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Home Resources Statements 44st Session of the Human Rights Council Oral update on the human righ...
44st Session of the Human Rights Council Oral update on the human rights situation of Rohingya people (S-27/1)
June 30th, 2020 • Author: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights • 5 minute read
Statement by Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Geneva, 30 June 2020
Madam President,
Excellencies,
I now present the oral report on the Rohingya people of Myanmar requested by the Council in resolution A/HRC/S-27/1 of December 2017.
Regrettably, I must once again report that the human rights situation for Rohingyas in Rakhine State has not improved, and that conditions for their safe, dignified and sustainable return from Bangladesh are still not in place.
During the Council's 43rd session, I presented a comprehensive report on the root causes of the violations and abuses suffered by the Rohingyas and other ethnic minorities in Myanmar. The report noted that discrimination and exclusion against these groups have been the hallmark of the laws and policies of Myanmar for over half a century. The ongoing armed conflict in Rakhine, which is affecting all communities, combined with the absence of a conducive environment for a voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return, have further exacerbated the Rohingyas' vulnerability.
Restrictions on humanitarian access and freedom of movement linked to the COVID-19 pandemic have further exacerbated this situation. While I commend Myanmar for containing the virus to date, I appeal to the Government to respect the Secretary-General's call for a global ceasefire, end the intensifying armed conflict in Rakhine State, and address root causes that have prevented Rohingya returns since 2017.
In Rakhine and Chin States, the civilian population, including several minority communities, continue to bear the brunt of an intensifying armed conflict between the military, known as the Tatmadaw, and the Arakan Army. Just this weekend, the Tatmadaw launched a so-called "clearance operation" in the Kyauktan area of Rathedaung township in Rakhine. Residents were told to leave their homes as, "anybody left behind would be considered [Arakan Army]". Estimates indicate as many as 10,000 residents have already fled as the Tatmadaw advanced and heavy fighting commenced. I call on the Tatmadaw to extend the ceasefire already in place elsewhere in the country to Rakhine and Chin states, and to cease immediately these "clearance operations".
My Office has been documenting a pattern of serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including airstrikes, shelling of civilian areas, and the destruction and burning of villages in other areas. Last month, the Tatmadaw reportedly burned large areas of Buthidaung township where Rohingyas lived before 2017. According to eyewitnesses and satellite images, areas where up to a dozen Rohingya villages once stood, lay in ashes.
These villages were not only the homes Rohingya refugees hoped to return to; they also constituted evidence of what happened in 2017. Only five months ago, the International Court of Justice issued an order to prevent the destruction of evidence of allegations of genocide. It is imperative that Myanmar take immediate and urgent measures to cease reckless military operations, and to preserve what remains in those areas.
The Rohingya refugee crisis has effectively become protracted, with no solution in sight. Myanmar's Government should take immediate steps to address this chronic situation, including by amending the 1982 Citizenship Law and restoring Rohingya citizenship.
Myanmar continues to impose National Verification Cards on the Rohingya – a document which denies their citizenship, leaving them stateless and restricting their access to basic services or free movement. This situation should be resolved prior to this year's general elections, so that the Rohingyas' rights to stand for public office and to vote can be restored.
Recently, the Government released hundreds of Rohingya people who had been imprisoned for traveling outside Rakhine. I hope this measure is a step towards restoring their freedom of movement and that more action by the Government to address root causes of discrimination against the Rohingya will be forthcoming.
The COVID-19 pandemic further aggravates the suffering of Rohingya refugees. Reports of dozens of cases in refugee camps in Bangladesh expose the vulnerability of hundreds of thousands of people living in such cramped conditions. I am also seriously concerned about the fate of Rohingya people currently on vessels stranded at sea. I call on all relevant Member States and regional mechanisms to take action to protect these people's lives.
Regarding investigations and accountability, I note that Myanmar's national Commission of Enquiry has delivered its report on the 2017 violence to the Government – but its full text is still not public. This commission's independence, and the credibility of its investigation, have long been in doubt. I urge the Government to publish the report and to cooperate with international accountability mechanisms.
In this context, I note that Myanmar's President has issued a number of decrees following the International Court of Justice's provisional measures. It is time, now, to fully translate these decrees into concrete actions. The fighting in Rakhine must end; civilians must be protected; evidence of serious violations must be preserved.
Resolution A/HRC/S-27/1 sought a comprehensive solution to the Rohingya crisis within three years. Two and a half years later, conditions in Rakhine remain bleak. It is time for that situation to change. The international community, including my Office, stands ready to support real efforts to resolve the crisis, ensure sustainable peace and development for all communities and allow Myanmar's Rohingya to return home in safety and dignity.
Thank you Madam President
၎


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There were two independently created and independently operating groups known as the Melodears or Melo-Dears in the 1930s and 1940s, one a band, the other a vocal trio, with similar names only by coincidence. There is no known connection between the two groups.

The Melodears, also known as Ina Ray Hutton and Her Melodears, was an American  all-female band. The band was led by singer Ina Ray Hutton and featured several musicians during its existence. The band formed in 1934, originally as a 15-member band, and was disbanded in 1939 by Hutton, who soon afterwards formed an all-male orchestra. They were the first all-female band to be recorded, initially for Vocalion Records in 1934 and later for RCA Victor.

The Melo-dears vocal trio was a female trio in the American Midwest. The trio was founded and managed by singer Arleen Gladys Reuse of Chicago, with several and various vocalists rounding out the trio, with support personnel from her friends at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, also in Chicago. This vocal trio formed in the late 1930s when Arleen (1921–2013) was still a teenager, and disbanded in 1949 when Arleen married Rev. William H. Knoderer, Jr. and became choir director at several Lutheran Churches in Indiana, Ohio and Illinois. Arleen also sang with the St. Louis Summer Musicals programs (latter 1940s) and with the Springfield Municipal Opera in Ohio (1956–1967) where she sang a number of lead and supporting roles. The Melo-dears made at least one appearance on the first television station in Chicago and traveled the midwest. See Bullet Point #3 for more information.

Band members
Hutton was the bandleader and singer. When the band was first formed in 1934, she was 18 years old. She was often billed as the "Blonde Bombshell of Rhythm".

The band recruited several top female musicians from the United States and Canada. The original 1934 band consisted of trumpeters Kay Walsh, Estelle Slavin, and Elvirah Roh, trombonists Ruth McMurray and Althea Heuman, Ruth Bradley, saxophonists and clarinetists Betty Stitcht, Helen Ruth, and Audrey Hall, pianists Jerrine Hyde and Miriam Greenfield, guitarists Helen Baker, bassist Marie Lebz, and drummer Lil Singer.

Later notable band members included trumpet player Frances Klein, pianist Ruth Lowe Sandler, who played from 1934 to 1938, saxophonist Jane Cullum, guitarist Marian Gange, trumpeter Mardell "Owen" Winstead, and trombonist Alyse Wells. Mirian Stiglitz Saperstein also toured with the band as a saxophonist in the 1930s. In 1936, Ruth Lowe became the band's new pianist after the previous pianist took ill. Virginia Mayers became the drummer after Lil Singer.

History
In 1934 Hutton was approached by Irving Mills and vaudeville agent Alex Hyde to lead an all-female orchestra, the Melodears. The group disbanded in 1939.

Hutton and her Melodears were one of the first all-female bands to be filmed. They filmed several shorts for Paramount Pictures including Feminine Rhythm (1935), Accent on Girls (1936) and Swing Hutton Swing (1937). They also filmed one feature-length movie, The Big Broadcast of 1936 (1935).

Melo-Dears Vocal Trio
An independent vocal trio known as the Melo-Dears was founded by Arleen Reuse in Chicago in the late 1930s. It lasted into the latter half of the 1940s, traveling around the country, especially the Midwest, and appearing on the first commercial television station in Chicago. Though it had at least one change in membership, Arleen Reuse kept things together, arranged gigs, etc. To the best of this archivist's knowledge, there was no connection between Arleen Reuse's trio and Hutton's band, nor does he think that either group stole the name from the other. The similar names were, in all likelihood, coincidence.

During World War Two, the Melo-Dears were guests on the US Treasury Savings Bond TV Show, a live broadcast from WBKB, the first TV station in Chicago Illinois. This 1944 broadcast  includes 13 minutes from one broadcast, including three Melo-Dears songs and interviews with Arleen Reuse, Betty Jayne Froehlich (sp?) and Edna Beldsoe (Edalyn Bleds?oe). At other times, the second and third positions were rounded out by Amy (nee ???) Wade and Corinne Rohdenberg. Mary Ann Toelstede was one of the pianists who sometimes traveled with the group.

Two images of the Melo-Dears trio can be found here  and here. Arleen Reuse is on the left in both pictures. Their travel assistant is in the second picture.

Newspaper articles include The Sheboygan (Wis.) Press  and The Chicago Tribune. One reporter changed the name to "The Charm Quartette".

This material was submitted by Arleen Gladys Reuse (Knoderer)'s oldest children, John and David. The audio from the TV broadcast came from Arleen's personal files, discovered after her death.

See also
 International Sweethearts of Rhythm
 Darlings of Rhythm

References

Big bands
American jazz
All-female bands
Vocalion Records artists
Musical groups established in 1934
RCA Records artists

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


I'm revisiting some of my thesis writing around improvisation and innovation. There's a great article by Deborah J. Kapp called "Improvisation and the Practice of Ministry". It's from the Journal of Religious Leadership 9, no. 1 (2010): p35-57 and available here. I recommend reading the article.
I've lifted a bunch of quotes from it (tweaked a couple to make them standalone sentences) and going to make a set of cards of posters. I look forward to using them in discussions with church leaders.
The unpredictability of ministry makes it partly improvisational.
The capacity to improvise is an essential component of effective leadership.
Improvisation is inherently emergent and collaborative.
The process of improvisation is more important than the product.
One has to risk sounding or looking stupid in order to improvise and discover something new.
One's willingness to risk fosters improvisation and creativity.
To nurture improvisation, groups and organisations must foster the aesthetics of imperfection.
Improvisation is a collaborative process of social construction.
Improvisation in organisations is often instrumental rather than aesthetic in purpose.
Improvisation occurs in the intersection of structure and uncertainty.
Improvisation in organisations is built on strong institutional memory and repretoires of action which operate in the context of organisational instability.
Collaborative improvisation requires a base of shared experience and a mutual understanding of the rules.
Ministers and other religious leaders do not necessarily have wide zones in which to manouevre when they improvise.
Organizations that support improvisation and other forms of innovation are ones that nurture reflective practitioners, tolerate mistakes and welcome creativity, communicate effectively, and support collaborative teams.
Reflective practice is often experimental. The cycle of framing, experimentation, learning, and reframing is a continuous one for reflective practicioners.
Effective improvisation requires the capacity to listen and incorporate the insights and work of others.
Improvisation is less an individual gift than it is a collaborative exercise.
OK, so I just made a card set of these.


Italian luxury fashion house Dolce and Gabbana has emerged victorious from a decade long tax evasion dispute with the Italian government. In April 2014 an appeals court had found the pair guilty and sentenced them to 18 months in jail and a $550 million USD fine. In the wake of this verdict, the designers defense team lodged a final appeal, they successfully argued that the pair were too consumed with the creative process to realise they had broken Italian tax law. Following the not guilty verdict, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana issued an official statement saying "We have always been honest and we are extremely proud of this recognition by the Italian Court of Justice."
French luxury good conglomerate Kering, owner of brands such as Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga and Gucci amongst others, has closed its third quarter with a 3.3% increase and a turnover of 2.6 billion euro. In the first nine months of the year the group generated revenues amounting to 7.3 billion euros (+4.2% on a comparable basis). Sales to the group's luxury division increased 3.5% on the back of solid performance in North America and Japan. Gucci, however registered its lowest growth rate since 2009, while Yves Saint Laurent posted a 28% increase in sales on a comparable basis.
Swedish high street behemoth H&M has released a book The First Ten Years that celebrates 10 years of its designer collaborations. Since its first collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld in 2001, the hotly anticipated collaborations have enraptured the fashion faithful and sparked an industry trend of designers collaborating with accessible, lower price point retailers. The book, released as a limited edition, includes exclusive imagery and unique contributions from the designers, along with compelling backstories.


text:
What Is Batting Average?
B.A. vs. Info. Coefficient
B.A. vs. Information Ratio
Trading Skills
Will Kenton
Will Kenton is an expert on the economy and investing laws and regulations. He previously held senior editorial roles at Investopedia and Kapitall Wire and holds a MA in Economics from The New School for Social Research and Doctor of Philosophy in English literature from NYU.
Samantha Silberstein
Reviewed by Samantha Silberstein
Samantha Silberstein is a Certified Financial Planner, FINRA Series 7 and 63 licensed holder, State of California life, accident, and health insurance licensed agent, and CFA. She spends her days working with hundreds of employees from non-profit and higher education organizations on their personal financial plans.
The term batting average refers to a statistical technique used to measure an investment manager's ability to meet or beat an index. The higher the batting average, the better. The highest number possible average would be 100% while the lowest is 0%. The term comes from baseball where players are ranked by batting average among other statistics.
Batting average is a statistical method that measures an investment manager's ability to meet or beat the returns of a benchmark index.
Successful investment managers need to achieve a minimum threshold batting average of 50%.
The batting average is a big component of the information coefficient, which evaluates a manager's predictions compared to actual results.
The information ratio is a similar measure of a money manager's success that measures portfolio returns beyond the returns of the benchmark compared to the volatility of those returns.
One disadvantage of relying on batting average is that it focuses only on returns and does not take into consideration the level of risk taken by a manager to achieve those returns.
Understanding the Batting Average
The term batting average originates from baseball. A player's batting average represents the percentage of their hits while at bat. In finance, an investment manager's batting average refers to a statistical measure of their performance whether they outperform or underperform the benchmark.
While a season batting average of 0.300 (30%) or higher is considered an excellent achievement in baseball, the same cannot be said for investing. A batting average of 50% is used as a minimum threshold for measuring investment success.
An investment manager who outperforms the market in 15 out of a possible 30 days would have a statistical batting average of 50%. The longer the period taken in the sample size, the more statistically significant the measure becomes. Many analysts use this simple calculation in their broader assessments of individual investment managers.
Manager batting averages can be calculated by dividing the number of days, months, or quarters in which the manager beats or matches the index by the total number of days, months, or quarters in the period of question and multiplying that factor by 100. A batting average of 100% means the manager outperforms the benchmark during every single period. Conversely, a batting average of 0% means the manager never once outperformed their benchmark.
There are other baseball references that made their way into the world of investing over time. In his book, One Up on Wall Street, legendary fund manager Peter Lynch introduced the term tenbagger, which refers to an investment that returns ten times its original purchase price or has the potential to do so. An avid baseball fan, Lynch came up with the phrase because the word bag is baseball slang for a base. To score a tenbagger is like hitting two home runs and a double, or the investing equivalent of racking up a very impressive gain.
Famed investor Warren Buffet is fond of using baseball analogies when talking about investing and cautions investors not to swing at every pitch (or investment). Instead, he urges investors to focus on investing within their circle of competence, a concept he first described in his 1996 shareholder letter.
Batting Average vs. Information Coefficient (IC)
The batting average is a major component of another key metric: the information coefficient (IC). This is a statistical measure that is used to evaluate an investment or portfolio manager's forecasts with their actual results. This is typically done with predicted and actual stock results.
This metric is calculated using the following formula:
IC = (2 x Proportion Correct) - 1
Proportion Correct represents the proportion of correct predictions made by the manager
As such, a professional's information coefficient can range from 1.0 to -1.0. An IC of -1 means that the forecasts don't match an individual's financial results while an IC of 1 means both are perfectly matched.
Batting Average vs. Information Ratio (IR)
The information ratio (IR) is a similar measure of the performance of money managers. The IR measures portfolio returns beyond the returns of the benchmark compared to the volatility of those returns. The IR not only measures the investment manager's ability to generate high returns relative to the benchmark, but it also endeavors to identify the manager's performance consistency.
The calculation includes a tracking error that shows how consistently the manager can achieve portfolio returns that track the index. A low tracking error means the manager consistently beats the index performance, while a high tracking error signals the manager's returns are more volatile and not consistently beating the benchmark.
However, the IR does not easily string together a series of successes or failures, which are helpful when assessing final investment outcomes. The batting average overcomes this shortcoming by answering: Does an investment manager win or lose most investment bets?
The information ratio and the batting average are two commonly quoted measures of investment success, but these measures have shortcomings. The IR contains no information about higher moments, and the batting average contains only directional information.
Limitations of Batting Average
An investment manager's batting average suffers from two primary limitations. First, the batting average focuses only on returns and does not take into consideration the level of risk taken by a manager in achieving returns.
Second, the batting average does not factor in the scale of any potential outperformance. A manager may outperform the benchmark by, say, 0.1% for 10 months, but in the 11th month fall short of the benchmark by 3.50%. In such a case the batting average would be 90.90%, but the manager would have dramatically underperformed their benchmark.
Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.
Berkshire Hathaway. "Chairman's Letter, 1996."
Information Ratio (IR) Definition, Formula, vs. Sharpe Ratio
The information ratio (IR) measures portfolio returns and indicates a portfolio manager's ability to generate excess returns relative to a given benchmark.
Information Coefficient (IC): Definition, Example, and Formula
The information coefficient (IC) is a measure used to evaluate the skill of an investment analyst.
What Is Risk Management in Finance, and Why Is It Important?
In the financial world, risk management is the process of identification, analysis, and acceptance or mitigation of uncertainty in investment decisions.
Portfolio Management: Definition, Types, and Strategies
Portfolio management involves selecting and overseeing a group of investments that meet a client's long-term financial objectives and risk tolerance.
Dispersion in Statistics: Understanding How It's Used
Investment return varies depending on a multitude of factors. Dispersion is a measure used to predict the range of possible returns for an asset.
Benchmark: What It Is, Types, and How to Use Them in Investing
A benchmark is a standard against which the performance of a security, mutual fund or investment manager can be measured.
Fund Trading
Active Share Measures Active Management
Backtesting Value-at-Risk (VaR): The Basics
Most Traded Leveraged ETFs for Q4 2022
Can the Correlation Coefficient Predict Stock Market Returns?
10 ETF Concerns That Investors Shouldn't Overlook
Alpha vs. Beta: What's the Difference?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
{-
We compare the JSON to the version we parsed from the original file, to ensure
the pretty printer doesn't accidentally change syntax.
-}

module Main where

import Data.Aeson (eitherDecodeFileStrict)
import Data.Text.Lazy (pack)
import Data.Text.Lazy.Encoding (encodeUtf8)
import Data.Text.Prettyprint.Doc (Pretty (pretty))
import Language.Scala (Source)
import Language.Scala.Parser.External (runNodeScalametaParsers)
import System.FilePath (dropExtension, takeBaseName, (</>))
import Test.Tasty (TestTree, defaultMain, testGroup)
import Test.Tasty.Golden (findByExtension, goldenVsStringDiff)

main :: IO ()
main =
  tests >>= defaultMain

scalametaParserTest :: FilePath -> TestTree
scalametaParserTest f =
  goldenVsStringDiff (dropExtension (takeBaseName f)) (\ref new -> ["diff", "-u", ref, new]) f $ do
    parsed <- eitherDecodeFileStrict f :: IO (Either String Source)
    either error ((encodeUtf8 . pack <$>) . runNodeScalametaParsers . show . pretty) parsed

tests :: IO TestTree
tests =
  testGroup "scalameta-parsers" . map scalametaParserTest <$> findByExtension [".json"] ("test" </> "fixtures")

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Dr. Sonya Addison, MD is an endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism specialist in Columbia, MO and has been practicing for 11 years. She graduated from Univ Of Mo Columbia Sch Of Med in 2008 and specializes in endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism.
×Post a ResponseAre you Dr. Sonya Addison, MD?
Dr Addison is very energetic and explains things very well. She was very thorough! She actually looks you in the eye and she really seems to care about you and she seems to love what she does.
i was referred for hypoglycemic, its listed that she treats it, but yet they call me and say they don't.


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text:
Stephen Port: The GHB Killer
Notorious Figures
Over the course of 2014, chef-turned serial killer, Stephen Port, murdered four men in the Barking area of East London. He met all his victims on gay dating apps before bringing them to his flat, spiking them with a lethal dose of the drug, GHB, causing them to overdose.
On the 19th of June 2014, 23-year-old Anthony Walgate was found dead near Port's residence on Cooke Street in Barking. After inviting Walgate back, Port drugged and raped him before administering a fatal dose of GBH. Port then dumped his body near the entrance to his flat with a small bottle of GHB planted in his pocket to give the impression of a self-inflicted overdose (Judiacry UK).
Port then phoned an ambulance, claiming that he had come across the body when returning home from work. When paramedics arrived, Walgate was pronounced dead at the scene; rigor mortis had already set in and resuscitation efforts were unfruitful.
In their own words: Dennis Nilsen and the serial killers who confessed on tape
Let's explore some of the more frank and, at times, shocking confessions of some of modern history's most notorious serial killers
Walgate was a fashion and design student at Middlesex University, originally from Hull but living in Barnet. He had ambitions of one day becoming a famous fashion designer, and his mother said, with his passion and determination, there was no doubt he would have achieved his goals.
On the 28th of August 2014, the body of 22-year-old Gabriel Kovari was found by a dog walker near the graveyard at St. Margaret's Church in Barking, around 500 metres from Port's home.
Kovari was originally from Slovakia but had been living with Port for a short period. Just the day after he had moved in, Port messaged a friend and told him to come over and meet 'his new Slovakian twink flatmate'. Two days before the body was found, Port had changed his phone number and told a friend that Kovari had unexpectedly moved out. By this point, he was already dead.
Does homophobia explain why Dennis Nilsen wasn't caught earlier?
Dennis Nilsen killer over 15 men before he was caught, does police homophobia explain why?
Less than a month later, on the 20th of September 2014, the same dog walker stumbled across the body of 21-year-old Daniel Whitworth, from Gravesend, Kent. His body was also found in the same graveyard as the previous victim.
Whitworth was a very skilled and ambitious chef who had met Port through a dating website. They had corresponded for several weeks before finally meeting up on the 18th of September at Port's flat. After killing Whitworth, Port once again planted a bottle of GHB in his pocket and disposed of his mobile phone.
This time, however, Port tried to conceal the murder even further by planting a suicide note. It claimed Whitworth had administered the fatal overdose of GHB to Kovari while having sex and felt so much guilt that he took his own life. It read in part: 'BTW. Please do not blame the guy I was with last night. We only had sex then I left. He knows nothing of what I have done.'
Then on the 14th of September 25-year-old Jack Taylor's body was found near the ruins of Barking Abbey. He had connected with Port on the dating app, Grindr, and they met at Barking railway station before returning to Port's flat. After drugging, raping, and killing Taylor, Port dumped his body with the trademark GHB bottle. He returned home, blocked Taylor on Grindr and deleted his own account.
He drugged, robbed and left his victim for dead
Gerald Matovu would drug and rob men he met on gay dating apps. Then one of his victims died...
Despite the similarities in the deaths, the Metropolitan Police simply assumed the men had overdosed and failed to open an investigation, even though concerns were raised by the victims' loved ones.
An investigation into the deaths was only launched after the murder of Taylor. He had been out on the evening of the 12th of September with friends. He returned home for a while and then went back out in the early morning hours of the 13th of September, after calling a cab. Police released the CCTV footage and appealed to the public for information that could help them retrace his last known movements (The Guardian, 19 October 2015 – 'Man Charged With Murder and Poisoning of Four Men in East London').
CCTV footage of Taylor and Port at Barking train station was uncovered, and a public appeal was issued to identify Port. He was identified by a police officer who had questioned him as a witness in relation to the death of Walgate (BBC News, 11 December 2021 – 'Stephen Port: How Met Failings Contributed to the Deaths of Three Men').
The dark side of social media: deception, obsession and murder
We let social media get away with murder.
Port was arrested in October of 2015 and charged with four counts of administering a poison with intent to endanger life or inflict grievous bodily harm (The Sunday Telegraph, 19 October, 2015 – 'Man appears in court charged with four poison murders - Stephen John Port, 40, appears at Barkingside Magistrates' Court accused of fatally poisoning four men in their 20s after being charged with murders'). During his trial, it was heard that Port had drugged and raped his victims before dumping them in the vicinity of his flat. It was also revealed that Port had sexually assaulted numerous other men over the course of three years.
In November of 2016, Port was convicted of 22 offences against 11 different men. These included four murders, four rapes, four assaults by penetration, and ten counts of administering a substance. He was acquitted on three counts of rape.
In the wake of the trial, questions were raised regarding why Port wasn't stopped sooner. The original inquests into the deaths had returned open verdicts but the coroner, Nadia Persaud, had raised some concerns. For example, she found bruising underneath Whitworth's armpits, chest, and neck, which gave her the opinion that somebody had lifted Taylor and moved him. It was also noted that his underwear was inside out and back to front, and his fly was undone.
In her inquest conclusion, she had written:
'My concerns of a third-party involvement in Daniel coming to be in the graveyard on 20 September cannot be allayed by the evidence that has been produced to the court. I cannot say beyond reasonable doubt that I am satisfied that he voluntarily took his own life. I also cannot say that I am satisfied that he was unlawfully killed.'
Why male rape victims suffer in silence
One in six men have been sexually assaulted in their lifetimes but there is still a stigma about male rape
The Independent Police Complaints Commission ordered a review. Evidence also emerged that suggested police had missed several opportunities to catch Port. When the body of Whitworth was found, police were advised to DNA test items at the scene where his body was found but failed to do so. These items included a suicide note which had been written by Port but purported to be from Whitworth. There was also a blue bed sheet and a bottle which contained GHB.
While these items weren't initially DNA tested by police, each item was later found to contain Port's DNA. The handwriting on the suicide letter was also determined to be a match to Port (The Guardian, 24 November 2016 – 'Stephen Port Murders: Police Failed to Follow up on Coroner's Concerns').
The inquests into the four deaths were held in October of 2021, with the families of the victims stating that it was a key step in their 'quest for accountability' (The Guardian, 5 October, 2021 – 'Delayed Inquests into Deaths of Stephen Port's Victims Open'). The inquest found a plethora of failings that as a result, had 'terrible consequences'. The jury at the inquest found that Metropolitan Police failings had 'probably' contributed to the deaths of the four victims (The Guardian, 10 December 2021 – 'Stephen Port Case: The Missed Opportunities to Catch a Serial Killer').
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Asante McGee describes a test R. Kelly gave her to ensure she was following his rules


Small Business SaturdaShopping small at your local boutique, shop, or even getting an extra haircut today all helps America's small businesses keep thriving.
However, in some cases, small businesses are not thriving they're surviving and this day and make or break some bottom lines.
Since 2010 when I wrote my first article on Small Business Saturday, some of which has been included below for reference hasn't changed much in theme. get up, get out, pick your favorite place and buy things that you really need and try to get a great deal from anyone local. If you live in a warm area try a Framers Market or roadside stand. If it is cold in your neck of the woods, put on that jacket and head on out to whatever you call main street and spend a few bucks, so they can spend a few bucks in your community. They pay rent, and they get haircuts too. When you spend money online to get chaperons this and that you don't do a whole lot to keep the money following in your local circles.
In 2010 it was reported by the Counselors to America's Small Business that more than one million people participated in the first annual Small Business Saturday, a national movement sponsored by American Express designed to drive shoppers to local merchants across the U.S. in an effort to create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods nationwide.
Local and oftentimes regional businesses are the heartbeat of our communities and local economies. In order for them to prosper, we all need to be spending our hard-earned money with them. It's also very important that all of us make an effort to purchase products that are "Made in the USA." "Assembled in the USA" is a second-best option. Just being mindful of these few things will not only support local businesses but will also help to support our USA-based manufacturers.
Look, I recognize that finding goods made here in the homeland is a difficult task at best. Believe me, I know. It's an exercise I undertake every year when I set out to buy gifts to support one of my favorite charities, the USMC Toys for Tots program. It certainly takes some time and effort to make sure what I buy is home grown, but if I can do it you can do it too. Where there's a will, there's a way!
You can also have a real positive impact on your local economy by spending money at the shops and restaurants that employ your neighbors and friends. Take the time to really think about how you can turn any disposable income you may have into an investment close to home that will help the people you care about most keep their jobs.
Did you know that for every $100 you spend at a small business, roughly $68 gets returned to the community? Did you also know that small businesses employ more than half of all the employees in the private sector and that they represent 99.7% of all employer firms overall? You may not realize that in every year over the last decade, 60% – 80% of new jobs were generated by small businesses. Together or in part, these are huge statistics!
The bottom line is that it's really important for all of us to recognize the part we can and must play in keeping small businesses afloat and thriving.
Think about where you're spending your money…it matters!
Hi Steve – thanks for the great comment!!! Keep coming back and make sure to keep shopping!


September 18, 2008 – Washington, DC – Shigeru Miyamoto, senior managing director of Nintendo Co., Ltd., will be receiving the 2008 ESA Champion Award at the annual "Nite to Unite for Kids" dinner, sponsored by the ESA Foundation, the Entertainment Software Association's charitable arm. "Nite to Unite for Kids" is the computer and video game industry's premiere fundraising event, benefiting children's charities across America.
Labeled the "father of modern video gaming" and the "Walt Disney of electronic gaming," by TIME magazine, Miyamoto, a Kyoto, Japan native, began his career at Nintendo as a staff artist in 1977. Over his 30 year career, he has developed over 100 games, including the beloved Mario™, Donkey Kong™, and Zelda™ series. Most recently, he oversaw the design of the Wii™ console and accompanying games such as Wii Fit™.
"Nite to Unite for Kids," presented by the ESA and hosted by the ESA Foundation, has raised over $11 million for children's charities since its inception in 1999. This year's event, which includes a black-tie optional dinner and a live and silent auction, will take place on Wednesday, October 22, at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. The co-chairs for the 2008 event are Brian Farrell, president & CEO, THQ Inc.; Graham Hopper, executive vice president/GM, Disney Interactive Studios; and John Riccitiello, CEO, Electronic Arts.
Past Champion Honorees include: George Lucas, famed director and founder of LucasArts; GameStop's Dan DeMatteo; Electronic Arts' Bing Gordon; Toys 'R Us' Michael Goldstein; Nintendo's Howard Lincoln; Sega's Isao Ogawa; Sony Computer Entertainment's Ken Kutaragi and Electronic Boutique's Jeffery Griffiths.
The gala event is open to both individuals and companies. Tickets are $500 for individuals, and table sponsorships are available. For ticket information, please contact Leslie Price at 800-949-3660.
The ESA Foundation was created by the American interactive entertainment software industry to support and provide opportunities that can make a difference in the lives of America's youth. The Foundation is fully supported by proceeds from sales of its limited edition charity game pack and "Nite to Unite for Kids," which has raised more than $11 million in the last 10 years. For more information about the ESA Foundation, please visit www.theESA.com/foundation.


This is a candy you'll want to ''stick'' with until the end. Because these Clove Old Fashioned Candy Sticks are a classic, warm flavor that your family and friends won't be able to get enough of! Heat up your Valentine's Day with the spicy flavor of cloves and the romantic color scheme of these red, white, and pink swirled candy sticks.
Bring them to a Thanksgiving meal to add a beautiful autumnal color and warm flavor to the cornucopia of food. Even keep them around the house to warm yourself up in the colder winter months. With every lick, you'll melt away into a state of delightful relaxation.
I have ordered from CandyStore.com several times over the last three years and I have never been disappointed. The prices are fair and the shipping is FAST. Our FAMILY's favorite is Old Fashioned Clove Candy Sticks (which are almost impossible to find), but my husband's ALL-TIME favorite is Clay's Cherry Hard Candy drops.
As a family, we give CandyStore.com a unanimous A+ rating!
To anyone who has not yet ordered from CandyStore.com, I say "don't hesitate". CandyStore.com is the "real deal" and you won't be disappointed!
Have not been able to find clove candy canes anywhere near here for years, they came I dived right in. Going to use in Holiday baskets. Love them. And all my order was so fresh!
This is the candy I grew up with. My grandmother had a jar of each flavor and we kids were allowed to pick what we wanted. I am carrying on the tradition with my grandkids. They love them too!
I love clove candy and find it hard to find in the stores.
I had a good experience with this order because I was able to get the candy I love, the price was right and the shipping was reasonable.
Pros: It was something that I could not find in very many stores.
Cons: I can't think of anything I disliked.


Last time I answered my own very astute questions, but now I'm going to answer some of yours. Time to put on my science hat (well, one of them…) and exchange some knowledge! Thanks for your questions @MiriamHIvory, @bathbomb, and @QXZenith. Have a question to #AskIggy? Tweet me @IggyDeLacey.
In my new video I explore the theoretical treatments that could have potentially saved Robert's life. Read more about the science of death here.


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30A Media Adds Sidewalks TV to ROKU Channel Network
Jul 6, 2018 | Entertainment
30A Media (www.30a.tv) recently signed an agreement with Sidewalks Entertainment to distribute their large archive of celebrity interviews.
SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL, July 06, 2018 /24-7PressRelease/ — 30A Media (www.30a.tv) recently signed an agreement with Sidewalks Entertainment to distribute their large archive of celebrity interviews. For years, "Sidewalks Entertainment" has been presenting an unbelievable amount of celebrity interviews and rising musical artists to TV and online audiences across the country. The TV show has been a popular entertainment choice to get an up-close and personal with today's and yesterday's biggest stars.
Adding Sidewalks TV videos to the 30A TV network will give viewers an insight and first hand access to current and past interviews. 30A Media has a new channel section at www.30a.tv as well as a stand alone ROKU Channel. Further distribution on existing Amazon Fire TV, Clikia, and Simultv outlets are set as well.
Luke Grimes and Kevin Costner fans can check out their latest interview by installing the free ROKU channel, a great example of the Sidewalks Entertainment library.
"It's fantastic that we can bring 'Sidewalks Entertainment,' our entertainment project to a new audience on ROKU, thanks to the support of 30A Media," says Richard R. Lee, the executive producer and one of the co-hosts. "As an independently-produced TV show, we have been expanding this program across the country (and around the world). Featuring hosts from different parts of the United States, 'Sidewalks TV ' has been an alternative choice for one-on-one, full interviews with celebrities that are today's top stars and yesterday's favorites."
"We never considered ROKU, but we are now excited that a new audience will find our exclusive celebrity interviews and segments. We are a growing show with a small team that has big goals and desires. We hope the ROKU viewers will 'add' us and enjoy our entertainment content."
30A Media founder and CEO Paul Vizard said "Viewers should check back often, because we add so much content year round. You never know who will be appearing next. We are so pleased to add this content alongside our 30A coverage and original programming."
About 30A Media
30A Broadcasts in 9 counties of the NW Florida Panhandle, nationwide on Roku Web TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google Play, mobile devices, apps and at http://www.30a.tv
30a has always had a different "feel" and lifestyle, which is why people from all over the country are embracing it. Our goal is simple, to be the #1 video resource for information, entertainment, beach style.
30a Media remains committed to continue innovating to provide viewers with the content they are asking for. If you are a content provider seeking further information on ROKU, visit www.30amediainc.com
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An Open Letter to Eli Manning
Dear Eli Manning,
I'm an 18 year old kid and honestly, I didn't like sports as a small child. By the time I started watching sports and getting emotionally invested in the teams you were out there every game and as the rest of the team retired or left, as Victor Cruz went away, as Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, Osi Umenyiora, and Justin Tuck went away, the one player left on the team from when I started watching was you. Now that's over. No one from that 2011 team that I can recognize by name is still on the roster. It's the end of an era.
The first Super Bowl I watched was LII when the Giants played the Patriots for the first time. I watched because I was a loyal New Yorker and I had been to some Giants games in the past but when David Tyree caught that ball I had no idea about the significance of that play on my life. Over the next few years I started to watch weekly and really root for the Giants. My favorite sports moment of all time was watching Super Bowl XLVI with my best friend, a Patriots fan, and watching you go down the field in another drive at the end of the fourth quarter to put the Giants ahead for good. Everyone remembers the David Tyree catch but my personal favorite has always been University of Michigan alum Mario Manningham's beautiful toe-tapping sideline catch that would not have ever happened without the perfectly placed pass from you. You gave me my favorite sports moment, thank you.
Mario Manningham's toe-tapping catch on the sideline in the 4th quarter of Super Bowl XLVI
That's really what this comes down to: thank you for all you have done for my city and this team. I hate the New York Yankees so the only New York championships I've ever cared about are the ones hoisted by you with red, white, and blue confetti raining down. Whenever it seems like the Giants will never be good again I turn to the highlights from those great seasons and watch. Needless to say, these past few years have seen me going to those highlights more than a few times.
Eli Manning on December 15th 2019, his last game in the NFL
You've stayed playing for New York City for a long time, 16 whole years. You should know by now that New Yorkers are fickle creatures. Some may not think you're all that great. They're wrong. People across the sports world are debating about whether or not you'll make the hall of fame. It's ridiculous. Recency bias is defined by the oxford dictionary as "a common distorting effect within systems of performance appraisal. It refers to the appraiser assessing employee performance, not on work undertaken across the full performance management cycle, but only on recent events or activities that can be readily recalled." They remember the years with Pat Shurmer and the greasy haired monster Ben McAdoo (who never should have started Geno Smith over you). They remember that your record in the past three years is 9-26. That's honestly not great. What they forget is that without those past three years your record in the regular season is 108-91 and you are 8-4 in the playoffs. They forget that you're 7th all time in passing yards, 7th all time in passing touchdowns, and 7th all time in passes completed. You are great, don't let Stephen A. Smith tell you otherwise. You're going to wear that golden jacket and it will belong on your shoulders.
Eli Manning after winning Super Bowl XLII and taking down the 18-0 Patriots
So what happens next? Do you join your brother in a calm and relaxing retirement? Do you become a quarterback coach for the Giants and continue grooming Daniel Jones for success? Do you even join a broadcasting team like Tony Romo? I have no idea and honestly, I couldn't care less. You deserve a break. You've been in the NFL for 256 regular season games and started in 234 of them. You've broken Giants record after Giants record, done insane amounts of charity work, won two super bowls and were the MVP in both. Thank you for these past 16 years.
Once a Giant, always a Giant.
- Some New Yorker
Bleacher Report
Giants Wire
In Memoriam: Kobe Bryant
By Joshua Tenzer
"Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother #33644" That was the last tweet sent out by Kobe Bryant 15 hours and 45 seconds before TMZ first reported about his untimely demise in a helicopter crash. That tweet was congratulating LeBron James for surpassing Kobe on the all time point total list, bumping the retired NBA player down to 4th all time. He wasn't upset or salty about the success of others, he was classy and proud of LeBron's success on the court.
Kobe Bryant in his first year and last year in the NBA
TMZ was the first major news outlet to break the news of Kobe Bryant's passing. When I first saw it, I was in shock. TMZ is a glorified gossip magazine with a television show, they could be wrong. Then Yahoo News released a statement, then Bleacher Report, ESPN, ABC. It was real. I sat there for a long time in silence. I wasn't alone in that. The hall of my dorm exploded into shouts of disbelief and confusion. Hockey writer Steve Dangle tweeted "At an airport restaurant in Charlotte and the whole place went quiet when ABC and ESPN broke to the news." The world seemed to stand still and no one really had words.
Kobe Bryant transcended his sport. He was accomplished both on and off the court. He is the only person to win an NBA championship and an Oscar. Not only did he win an NBA championship, but he won 5, was MVP for two of them, has the second most three-pointers made by a player in one game, 2nd most points by a player in a game, the only player to have two numbers retired by the same organization, two Olympic gold medals, and a 17 time all-star. In a rapidly shifting offensive game, Kobe played all around the court. He led his team in scoring for twelve of his 20 years and made 12 all defensive team selections.
Kobe Bryant and his 5 NBA Championship Trophies
Besides the five championship wins, most people's first thought at the mention of Kobe's name is his 81 point game against the Raptors on January 22nd 2006. He played almost 42 minutes and his 81 points came in the form of 28 field goals going in out of 46 attempts. He was 7 for 13 from beyond the arc and collected 18 points from the free throw line. If he kept that pace for the other six minutes that he was benched he would have ended the game with 93 points. An average game for Kobe that season was impressive: 35.4 points per game, he played significantly better on that day to say the least. The rest of the Lakers team attempted 4 less field goals than Kobe and made less field goals than Kobe made free throws.
Kobe on January 22nd 2006 vs. the Toronto Raptors. He put up 81 points that night
On December 13th 2019, just weeks before his death, Kobe Bryant was seen helping to comfort victims of a car crash before first responders arrived on the scene. He owns the Mamba Sports Academy, a space for youth athletes to train their skills in a multitude of sports. He spent his time after the NBA being a family man and helping others. Just like when LeBron passed him on the scoring list, he lived his life with class and should be remembered as such.
The Philadelphia Tribune
Post Regular Season NFL Mock Draft 1.0
1. Cincinnati Bengals- Joe Burrow QB, LSU
What Joe Burrow did against Oklahoma cemented that he is a special QB prospect. His ability to throw on the run and adjust his footing outside the pocket is outstanding. His poise and ability to make throws at the last possible moment is amazing. I normally don't put too much stock into one's completion percentage, but when he's hovering around 80% in the SEC you have to take notice. The Bengals need to move into a new era and hopefully with their young OLine getting healthy they can provide a good core for the rookie Burrow.
2 Washington Redskins- Chase Young EDGE, OSU
This should be a no-brainer. This man is a physical freak. People as big as him should not be able to move as quick as him. Along with that his ability to convert speed to power is amazing. Watching Young play you rarely find a play where he has not pushed the tackle back a couple yards. Chase Young will be an immediate stud in the NFL the day he walks on a field following in the Myles Garrett, Clowney and Bosa line of insane pass rusher prospects coming into the league.
3. Detroit Lions- Jeffery Okudah CB, OSU
The Lions will be hopefully trading out of this pick to a team that needs a QB, but if they stay they will have a choice between Jerry Jeduy and Jeffrey Okudah. Both elite prospects at their position, but only one is a pressing need for the Lions. The Lions have needs practically everywhere but with Golladay still relatively young, it may behove the Lions to trade Slay and let Okudah become the No.1 entering the league or work him up to that role. Either way they are getting an extremely long corner who is fast enough to keep up with opposing receivers. His change of direction and hip movement are superb and he could be the best CB i have scouted since Ramsey, perhaps better. Look at what he did to Clemson & Michigan by shutting down the best receivers in the country. They never got separation and when balls were thrown, they never got caught. He is that special.
4. NY Giants- Jerry Jeudy WR, Alabama
I think the Giants are going to be the most incompetantly run organization that will fall into the best draft positions by default and have no choice but to draft the superstar that fell to them (otherwise known as the Jets/Jags effect). Seriously, how do you trade Odell and wind up with the only player that could justify moving on from him? Jeudy is the best route runner I have ever seen out of college. He is fluid and blazing fast. Once Jeudy gets the ball (normally 5 yards open) he is a threat to take it to the house. His footwork and fluidity make him almost a perfect prospect. Not even the Giants could fuck this up.
5. Miami Dolphins- Tua Tagovailoa QB, Alabama
Normally when I do mocks I try to err on the what would I do POV. If it were me I would I would take Herbert, but I think the Dolphins would honestly rather take Tua. I think he fits into what Flores would look for in a QB, being an Alabama kid who can lead the team through the voice of the coach. I think a tank happy team like the Dolphins would rather let their assets develop for a year while Tua recovers. I don't know what it is but Tua feels like a Miami Dolphin. Looking forward to his number change.
6. LA Chargers- Justin Herbert QB, Oregon
Another QB that just feels like he belongs in an organization. Herbert is the physical specimen of the Tua/Herbert discussion. His size and ability to throw on the run are what are truly fun to look at. His ability to scramble and throw off balance on a dime is Rodgers-esque. His mobility and rocket for an arm are what the Chargers might need to move on in the post-Rivers world.
7. Carolina Panthers- Derrick Brown DL, Auburn
The Panthers were the worst interior team in the league this year and it wasn't particularly close. Dontari Poe has seen his best years pass him and they have no interior force outside Luke Kuechley. That is where Derrick Brown comes in. This massive man will be a playmaker in the league in ways that will not always show up on the stat sheet. He constantly blows up plays and is almost always in the backfield. The big with remarkable first step quickness can use his ungodly power to be a real wrecker in the NFL.
8. Arizona Cardinals- Tristan Wirfs OT, Iowa
I think the Cardinals are going to follow the Baltimore model of success. They have such a blank canvas to where they can decide what kind of team they want to be moving forward. I think that what would suit them best is to get the power blocker from Iowa. Although he may be a RT in the league, he shows the best natural power in the whole class, and if you are the Cardinals who need to set a foundation, Wirfs is definitely the man.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars- AJ Epenesa EDGE, Iowa
The Jags are a hard team to gauge exactly what their No.1 need is. So I thought a team with an aging Calais Campbell could use his replacement. AJ Epenesa fits that mold. Think about the roster without Campbell: Allen, Jack, Smith (hopefully), Ngakoue. It is a little bit too reliant on speed for my liking. Epenesa is a mauler. He pushes tackles away and disrupts the LOS almost like a DT. Yet he can also be a great edge setter as well. Watching his bowl tape, you noticed that almost every run play was either a counter away from him or a power the other way. Yet, he consistently found his way into the backfield making TFLs and sacking the QB multiple times. There was not a play on defense that didn't have AJ Epenesa;s handwriting all over it.
10. Cleveland Browns- Andrew Thomas OT, Georgia
The Browns need a tackle. It's that simple. With all the problems the Browns had this season, one thing other than the ineptitude of the coaching was obvious: The Oline stank. Austin Corbett already looks like a bust and Greg Robinson is not a guy you want on your roster let alone starting at LT. A year ago the Browns sported one of the League's best Olines with Bitonio, Tretter, and Zeitler. They now are a shell of themselves. They have missed Joe Thomas and Andrew could be a nice piece on the OLine to help get them back in shape. But to think there is a world that could have the Browns having Joe Thomas, Joel Bitonio, Alex Mack, Kevin Zeitler and Mitchell Schwartz on one offensive line.
11. NY Jets- CeeDee Lamb WR, Oklahoma
The Jets need a playmaker. Relying on Robby Anderson as your primary receiver isn't the best way to help your young QB. You need to get him a blazing fast receiver who can catch anything and in Ceedee Lamb you get just that. He is explosive and has some of the surest hands in the draft. For a guy his size, he has great success locating jump balls and coming down with them. Not to mention his ability to run with the ball after the catch. He is truly something special and someone the Jets should not pass on.
12. Oakland Raiders- Henry Ruggs III WR, Alabama
The Raiders have tons of needs, but they need a dynamic playmaker to make life easier on Josh Jacobs. Henry Ruggs is the perfect guy because he is simply in a word: fast, in another, lightning. I think he could challenge John Ross legitimately at the combine. He can take the top off of anyone and unlike Ross he is not a one trick pony. You can get him on drags and screens and still have a home run threat, and he is also a good enough route runner to be something special in the NFL.
13. Indianapolis Colts- CJ Henderson CB, Florida
Watching Indianapolis Colts you notice that they are a well rounded team, but really have no star corner. They run a lot of zone because they have to to make up for their lack of shutdown corners. CJ Henderson is a guy you plug in at your CB1 with the potential to be a lockdown corner in the future. His size and length as well as his speed give him all the tools to be a special CB. He also has an incredible ability to be a sticky corner especially when he wins the battle at the line of scrimmage in press. His one problem ise his hip movement and I would like to see him get better at that if he is truly going to be elite in the NFL.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Kristian Fulton CB, LSU
The man who was able to comfortably guard CeeDee Lamb is the perfect guy to help with the Buccaneers secondary. It feels like for years the Bucs have tried to find their shutdown corner, and the guy from the real DB U might be the correct guy. A true man-to-man corner, he fits what Todd Bowles tries to do on his defense. He should test well and based on his tape, getting him at 14 would be just about right on value.
15. Denver Broncos Isaiah Simmons LB, Clemson
How Elway would pass on Simmons if he falls this far is beyond me. This guy could be elite at Safety or at LB. He has great natural instincts and his speed pops off the screen. He diagnoses running plays swiftly and hits the gap real quick. He is also not too shabby in coverage, consistently keeping opposing TEs at bay and often keeping with opposing slot receivers. He truly is the whole package and if he falls this far, the Broncos could have gotten the steal of the draft.
16. Atlanta Falcons- K'Lavon Chaisson EDGE, LSU
The Falcons have a whole bunch of needs on defense but they truly need an EDGE rusher. Vic Beasley will finally be gone and they need someone to rush the QB. K'Lavon fits the mold of how the Falcons play real well. They like to beat you with speed especially from their linebackers and EDGE rushers. When the Falcons were at their best, Vic Beasley was blowing by guys. Chaisson reminds me a lot of peak Beasley. Explosively fast with an amazing use of his hands as well as a natural bend. Tak McKinnley hasn't worked out, perhaps Chaisson will.
17. Dallas Cowboys- Grant Delpit S, LSU
Yay, the Cowboys get a major faller in the draft at their only position of need. Whoo Hoo. The Cowboys have an amazing defense but is missing that true center fielder (maybe if there was a lifelong cowboy fan last FA that wanted to play for them this wouldn't be an issue). Grant Delpit had by all accounts a disappointing year, but what you saw on tape this year and the last two years was a special athlete with a great nose for the ball. Whether it be in the air or on the ground Delpit wants to find the ball and get to it.
18. Miami Dolphins (via PIT)- Travis Etienne RB, Clemson
The Dolphins need to find centerpieces to build off of and Etienne could be just that. There are a bunch of possible franchise backs but Etienne separates himself for his elite second gear. A guy who is slippery when tackled and is crazy fast once he gets in the open field. He constantly splits secondaries and can be something of a bell cow. He reminds me a lot of Jamaal Charles in that respect.
19. Oakland Raiders (via CHI)- Paulsen Adebo CB, Stanford
The Raiders are still stacking up pieces for the future. Trying to find foundations at every level, and with their second pick, they need to get a solid corner on the outside. They whiffed on Gareon Conley and it was apparent to any opposing team that you could easily throw on the Raiders. Paulsen Adebo is the kind of solid Corner with the sticky-ness on receivers and nice ball skills to be a great corner in the league.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR)- Jedrick Wills Jr. OT, Alabama
Watching Jaguars film, they could stand to improve their offensive line. Jedrick Wills Jr. is a guy who can anchor a whole side of the field. The man has amazing power and his strength stands out when he is playing. He is able to use his good technique and power to halt defenders in their tracks. The one thing I would like to see is better footwork. Too often when he is beat, he lacks the footwork to recover.
21. Philadelphia Eagles- Laviska Shenault WR, Colorado
The Eagles have major issues at corner, but there is no one left on the board I can justify taking with this pick so it makes sense to go with the Eagles second biggest issue, WR. Alshon and the TEs can't do it themselves. They are great pass catchers and deep threats, but what the Eagles really miss is a playmaker who can do a lot with the ball in his hands, in walks Laviska Shenault. The multi tool of the Colorado offense, his ability to make things happen with the ball in his hands is outstanding. He can line up and do damage anywhere and would fit in perfectly with the rest of the Eagle's offense.
22. Tennessee Titans- Kenneth Murray LB, Oklahoma
The Titans need a tackler. They are so close to a real complete roster. With few holes on defense, they need a guy who can compliment what Rashaan Evans does. Kenneth Murray is a quick LB whose nose for diagnosing runs plays pops off the screen. There is rarely a play that he is not involved in, and in the Big 12 that means something. His injury may need some looking at but I believe in Murray as a possible stud in the NFL.
23. Buffalo Bills- Tee Higgins WR, Clemson
The Bills will be taking the best receiver available and everyone knows it. They need it. BAD. Tee Higgins can also be the perfect receiver for Josh Allen. A true "go get it" receiver, Higgins is probably the best jump ball grabber outside Lamb in this class. His 6'4" size and surprisingly great speed could make him a problem in the league. He is also a deceptively good route runner and that shows when he isn't going against Jeffery Okudah. The Bills would be lucky to get him this late.
24.Minnesota Vikings- Tyler Biadasz IOL, Wisconsin
The Vikes need to get more powerful on the Offensive Line. Biadasz was the star of the famed Wisconsin line of the last 3 years. There is not much more to be said. In all seriousness, he is a special mauler in the run came with the quick feet that could make him special in the pass game.
25. Miami Dolphins (via HOU)- Raekwon Davis DL, Alabama
Finally a pick for Flores. This is a guy that Flores will fall in love with. A space eater. A true 3 tech, Davis can be a true power rusher that Flores will want on his D Line. The DLine is lacking in size and identity. Bringing in Davis allows for the Dolphins to get both. The Dolphins should be looking for foundation pieces and getting their high floor run stopper is always a good bet in the draft.
26. Seattle Seahawks- Dylan Moses LB, Alabama
I am going to err on the side that Moses will go to the NFL because of his insurance thing. This absolute freak seemed like a top 5 lock going into the season. This situation reminds me a lot of the Myles Jack, Jaylon Smith situations and both are looking pretty good right now. The Sehawks have a roster where they can afford to take the best player on the board like this.
27. New England Patriots- Terrell Lewis EDGE, Alabama
A Saban prospect at a position of need for the Pats. Seems perfect. The Patriots for as special a defense as they had last year, they lacked a true pass rusher instead going for a bunch of versatility in Hightower and Collins. There only true pass rusher on the roster is Winovich and as good as that is, they could use a guy like Lewis to possibly be an edge setter. Much like his Alabama counterpart, injury history may be a question, but the Pats have bet on that before and for a guy who has rare physical traits, it may be worth the gamble.
28. Green Bay Packers- Donovan Peoples-Jones WR, Michigan
The Packers need to get Aaron Rodgers another playmaker opposite Devante Adams. Their team is almost complete, but they need someone who can make things happen with the ball in their hands and take pressure away from Adams. Peoples-Jones allows for that in spades. While his Michigan career may not have been spectacular his athleticism leaps of the screen. His kinesthetic movements are special, and if he were paired with a more competent quarterback I believe he would be up there with the Ceedee Lambs, Henry Ruggs of the world. Until then Rodgers will get a great second playmaker who could be just what the Packers offense needs.
29. Kansas City Chiefs- D'Andre Swift RB, Georgia
The Chiefs need to figure out their RB situation. The Williams and Shady aren't cutting it. D'Andre Smith is a guy who walks in with minimal tread on his tires with special traits at the position. Much like Etienne, he bounces off defenders, but is much more adept at his change of direction. His ability to hit a whole, bounce off a defender and burst into the second level off another juke is what I saw time and time again watching Georgia play. The Chiefs offense with their new version of Kareem Hunt should be what it was pre Hunt suspension.
30. New Orleans Saints- Trevon Diggs CB, Alabama
The Saints have a near perfect roster. No holes anywhere outside No.2 corner, and really that position is fine. Why not take a shot in the dark with the fastest player at that position. Trevon Diggs is blazing fast. There is not a receiver that he can't keep up with. He is such a gifted athlete. His ball skills could be improved considering opposing teams targeted him over Surtan. Still the upside is incredible with him and drafting him and hoping for the best is a luxury the Saints can afford.
31. San Francisco 49ers- Xavier McKinney S, Alabama
Another roster that is near perfect, yet could use some help at a spot in the secondary. The pass rush is so good that the 49ers secondary is rarely tested, but has issues when teams have time to throw deep on them. Since the 49ers are not drafting again until the 5th round they need to get their position of need out of the way and getting a center fielder like McKinney is a move that could put them over the top.
32. Baltimore Ravens- Yetur Gross-Matos EDGE, Penn St.
At the end of the draft, the Ravens get the perfect player for them. A massive power rusher that can set the edge by true force of will. Sounds like a Raven to me. Not to mention the Ravens lack pass rush as it is and rely on their secondary a little too much. Yetur would step in right away and bring a great second rusher opposite Judon.
Adam Bressler
Jared Greenspan
Joshua Tenzer
Michigan Football
Photo used under Creative Commons from Mike Sinko


An extramarital affair is just the tip of the iceberg in The Adulterer, the addictive thriller series from the Netherlands that's my pick for your weekend binge-watching.
No foolin'. April brings thirteen new and returning Euro TV series and telefilms to the US (a few to the UK and Canada, too), plus four shows added to programming schedules.


casino magic is now hollywood casino bay st louis mississippi, see our review photos and discount reservations.
PlayMiss.com features all original reviews and photos. We stayed and played at all reviewed properties.
- opened Aug 29, hotel reservations now available!
- open, book rooms now!
Casino Magic is a complete resort situated on secluded, wooded, bay-front land. The property's 600 acres include a casino, two hotels, five restaurants, spa, rv park, and an on-site award winning golf course. Magic's setting and amenities contribute to a relaxed and intimate environment perfect for vacationers, golfers, families, and seniors.
The Casino Magic resort is a bit off the beaten path but it is easy to find thanks to prominent signage along Beach Blvd (US-90), which leads you off onto a side road past a school and handsome residences, and then onto the resort's 600 acres of wooded land on the Bay of St Louis. The natural setting you encounter driving onto the resort and past the quaint, wooden golf-cart bridges is pleasant, and more relaxing than you might expect at a gaming destination.
It opened on August 31st as Hollywood Casino with a new theme, 1200 slot machines, 20 table games, and 6 poker tables in a temporary land based facility. The hotel is now accepting reservations and will open with 291 guest rooms. The golf course will also open in September. The RV Park is open now.
Note: Our review and info below is largely outdated. We will provide more information on the rebuilt resort and amenities soon.
The centerpiece of Casino Magic Bay St Louis is the casino and adjoining Bay Tower Hotel. Here you will find most of the resort's attractions including the spa, four retaurants, a swimming pool and sun deck, gift shop, entertainment complex, game room, and meeting space. Casino Magic Inn and the rv park are located across the parking lot from the main building, with the golf course spread throughout much of the rest of the land.
Bay St Louis is a seaside town about 30 miles west of Biloxi, so it is a bit remote from other gaming options (not that we needed any, there was plenty to do right here). It is also just 40 miles east of New Orleans, making it the closest of the Mississippi Gulf coast gaming facilities to the Crescent City. Thus Casino Magic is just a quick drive away for residents of the Big Easy (or, for the rest of us, New Orleans can be a convenient side trip when staying here).
Other popular nearby attractions include Buccaneer State Park (400 acres including a wave pool, water slide, and wading pool), Coleman Avenue Pier and Jimmy Rutherford Pier (fishing), and Stennis Space Center where Space Shuttle engines are tested (includes tour of the complex and visitors center with exhibits tracing NASA history with films and demonstrations).
Casino Magic Bay Saint Louis has two hotels for a total of nearly 500 rooms.
Casino Magic Inn, which is located across the parking lot from the casino (next to the RV park), has approximately 200 rooms and an outdoor swimming pool. Room rates are generally lower here than in the newer tower rooms. A complimentary shuttle runs between the Inn and casino.
The Bay Tower Hotel, which was completed in 2002, added 290 rooms to the resort. The 14-story tower is located adjacent to the casino and includes such amenities as an outdoor swimming pool with sundeck, the spa, salon, and fitness center, video game arcade, nice views of the bay and countryside, as well as quick access to the casino and its restaurants.
In square foootage (about 40,000), Casino Magic's gaming space is less than some other Gulf Coast casinos, but we found plenty of different games to keep us entertained.
There are over 1200 machines including the latest slot machines and video poker (including bartop games), plus 38 table games including black jack, roulette, craps, Let It Ride, Mini Baccarat, Caribbean Stud, Pai Gow, and Three Card Poker.
Magic Money Players Club You can join Casino Magic's player club to earn cash benefits, comps, and partake in special promotions. The benefits are pretty good, even for small-stakes players like myself, because they have discounts at the restaurants, shops, and services around the property that you can claim just for showing your card.
Casino Magic BSL is the only Gulf Coast casino resort with a golf course on-site. The Bridges is an Arnold Palmer designed, 160 acre, 18 hole par 72 course with 21 wooden bridges and 17 lakes among lush wetlands and woods. The facilities also include a clubhouse with a retail shop, bar and grill, plus an extensive practice facility. A variety of hotel and golf packages are available.
The onsite shopping options are limited to Tokens Gift Shop, which is located in the casino lobby and carries logo merchandise, newspapers, snack foods, and stamps. There is also a pro shop at the golf course clubhouse.
The resort also offers a daily shuttle to Old Town Bay St Louis, where shoppers can explore antique shops, local artist galleries, other quaint shops, and cafes.
For younger visitors, Casino Magic offers a game room and swimming pool. Nearby attractions that might appeal to children and teens include the beach, Buccaneer State Park, Stennis Space Center, and fishing piers.
Swimming Pools There is an outdoor pool and sundeck located next to the Bay Tower Hotel. Casino Magic Inn also has a pool and whirlpool.
Spa, Salon, and Fitness Center The resort's full-service spa and salon is accessed from Bay Tower Hotel lobby. Services include body treatments, herbal and salt baths, aromatherapy, wraps, mud, relexology, massages, facials, skin care, hair treatments, manicures, and pedicures.
Patrons will find ample free outdoor parking and valet.
Casino Magic Bay St Louis features five restaurants and an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Bienville's Bay Buffet, located in the upper level of the casino, has a pleasant, naturally-lit southern garden theme with gazebos adorned by green plants.
The buffet is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Prices ranged from $8.00 for breakfast up to $13.50 for the dinner seating. Breakfast features a made-to-order omelet station and many other morning staples. Dinner feeding stations include hand-carved meats, southern specialties, Asian cuisine, pizza and bread, new Orleans pasta dishes, fruits, and dessert.
Bridges Clubhouse Grill - If you are playing golf, or just want to take a walk, this grill features casual, affordable lunch fare such as appetizers, soups, burgers, and sandwiches overlooking the 18th green.
Cafe Magic features casual dining, and is located off the casino main floor.
Jackpot Java is located off the casino lobby. They feature pastries, drinks, wraps, melts, burgers, soup and sandwiches (about $6) at a walk-up counter. Open 24-hours, with late-night breakfast.
Jourdan River Grille is located just off the lobby of the Bay Tower Hotel and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The cuisine is described as American with New Orleans and Southern touches. Breakfast includes omelets and other dishes ($6-10), as well as an a la carte menu. Lunch includes fare such as Po Boys and other sandwiches ($8-9), burgers, soups and salads. The dinner menu includes pasta ($11), steaks ($17-24), seafood platters ($13-17), as well as various specialty dishes and sandwiches.
Tuscany is a steak and seafood restaurant. It is located on the casino second level, and is open for dinner.
The fare includes dishes with an 'Italian flair', including certified Angus steaks ($22-30), fresh sea food including Gulf tuna and shrimp, pasta dishes ($18-27), Chicken Parmagiana ($20), and salads.
Copyright � 2003 PlayMiss.com, The SG! Biloxi.


Tradecoast Industrial Park is located in the Eagle Farm/Pinkenba industrial precinct is one of the most tightly held industrial precincts in Brisbane and is sought after by industrial and commercial users, given its unparalleled access to the Gateway Arterial Network, Airport, Port and the Brisbane CBD.
The property is one of the last remaining large freehold industrial development sites in the precinct with drive around access from dual entry/exit points.
The site offers warehouse tenancies ranging from approximately 3,500sqm to 20,000sqm available with office accommodation. All buildings can be developed to your specifications, incorporating the latest industrial and logistics design elements.


Time to update some of those embarrassing old YouTube movies on the site! First up is the 1-Skewer Rok page. Looking outside, the wind seemed to be fairly fresh. Not a problem for the little Rok, which likes a good breeze as long as there is sufficient tail attached! Armed with kite, 50m flying line and camera, we set out for the reserve near the school. Combining keeping the family fit with web-site work!
After arriving and getting the Rok in the air, it became apparent that the average wind strength wasn't as fresh as it seemed back home. Instead, it was a taste of the approaching Summer, with wild thermal activity and an almost clear blue sky. A little mid-level cloud was beginning to build in the West. The insects were out in force again, buzzing the trailing edge of the kite whenever it took to the air.
It was actually a bit difficult getting some decent video. The kite kept getting knocked around by huge gusts from all directions. On a short line for videoing purposes, the kite kept ending up on the ground so I ended up taking 6 separate movies! Usually, it would get booted overhead in a sudden gust of lifting air, which would leave it floating down on its face before nosing into a dive all the way to the ground.
Warning: skip this paragraph if anything remotely technical makes your eyes glaze over! :-) During its long dives, giving the kite more slack line did nothing to help. It was in model-plane mode, being held in a steep dive heading more or less upwind, and flying at a very low angle of attack. The usual factors which keep a kite stable, upright and 'kite-like' were not in play. I found that it was possible to get the kite out of the dive only by pulling in line quickly enough to get some real tension on it. This forced the kite into flying at a higher angle of attack, where-upon it suddenly became a kite again. Tail, towing point and dihedral all combined to cause the kite's nose to seek an upward and upwind direction.
With some reasonable video footage in the bag, it was time to let out some more line and just fly for fun. It was still hard though, with the extreme variations in wind speed continuing to throw the Rok into long dives. Wind direction shifted around spectacularly as well. A sure sign of large thermals! Many times, I had to pull the kite in almost to my hand as the wind speed died off, before letting out line quickly again in the next long gust. Several times it was clear the little kite was struggling against sinking air, with low line angles yet plenty of tension. Eventually, I got all 50 meters of line out. Whew!
After winding in the kite, we spent some time with little Aren on the play equipment nearby. We watched as another flight fanatic came out to fly - a guy with a small electric-powered r/c plane. I didn't fancy his chances in the rough air, and sure enough he had a tough time keeping it up there!
Next video might be for the 1-Skewer Delta. It'll need some smooth light winds!
Well, that's waxing a bit poetic, but the Moon certainly popped into the view-finder a few times while I took some video of the little Delta kite today. I have been taking down the old YouTube videos of various kites and updating them with new footage in my standard video format. That is, using the player you can see on any of the 2-Skewer kite pages.
With gusts of fresh wind blowing through the reserve near the school I knew it was going to be a bit of an exercise to get 20 seconds of good flight out of the kite. This tiny delta is a decent light-wind kite, but doesn't have a great wind range. However, with an extra length of tail in my pocket, I was going to give it my best shot!
With website business out of the way :-) it was time for a bit of recreation. I used some of the strong gusts to quickly let out line. In no time, all the 50 meters on the small winder were out, and the Delta tore up the sky, trying to get above a 40 degree flying line angle. A lot of its time was spent dashing sideways in the relentless wind, so I don't think it ever got above about 45 degrees. Still it was fun to get the little Delta up once again on 50 meters of line. Our 50 meter lines are 20 pound breaking strain, but the 1-Skewer delta would actually be much happier on mono-filament of less than 8 pounds strength.
Walking downwind back to the car, the pace of walking dropped the kite into a more comfortable zone, and it floated about like the light wind kite it was designed to be.
That's a bit pompous isn't it - the word 'prototype' is more appropriate for a shiny new aircraft than to a piece of plastic with 2 sticks taped to it! Never mind. Without actually copying any existing designs exactly, this first flight of the new Dowel Sled was going to be interesting.
Before going up to the vacant block, I briefly tried the sled out in our very small back yard. The gusts blowing around the house were chaotic and a bit fresh, but the Sled did seem reasonably stable. Without tails! This is a vented design, for a change. In fact, I'm aiming to make the entire Dowel range of kites tail-less. Even the Diamond, which is coming up next in January. Gulp.
Up at the vacant block, the Sled soon took to the air on our spanking-new 50 pound Dacron line. Soon, it was clear that both the location and the gusty fresh wind were making things difficult for the kite. After all, I had designed it as a light wind kite. The Sled would climb away briefly after each launch, before flying sideways or promptly collapsing when hit by a stronger gust or a bit of rough air. I persisted, trying to get a feel for the kite's flying characteristics despite the difficulties.
This Sled will make a fine light-wind kite, although dowel is definitely inferior to bamboo as a spar material. Hence, if made with the same sail material as the 2-Skewer Sled, it might not actually be much better in light wind. It will be interesting one day to do a side-by-side comparison of the 2 kites.
As noted in the construction page on the website, I'm going to make a second kite soon. The side flaps will be shorter to make it less collapse-prone. The wide and wonky vent will be replaced with 2 smaller ones that will hold their shape better. Finally, the shorter flaps plus leaving tape off the vent perimeters should save a little weight. Not much, but every bit counts in a light-wind design!
Well, I didn't think I would blog another flight of the first Dowel Sled prototype, but it flew so well yesterday! Later this week a number of improvements will be incorporated into the design, the construction page will be updated, and we'll get some video footage.
At the Holden Hill reserve off NE Road, the spots of rain and small wind squalls had given way to sunshine and light-to-moderate breezes. Perfect! As expected, the Sled gave a bit of trouble low down where the air was rougher. Collapsing, re-inflating and occasionally falling like a stone. All the MBK Sleds like smooth air! However, after working the line a bit and gradually getting more line out, the Sled was coaxed up above tree-top height. The trees are around 20 meters (70 feet) tall here and the reserve is small, so some fancy footwork was required sometimes to keep the kite away from leaves and branches.
A giant cumulus cloud came overhead, sort of like the space-ship in the film Independence Day! My guess was that there were large areas of lifting air underneath it. Despite only having room to let 30 meters (100 feet) of line out, the big Sled did go almost overhead several times. The kite got the attention of a number of birds too. Let's see... One little chirping bird hunting for insects in the warm rising air, 2 more small but fast birds who did a large 360 all around the kite (flying in close formation with each other!) and an Ibis that flew past searching for lift.
December 17, 2008 16:02 - Dowel Sled Kite MkII Is A Beauty!
Session number 3 in a frenzy of Dowel Sled Kite flying! I just finished the revised Sled design earlier today. With very light winds and the sun coming out between occasional rain showers, it was as good a time as any to put up the new kite. Down at the Wilfred Taylor Reserve we ran the usual routine. First, wifey takes a few launch shots, then she hands the camera to me while Aren has fun on the play equipment. Finally, with a bit more line out, I take a few movies to get a nice 20 second clip for the web-page.
Must say the kite fully performed up to expectations. It didn't take much breeze to get it climbing, and those double vents helped keep it quite stable as long as the air was smooth. Some of the movie footage included a rather impressive cumulo-nimbus cloud in the distance - maybe that will find its way into the final clip!
My expectations included seeing the kite fold up and plummet to the ground. That's what Sleds do from time to time! Perhaps light wind sleds are particularly prone to this. Eventually I will be doing fresh-wind versions of all the Dowel kites and 2-Skewer kites. It will be interesting to see how the fresh-wind Sled holds up.
Sled kites and thermals don't mix. Today, for the last time I think, it was proved yet again. Down at the Wilfred Taylor reserve, the prevailing breeze was quite light. At times, not even enough to keep the light-wind Dowel Sled in the air! And yet, the thermals lifting off from the area were savage.
Sudden, very fresh breezes would come tearing through, ruffling the upper branches of the surrounding trees. Rough air would collapse the kite completely. Sinking air would suddenly reduce the angle of attack to the point where the kite would death-dive to the grass.
On the other side of the coin, very strong upward gusts would accelerate the kite directly overhead at 100 feet, inflated fit to burst, yanking my arm up with it. In seconds, it would start to float down again like the proverbial bag of washing. Pulling in line quickly, I sometimes managed to re-inflate and get the kite to right itself for another heady climb. At other times, the best I could manage was a timely release of all line tension to reduce the impact!
P.S. One good thing came out of this. I did discover a handy technique for flying a strong-pulling kite without a protective glove. I just fed the line through my flying hand, around behind my back, and then out through the other hand to the spare line and winder on the grass. With all that extra friction, it wasn't hard to control the sudden increases in tension.
Or, perhaps, MBK Sled-Fest or Sled Kite Triple Treat or any number of other corny titles! As I hinted to my newsletter subscribers yesterday, we went down to Brighton Beach in the late afternoon. The idea was to get all 3 MBK Sled kites in the air at once, one for each family member. Once we got down there, we found space was limited due to the popularity of the beach on Boxing Day, no surprise there. At the time, it just seemed much easier to anchor the kites on the sand, rather than attempt to get 2 3/4 year-old Aren to fly the 1-Skewer Sled on his own!
First up in the steady moderate sea breeze was the Dowel Sled. We were occupying an area on a sand ridge that was perhaps 3 meters (10 feet) high, so the air was a little messed up down-wind of us. After a few collapses and landings, I finally got the big pale orange Sled up into clear air, where it stayed, rock-solid, at a 70 degree line angle. Wow. With about 20 meters (70 feet) of line out, it just sat up there. Poking its nose left and right just a little, every few seconds. The line was like a slim Dacron pole extending upwards from the sand. The winder was simply sand-bagged to the beach with a couple of plastic shopping bags, one inside the other for strength, and half-filled with sand.
With the Dowel Sled looking very comfortable, I moved cross-wind a few meters and launched the 2-Skewer Sled. Again, a collapse or 2, but soon it was up at a similar height to the other Sled. Two more shopping bags and Aren's toy shovel took care of the anchoring.
Finally, out came the little 1-Skewer Sled! This hadn't flown for quite a while, and in the moderate breeze it had a tendency to loop to the left every now and then. Never-the-less, it managed to stay in the air well enough for us to get a photo of all 3 Sled kites in the air at once! On about 15 meters of line, the little Sled continued to fly while the winder sat on the sand with a few loops of line thrown around a handy small bush. It's hard to see in the photo, but it's there near the top-left.


If you remember a couple of weeks ago I told you I made a starter of Amish Friendship Bread and approximately 10 days later I'd be back with some results.
Well, here it is. Last night the little man and I (not much help from him) split the batch into a loaf and a dozen muffins. The loaf got sent to daycare for the kiddos to enjoy and the muffins came to work with me. Could you imagine if I kept it all at home?
Here is how it works. Do not be intimidated by the long list of directions, it really is quite easy.
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Let stand 10 minutes. In a glass, plastic, or ceramic container, combine flour and sugar. Mix thoroughly. Slowly add in milk and dissolved yeast mixture. Cover loosely and let stand at room temperature until bubbly. This is Day One of the ten-day cycle.
Note: Do not refrigerate your starter. It is normal for the batter to rise and ferment. If air gets in the bag, let it out. DO NOT use a metal spoon or bowl for mixing as it will interfere with the fermenting process.
1. Pour entire contents into a nonmetal bowl.
3. Measure out four separate batters of 1 c. each into four one-gallon Ziploc bags.
4. Keep one of the bags for yourself and give the other bags to three friends along with the recipe.
Remember: If you keep a starter for yourself, you will be baking again in 10 days.
3. Grease two large loaf pans or muffin tins.
4. In a bowl, mix an additional 1/2 c. sugar and 1 1/2 t. cinnamon.
5. Dust the greased pans with sugar/cinnamon mixture.
6. Pour batter evenly into the pans and sprinkle the remaining mixture on the top.
Bake for 1 hour (20-25 minutes for muffins), or until the bread loosens evenly from the sides of the pan, or a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
So...what do you think? Can you commit to 10 days worth of care for this delicious bread?
I have made this once before and ended up forgetting about my starter bag after the first batch or two. Thanks for sharing how to make a starter so I can try it again! The last starter I got from a coworker.


Happy New Year from everyone at Kelly's Record Management.
We just want to say a big HAPPY NEW YEAR from everyone here at Kelly's Records Management. We are very excited to welcome in the new year, are you?
Over the last few weeks as we approach the new year, Kelly's have been thinking about decluttering, efficiency and productivity.
50 FREE BOXES when you bring your archives into storage with Kelly's!


text:
USDA Under Secretary praises DHS-Goodwill partnership
LITTLE ROCK – Kevin Concannon, the Under Secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, visited Little Rock on Thursday, Sept. 21.
Concannon toured the Goodwill Industries of Arkansas headquarters where he lauded the possibilities that will be presented through a new Arkansas Department of Human Services-Goodwill partnership that supports efforts to provide education and job training to beneficiaries in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). He said he is anxious to watch partnerships like this provide needed support for SNAP beneficiaries that will improve their lives.
"What can we do to help them become less dependent on us? That's the ultimate goal," Concannon said. "For me, the motivation isn't so much we hope our caseloads go down - it's more about positioning people differently. The motivation for me is to enable people to be more self-sufficient."
The primary principle of SNAP Employment and Training programs are to provide services that help participants eventually create their own success and to make them more job-ready. Most notably, the program will assist single moms, persons who were once incarcerated and adults on SNAP who aspire to get a GED or learn a specialized skill.
Goodwill is funding half of the project and that money is matched by USDA so no Arkansas State General Revenue will be expended.
SNAP is under the umbrella of the DHS Division of County Operations, which is supervised by Mary Franklin.
"This employment and training program is an endeavor that we're excited about and are confident will be extremely successful," Franklin said. "The opportunities that are provided will help many Arkansans on SNAP, and give them genuine hope for an even better standard of life."
Goodwill Industries of Arkansas CEO Brian Itzkowitz (from left) gives a tour of their Scott Hamilton facility recently to SNAP Southwest Division Director Dwight Crudup, USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannan, and Arkansas Surgeon General Greg Bledsoe.