, sho I shucked off an Irishman."
It is up to the speaker to decide how they want to arrange the clauses. It is becoming more and more appropriate nowadays to use the standard example. Many feel that the Connery Canard Reversal will only return to prominence after the influence of a modern-day Yakoff Smirinoff. Divergent humour such as the wanting to root a standard for contrary applications is one of many symptoms of dumpster cancer.
Semantics & purpose[edit]
The principal governing factors behind a Connery Canard are wit and application. The premise of any Connery Canard suggests that an old senile person is reminiscing about some memory they probably never had and is implementing it with some highly random impropriety. The following concluding statement MUST hold absolutely no rational causality towards the originally stated premise. Hence, the speaker (i.e. Sean Connery) is made out to be completely insane, senile, and inept to concepts of socially acceptable storytelling banter. This is to some extent due to the bad memory of the speaker; they either cannot remember how or why they "onsh" did something, or they have become too lazy to bring about proper closure to the anecdote and will end the conversation with some random vulgarity.
Adults or children listening to the eight second tale will finish their encounter by staring at Sean Connery, who is now silent, and then walking away in utter confusion and disgust. Connery will stand/sit still and stare at you as you walk away.
The most important rule to remember when practising the Connery Canard, with regards to purpose, is that your statement must possess complete and total disregard for utilitarian or conjunctive cause/effect rationality. There should be no legitimate means of judgment in any case whatsoever. It is merely a brief anecdote recalling the tale of some past event, and then resolving its premise with inadvertent violence.
Complex canard[edit]
In some cases, with a really amusing set of subjects; it may be necessary to supplement a confuting clause to the Connery Canard anecdote. This is often used to emphasize the relation, or blatant mis-relation, objectively between the elements of cause and effect (dependent and independent clauses). As opposed to standard Connery Canard rules, the median confuting clause always pertains to the preceding clause that it is describing. The complex Conard should not be considered for use when communicating with people with lower attention spans.
Standard Example: I onsh shtopped for an old shash bag croshing the shtreet, sho I shtuck a finger up my arsh.
Complex Example: I onsh shtopped for an old shash bag croshing the shtreet, but shhe wash wearing high healsh, sho I shtuck a finger up my arsh.
Phonology & dialectics[edit]
When dealing with Connery-esque linguistics or phonology, a functional "s" sound such as those present in words like "stop" or "sleep" are morphologically altered to a "sh" sound such as those present in words like "shave" or "shite." Subsequently, words such as "stop" or "sleep" would become altered to "shtop" and "shleep." Get it? Good, because Sean Connery has suffered from hiccups for the last 28 months because of this.
For example, instead of saying: When I go to the movies, I sit in the back row, you say: When I goesh to the moviesh I shit in the back row. Shtarting to make any shense yet?
Now give yourshelf a shlap on the back for having shaved your assh from failing an attempt at a Connery Canard! Now go annoy some children or busy parents.
Original model quotations[edit]
"I wash on the phone wunsh, but thee osher guy hung up, sho I shmacked a chineshe guy."
"I shat on a toilet sheath onsh, but it wash shticky; sho I shtomped on a chiwawa's head."
"I onsh got my brosnan pierced, but it wouldn't shtay on, sho I shlapped a WalMart manager."
"I wash playing playshtashion onshe, but my controller shnapped in half, sho I shrew an iPod at my shishter."
"I shaved thish dying whale onsh, but it didn't thank me, sho I shcrewed a jew in the anush."


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WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive harm - www.p65warnings.ca.gov
Yoshimura chassis protectors help minimize damage from sliding type falls. The plastic construction is soft enough to slow slides and will wear down slowly, but it's tough enough to keep the track away from your motorcycle in most cases.
- No fairing cutting/trimming is required for installation
- Sold as a Pair
- CNC-machined mounts
- Laser-etched Yoshimura logo Inner Sleeve
- Includes stainless mounting hardware and instructions


text:
If you live in Canada, you should definitely make a Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) part of your retirement savings plan. Here's why.
Want to figure out how much money you need to be financially successful? First you need to figure out what you want out of life.
If we are undirected, we are susceptible to all the external forces of consumerism around us, and whamo, we're a full-on rat in the race, wondering when the wheel will st
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text:
Selecting the appropriate plants for your landscapes can reduce the amount of maintenance and labor required for the property. You will also reduce the chance of needing to replace the tree or shrub due to poor growing conditions. It is true that horticulturists try to make "that plant grow there," but we would be wise to find a plant that will easily grow there. Consider the following.
- Soil conditions
These include pH, drainage, soil texture and structure, soil depth and whether or not it will be irrigated. If you don't have a soil probe, get one. Use it to collect soil samples as well as to poke around to see what is there. If the probe goes in the ground easily, you might guess the soil drains well, maybe even too well. If not, you may have a drainage problem or compaction, and a species that tolerates low oxygen should be selected.
- Climate
This includes winter hardiness, heat (whether direct or reflected), wind, ice and other precipitation. Gamble with plants on the edge of your zone only if you can provide some protection and be willing to lose the plant during a severe summer or winter.
- Above ground influences
These include sun vs. shade, terrain that is flat or hilly, a compaction producer nearby such as a sidewalk or driveway, and the presence of microclimates produced by a courtyard or wind tunneling around a building. Also consider the size of the property — will the species you select need to be planted en masse in order to make an impact?
- Function
The mature size of the plants will play a large role in selecting species for residential vs. commercial, public vs. private, park, shade, screening and seasonal interest. There are many plants that grow too large for smaller, residential properties. Looking ahead to the future, you don't want to be left with the bill for removing a large tree that has overgrown its location. On the other hand, you want to plant large species on large properties.
- Maintenance
Many a tree, shrub or perennial has been installed without serious thought to whether there is staff available to adequately maintain it. We are in the business of making properties look good by making the plants around them look good. If you have a restrictive maintenance budget, select species that look good without much work. Ornamental grasses need only one pruning per season. Many shrubs installed in today's landscapes grow much too quickly, requiring three to four prunings per season to make them look good. Can you afford this? Perennial gardens have been promoted as a low effort, inexpensive way to dress up a landscape. Most perennials are not low maintenance. Ask anyone who has dead-headed daylilies several times per growing season — it is tedious, labor intensive work. Also consider whether deicers will be used nearby (select salt tolerant species), and whether the plant will be shedding fruit, leaves or twigs. How resistant is the species to pest problems. If you can't afford a spray program, better select plants with few or no pest problems.
Once you have listed the qualities needed for your landscape, there are many references that provide lists. You will most likely want to consider the soil needs and begin narrowing down your selections from that point. You can change the soil to improve drainage and aeration, but in many cases it is not practical. If you can't find an appropriate species, keep looking and mix accordingly.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2020 Penton Media Inc.


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Experimental Treatment for Major Depression
(Sounds of climbing gym)
AGARWALA: Let's see if I can do something a little more challenging…Maybe not…(grunts)
I'm at the Cleveland Rock Gym with Ed Agarwala. He's scaling a make-shift boulder with an impressive overhang. It's kind of a metaphor for what he's been struggling with nearly all his life.
Agarwala's got major depression. In high school, he had to talk himself through mental exercises just to get up in the morning.
AGARWALA: It would be like, you know, I just didn't feel like I could get out of bed. So I had to start with something as simple as…I don't have to get out of bed, just if I could move my hands and feet a little bit, you know that's just the first step.
Some days he didn't make it out of bed. His depression got so bad in college that he finally sought treatment.
AGARWALA: My girlfriend at the time saw how bad I was. I talked to her about, that I might actually commit suicide and that it wouldn't be her fault, and she convinced me to please go see somebody.
This was the start of a long and largely fruitless search.
AGARWALA: I have tried every class of medication, to no effect.
We're talking: SSRIs like Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, drugs like Wellbutrin, the generic doxepin, or Marplan or Cymbalta.
He tried intensive psychotherapy, fish oils, even another class of drugs known as stimulants.
He also tried a procedure called electroshock therapy, or ECT, where doctors create "mini seizures" in the brain. This can be an effective--if extreme--treatment for depression. But it didn't really help Agarwala.
His depression was pushing him to a breaking point.
Then one day he read about a procedure called "deep brain stimulation" in the New York Times.
It's an experimental therapy for people with severe depression, for people who've tried most everything else.
So Agarwala enrolled in a trial at the Cleveland Clinic. And now?
AGARWALA: I am a cyborg.
He's mainly joking, he does have implants IN his brain. This is what deep brain stimulation is all about.
AGARWALA: I have batteries in my chest and wires in my brain that affect my mental and emotional function.
The battery packs are about the size of cell phones, one embedded on each side of his chest.
Deep brain stimulation is already FDA approved for treating things like Parkinson's and tremor. It's being studied for other diseases, like severe depression, bipolar, Tourette's.
Agarwala describes the moment, after several hours of brain surgery to attach the electrodes, when doctors flipped the switch:
AGARWALA: You feel the current run for the first time and it is exquisite. I mean the sadness just disappears.
Agarwala's doctor at the Clinic, psychiatrist Donald Malone, takes a more cautious tone:
MALONE: You know there is no magic bullet. Now for given individuals could this be a magic bullet? Yes, yeah, it could be.
Malone says the therapy looks promising in some cases. He and others have found modest to dramatic improvements in patients.
MALONE: The reality is that depression is horrible. And depression of this severity is really horrible. It's every day and it's awful and people just want out.
Dr. Peter Kramer, a professor of psychiatry at Brown University, says deep brain stimulation is a "tool in progress" for severe depression.
KRAMER: I think this is interesting but I really think anyone that approaches it should know that it's experimental, and that it's not first or second rank but it's sort of a last resort.
That's because it is brain surgery, and other depression treatments are much more tested and have more data to back up their use.
The hard evidence for deep brain stimulation has yet to come in but researchers hope to have some reliable data soon.
Dr. Malone, from the Clinic, is part of a multi-site randomized control trial, and he says they may release results sometime this year.
Medications and psychotherapy remain the most effective treatment options for most cases of depression.


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Hugs Christine x
Monday, 31 October 2011
Friends Forever Sneaky Peek!
Hugs Christine x
Sneak Peek - Champagne Fountain!
Icy Angel
Hi dear Lili of the Valley fans,
I would like to show you another sneak peek with one of a new image from Lili of the Valley. As you know there are 28 new super cute stamps, which will be available from 10th November 2011 at the Lili of the Valley Website.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great week :O)
Party Presents
Well it is the start of a new week !!! I trust everyone had a great weekend!! I know I played, played and played lol
Today I would like to show you another of the soon to be released images from Lily Of The Valley. This is Party Presents!! These little stinkers are just having a blast aren't they?
I have used some papers from Authentique that I got at Susana's Custom Art and Cards. This image was colored with my copic's and the dies are from Magnolia.
The release will be available at the NEC show this Thursday and online the 10th of November.
Keep an eye out for the rest of the DT is showing lots of sneak peaks.
Thank you so much for stopping bye.
Sending you Big Hugs((((((((()))))))))
A sneak peek and a Quick Flick Tutorial
Today I have the first of my sneak peeks for the new release that are going on sale at the NEC next Thursday, but they won't be on sale on the website until the following Thursday 10th November so if you are going to the NEC head to the LOTV stand first as these stamps are going to whizz I'm sure. The stamp I have used is called Daydream, she is one of the new Molly Harrison stamps and I am totally blown away by this collection. I love love love how she has drawn the hair, I could sit all day just colouring up the hair lol.
And of course I went with PINK, now why wouldn't I lol. All the details of products used etc. are on my blog
I also have a Quick Flicks video for you, it was a bit of a comedy of errors as I had originally planned on doing a colouring video but the light was so bad last night it just wasn't working so I had to quickly rustle up another one – so here's the card box tutorial that an awful lot of you have been asking for.
Have a great week
Happy Halloween
My card today is another sneak peek from Lili of the Valley available on the website from 10th November, but they will be available to those luck enough to be going to the NRC this week. I will be there from about 1pm on Thursday until Sunday close so hope to meet up with lots of old and new friends, don't forget to come and visit us on the Lili of the Valley Stand.
Another little fairy for you today this one is "Never to Old for Cupcakes" and again the sentiment is included with the stamp. She has been coloured with Copics, the backing paper is from Nitwits Collections. The Swirl is a Marianne Design Die and the lovely Pink Rose Ribbon (to which I have added lots of Stardust Stickles) are from The Hobby House (Jill if you read this you will be my first shopping stop at the NEC). The Flowers are by prima I have had them ages so not sure where I bought them.
I have added lots of Glamour Dust to her wings and to the swirl. Sorry this is quick must get ready for Thirsday.
Have a good day and watch those ghosties and witches tonight
Jacs xxxxx
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Sneak Peek - My Best Friend
Sneak Peak - The Flower Shop
Sunday Sneaks
Little Sleepy Head
I am back to bring you another sneak peak of the soon to be release images .
This adorable cutie is Little Sleepy Head !!!
The images will be available online the 10th of Nov. But remember if you are at the NEC show Thursday they will be available to you then.
Trust me you all are going to love them ALL !!!!!
Thanks for stopping bye and keep an eye out for the DT has lots of new images in store for you to see.
Big Hugs (((((((()))))))))))))
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Sneak Peek!
Sneak Peak for LOTV
Happy Saturday dear Lily Of The Valley Friends !!!
Now I have a sneak peak for you from today !!! OHHHHHHHHHHH you all are going to love this release !! I can't wait for you to see all of them. They will be released at the store on the 10th of November. But they will be available at a NEC show Thursday so if you are lucky enough to live close you can grab these cuties up fast.
I have used this adorable little puppy called Buckets of Love !!! Oh I just love him. He has been colored with my copic's and the papers are from Nitwit called Grin n Bear it. Love these papers. Now this new release, most of them come with a sentiment free so what a great deal. So start stalking Lily Of The Valley !!!
Thanks so much for stopping bye and for you lovely comments they are so appreciated.
Sending Big Hugs((((((((())))))))))))
a Sneak Peek
I have a Sneak Peek from the New Release from Lili of the Valley we are launching them at the big UK Hobbycrafts show at the NEC next Thursday, but they won't be on sale on the website until the following Thursday, which is 10.11.11, so if you are at the NEC next week please come and visit our stand and be one of the first to get your hands on these delicious new images.
This little image is called Positively Pampered and comes complete with her own sentiment, when I was colouring her I decided to use the same colours as my first Fairy Tiptoes card as I am sure it is the same fairy. IF you want to know how the card was made just visit my blog.
All thats left to say is for those of you in the UK don't forget to put your clocks back tonight, woooooooheeeeee an extra hours sleep. And all of you have a fabulous weekend
Jacs xxx
Winter Fun
They look like they're having so much fun on their sled, they needed a beautiful snowy scene in the background. I love the beautiful landscape digital stamps from Motivet, a perfect match for this image.
I colored everything with my Copics, cut out the girl and boy and popped them up on the background. I even added some Crystal Lacquer over the pond to make it look like ice. This card was a lot of fun to make, I love landscapes and I love LOTV, what a perfect combo!
Thanks for stopping by, have a great weekend!
Stamps: LOTV Toboggan for Two, A5 verses; Motivet digital background
Ink: Memento
Paper: SU, Heavenly White, Bazzill, shimmer white cardstock, unknown patterned paper from my stash
Tools & Accessories: Martha Stewart snowflake edge punch, SU Northern Frost die, Copics, pearls, Crystal Lacquer, EK Success edge punch, organza ribbon, Spellbinders Fancy Labels
Friday, 28 October 2011
Morning Peeps, back in the world of the Internet again, isn't it strange how being without Internet Access makes you feel out on a limb, I have really missed everyone this week, but BT assure me that all my problems should be over now.
One good thing was I had some time to make a few cards and catch up with the dreaded housework, so here is the first of the cards I made.
The awesome Little Bears are from Lili of the Valley the stamp is called "Christmas Bears Mistletoe" who could resist them. For more info on the card please visit my blog here
Hugs to you all
Jacs xxxxxx
Have a Spooktacular Halloween
I had to squeeze in just one more cute Halloween card before Halloween. I just love this adorable image, Abracadabra. It's perfect for Halloween as well as just fun for birthday cards, boy cards, etc. I used some patterned paper from Echo Park's Halloween line from last year.
I stamped the image on copic x-press it cardstock and colored it with copic markers. I used these colors:
skin: E000, E00, E11, E13
clothes: E21, E23, E25, E27, E29, V93, V95, V99, T3, T5, T7, T9, Y35, YR04, YR07, W1, W3
bear: E21, E23, E25, E27, E29
book: Y26, YG93, YG97, YG99, W1, W3
ground: E33, E35, E37
background: Y21, (E37 – speckles)
After coloring the image, I masked it. Then, I sprayed the background behind the image with a Y21 marker and my air compressor. I sprayed the ground using an E37 marker. I ended up with some over spray so I just embraced it and added a little more. I kind of like the speckles it added to the background. I finished the card off with some buttons and twine.
Have a Happy Friday!
Thursday, 27 October 2011
I Do
My card today is for this week's Lili of the Valley challenge is a wedding card I was commissioned to do months back, following one of my sketches. The image had to be none other than I Do from Lili of the Valley
The paper is digital but right now my brain is so befuddled I have no idea where it is from, if I can remember I will update this post (although Raspberry Road rings a bell). The sentiment is one I whipped up in Photoshop, feel free to save it if you have a use for it. Just click on it to bring it up to full size before saving to your computer.
The gorgeous 30mm wild rose, Tea Rosebuds, cherry blossoms, sweetheart blossoms and seam binding are from Wild Orchid Crafts. The Fretwork Heart behind the image is a Go Kreate die as is the tag. The Heart Chain border die is from Dies to Die For.
The bride to be wanted a tag on the inside so she could write a message to her future husband. She chose the colours and also asked for me to make the card similar to one I had done before using a different image. I hope she liked it
And before I sign off, I see there is a sneak peek on Lili of the Valley's website of the new stamps that are going to be released on 10th November on the website but if you are going to the SECC or NEC you will be able to get hold of yours sooner!!
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
James the Bear!
Seriously cute bear huh? haha! Well, he is called "James Bear - Pile of Presents" and you can find him HERE at the LOTV Shop. He is colored with Distress Inks. My papers are Bo Bunny.
Monday, 24 October 2011
Santa Claus is coming to town!
Hi there, another Christmas card from me today, this one is for this week's Wild Orchid Crafts Challenge
The image was coloured with copics, and I even had the colours written on a post it note attached to the back, woooo get me …. organised or what lol
Skin: E11, E00, E000, R20
Beard: C1, C0
Reds: E19, R29, R24, R22 and Tuscan Red pencil
Black: C7, C5, C3 and Black pencil
Browns: E57, E55, E53, E40 and Dark Umber pencil
Greens: YG99, YG93, E81
Shading: BG000, E40, BG0000
I even managed to decorate the inside following the layout on the front of the card, and now that I have actually got space for my sewing machine even that got put to use
The lace started off life white, but I spritzed it with a mixture of Tea Dye and Walnut Stain to give it a vintagey look to match the papers.
Stamps: Father Christmas stamp – Lili of the Valley, sentiment from a Jayne Nestorenko set
Papers: Pion Design - Dies to Die For
Dies: Fancy Hearts Border Die – Crafty Sentiments, Frilly Square 6 – Go Kreate
Embellishments: All Wild Orchid Crafts – 35mm Trellis Rose, 20mm Rose, carnation, 15mm rose, holly leaves, seam binding, lace, metal corner
Before I sign off I did not manage to get a video done on the weekend for today, but I will have one done sometime this week.
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Christmas Dance
Christmas Dance
Stamp: Christmas Dance Magnolia Snowflake
Sentiment: Happy Circular Sentiments
Papers: Pandura
Hope you'v all has yourself's a wonderful weekend.
Saturday, 22 October 2011
An Advent Calendar
Hi there, me again! I thought I would share another of my magazine cards using the gorgeous Advent Calendar stamp from Lili of the Valley.
The flowers are die cut from Marianne Design Poinsettia dies and I just popped a button in the centre after threading through Divine Twine. The gingham ribbon, twine and buttons are from Wild Orchid Crafts. The image was coloured with Copics, colours used are R29, 27, 24, 22; YG67, 63, 61,G20; YR24, 21, Y11 and then I used E41 and E40 for the shading around the tree. The sentiment is from the Christmas Circular Sentiments set from Lili of the Valley and the papers are Nitwit Collections.
Friday, 21 October 2011
Happy Halloween
I made also a Card with this wonderful
Halloween image
which you can get in the
Its a Digital Image called
Witch & little Cat
Happy Halloween :-)


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Hangover Helper: The Pulled Pork Tamal from Playa in Los Angeles
Just what the doctor ordered.
Who are your breakfast superheroes? Who, in a pinch, can you count on to get you through the bad times, and lift you up when you need it most? They are the best that this world has to offer in the way of pre-11a.m. warm meals on a plate. They are: pork and eggs.
Bacon? Breakfast sausage? A quick chorizo scramble with a load of cheese? All perfectly acceptable options. But when you're being dangled off the corner of your apartment building by that nefarious villain known as Hangover, are you going to cry out for Two Strips of Plain Bacon to help? Or wouldn't you rather call his porkier, tastier cousin: Pulled Pork. And guess who Pulled Pork brought with him? Sunny-Side Up Eggs. Turns out, they're here to kick a little morning keister.
If that extended and wobbly superhero metaphor didn't clear things up, I'm talking about the Pulled Pork Tamal, a weekend-only brunch item from Los Angeles Latin cuisine kingdom Playa. Most nights, people come for the stiff cocktails and creative riffs on popularized Hispanic dishes. But on weekends, Playa heads for the nearest phone booth and emerges as a phenomenal mid-morning eatery.
Back to the pulled pork tamal, a $12 twist on the popular banana-leaf tamales of southern Mexico and Central America. Normally, you can head to the right street corner in certain parts of LA and $12 will get you a bag full of steamed, tender tamales, large fist-sized mounds of masa, holding untold treats inside. But this single iteration, steamed and served atop its own wrapper, is worth every dollar you spend. The hefty tamale is a work of subtle art, with cracked corn masa moist enough to pull away in forkfuls but not so mushy that it falls apart. The interior is a cavern of pulled pork, deeply satisfying in a salty, earthy, lightly spiced way, with tender bites and a precious few with a bit more texture.
Then there are the dual sunny-side up eggs, a dynamic duo of just-fried edges and yellow, bulging yolks. They are perfectly gooey and dangerously delicious on their own, but when paired with the pulled pork tamale they're basically unstoppable. Oh, and did I mention the slightly spicy hot sauce? It'll add just a little pop to your morning. Putting a fork through every layer at once immediately causes this breakfast plate to form like Voltron and kick even the most intergalactic hangover back to the tequila wormhole it crawled out of; it's a hero of a dish.
Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday only 7360 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles (map)
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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What Would Jobs Do? Not Much!
I only had to drive by both the Apple store in downtown San Francisco and then the Moscone Center nearby yesterday to feel the relentless gravity of the Mac faithful gathered inside at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, waiting for some juicy tidbit from the Oracle.
Or, as I like to call him, Steve Jobs.
As I wrote in this post earlier yesterday, the CEO of Apple launched his speech at 10 a.m. PDT yesterday with a massive force of live bloggers at the ready to take down his every utterance. A shame then that, despite what looked like a very entertaining show as usual, not much news was actually committed.
Most especially, and perhaps one of the reasons the stock was down a few dollars in after-hype profit-taking, there was no Google CEO Eric Schmidt onstage with Jobs announcing a deal to gird Apple's .Mac business with its fresh-baked Googley know-how. (Amusingly, Gizmodo attributed the stock dip to the fewer number of times Jobs uttered "Boom!" in his speech.)
To be fair, though not much, there was some iPhone software news with Apple letting programmers make some for it (here's yet another picture of it, since it is so dang pretty), some more details about previously announced features for its upcoming Leopard operating system and a cool widget demo.
Jobs's most interesting move, one that has worked well for Apple related to iTunes, was showing off a new version of its Safari browser that works on the Microsoft Windows operating system. It's not a bad idea, given how iTunes has thrived on the platform. In fact, last month at D5, he noted in an interview onstage that the success of iTunes software on Windows machines was because it was "like giving a glass of ice water to someone in hell."
Presumably, the new Safari on Windows means more quenching of parched souls.
But why listen to me, when the master of stage and screen-juggling can tell you, courtesy of our friends at The Wall Street Journal Online's video unit? Even when he is not saying much, it is fun to watch Jobs in action:
Please see this disclosure related to me and Google.


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Angel Lola Luv & Lil Mama "5 Star" Freestyle On The Round Table!
The Round Table show with Lenny S, Maya the B
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Trace Adkins welcomes the birth of his newest grandson.
Pistol Annies invite fans to show their attitude at the Henhouse.
Brantley Gilbert gets personal with "You Don't Know Her Like I Do."
Jake Owen feels like all his dreams have come true.
Julianne Hough had to lose her twang for Rock of Ages.


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I thought that the Australian NV Pizza Red would be a fun Thanksgiving wine. For a $6 screwcap, it sounded casual and approachable for non-wine drinkers, and I dragged it along to the various gatherings. I didn't get around to opening it, so I saved it for leftovers. While my leftovers were awesome, the wine was a disappointment. It's a proprietary blend of red and white grapes. It's also sweet like a White Zin and is slightly fizzy. Not like in that touch of bubbles you get with some crisp whites, but rather like it's been blended with a little sparkling wine. In fact, it tastes exactly like what you would get if you mixed together leftover bits of red, white, pink, and sparkling wines in a blue plastic cup in the later stages of a party. And I say that with authority because I remember doing exactly that at the age of 20.
It may be great with pizza, but there's lots of $10 Chianti, Argentine Malbecs, and dry rosés out there that would make a better match.


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Chevrolet Trax Auto Repair at Hank Graff Chevrolet near Millington 48746
When your vehicle is in need of exceptional auto repair, you can trust Hank Graff Chevrolet near Millington 48746. From major replacements such as a new transmission to minor repairs such as fixing a broken taillight, rest assured that the Hank Graff Chevrolet Service Department will provide quality care in a timely manner.
Trying to purchase parts and fix your vehicle yourself can often lead to more damage, as well as taking up your precious time. Instead, trust your vehicle in the hands of our certified technicians who will quickly assess the problem and get to work. With every new model year comes new mechanical updates, but your Chevrolet Trax will receive the correct parts whether it is fresh off the lot or a few years old. They'll use their knowledge of your make, model, and year to get the job done efficiently and effectively.
If you are worried about the expense that comes along with auto repairs, come to Hank Graff Chevrolet near Millington 48746. Our auto repair process includes preventative measures, so you don't have to keep coming back and have a major part replaced at a high cost. Our commitment is get you and your Chevrolet Trax back on the road without breaking the bank, so make an appointment to come in as soon as you detect a problem.
Our Hank Graff Chevrolet website makes utilizing our service center easier than ever. Take a look at our hours of operation, service specials, and even schedule a service appointment, all without having to pick up the phone. Once you've found a time that suits your schedule, you'll be able to sit back and relax knowing your Chevrolet Trax is in great hands. If your vehicle needs to stay at the shop, we will work with you to get you a temporary replacement so you don't have to put your life on hold.
Finding an honest auto repair shop can be difficult, but with the Hank Graff Chevrolet service team you can expect a knowledgeable staff that has the experience and the dedication to fine-tune your vehicle back to its proper condition. Whether it's the engine, transmission, brakes, or air conditioning, even a minor issue can cause dangerous problems if left untreated. Instead of hoping the "check engine" light goes away, bring your vehicle to Hank Graff Chevrolet near Millington 48746. We look forward to serving you!
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Certified Pre-Owned Hours
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 6:00 pm
|8:00 am - 3:00 pm
New Cars Hours
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 6:00 pm
|8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sales Hours
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 6:00 pm
|8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sales PPC Hours
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wholesale Lot Hours
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 7:00 pm
|8:00 am - 6:00 pm
|8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Our Location
Hank Graff Chevrolet
800 N State Road
Davison, MI 48423 Get Directions
New Cars
"Mike Horwath - Wonderful Service"
Wonderful service thanks Mike!
- Tyomie S. Marshall
"Mike Horwath - Third Vehicle I Have Purchased"
This is the third vehicle I have purchased from Mike Horwath and will continue to come back when it's time for another one. I have no problems sending friends or family to see Mike because I know he will always take care of them.
- Denise Novak
"Chris Horwath takes very good care of us..."
"He is the reason I come to Hank Graff."
- Bruce Christain
Chris Horwath - Highly Recommended
"Chris Horwath was very professional in treating me with the purchase of my 2014 Silverado. I would recommend my friends to Chris for future purchases of their next vehicles."
- David G Hempsall
I have been in sales at Hank Graff Chevrolet since 2002. I specialize in Commercial and Fleet sales, but am able to help anyone with their transportation needs.
I am married to Laurel and we have 5 children and 8 grandchildren. I am also a fire fighter with the Davison-Richfield Fire Department. In my spare time I like to go camping, golf and snowmobile.
I have enjoyed two great years being a part of the Hank Graff Chevrolet team. I specialize in Commercial Vehicle Sales and General Motors Fleet Sales, but do also sell new and used vehicles. I treat all my customers as if they were friends or family so they will bring me more business and feel comfortable to stop by or call with any questions or concerns.
I grew up in Flushing with my two sisters Jackie and Jaime and my parents Bob and Cindy. Before working at Hank Graff, I was a Petroleum Landman for 10 years doing work in 11 states, leasing mineral rights for oil and natural gas drilling. I was lucky enough to receive two full scholarships for basketball to Austin Peay State and Kent State Universities.
Come see me! We will have fun and we will find us the best deal for you or your business.
Matt Jakeway
Commercial Sales Consultant
Hank Graff Davison
Direct: 810-654-2289
Cell: 810-259-0449
I've worked here at Graff since 1992 holding many different positions from porter to new car manager. Currently new and used car sales is my position. I have one son Grant who is currently going to school at U of M flint. I am a Bentley high grad and live in Davison. Come see me for a great deal.
Hi! My name is Kathy Posio. I have been in this business for almost 30 years. I have been at Hank Graff for 11 of them. My husband , daughter and I live on a farm in Otisville and have a bunch of wonderful critters - horses, goats , alpacas, chickens and ducks. Active in the Equine 4H program I enjoy meeting new folks and believe that the New Vehicle buying experience should be more fun and less stress.
"Kathy Posio - A Good Job, From Sales To Service"
I think it is the best one I have been to. They do a good job from sales to service.
Good Job Keep It Up.
- Larry K. Tash
I have been a Graff for 6 years. I graduated from Davison and have been a part of the community all my life. My joy comes from my 5 grandchildren, nieces, nephews and family. Helping you find the right Chevy for your family is what I do. Come on in and I will find the right one for you, see you soon!!!!
Debbie Schlegelmilchaka :" Smiggy"
Been in the car business for 20 years. Attended Michigan State University and live in Swartz Creek with my wife of 14 years who is the adoption director at the Humane Society of Genesee County.
Spend most of my free time working in my yard and watching sports. My favorite sports are baseball, hockey, and football. My favorite sport teams are the Tigers, Red Wings, and the Spartans.
"Mark Modreski - Became a Friend"
I actually felt that my Sales Rep became a friend in the process of buying my Cruze. We had so much in common & he actually let me borrow books to show my father - in - law. Excellent price, service & enthusiasm.
- David G. Fix
"Mark Modreski - The Best!"
My salesperson, Mark Modreski, was the best!
- Mary E. Rickard
I've been with Hank Graff Chevrolet for 34 years selling vehicles. I have been in the Flint area my entire life, graduating from Flint Southwestern. I have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. I look forward to taking care of all my previous customers and meeting new customers.
"Harold ''Shue'' Schumacher - Absolute Pleasure!"
Shue was the best salesman I've ever dealt with at Hank Graff. I have bought every vehicle I've had from Hank Graff, the first being when I was 18 yrs. old and now I'm 31.
He is an absolute pleasure to work with!- Emily S.
Certified Pre-Owned
I graduated from Grand Blanc High School and worked in the automobile aftermarket business in Georgia and Pennsylvania before returning to Michigan to stay. I've had a lifetime affair with the automobile and bought my first car at fourteen and have been driving everywhere I can since. I recently completed an eight day 5,200 mile drive around the southwest. I also enjoy restoring vehicles in my spare time and love all cars both new and old. I can spot the 'diamond in the rough' every time. If you're driving a fixer-upper or something that you think is on its last legs, bring it in and have me take a look at it and let you know what we can do on trade.
I am a 1980 Bentley High School graduate who resides in Grand Blanc. I have been with the Graff Family for 27 years. I have been married to Christine Bailey for 29 years and have two sons who also work for Hank Graff. I love to watch sports and play basketball and golf in my spare time. I also love traveling to sunny destinations with my family.
"Todd Bailey - One of the Best"
Todd Bailey is by far one of the best salesman I've ever dealt with!
Thanks to all the staff I dealt with when I purchased my truck.- Johnnie P.
I have been a sales professional for over 25 years and have been with Hank Graff Chevrolet since October of 2000.
Our motto says it best ;
To have Fun wile working Hard with Integrity to Exceed our employees and our customers expectations.
I have been happily married for over 30 years, have two children and two awesome grandchildren.
I hope to pass down to them my love for music and the great outdoors.
Geoff Gordon
810.654.2311[email protected]
Direct: (810) 654-2314
Cell: (810) 223-7591
Hello let me introduce myself to you. My name is Mark Swanson I have been in the automobile sales business for over 30 years and of which I have been with Hank Graff Chevrolet for the last 14 yrs. The Graff Family is like family to me and I love working here as a sales professional. With three lots to sell from I have many vehicles from new to used and our wholesale lot to assist you and your family and friends with. When not at work I enjoy time with my wife and three children. I live in Clio and enjoy the community there. My favorite saying is "A day without laughter is a day wasted"...Charlie Chaplin. Please allow me to be your car guy that treats you like family. Please call me with all your transportation needs and let my 30 years of experience go to work with you.
"Mark Swanson - Friendly Service"
Have been buying trucks for 20 years. Huge selection & friendly service.- Winn S.
I have been with the Graff Family for over 13 years and have over 20 years of sales experience. I speak two languages, English and Spanish. I have been married to my beautiful wife Tressa for 25 years and we have four beautiful children and two grand kids. I love family, music, sports and most of all helping my great customers, family and friends. Great friendly service with a smile.
"Herm Ramirez - Fifth Vehicle Purchased"
This is the fifth vehicle purchased from them and it wont be the last.
- Nicholas J. Maschino
I have 20 years of experience in the automobile business in both sales and service. I grew up in Waterford Michigan and now reside in Otisville with my wife and 15 year old son. I graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1992 with a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice. When I am away from work you can catch me participating in a myriad of outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, and camping with my friends and family.
"Adam Sample - Friendly and Helpful!"
Everyone was very friendly and helpful! Thank you Hank Graff!
- Stephen F. Dawson
I have proudly been in the car business since 2009, and I love every day of it. I am happily married with two awesome golden doodles. I have been a car enthusiast and people person my whole life, which attributes to my love for the car business. When I am not at work I enjoy music, sports, riding motorcycles, and beating my coworkers at golf. I cannot wait to help you with your automotive needs.
Wholesale Lot
About me...
I have 9 years of experience. Live in Lapeer, Michigan. I have two sweet daughters. I enjoy playing golf & spending time with the family. When I go out to eat, my first choice would always be Lucky's Steakhouse. I Like this quote "A goal without a plan is a wish". You'll catch me watching ESPN & HBO on TV. My favorite sport team is the Lions .
Direct: (810) 654-2261
Cell: (810) 397-7039
I have been in the car business over 30 years. Super proud of my 2 sons. I enjoy football and golf. See me for a great deal on a vehicle.
I have been in the business for 20 years and with Graff since 2009. I grew up in Grand Blanc and now live in Flushing with my wife and 2 daughters. I love working in the automobile business and I am an avid automobile enthusiast. I look forward to helping you with all your automotive needs.
What a wonderful place to be! I've been with Hank Graff Chevrolet since December of 2013. I made a big career change when I began selling vehicles, and I love every minute of it! I graduated from Davison in 1992. I live here in the City of Davison, I am married to a wonderful woman, and have 3 beautiful daughters. I am always excited to meet new people and look forward to finding just the right vehicle for your needs. I work with you, and for you, at your pace. I consider myself a straight shooter that makes the buying process hassle free and easy, but don't take my word for it, come see me and let me show you! I look forward to meeting you.Thanks, Brian


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Many Americans find it hard to judge whether they are successfully managing their weight or not. Despite of increasing awareness of the obesity crisis in this country and around the world, most people don't see themselves as being affected by weight issues. What's more, misperceptions – some call it denial – about weight changes are widespread, according to a recent study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington.
"If people aren't in touch with their weight and changes in their weight over time, they might not be motivated to lose weight," says Dr. Catherine Wetmore, a former Fellow at IHME and now a biostatistician at Children's National Medical Center, who is the lead author of the study report.
For the study, Dr. Wetmore and her colleagues compared self-reported changes in body weight between 2008 and 2009 by using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), an annual survey that was designed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to track health and lifestyle indicators in American adults. The survey included data from almost 400,000 participants in both years.
Based on their self-reporting, most participants actually gained weight between the 2008 and 2009 surveys but were not aware of it or even thought they had slimmed down a bit, although they hadn't.
There may be many reasons why people misjudge their weight. It's not always the case that they deliberately lie or live in denial. "It may be related to optimism or vanity or a real lack of awareness," says Dr. Wetmore.
According to her findings, women seem more in tune with their body weight than men, and younger adults also do a better job than older ones.
Still, she calls the study results "surprising and alarming." Self-awareness of one's body weight is an important factor in the fight against the obesity epidemic, she said in an interview with WebMD.
Misperceptions and denial are also common among those who are already overweight or obese. This is particularly unfortunate because other health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure often occur in connection with weight gain and can remain undiagnosed and untreated until it's too late.
For some people accepting their unhealthy weight and not doing anything about is an option they think they can live with. Also, as a society we are increasingly becoming accustomed to obesity and are beginning to see it as an unfortunate but unavoidable part of modern life. According to another recently published study, the number of severely or morbidly obese people (with a BMI of over 40) in the U.S. has increased by a whopping 70 percent over the last decade, making it the fastest growing segment of Americans with weight problems.
As a result, there are many more folks who suffer from weight-related disabilities to the point where they cannot live productive lives anymore. "People may basically be forced into retirement because they can't work," says Dr. Roland Sturm, an economist at the RAND Corporation and leader of the study.
Experts estimate that treatment of obesity and related illnesses add annually close to $200 billion to health care costs in the U.S. It is self-evident that these trends are not sustainable.
Obviously, there are no simple solutions and well-meaning measures like curbing soda consumption through taxes and limiting serving sizes, or posting calorie counts in restaurants can only scratch the surface, if that. But something needs to happen and soon. What comes to mind is a song by the late Michael Jackson: "I'm starting with the man in the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways."
Timi Gustafson R.D. is a registered dietitian, newspaper columnist, blogger and author of the book "The Healthy Diner – How to Eat Right and Still Have Fun"®, which is available on her blog, "Food and Health with Timi Gustafson R.D.", and at amazon.com. You can follow Timi on Twitter and on Facebook.