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Good News for Liberty Flames Fans
Glad to see Coach Freeze isn't looking jet out of Lynchburg after getting that first bowl win. Per Jon Manson writing for ASeaOfRed.com:
"I've had several reach out to me or to Jimmy (Sexton), who kinda handles that," Freeze said on the radio interview. "Flattered, but man Liberty has done so much for me and for my family and all my family is together there. I have a daughter who is a senior. It would be very, very difficult for me to consider that at this time, with where my family is and with the goodness that Liberty has been to me."
Tags Liberty
Tags sports
The Liberty Flames are Bowl Eligible and it Feels Good
I'm proud to be a Liberty alumnus. Very proud. I don't love everything about the school (or, more accurately, everyone who runs it…), but I loved my time there. What I love most as an alum is getting to cheer on Liberty athletics in what is shaping up to be a golden age.
Last year, Liberty's Men's Basketball capped their season with an amazing win over Lipscomb for the ASUN Conference championship and an upset that shocked the nation against Mississippi State in March Madness. It was a good time to be a Flame.
But I'm not much of a basketball fan.
Which is why this past Saturday, for me, was the best day (so far) in Liberty sports history. In case you missed it, on Saturday, the Flames clobbered New Mexico State to get their 7th win on the season and to secure bowl eligibility.
There have been some good days to be a Liberty fan: our last minute, upset win over conference rival Coastal Carolina; our shock upset over Baylor in week 1 of 2017; our win against Old Dominion in our first ever FBS game.
But this, this game, this win, this day was the best of all.
Odds are, the Liberty Flames will be playing in a bowl game this year. In their first year of eligibility. I don't know if any other team has pulled that off; if so, I bet the list is short.
What a season.
This profile of Buckshot Calvert in The Athletic is worth your time (sorry about the paywall). This bit is particularly impressive:
For the first three years of Calvert's Liberty career, it was a little too perfect. The ballistics definition of Buckshot would imply a lot of throws without much regard for accuracy, and that described the previous iteration of Calvert pretty well. He never got his completion percentage out of the 50s, and as a junior he threw 18 interceptions to go with his 21 touchdowns.
But since throwing three interceptions in Liberty's first two games of 2019 (losses to Syracuse and Louisiana), Calvert has attempted 281 passes without a pick.
Even with a pair of interceptions against UVA, Buckshot's stat line for the season is still impressive: 233 completions, 3,393 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.
Also worth your time: this profile of Frankie Hickson from A Sea of Red. A Highlight:
For [Hickson] to be part of the football team that saw the program rise from the FCS ranks to the FBS and be on the first team to become bowl eligible is the real perfect story. Maybe there will be a movie written one day about this team, this season, and this running back who was part of this team.
"This is home," Frankie said. "Liberty is home. Williams Stadium is home. No better way to cap it off."
Thanks for indulging me. Fan The Flames!


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Livery design: Giving the railway the 'wow' factor
14th March 2018 Sam Hewitt Features
While many transport companies look to external agencies and specialists to develop and maintain their brand and image, some undertake the activity in-house. Virgin Trains was one of the companies that until recently had its own design unit. Steven Knight speaks with creative designer Sam Jessup, whose artistic talents were used by Virgin Trains for almost 10 years.
Sam Jessup has made a name for himself over the last decade as a leading light in railway design. His ability to interpret basic ideas and create something amazing has been put to the test many times. He has the ability to know what will work and what should be avoided. Until a few days before The Railway Magazine met him he had been working for Virgin Trains undertaking assignments for both the West Coast and East Coast franchises as well as for Virgin Rail Group and Virgin/Stagecoach.
The initial repainting plan for the West Coast 'Pendolino' fleet, which is currently being undertaken, envisaged an off-white/very light-grey base colour, because of the West Coast franchise being prepared for re-franchising by the Government. However, creative designer Sam Jessup was convinced the base colour needed some relief and was able to demonstrate the livery could be enhanced with the addition of the 'flowing silk' relief as had been applied to the East Coast 'Azuma', used at the launch event. Here, 'Pendolino No. 390020 passes Cathiron, near Rugby, on January 7 with 1A25, the 10.47 Liverpool Lime Street-London Euston. PAUL A BIGGS
A change in strategic policy at Virgin, which took place in December 2017, saw the brand and design functions being undertaken again by outside agencies, and as a result Sam left the business.
He admits to having a life-long interest in railways, which he says was probably down to his introduction to Thomas the Tank Engine at an early age. However, like many, this passion was kept in check as it was viewed as uncool during his teenage years.
A degree in graphic design at Falmouth College of Art was followed by three-and-a-half years working in Miami at a design agency run by British people. However, the recession took its toll and Sam returned to the family home in Coventry, and at this point decided to see if Virgin Trains had any jobs going in the city.
Sam Jessup spent 10 years as designer and latterly as head of design at Virgin Trains. He has just taken on the role as interim brand & design manager for the West Midlands Railway & London Northwestern franchise. STEVEN KNIGHT MEDIA.
"I thought there may be something on the station or in the ticket office," he said, "but I saw a vacancy for an in-house designer so I applied." After a thorough interview a then 24-year old Sam Jessup joined Virgin Trains as its sole in-house designer in January 2008, based at Euston station.
During his 10 years at Virgin Sam went from being the sole designer to managing a design team of four. He has also worked with outside creative and design agencies, including working with respected transport designer Ray Stenning, of Best Impressions, on the East Coast launch in 2015 (RM June 2016).
Sam says one of the challenges in his early days was building relationships with other departments and encouraging two-way working, something that wasn't on the agenda previously when outside agencies were used.
"My ethos", says Sam, "was to understand the business, look at the end use, solve problems and then see where things could be done better. It was about adding sparkle and moulding the tone of voice to really create impact.
"Any brand has to be forward thinking, and for Virgin Trains it also had to embrace the values of the Virgin Group – welcoming, fun and different."
Read more in the March issue of The RM – on sale now!
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What other people say about you will not kill you. What you say about you will kill you.
You cannot move into the future if you are constantly looking to your past. If you do not set your eyes to what is ahead, you will fall into the ditch and stay there crying for what you should have left behind.
You were created with and for a purpose. Everything you have went through… the good and the bad… was training ground for your destiny. The steps of a righteous man (woman) are ordered by the Lord… every step.
You may have tripped up, fallen down, made mistakes, made bad choices… but do you not know that even then, yes! even then, Gods hand was in it?
Romans 8:28 says, "we know all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to HIS purpose." Did you read that? Did you see the key word there? HIS! His purpose! Not your purpose. Not my purpose. But HIS purpose.
His gifts are irrevocable, not to be revoked or recalled; unable to be repealed or annulled; unalterable. He has gifted you with all you have need of to fulfill the calling on your life, for HIS purpose. The Bible is filled with people who screwed up, yet God used them mightily. He is the same God now as He was then. Our God does not change.
Quit beating up on yourself. Stop talking about the "good ol' days," you think will never return because you made too many mistakes. My friend, my fellow laborer, it was training ground for something better that has yet to come.
If you have sinned, REPENT! Receive His forgiveness and get back up. You made mistakes, bad choices, got entangled. Has your heart been broken, have things not worked out the way you had hoped? Remember,God has made a way for you. It may have caught you by surprise, but it didn't catch Him by surprise.
Our God is not a wasteful God, or a liar…. He will complete the work that He has began. And you, my friend, you are His marvelous creation. and you have been created with a purpose.
So, the next time you are tempted to say it's too late, hold your tongue…. speak life! Because life is in the power of your tongue.
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width, length, depth, and height- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Romans 3.
You the power to speak life or speak darkness, choose wisely what you say.


Bio - Based out of the Foothills of Colorado, Write Minded is a fresh and tasteful addition to the National music scene. With a unique mixture of hip-hop, rock, funk,reggae, and soul, Write Minded pushes the confining boundaries of genre to bring you something brand-new.
The group materialized when Sam and Jesse branched from a local collective and began focusing on an acoustic hip-hop set. In preparation for a larger gig, TurtleBear, Fofo, and Willy slid right in bringing flavors of psychedelic rock, true funk, electronic hip hop, and so many other tasty sounds that added a multitude of dynamics. What formed out of the experience was an exclusive blend of music that ultimately developed into Write Minded.
Audic Empire was formed in late 2010. Since then they have been turning heads in the Austin music scene with their psychedelic, Reggae/rock and feel good tunes. They have a high intensity performance and an astonishing sound with the contrast of two singers, their Red Hot solo Guitarist, and rock solid rhythm section. Audic Empire has played with numerous great artists and festivals. Audic's first album Sativa SunRise will be debut in 2015, but they have released their Sativa Sunrise EP which is available on Bandcamp.com, Hard copies are also available. You can listen and download songs from reverbnation.com, bandcamp.com, Soundcloud.com and will also be coming soon to iTunes. With the rapid growth of their reggae/rock sound, Audic Empire is on the rise with their journey to produce a unifying sound wave of love and music.
"One soulution through a creative bind."
MountainUs is a five piece band that breathes new life and energy into the reggae scene. Combine their high energy break downs with their conscious and purpose filled values, and you've got yourself one widely appealing blowout of a band. Originally formed in Fort Collins, Colorado. The band is quickly making their way into the larger music scene while gaining traction building a solid fan base.
MountainUs delivers a message of peace, love, and unity while still bringing the noise. This band will definitely leave you gasping for air after providing such great vibes that you couldn't help but dance the night away. Dubbing themselves as a Rock Reggae revival this is 100% one band you will not want to miss!


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Il singolare del torneo di tennis WTA German Open 2003, facente parte del WTA Tour 2003, ha avuto come vincitrice Justine Henin che ha battuto in finale Kim Clijsters 6-4, 4-6, 7-5.

Teste di serie

 Kim Clijsters (finale)
 Assente
 Justine Henin (Campionessa)
 Jennifer Capriati (semifinali)
 Justine Henin (semifinali)
 Chanda Rubin (secondo turno)
 Daniela Hantuchová (quarti di finale)
 Jelena Dokić (terzo turno)

 Anastasija Myskina (secondo turno)
 Elena Dement'eva (primo turno)
 Magdalena Maleeva (primo turno)
 Eléni Daniilídou (terzo turno)
 Ai Sugiyama (primo turno)
 Fabiola Zuluaga (secondo turno)
 Patty Schnyder (terzo turno)
 Anna Smashnova (terzo turno)

Tabellone

Finali

Parte alta

Sezione 1

Sezione 2

Parte bassa

Sezione 3

Sezione 4

Collegamenti esterni

WTA German Open 2003

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Two deputies assist National Guard in Minneapolis
June 2, 2020 October 14, 2022 AdminLeave a Comment on Two deputies assist National Guard in Minneapolis
Last Friday was anything but a normal workday for two Faribault County Sheriff Department law officers and their families.
Investigator Mark Purvis and deputy Briar Bonin arrived at the Sheriff's Office for their day-shift duties.
Then, around 9 a.m. they got a message on their cell phone — members of their four-county SWAT team were being asked to assist with the civil unrest in Minneapolis.
"My wife wasn't too thrilled when I called and told her. She just told me to be careful," says Purvis. "I talked to my two daughters, told them I loved them and would be home later."
Before the deputies could make their way to Minneapolis they needed and got the OK from Sheriff Mike Gormley and Chief Deputy Scott Adams.
That has never been a problem and although the two deputies could have said they didn't want to report, there wasn't any chance that was going to happen.
"I guess it's kind of a calling, to do anything we can. We just wanted to help," says Purvis.
At a moment's notice they changed into their SWAT team uniform and made the drive to the area referred to as "The Third Precinct," the epicenter where thousands protested the police killing of George Floyd.
"It was definitely shocking to see the amount of damage. I knew it was bad, but until you see it in person you don't realize it. It looked like a tornado went through the area," says Purvis.
Upon their arrival, the two deputies and five other members of the SWAT team put on protective gear transported in three used ambulances donated to the group, one from United Hospital District in Blue Earth.
Based at the intersection of Lake Street and Hiawatha Avenue, the Target store that was vandalized and looted was within walking distance as were the Auto Zone store and police station that were started on fire.
"There were businesses with broken windows and glass everywhere on the ground. I felt bad for the people there. But, there were a lot of people sweeping and helping to clean up the mess," says Purvis.
The SWAT team's mission: arrest any protester the National Guard wants apprehended.
Purvis says the number of protesters were in the "multiple hundreds" with many coming and leaving. He says there was never a need to arrest anyone.
"With that large number of people I definitely was worried, but we never felt threatened," he says. "But, you don't know if or when something is going to happen."
Purvis and Bonin have served seven and four years respectively on the SWAT team that has some 20 members from Faribault, Freeborn, Steele and Waseca counties.
Tagged civil unrest
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Wells plant shutdown due to COVID-19
Post unfairly takes shot at board
Search under way for administrator
January 26, 2022 October 13, 2022 Admin
Greenfield project moving at slow pace
March 7, 2021 October 13, 2022 Admin


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Religious Modernities in Thai Meditation Centers
Joanna Cook
A review of Constructing Religious Modernities: Hybridity, Reinterpretation and Adaptation in Thailand's International Meditation Centers, by Brooke Schedneck.
This important and timely work addresses the proliferation of foreign engagement with Buddhist meditation in Thailand. This is a key and overlooked area of enquiry in the study of Thai Buddhism. In recent years meditation retreats have become an accessible and attractive activity for foreign visitors to Thailand. Exploring the promotional publications around meditation retreats, the pedagogic methods of meditation teachers, the range of motivations and commitments of international meditators, as well as the schedules and requirements of important retreat centers, Shedneck provides a grounded and ethnographically rich account of religious adaptation and hybridity.
Through long-term fieldwork, participant observation on meditation retreats, in depth interviews with teachers and meditators, and reviews of the publications produced to promote meditation, Schedneck examines international engagement with Buddhist meditation in Thailand. This multi-methodological approach provides a historically contextualized and qualitatively nuanced account of important engagements with Buddhist practices in the contemporary context. She considers recent revisions of secularization theory to understand the constitution of hybrid religious forms and argues that the increasing global appeal of meditation reflects a blurring between categories often distinguished as "secular" and "religious." Religiosity is understood to develop through partial or temporary religious engagement, linked to spiritually motivated travel by transient communities. The reinterpretation of Buddhism and emergence of forms of hybrid religiosity reflected in the engagement with meditation in international retreat centers are occurring in the context of cultural and transnational flows of information and people.
In the Introduction Schedneck clearly establishes the theoretical framework through which she interprets her empirical work, focusing particularly on postmodern religiosity and hybrid multicultural contextualization. She considers hybridity as a theoretical tool in order to demonstrate diverse engagements with meditation and the mixing of religious and secular frameworks by meditators. She argues that hybridity results from the endeavor to extract vipassana meditation from its Buddhist roots, producing new possibilities through processes of negotiation and compromise. Employing a post-colonial theoretical lens, Schedneck considers postmodern religiosity, globalization and cultural flows. She argues that adapted forms of meditation stem from forms of globalization that are characteristic of contemporary religion. New centers of Buddhist authority and new interpretations of meditative practices are being created. One example of this, that the author explores, is the circulation of practices and discourses generated by tourism. The author considers the history of interpretation of Buddhism, Thai tourism literature and meditation teachings. In addition Schedneck considers the relationship between tourism, religion and commodification. She argues that meditation becomes commodified and shaped into a desirable experience through the promotion of meditation retreats. It is represented as an escape from modern life that induces relaxation within natural settings. She argues against a negative association between religion and commodification, and argues instead that religious practice is reconfigured through its relationship with the market in hybrid ways. Through exploring the literatures about meditation, which advertise an escape from modern dystopia and represent a search for re-enchantment, Schedneck argues that meditation is promoted to foreign tourists as a desirable commodity.
In Chapter 2 the author considers the modern Buddhist discourse of "universality," as contracted with "culturally specific," Buddhism. Meditation is often understood to have a "universal" appeal, and to be removed from more "traditional," "cultural" or "religious" aspects of Buddhism. Considering social discourses about Buddhism and meditation, Schedneck argues that foreign travelers engage with meditation in hybrid ways. She unpacks the links between orientalist interpretations of Buddhism and contemporary international meditators. In Chapter 3, Schedneck gives an overview of the modern history of vipassana meditation and its development in Thailand. She provides a clear account of the retreat centers and meditative practices most popular with international meditators in Thailand. Chapter 4 examines the representations of meditation retreats in tourism brochures, guidebooks and meditation center pamphlets in Thailand. In these publications meditation is represented as both a modern and rational technique and, at the same time, a traditional and authentically Thai escape from modernity. The author argues that such discourses reinforce an orientalist idea of meditation as "other." Chapter 5 considers the diversity in background and experience of international practitioners who engage with meditation in Thailand and their motivation for doing so. Meditators appropriate different aspects of the meditation retreat depending on their motivation and commitment. The author gives a thorough account of the retreat settings, schedules, activities, and experiences of participants in two different retreat centers in order to highlight the range of practitioners' experiences. Chapter 6 focuses on the ways in which international meditation center teachers adapt their teachings for foreign meditators. Schedneck argues that the ways in which teachers represent meditation is a product of intercultural dialogue and reinterpretation, which contributes to hybrid forms of religiosity. In the conclusion the author returns to the question of religious identity, and spiritual tourism to argue that global Buddhist networks are created through engagement with international meditation centers.
Focusing on the relationship between pedagogical techniques, student/teacher dynamics, practitioner motivation and the promotion of meditation through publications, Schedneck draws attention to the cultural particularities of international meditation centers in Thailand. In so doing, she provides a grounded and problematized consideration of secularization and hybridity in the contemporary Thai Buddhist context. This work will be a significant contribution to studies of modern Buddhism, religious studies and Thai studies.
joanna.cook@gold.ac.uk
Ethnographic fieldwork
Extensive ethnographic interviews, 2009-2011
Buddhist monastery and meditation guides
Thailand Tourism Authority materials
Arizona State University. 2012. 338 pp. Primary Advisor: Juliane Schober.
Image: International Dhamma Hermitage in Chaiya, Thailand (Photo by Brooke Schedneck)
2012 Dissertation,Arizona State University,Buddhism,Juliane Schober,Thailand,Tourism
Post written by: Joanna Cook
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Even though I came to Georgia Tech in 1981 with professional experience teaching high school (two and a half years), working in advertising and public relations (four years while I finished my dissertation), and six years of teaching on the college level (one year at Furman, four years at the University of Buffalo and one year at Miami University as a graduate student), I've spent most of my professional life at Georgia Tech.
During that time as an assistant professor, associate professor, professor, and associate chair, I've had the opportunity to work with thousands of wonderful students and hundreds of equally wonderful faculty members and staff. I've also had the opportunity to travel throughout the United States and Europe to teach and do research.
I've also had the opportunity to see the English Department transformed into the School of Literature, Communication and Culture and – most recently — the School of Literature, Media, and Communication. Those changes have helped me grow as an educator and a scholar.
In addition to my work at Tech, my husband and I have raised two sons (both engaged in the film industry) as well as four dogs and five cats. I also take time away from teaching and scholarship to participate in two book groups, to play in a bell choir, and play both Scrabble and bridge.


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Nightscapes - Milky Way
A gallery of nightscapes with the Milky Way prominent over a landscape, taken from many sites around the world. Does not include star trails. Presented in chronological order from newest to oldest.
OzSky Star Safari Panorama (March 2014)
A 360° panorama of the OzSky Star Safari 2014, at the Warrumbungles Mountain Motel near Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia, taken March 31, 2014. This is a 12-section panorama with the Canon 60Da at ISO 3200 and 30 second exposures, untracked, with the 15mm full-frame fish-eye lens at f/2.8. Lighting and movement between segments produces some blending issues. But PTGui spliced the frames together very well and effortlessly. Photoshop failed to blend these.
Southern Milky Way Over OzSky Star Party
The spectacular southern Milky Way arching over the OzSky 2016 star party near Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia, in a roughly 240° panorama from southeast to northwest. The Milky Way extends from Canis Major just setting in the west (at far right), across the sky through Puppis and Vela (at upper right), through Carina, Crux and Centaurus (top), and down into Scorpius and Sagittarius rising in the east (at left), with the bulge of the galactic centre rising. The panorama takes in the complete extent of the southern hemisphere Milky Way. The Large Magellanic Cloud, the southern sky's other great sight, is above the trees right of lower centre. The Southern Cross is at its highest due south at centre here. The huge bubble of the Gum Nebula in Vela is visible at right. Mars and Saturn are in Scorpius/Ophiuchus at left, with reddish Mars to the left of Antares. The telescopes and observers are with the annual OzSky star party held on this site in the austral autumn months, and organized by the Three Rivers Foundation in Australia. About 40 people attended this year, and attendance is limited. This is a stitch of 7 panels, each a 2.5-minute exposure at f/2.8 with the Rokinon 14mm lens mounted vertically and Canon 5D MkII at ISO 4000. The panels were spaced at 45° intervals. The camera was on the iOptron Sky Tracker so the sky is not trailed but the ground is, but minimally at this focal length. Stitched with PTGui using fish-eye projection.
Southern Milky Way over OzSky Star Party #1
A 180° panorama of the southern sky Milky Way, from Sagittarius and Scorpius rising at left (east), across the south in Centaurus, Crux and Carina at centre (south), to Canis Major setting at right (west). The Southern Cross is due south at its highest. Mars and Saturn are in Scorpius at left. The telescopes are with the OzSky star party near Coonabaraban, NSW, Australia, held on the grounds of the Warrumbungles Mountain Motel. I shot this April 4, 2016. This is a stitch of 5 panels, each 2.5 minutes at f/2.8 with the Rokinon 14mm lens in portrait orientation, and Canon 5D MkII on the iOptron Sky Tracker to track the stars. Stitched with PTGui.


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Kaw Point Park
Friends of KPP
Encampment Theatre
Hiking/Biking Trails
From Runoff to Rivers
Historic Native Plants
© 2023 Kaw Point Park
The new boat ramp was constructed in 2004 at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers. It is available for recreational boaters and fishermen.
The boat ramp is open from 7am to 10pm daily and has been a popular site for launching kayaks, canoes, and motorized boats. No permit is required for non-motorized boats. A Kansas state permit is required for fishing and motorized boats on the Kansas River. A Missouri permit is required for the Missouri River.
Every summer in mid-July, the Kaw Point Park hosts the "Missouri 340 Race" where paddle-craft race 340 miles from Kansas City to St. Charles, Missouri. The Missouri 340 is a fund raiser for Missouri River Relief. For more information visit http://rivermiles.com/ or call Scott Mansker at (913) 244-4666.
In 2020 Friends of Kaw Point Park became the sponsor of Friends of the Kaw's Adopt a Boat Ramp Program for Kaw Point Park. Friends of Kaw Point Park hosts a clean up event on Saturdays, once a month from March through November. See events page for dates.
Friends of Kaw Point Park
Kansas City, KS 66117-1366


The Federal Trade Commission today told the House Committee on Small Business that solving the problem posed by spam will not be quick or easy and that a single approach won't provide a cure. In testimony before the Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Oversight, Howard Beales, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, said the spam problem will require a blend of technology, enforcement, legislation, and consumer and business education. "Any solution to the problems caused by spam should contain the following elements: enhanced enforcement tools to combat fraud and deception; support for the development and deployment of technological tools to fight spam; enhanced business and consumer education; and the study of business methods to reduce the volume of spam."
The testimony notes that spam has a damaging effect on business - particularly on small business. "The flood of fraudulent and offensive spam robs businesses that would like to use commercial e-mail messages as a low-cost way to market their goods and services. Legitimate sellers' messages tend to be drowned out or ignored by consumers who are inured to commercial e-mail messages because so much spam is so distasteful." The testimony states that small business may not be able to afford technology tools to combat spam that bigger businesses can.
The Commission has established a Federal/State Spam Task Force to strengthen cooperation with civil and criminal enforcers and to help overcome some of the obstacles that spam prosecutions present. The Task Force members can share information obtained in spam investigations and "apprise participating agencies of the latest spamming technology, spammer ploys, and investigational techniques," according to the testimony.
While the Commission has pursued a rigorous law enforcement effort targeting deceptive spammers and has brought 55 cases to date, locating spammers is a challenge for all law enforcers, the testimony says. "Spammers can easily hide their identity, falsify the electronic path of their e-mail messages, or send their messages from anywhere in the world . . ."
The testimony notes that the FTC has called for certain legislation to enhance its FTC's ability to fight fraudulent spam. "First, legislation must address how to find the person sending the spam messages . . . Second, legislation must deal with how to deter the person sending the spam messages . . . Finally, legislation must determine what standards will govern non-deceptive, unsolicited commercial e-mail."
E-mail can offer enormous benefits and convenience for consumers and businesses alike, the testimony concludes. The increasing volume of spam, however, coupled with the widespread use of spam to perpetuate fraud and deception put the benefits at risk. "The Commission looks forward to continuing its research, education, and law enforcement efforts to protect consumers and business from the current onslaught of unwanted messages."
Copies of the testimony are available from the FTC's Web site at http://www.ftc.gov and also from the FTC's Consumer Response Center, Room 130, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580. The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint, or to get free information on any of 150 consumer topics, call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1 877-382-4357), or use the complaint form at http://www.ftc.gov. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.


Having skied in CO, CA, UT,PA and NH I would rec UT. CO has great skiing BUT most ski places in CO are hours away from the airport which is not something I look forward to after being on the plane for hours already, esp w a 4yr old.
In UT, we've gone to Alta and Snowbird which are about 1.5 hours at most from SLC airport. However, those resorts are more designed for locals and very serious skiers. For other activities, I would recommend the Park City area which has something for everyone and is ~1 hr away from Salt Lake City. The ski resort we prefer there is The Canyons bc its so big. Park City itself is an ok town but of course, funky Sundance is nearby. There is tubing and ice skating in Park City, both of which we've done. We had a great time tubing after skiing all day too. Finally, if you're looking for upscale then Deer Valley is your place. They have a great ski school and their service is really great, the down side is that you pay for it. It's close enough to Park City that you can enjoy PC things and still stay (or ski) in Deer Valley, if you wish.
I know less about CA skiing except that Tahoe is 4 hours from SFO and ~40 min/1 hour from Reno. Northstar is liked by the locals, I hear. I only skied at Heavenly which was nice but I don't recall what else was there or how the ski school was.
Tahoe has everything you want - near-ish an airport. Less than an hour from Reno to the Lake and about 2 hours from Sacramento to north shore w/ Northstar, Squaw Valley, and Alpine Meadows.
From Sacramento it would be slightly longer drive but not much longer to Southshore w/ Heavenly Valley, Sierra Ski Ranch and Kirkwood. Homewood is between north and south Tahoe. Boreal/Soda Springs are just west of Truckee - a bit closer to Sacramento/farther from Reno. but still in the same general area.
You could spend a couple of hours in Truckee - an old time western town w/ good eating and shopping. Squaw Valley is wonderful and this year they are celebrating the 50 year anniversary of the '60 winter Olympics. I'd probably pick northshore and stay at Squaw or Northstar or in Tahoe City. But southshore is good too (more built up though) and maybe stay at the Embassy suites between Harrahs and the Heavenly Valley Gondola.
Northstar is fantastic for families, but I can't say it's "not too expensive". Skiing is a very expensive sport, kids ski school is an added cost, and staying within the resort is more expensive than staying outside the resort (but sooooo much more convenient, because you can use the in-resort shuttle service instead of your car). But it's terrific. (P.S. We also LOVE Park City, but never went there when our kids were little).
I'd go to Park City.
Take the Heber Valley Tube 'n' Train to the Soldier Hollow tubing hill (or drive there). There's also another train from Soldier Hollow that just makes a scenic loop. Heber is about 30 minutes from Park City.
More tubing at Gorgoza Peak north of Park City.
There are other companies that offer snowmobiling. You might want to research several to see if the terrain of one sounds better for riding with a 4-year-old.
There are some more adventurous activities for the adults at the Olympic Park. Bobsled, zip line, maybe others. You can also watch demos of freestyle aerials and ski jumping on Saturdays at the Park.
One advantage to Tahoe -- because there are so many motels, resorts, condos, you can usually get very reasonable accommodations. If the Residence Inn or Northstar are too pricey - you can find perfectly acceptable lakeside motels at both north and south Lake Tahoe.
Janis, where is there a Residence Inn?
I think you are expecting a lot from a 4 year old. It can be very cold.
If you are going to a ski area are you and your wife going to ski? Do you want your daughter to ski? That is going to require lessons.
I guess I am not understanding the focus of this trip. Do you just want to go play in the snow?
As for distance after airport arrival, there are a number of CO ski areas under two hours from DIA, if that is a big concern.
Might need to know what you are considering "reasonable/inexpensive". March is a big spring break month, and also, in CO, has a LOT of snow. Fun.
sf7307: "Janis, where is there a Residence Inn?"
Oh crap - I meant Embassy Suites . . . .
Your right Gretchen...th foucs of the trip is unclear. I would ski some.. I am just and average skier. My wife would have to learn with my 4 year old so we know the bunny slopes is all they will handle. But tubing and skating, snowmobile and maybe dog sled would all be great...AND if my child gets tired of the snow I like to have other options to drive to or the things to do fo we have a day or two off the slopes. This is our first winter vacation trip and we are from Florida.
Thanks to all of you that have commented.
I assume you mean your wife also has to take some lessons, not actually WITH the 4-year old? Usually, 4-year olds learn in ski school. If you wanted them to be together, you'd have to spring for private (or I guess it would be semi-private) lessons. Anyway, I don't recommend it since obviously adults and children learn at different speeds.
I don't think even a private instructor would take that on!The 4 year old will basically be in a play school with some skis. The "bunny slope" has changed dramatically, and while your wife might be on that, the kids have a wonderful thing called the "magic carpet" to take them up their little hill--a moving "carpet" that they just step on. The little ones spend as much time inside coloring and having snacks as they do outside.
I am not even sure that tubing would be available to a child that young. Something to check.
We go with our family to Keystone a good bit. It has tubing, but you have to make reservations for your time (an hour maybe). And it fills up.
If you are interested in CO places near Denver, you might google for Winter Park, Breckenridge, Keystone, Eldora (small area), and probably others, and see what is offered. They are all within an hour and a half--two hours easy drive on I70.
Theoretically you could even drive into Denver and do a museum or zoo.
I can promise you I have seen hundreds of 4 year olds cruising down the slopes. I think it is perfectly fine to take a 4 year old skiing. Yeah, they might get tired of it after a little while, but they also get tired of anything after a little while. We did a group lesson and a private lessone when our daughter was young. I think she got a lot more out of the private lesson. I don't remember her exact age, but I believe it was 5 for her first experience on skis. Some kids pick it up really fast, others take time. Generally, the daredevils learn faster(the ones with no fear). If your kid can already skateboard, ride a bicycle, roller skate, or something like that-chances are you will be having a hard time keeping up with him/her. btw, Most of the smaller kids start out not using poles.
The best place I have been to to start/learn skiing is Deer Valley. Doing group lessons is the most economical way to do it and they limit their group size to 5. As others have said, skiing is an expensive sport. If you're going to do it, just plan for that.... lessons, rentals, lift tickets etc.
Utah is a great place to meet your needs. There are so many resorts within 35-40 mins drive. There are 4 resorts on the Salt Lake city side and 3 resorts on the other side of the Wasatch mountains in Park City. Within about an hour, there's also Sundance, Snow Basin, and Powder Mountain.
There are also two tubing locations around Park City, one is Gorgoza Park near Kimball Junction, and the other is Soldier Hollow near Heber/Midway.
You can find accommodations that are affordable by renting a private home or condo on vrbo.com.
Couldn't agree more--lots of 4 year olds on skis. But not cruising down the slopes the first time they are on them! Our son DID take his 4 year old up to ski with him--carried him onto the lift, and skiied down with him between his legs. He is, of course, an accomplished skiier, and it was after DGS had had a couple of days of lessons to get used to two things on his feet that can and will go in entirely different directions!!
And they do teach without poles--just something else to get in the way until they are useful.
For the OP, you might check which places have ice skating---that could be fun.
I agree with Gretchen that I have not seen a lot of 4 year olds cruising down the mountains. Kids a bit older, yes but 4 is still pretty young, especially if skiing for the first time.
The OP mentioned less expensive places and that would eliminate Deer Valley. I'd look at some of the smaller resorts or at least those that have a number of rental condos as well as those that have children's ski schools.
In Colorado you might try Sol Vista a great family place especially for beginners and Winter Park is nearby which will have some of the other activities mentioned. The YMCA of the Rockies ( not far from Winter Park) is another option. The Summit Valley area will give you access to several of Colorad's best ski resorts and staying in Frisco or Dillon will be less expensive although one can usually fine reasonable prices at Copper Mt ( a great family place), Breckenridge or Keystone.
Santa Fe has a ski resort nearby (Ski Santa Fe) and is only about a 40 minute drive from Albuquerque. They have a good children's program but not have much in the way of other activties.
I absolutely adored Beaver Creek, Colorado! Check into it before you make your decision. The town is so quaint with cobblestone streets, little shops, and an outdoor ice-skating rink. There is also this amazing dinner that you can do that takes you by horse up the mountain. As you are taken up this hill, you can see the stars because the altitute is so high. You finally get to this barn with all you can eat steak, chicken, etc. The kids can roast smores and there is live music. It was one of the most memorable experiences. Also, while we were going up the mountain on the horse, we stopped to feed some of the horses. All the kids loved it! Beaver Creek has amazing ski trails for all ages. The closest airport for you to fly into would be the Vail airport. Denver is about 2 hours away. It is one of those ski towns that is not overwhelming, but yet plenty to do. It is a great first ski trip.
Re the 4-year old learning to ski. We skiied regularly with two other families with same-aged kids when ours were young. Two of the families started their older boys when they were 3 in "ski school" (or as Gretchen described it, day care with some time on the magic carpet!). The third joined the group when the older kids were 6. Point is, the 6-year old who had never skiied before caught up to the other two 6-year olds who had been in ski school for 3 years, within a couple of days, and she wasn't any more coordinated or athletic then theyy were, it's just that the amount of actual skiing they actually do when they're super-young is super-not-a-lot!
Beaver Creek fails the "not too expensive" factor quickly. And it is not a great place for beginner skiers. Copper Mt in Colorado is the best first time/beginner skiing mountain around. Far better than Park City. However, the March date makes for a more complicated vacation. March is the height of Spring skiing both in Utah and Colorado which means more crowds and higher prices. Snow conditions are almost always better at that time in Colorado than Utah because the Utah slopes around Park City are lower and east facing which means warmer and more melting. Young kids performance on skis is almost totally related to weight and attitude. A big four old boy will generally do better than a small six year old boy or girl. Boys tend to be more aggressive at that age and that is helpful when skiing. However, your child could be more interested in snow board because of peer pressure. More kids are snow boarding than skiing. And I have no idea about snow boarding.