Four distinguished SMU professors were honored for their scholarship as 2018 Ford Research Fellows. The awards were presented during the Board of Trustees meeting Thursday, May 8.
This year’s recipients are Klaus Desmet, Economics, Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences; Adam Herring, Art History, Meadows School of the Arts; MinJun Kim, Mechanical Engineering, Lyle School of Engineering; and Elfi Kraka, Chemistry, Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.
Klaus Desmet is the Ruth and Kenneth Altshuler Centennial Interdisciplinary Professor and professor of economics in Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences. His research focuses on international trade, regional and urban economics, macroeconomics, and political economy. In April, he was appointed as a research associate in the International Trade & Investment and Political Economy program of the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) – a prestigious national think tank that brings together researchers in economic policy and empirical economic analysis.
Adam Herring is the Emily Rich Summers Endowed Professor, chair and director of graduate studies in the Division of Art History, Meadows School of the Arts. Dr. Herring is a specialist in the art of the pre-Columbian Americas, with research interests that include visual theory and semiotics, anthropological and materialist critique of visual experience, and the history of the discipline. A 2017 Guggenheim Fellow, Dr. Herring has also received fellowships from Dumbarton Oaks, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and The Huntington Library.
MinJun Kim is the Robert C. Womack Chair in Mechanical Engineering in Lyle School of Engineering. He works in three unified subject areas: micro- and nanorobotics, single-cell and single-molecule biophysics, and transport phenomena. His research applies to a range of nano- and microfabrication techniques that are capable of producing small-scale functional materials and devices. These “microbots” create the possibility of exploring biology where fundamental processes take place, such as epigenetic and genetic control of single cells.
Elfi Kraka is professor and chair in the Department of Chemistry, Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, and an expert in computational chemistry, quantum mechanics, and drug discovery. As head of SMU’s Computational and Theoretical Chemistry (CATCO) Lab, she researches computer-assisted drug design as a tool for reducing the time needed to develop new pharmaceuticals.


She also investigates and develops new quantum chemical methods, the mechanism of chemical reactions with the Unified Reaction Valley Approach (URVA), and the structure and stability of van der Waals complexes.
Established in 2002 through a $1 million pledge from trustee Gerald J. Ford, the Ford Research Fellowships help SMU retain and reward outstanding scholars. Each recipient receives a cash prize for research support during the year.


James Collins Nichols, age 83 of Hiawassee, GA passed away on July 05, 2013 following an extended illness. He was born to the late James Clayton and Annie Lou (Hamm) Nichols of January 12, 1930 in Sprott, AL. He was preceded in death by infant daughter, Donna Gwen Nichols, sister, Judy Oakes and step-brother, Archie Rogers.
He is survived by wife, May Frances (Wolfe) Nichols, of Hiawassee, GA; daughters and sons-in-law, Laurie (Mark) Main, of Hiawassee, GA; Jennifer (Tom) Bowers, of Columbia, SC; son and daughter-in-law, Gregory (Kelly) Nichols, of Maryland; brothers and sisters-in-law, Cullen and Eleanor Nichols, of Selma, AL; John and Nina Rogers, of Montgomery, AL; James and Laverne Rogers, of Huntsville, AL; sister, Bernice Hughey, of Smiths, AL; brother-in-law, Thomas Oakes, of Marion, AL; sister-in-law, June Rogers, of Birmingham, AL; two grandchildren, Sara Gambill, of Lexington, KY; Kevin Rhatican, of Rapid City, SD; one great grandson, Josiah James Rhatican, of Rapid City, SD; and a number of nieces and nephews also survive.
James Collins Nichols went by many names in his lifetime. While growing up in Perry County, Alabama, he was known by his middle name Collins or "Cos". During those years, he worked alongside his four brothers and two sisters picking vegetables and cotton in the fields to help support the family. He graduated from Suttle High School in Suttle, Alabama in 1947; "Collins" was determined to go to college, often walking many miles to and from Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama. He completed his studies there in 1949 going on to join the newly formed United States Air Force in 1950, where he was soon being called by the name of Nick.
"Nick" served our county for 20 years by working in the areas of electronics, S.N.A.R.K. missile development, and weather support for bombers during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed around the country from Scott AFB near St.


Louis, to Grand Prairie NAS in Dallas, Texas, Mather AFB in Sacramento, California, then on to Warner Robins AFB in Warner Robins, GA and completing his career at Offutt AFB in Omaha, Nebraska. During these years he married May Frances Wolfe and they were blessed with three children. He also completed the first of two Bachelor's degrees, Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Nebraska. Throughout his career, he was known as a great golfer and was highly sought after by high ranking officers to assist their endeavors in prestigious golf tournaments. Always competitive, he was hugely successful and won many of these tournaments. It was also during these years that he indulged in his passion for hunting, especially quail, pheasant, and deer.
After retiring from the Air Force at the highest NCO rank of Chief Master Sargent in September 1970, Nick's work experience qualified him for employment at the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) located in Suitland, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, DC. NESDIS provides global environmental data from satellites. Jim, as he was now known, returned to college earning a second Bachelor's degree in Earth Science from Bowie State University and quickly moved up the management ladder. He spent most of his twenty-two years in this career as a supervisor. The responsibilities were varied and interesting, even being called upon to give weather clearance for Space Shuttle launches.
During his years with NESDIS (informally known as NOAA), Jim and Fran purchased 15 acres in the southern Maryland community of Brandywine, remodeled an old farmhouse and began farming. Jim's relationship with gardening was a lifelong love affair. Around work, he gained the reputation for being the Silver Queen Corn guy. He grew acres of the corn and would bring sack after sack into work to sell to coworkers. In addition to this persona, Jim was also well known for his love of sweet tea and hot peppers - the hotter the better. During the late 70s and early 80s, Jim became very active in the Boy Scouts of America ultimately seeing his only son earn his Eagle Scout rank.
Retiring for a second time in 1992, Jim hoped to spend many happy years traveling, playing golf, hunting, and visiting friends and family across the country. He and Fran purchased a motorhome and had several years of enjoyment before his health began to infringe on their fun.


In the fall of 2004, Jim and Fran moved to Hiawassee, Georgia to be near their oldest child. Settling into life in Hiawassee, Jim and Fran became members of McConnell Memorial Baptist Church. He made fast friends with all he encountered on a regular basis. Jim was seen frequently each week riding around the local grocery store scouting the best price for favorite foods or eating at his favorite buffet restaurant.
Over the years, Jim was heavily involved in church wherever he lived. He met his wife through a young adult group in Bellville, IL. Mentored and tutored youth, served on many committees such as finance and personnel, and was always eager to encourage those around him with a hug and his warm smile. Jim is a Deacon Emeritus at Clinton Baptist Church in Clinton, Maryland, where he was a very active member from 1972 until 2004. Jim loved to sing in the choir and attend Bible study classes. He completed two sections of Master Life during his years at Clinton Baptist.
Whether he was Collins, Nick, or Jim he touched countless lives and leaves a legacy of strong faith and family values. His advice, laughter and sweet tenor singing voice will be greatly missed by those who knew him well. His family's greatest consolation is that he ran the race until its finish and is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior in peace.
Funeral services were held on Friday, July 12, 2013 at 2:30 PM from McConnell Memorial Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Adams officiating. Interment will be held in Arlington cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations and contributions be made to: Freeing the Future Buliding fund at McConnell Memorial Baptist Church, (706-896-2281) in Mr. Nichols memory. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee in charge of arrangements.
To send flowers to the family in memory of James Collins Nichols, please visit our flower store


It's with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Diane Bissett on the morning of March 6th, 2019, in G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital, at the age of 62. Diane passed peacefully in her sleep after fighting a brave battle with pancreatic cancer, beating the time they gave her. She remained strong through this battle, concerned about everyone else.
She was the most caring and loving wife, mother, nana, sister and friend. She leaves behind her husband, Larry Bissett, daughter, Melanie (Sean) Sheimerdine and their four children, Araya, Paris, Ivory and Eden. Daughter Misty (Caleb) Fraser, their children, Cassidy, Ciera, Deklan and Paysle. Mother and Stepfather, Mabel and Dan Evans. Sister and Brother, Janice and Frank Bennett, along with many neices and nephews.
We would like to thank Dr. Alhaddad for his wonderful care. The chemo nurses, when she was doing chemo, for their kindness. Also the wonderful nursing staff at G.R. Baker Memorial during her final two and a half weeks, for their wonderful care and compassion for her family.


Tuesday, April 12, 2016
RENEWAL ALERT: New Girl
It came a little later than some other FOX shows, but New Girl has been renewed for a sixth season. The show was held to midseason this year and some thought it might be nearing the end. But it has done better this year than last year both creatively and in the ratings. Despite anemic Tuesday ratings, New Girl has consistently been the best of the block. This leaves just Grandfathered, The Grinder, and Sleepy Hollow as bubble scripted shows for FOX.


The University of British Columbia has a drop-in centre downtown in Vancouver’s East side called the Learning Exchange where it provides educational opportunities to people who live and work in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and other inner-city communities.Vancouver’s Downtown East Side is an inner city neighbourhood that has been experiencing problems with drug addiction and prostitution for many years. The area consists of several diverse neighbourhoods, including Strathcona, Chinatown, and Gastown, as well as the central area around Main and Hastings. The Downtown Eastside is currently facing significant social, economic and health-related issues. While there are undeniable problems, the community also has significant strengths. And, important community-building work is being undertaken and some of this important work is done by the UBC Learning Exchange.The Learning Exchange provides opportunities for UBC students to develop an understanding of society through first-hand volunteer work and promotes the formation of partnerships between people at UBC and people in the Downtown East Side and other inner-city communities that make the sharing of expertise and resources possible. The program started very small and still has a very tight budget, but today more than 800 UBC students volunteer here in a variety of community assistance groups.10 people from the Servas conference went downtown to participate in a learning experience involving a self-guided tour, and our young local expert Francy spent about 90 minutes with us, exploring what we knew or had heard about the neighbourhood, the various media stereotypes, what type of people lived there and why and what was being done to help this community.We learned that the community is actually quite diverse, not only does it include people dealing and using drugs as well as sex trade workers, the area also houses new immigrants, social service personnel, artists and students. Even seniors and families live here and in one coop housing project, built around a central courtyard, the single and older people live on the outside of the complex to provide protection, while the families with young children live on the inside so the young ones can play safely in the courtyard .The Downtown East Side is one of the few areas in Vancouver that still has affordable housing prices. We found out that many of the people in the area take on short-term or transient type of work assignments in labour pools, and many of them work as “binners”, collecting metal cans and glass bottles from garbage containers which then get reclaimed in local recycling facilities.


In Vancouver the sight of people going through garbage bins is very common, even in the pristine suburban campus of UBC, and this activity is also referred to as “dumpster-diving”. We realized that these people perform an important societal service by diverting recyclable materials away from the landfills back into reprocessing facilities.The main drugs represented in this area are heroine, crack and crystal meth, and Francy explained that many of the area’s inhabitants live very nocturnal lives and that the mornings can be fairly quiet. After exploring the socio-economic background of this neighbourhood we were given a safety briefing which included practical advice such as treating people respectfully and looking them in the eye, even if they are requesting money from you, politely declining if someone mistakes you for a sex-trade worker, keeping valuables out of sight and similar issues. I decided to leave my entire purse and camera at the drop-in centre as did several other members of our group.We then headed off in small, inconspicuous groups of 3 or 4 people, with a small unobtrusive map. The map pointed out local sights such as buildings, housing coops, community centres, churches and parks. The first thing we did was we headed north out to the bridge at the top of Main Street from where you have a gorgeous view of downtown Vancouver, including Canada Place. It strikes you as ironic, how so much beauty and opulence can be located right next to an area with immense economic and social problems.We headed west on Alexander Street and promptly arrived on a beautiful little square that is part of Vancouver’s historic restored Gastown area. From there we headed south along streets like Pender and Carrall, many of which have boarded up main floors, and former retail areas that were closed a long time ago. Occasionally you see local homeless people and at one building we saw two young people on a couch in front of a building, and beside them a young woman who was stretching and contorting her body in strange ways. We were later explained that this woman was probably coming down from taking drugs the night before and was experiencing excruciating pain in the process.We snaked our way through the neighbourhood past various parks that according to our guide book were described as gathering spots for drug activity during the night. Most of these areas were fairly empty, but we did pass a number of people whose appearances had been ravaged by years of drug use.


On Pender Street we passed by an astounding building, the Sun Tower, built in 1912, that housed the offices of The Vancouver Sun newspaper from 1924 to1964 and is crowned by a by a three-story beaux arts copper roof.Pender Street took us further east towards Vancouver’s Chinatown, which compared to the chaotic hustle and bustle of Toronto’s Chinatown, seemed very orderly and organized. Our map told us to make a brief detour into the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, opened in 1986, the first full-size authentic Chinese garden built outside of China. From there we went through a mixed neighbourhood with a variety of Chinese or Korean community centres and seniors residences. We also passed by a community centre that offered free showers, Internet access, mailbox and various other services to many of the homeless people in this area. Many of the local churches provide shelter and other services to this community in need.One particularly haunting image for me was a very young woman, maybe in her late teens, early twenties. She had bleached blond hair, blue eyes and dark rims of smeared mascara under her eyes. She was leaning into the recesses of a building and had obviously been crying. Something was in her hand, but I was unable to see what it was. She appeared to be in a great deal of physical and emotional pain, and her face was still so young and pristine. I thought how powerfully addictions affect people and how difficult it must be to extricate oneself from this way of life.My two walking partners commented on another older woman, whose face had been scarred and they commented that the blank look in her eyes was a very haunting experience. Since I was in charge of figuring out the map I did not see this individual, but the ravages of drug use were plainly obvious in so many of the residents’ faces. Ironically enough, as we were looking at our map, we were asked twice by different people if we were lost and if they could help redirect us. We had been prepared for being accosted and asked for money, and instead we were offered some help by the locals – ironic indeed.After we completed our walk we headed back to the UBC Learning Exchange for a debriefing and we shared our experiences. We noted that the neighbourhood was much more mixed and less consistently run down than we had expected.


A comment was also made that relatively few people were on the streets and that we didn’t witness any drug-related or sex-trade transactions at this time of day. Overall it had felt quite safe for us 3 women to walk through this neighbourhood, and during morning hours this area didn’t look all that different from other urban neighbourhoods.Our learning experience was capped off by a visit at the Carnegie Community Centre, built in 1908 as a Public Library. The Carnegie Centre provides a range of social, recreational and educational programs for the residents of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. It is often described as the community’s living room–a place where people can come to participate in programs or to simply relax and socialize with others, particularly important since many of them live in one-room dwellings where they don’t have the luxury of a living room to relax in.The Carnegie Centre offers a variety of facilities: a Public Library reading room, a seniors centre, weight room, a learning/literacy centre, a kitchen that offers 3 nutritional meals a day, an art gallery, an auditorium and gym as well as a dark room and pottery room. Our group did indeed sample the Carnegie’s cuisine, and I had a vegetarian lunch with veggie spring rolls, salad and rice, as well as one of the most delicious mushroom soups I have ever eaten. Together with a lemon pop this lunch came to $3.40.The meal was delicious and completing this learning experience in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side truly enriched my understanding of the city and this neighbourhood, and I gained a real appreciation for the efforts of the many hundreds of people who try to bring about positive change in this area. Francy indeed summarized it succinctly: the best way to make a difference is through individual engagement, and the small efforts of many can bring about huge change to the community as a whole.


Winchester in Clark County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
East Broadway Cemetery
Erected 1971 by Kentucky Historical Society-Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1399.)
Marker series. This marker is included in the Kentucky Historical Society marker series.
Location. 37° 59.466′ N, 84° 10.158′ W. Marker is in Winchester, Kentucky, in Clark County. Marker is at the intersection of East Broadway Street and Park Avenue, on the left when traveling east on East Broadway Street. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Winchester KY 40391, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Clark County Courthouse (approx. half a mile away); Gov. James Clark Judicial Center (approx. half a mile away); County Named 1793 (approx. half a mile away); "Morgan's Men" Here (approx. half a mile away); Hanson Home Site (approx. 0.8 miles away); Homer C. Ledford (approx. 0.9 miles away); Daniel Boone (approx. 0.9 miles away); Governor James Clark (approx. one mile away). Click for a list of all markers in Winchester.
Categories. • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Disasters •
Credits. This page originally submitted on , by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Md 21234. This page has been viewed 298 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on , by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Md 21234. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016.


The by-election results are as follows:
Nathan Dueck 278 votes* declared electedLouise Billows 65 votesJohn Falk 174 votes19% voter turnout
The next term of council will end with elections in October 2018.
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Forest Laboratories to Acquire Aptalis for $2.9 Billion in Cash Read more: Forest Laboratories to Acquire Aptalis for $2.9 Billion in Cash
Acquisition is Immediately Accretive
- Adds Nearly $700 million to FY2015 Revenues
-Company Expects to Achieve $125 Million in Synergies by FY2016
- Accretive to FY2015 Non-GAAP EPS by Approximately $0.78
Diversifies Forest Offerings in Key Therapeutic Areas & Geographies
- Expands Gastrointestinal Franchise in U.S. and Canada
- Complements Growing Cystic Fibrosis Business in Europe
January 08, 2014 07:30 AM Eastern Standard Time
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Forest Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:FRX) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aptalis, a privately held U.S. based specialty Gastrointestinal (GI) and Cystic Fibrosis company, for $2.9 billion in cash from its shareholders, including TPG, the global private investment firm. The acquisition, which requires review by anti-trust authorities in the US and Canada, is expected to be accretive to Forest's FY2015 non-GAAP EPS.
"Aptalis has built a strong position in the North American and European gastroenterology and cystic fibrosis markets through internal product development and acquisitions of products and companies over the last few years"
"Aptalis is an excellent strategic and financial fit for Forest because of its strong product offerings in two therapeutic franchises that are complementary to Forest - GI in the U.S. and Canada and Cystic Fibrosis in Europe. The acquisition of Aptalis helps diversify Forest while advancing our strategy to create blockbuster therapeutic areas," said Brent Saunders, Chief Executive Officer and President of Forest Laboratories, Inc. "Because there is such a strong fit, we expect to grow the sales of products from both Forest and Aptalis while realizing $125 million in cost synergies from combining the two companies. As a result, the acquisition is expected to add nearly $700 million in revenue and approximately $0.78 to our non-GAAP EPS in FY2015."
Aptalis had sales of $688 million in FY2013 which ended September 2013. Sales of the top three products in the U.S.


- Canasa, Carafate, and Zenpep - accounted for more than 60% of company sales in FY2013. International sales accounted for approximately 15% of revenues. Aptalis Pharmaceutical Technologies, a third party delivery technology provider and drug manufacturer, accounted for approximately 15% of revenues.
"Aptalis has built a strong position in the North American and European gastroenterology and cystic fibrosis markets through internal product development and acquisitions of products and companies over the last few years," said Frank Verwiel MD, Chief Executive Officer of Aptalis. "I'm proud of all that our team has accomplished, and Forest's acquisition of our company is a testament to the value we have created and the strength of the business we have built. There is a strong business fit between Aptalis and Forest, our strategies are closely aligned, and I am confident that Forest will maximize the opportunity for our products and patients."
Forest intends to acquire Aptalis from its shareholders for $2.9 billion in cash. Forest expects to use a combination of cash on hand and debt to fund the transaction. Forest has secured commitment for a $1.9 billion bridge facility.
As a result of the Aptalis acquisition, Forest has not yet initiated its previously announced accelerated share repurchase program. Following completion of the permanent financing for the acquisition, Forest will consider initiating the accelerated share repurchase program.
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2014 pending regulatory review and satisfactory completion of necessary closing conditions.
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP served as Forest's legal counsel, and Aptalis was advised by Ropes & Gray. Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to Forest. J. P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as financial advisors to Aptalis.
Conference call details:
Forest executives will host a conference call with investors at 8:30 AM EST today to discuss the details of today's strategic announcements. The conference call will be webcast live on the Company's website at www.frx.com. Please log on to the website at least fifteen minutes prior to the conference call as it may be necessary to download software to access the call.


A replay of the conference call will be available until February 8, 2014 and also by dialing (800) 753-4652 (US or Canada) or +1 (402) 220-4235 (international), Conference ID: FRX0108.
About Forest Laboratories and Its Products
Forest Laboratories (NYSE: FRX) is a leading, fully integrated, specialty pharmaceutical company largely focused on the United States market. The Company markets a portfolio of branded drug products and develops new medicines to treat patients suffering from diseases principally in five therapeutic areas: central nervous system, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and anti-infective. Our strategy of acquiring product rights for development and commercialization through licensing, collaborative partnerships and targeted mergers and acquisitions allows us to take advantage of attractive late-stage development and commercial opportunities, thereby managing the risks inherent in drug development. The Company is headquartered in New York, NY.
Aptalis Pharma is a privately held, leading specialty pharmaceutical company providing innovative, effective therapies for unmet medical needs including cystic fibrosis and gastrointestinal disorders. Aptalis has manufacturing and commercial operations in the United States, the European Union and Canada, and its products include ZENPEP®, CANASA®, CARAFATE®, PYLERA®, RECTIV®, VIOKACE™, ULTRESA® LACTEOL®, DELURSAN®, PANZYTRAT®, and SALOFALK®. Aptalis also formulates and clinically develops enhanced pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products for itself and others using its proprietary technology platforms including bioavailability enhancement of poorly soluble drugs, custom release profiles, and taste-masking/orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) formulations.
TPG is a leading global private investment firm founded in 1992 with $55.7 billion of assets under management and offices in San Francisco, Fort Worth, Austin, Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, London, Luxembourg, Melbourne, Moscow, Mumbai, New York, Paris, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo. TPG has extensive experience with global public and private investments executed through leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, spinouts, growth investments, joint ventures and restructurings. The firm's well-known investments in the healthcare sector include Biomet, Fenwal, Healthscope, IASIS Healthcare, Immucor, IMS Health, Par Pharmaceutical, Quintiles Transnational and Surgical Care Affiliates, among others.


For more information visit www.tpg.com.
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the difficulty of predicting FDA approvals, the acceptance and demand for new pharmaceutical products, the impact of competitive products and pricing, the timely development and launch of new products, and the risk factors listed from time to time in Forest Laboratories' Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and any subsequent SEC filings. Forest assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release to reflect new information or future events or developments.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the notes, nor shall it constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to whom, such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful. Any offers of the notes will be made only by means of a private offering memorandum.
Forest Laboratories, Inc.
Frank J. Murdolo, 1-212-224-6714
Vice President - Investor Relations


Photo of the day: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN – – – GRACE JONES – 1 year ago today, Grace Jones hit New York City with her show called “Hurricane” two days before the most disastrous hurricane ever destroyed parts of New York forever, hurricane Sandy. Eerily now in hindsight, the audience and I screamed and cheered in Grace’s defiance of the oncoming storm. None of us had any idea of what was to come. . . here is my review of that ironic and incredible night at Roseland Ballroom, which it was announced this week – Roseland be torn down, not due to hurricane damage, but torn down by greed:
“Thirty four years after the legendary performance of her 1978 concert at Roseland Ballroom, NYC – Grace Jones returned Saturday night, October 27, 2012 and gave what perhaps will go down as one of her most legendary concerts of her career. She has not changed a bit. At 64 years old she is an astoundingly fit statuesque Amazonian creature as she was then. When she asked “Who was here in 1978?” the roar in response was deafening. (I was there that night in 1978). Last night’s sold out concert crowd recreated the height of the atmosphere of the divine Studio 54 disco days. Extreme outfits were the norm. Glam, glitz, drag, shock and over the top seemed to be the order of the night.
Grace outdid herself for her die hard fans, even the Hammerstein Ballroom concert performance of July, 2009. She was more animated, loose, filled with naughty adlibs (Grace is obviously an oral sex fan). Roseland’s lighting crew was off their game for which Grace retorted with a flurry of quips, zingers and re-starts of her legendary disco and new wave songs. No dubbing, live for almost 2 hours! “Keepin’ it tight!” It was Grace unleashed.
Every move was a camera pose. Every gesture calculated to cause frenzy and cameras to go wild. She is still a fierce, angry, cocky sexual diva. Her legendary toned body is remarkable, her legs are longer than a Barbie doll’s, her ass firmer that a 30 year old.


One of her songs was performed while consistently swirling a hula hoop around her waist and then while continually twirling and moving about the stage she introduced the band – constantly twirling! Lady Gaga, Britney, Madonna, Rhianna, Taylor Swift or any of the young acts today do not have the stamina of this remarkable icon. With a hard pounding rock/reggae beat flavored with disco and new wave, her mega hits did not disappoint. Ironically called “The Hurricane Tour”, Grace ended in defiance singing “Hurricane” while huge fans blew her about on stage and whipped the crowd into an ecstatic frenzy leaving euphoria in her wake.”


Embark on a transformative journey towards a picture-perfect smile with Spark clear aligners at Gardner Orthodontics. Similar to Invisalign® clear aligners, Spark clear aligners offer a discreet and efficient solution for straightening teeth, combining the best of modern advancements with the convenience you desire. We take pride in providing this orthodontic treatment to give you a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing option to straighten your teeth.
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Commit to a Brilliant Smile
By choosing Spark clear aligners in Orange Park, Florida, you are investing in a future filled with healthy smiles and newfound confidence. Our skilled orthodontist and team will guide you through every step of this exciting journey, providing expert care and support along the way. Call us today at 904-802-0767 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Thomas Gardner.


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The perfect everyday companion, the smart and sophisticated Petit Palais bag is fashioned from grained leather with an oversized pattern of Monogram Flowers and LVs printed and embossed on it. The gold-colour padlock and leather name tag bring to mind the House’s legacy of fine luggage. A detachable strap can be adjusted for comfortable shoulder and cross-body wear.
29 x 18 x 12.5 cm
/ 11.4 x 7.1 x 4.9 inches
(Length x height x width )
Embossed grained cowhide leather
Grained cowhide leather trim
3 compartments with 1 central zipped compartment
2 inside flat pockets
Strap: Removable, adjustable
Strap Drop: 47.0 cm/18.5 inches
Strap Drop Max: 54.0 cm/21.3 inches
Handle: Single x2
This reference is either made in France, Spain, Italy or in the US.


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They make up stories as they go along and couldn't care less about satisfying the customer. Our October trip down the Rhine was a joke (low Water) as well as the employees changing stories very time you talk with them. No one know anything about where we would be going day to day and when we did stop the landing was a NO Name town (so the captain could sleep).
Sorry to hear about your experience with Viking as we are also booked on one of their cruises in November. Did you just come back from your trip? Did Viking mention anything to you about the water level or potential change in itinerary before you left on your trip?
Two postings within the last two days on another river cruise board from cruisers who just completed river cruises in Germany and Austria indicate that there has been lots of rain and no problems sailing itineraries as scheduled. Super!
If you read the reports about the other riverboat companies, you will find that they are going through the same situation.(Low water, no notification of passengers.) This is not limited to Viking. It is a very bad situation for all concerned.
It seems I have heard and read your name numerous times, and boy it sure seems that you are all "Viking" with no regard for the passengers....Well,,,,,,,Well,,, Well,,,, I am a TA and certainly don't have your feelings...I have just returned from a Viking River Cruise and met some of your clients...and I must say you are dead wrong...Viking is treating everyone just awful....and could care less...Hopefully your clients on my briefing will insist and or demand a refund and turn you and Viking over to Better Business...Shame on you.....and Viking greedy greedy greedy.....Signed, mpb
Interesting... I have been wondering for these past 3 months, since our Viking bus cruise, why no one here has complained to the Better Business Bureau... or if anyone has, why it's not showing up as a complaint (maybe it's that the BBB takes months for replies, responses, etc...). I can't really lodge a complaint because we got a 100% refund (but we also left the night they told us about the "bus trip", never stayed in the icky hotel they wanted us to stay in, etc.)


It cost us a fortune to make our way thru Europe on our own with no advance reservations or plans, but we did get our money back- if we had not, I would have contacted the Better Business Bureau in a heartbeat.
They "Just Happen to mentioned" it to my wife when she called their California Office on a ticketing question just two days before we left. But no big deal according to Viking.
We did meet a large group on the tour who know nothing about the low water until they arrived over seas. They were very upset.
Since we have arrived home my wife has written the President of Viking Cruise requesting our money back (that's a laugh).
No, I am not an employee of Viking River Cruises; however I am a TA who has booked many Viking cruises. Aside from the complaints and disappointments of those who travelled this summer and were adversely affected by low river levels--which apparently definitely had an effect on the crew morale and other aspects of the cruise--no one else has had any complaints. And I do give my clients a chance to complain! I personally call or e-mail to my clients when they return from the cruise and ask them for their critique, what they would change, what they would like to see in future Viking cruises, etc. I'd be happy to share dozens of letters of praise for the cruises and the cruise line.
I am perplexed! A complaint about me to Better Business Bureau after I spent 18 hours in direct contact with my clients and Viking--with my international telephone calls to the ship and to the hotel, in addition to e-mails back and forth to the client around the clock--even throughout the weekend when most TA's are unavailable--as well as telephone calls and e-mails to Viking management--even on the weekend??!!?
And though no compensation seems to be enough when a client is unhappy, I was able to get a full refund for the second leg of a back-to-back cruise, a credit toward a future cruise to compensate for how the low water levels affected the itinerary of the first leg, a change in flights to bring the clients back to the United States per their request, etc. Since Viking agreed to these refunds/credits/flight changes at Viking's expense, I strongly doubt that BBB would find the cruise line at fault.


Unfortunately my rain dance was not effective in bringing on rain to up the water levels on the rivers; but I don't think that BBB would consider a complaint about my inability to fool Mother Nature.
You have outed me here as your client, since I am the only person posting regarding a back-to-back Viking cruise.
I had not informed this board that you were my TA on my recent disastrous Viking misadventure. I had not mentioned my TA at all here. And, since it seems that you are really worried about it, mpb did not advise me to turn you and Viking in to the BBB, so I guess you jumped the gun assuming it was me. Sorry, mpb’s advice must have been offered to someone else. But since your guilty conscience apparently led you to weigh in and out me here by taking credit with my back to back cruise results, I feel compelled to respond directly to you.
I am still waiting for some rational explanation from you of your continuing reference to 18 hours you spent keeping my husband and me on call to you by email & IM at all hours in smoke-filled Internet access rooms paying by the minute, over 4 days including a weekend, on our $500+/day vacation. According to the Viking personnel on the ground onboard Spirit and in Vienna, nothing was being done over the weekend on our request to not take the second bus trip and be flown home. You yourself emailed me the same thing last week as your final answer on your negotiations on my behalf with Viking. If Viking had any goal of providing customer satisfaction and building a returning client base, then fulfilling their responsibility for us from 9/22 RDU to 10/25 RDU, and resolving this matter on the Spirit in that first one hour’s time after we made our request would have been the answer.
Your defense of yourself would be admirable if it had any basis in reality. But since I do have copies of our IM and email while you strung us along during our recent unpleasant European vacation, I happen to know that you only ever advised us to take the second bus cruise, not to challenge the Viking charge to AMEX, and that you would take care of everything when we got home. I would have gotten home today from a very long bus ride through Eastern Europe if I had followed any of your advice. Instead, I have been home for 2 weeks.


I have negotiated my own refund for the second bus cruise by ignoring your self-serving advice and I did so directly with the Spirit cruise director in Vienna, by cell phone to a Viking VP in California, and by continuing direct email with that same Viking VP in the days since my return. You had nothing to do with it any of that, I did it all in direct defiance of your instructions to me. You still have done nothing for me except send me a $300 check that the Viking VP told me she refunded you. Oh, you must mean the 25% off discount for a future cruise that you said you received from Viking good only... nevermind…
Regarding the Better Business Bureau suggestions. Let me say that I did check out Viking River Cruises, Woodland Hills, CA before we purchased. Check for yourselves. http://www.bbbsouthland.org/Online.c...&p=howtoreport
They had an unsatisfactory record then, as they still do today. Unfortunately, this was true of all three river cruise vendors that I was looking into at the time, so the unsatisfactory record did not set Viking apart.
Finally as to who is fooling whom about what. No rain dances were necessary. I have posted numerous websites on this message board that I found regarding the recording and publication of European river levels. More bad news. Low water levels were not the reason that Viking put us off our abbreviated short, first cruise and bused us from Straubing to Vienna Oct. 5-6. Anyone can go online and check the water levels, and see for themselves. There was plenty of water in the Danube between Straubing and Vienna at the time. Not so further south and that is why we bailed out in Vienna and refused the second non-cruise. Viking personnel on the ground at the time said that we had to disembark in Straubing on 10/5 because Viking had 3 busloads of passengers from a Budapest-Amsterdam cruise on their way to Spirit. It seems that must have been the real reason we were put off early, and were bused to Vienna instead of cruising to Vienna.
Ann you made the absolute right decision. I wish my husband and I had done the same. We sailed on Uniworld's 9/24 trip from Amsterdam to Budapest and two days after we left we were told we could go no further than Koblenz.


We tried to get info. from Uniworld without success and found out it would cost us 3K to get a return flight. We decided to go with Uniworld and spent 11 horrible days on a bus. The food was terrible and one of the hotels was really awful -- I mean, unsafe awful. Under construction, no lights in the stairwells, elevators that didn't work and no cleaning service because the hotel was not staffed properly. Our lawyer has contacted Uniworld for a refund but I have no idea what will happened. We should have done what you did (four of our passengers did). Am absolutely sorry that we didn't just get off the bus and come home. We are experienced travelers who lived overseas for many years. We should have known we would absolutely hate a bus trip even in the best (which we did not have) of circumstances.
We checked three times the week before we left and I sent emails to the ship. Uniworld lied and unfortunately we believed them. Anyway -- good for you.
dfb--XLNT letter. We were on your buscruise, stayed at the horrid "5-star" Hotel de France in Vienna and believe we chatted with you in the lobby. Via our agent, we are currently trying to get some monetary compensation from VCR. It seems we may have to act on our own behalf as you did. Please contact us firstname.lastname@example.org.
E-mail replies to this thread, to the address above.
Well the latest from Viking is a 70% discount on a cruise that might run aground. "I guess you have to ask yourself if you feel lucky".....
Although it sounds tempting, and so does getting a $500.00 discount if you sign up by December 30th, along with the $100.00 repeat victim, I mean, client deal. You could walk away with a 7 night crusie (or possible bus trip) on the Danube for around $500 per person.
Enough Rain for having no problem with low water levels
Enough Sun and little rain to satisfy tourists
Enough water for the Farmers to have good work
Confortable wheater conditions for everybody on this planet
Lets pray to God that he make the weather for everybody satified.
As i am a regular Viking Visitor I know that the crew on board will do the most efforts to make a wonderfull cruise for the passengers.


The make more than the 8 hours a day.
The crew do not want low water levels ,
They want a normal cruises so passengers can not ask them difficult questions about the trip on special circumstances.
They do not want to be borred by passengers with difficult questions,
They want only that the passengers will have a great time on board.
Most passengers do not no, how much work it is when the ship can not sail the scheduled trip.
And if you are a proffesional traveler you ask the questions on the right person on board and that is only the
DO NOT ASK the waiter ,DO NOT ASK the cabinstewardess , DO NOT ASK the deckhand. The are not informed, because they have to concentrate on their job and not on the schedule.
Because the situation can change every minute, this is during wheater circumstances, docking places, and lots and lots of more things.
And i do not like the comment about the captain ( RONS) that he can sleep.
When you sleeps he brings the ships save from port to port on a very dark rivers, even in small and undeep waters, you have to visit the bridge by night then you can see the work he is doing. He want to go with the ship, because that is this job


SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – If you want to travel the world, don’t mind cruises, and are a social media pro, listen up — we’ve got the dream job for you!
Royal Caribbean is launching an “apprentice-ship” in search for its next “Shore Explorer.”
The winner gets to travel Royal Caribbean’s ‘Perfect Day Island’ to the following destinations:
- CocoCay in the Bahamas
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Osaka, Japan
Travel will happen between May and August of this year and the winner must be able to travel at least three and up to four consecutive weeks.
Hotel stays, standard meals, non-alcoholic beverages, plus a daily allowance are also added perks.
Plus, the “Shore Explorer” will get paid close to $2,000 a week.
Ideal candidates are described by the company as “adrenaline junkies” who have “a unique ability to capture a moment and tell a story in a simple social media post.”
If you’re interested, you’re invited to share your best travel experience as a post, story, or IGTV tagging @RoyalCaribbeanUK and use the hashtag #ShoreExplorer to apply.
Entries are accepted until March 1. Click here to learn more.


Starting this summer an all-new Disney Junior show is coming to Disney’s California Adventure that you won’t want to miss. You and your little ones will love “Disney Junior Dance Party,” a high-energy, live show experience that takes its inspiration from the most popular Disney Junior shows on TV, including the new series “Mickey and the Roadster Racers,” as well as “Doc McStuffins,” “Sofia the First” and “The Lion Guard.”
According to Disney the show is set to include live appearances from some of your favorite characters, fun music from Disney Junior and much more.
Since its debut in 2003 as “Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage!” featuring “Bear in the Big Blue House,” the show has been updated regularly to include popular characters over the years such as the Little Einsteins, Handy Manny, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, and more from an ever-changing line-up on what is today Disney Junior, the #1 preschooler-dedicated TV network for the past five years. The all-new “Disney Junior Dance Party” opening this summer will introduce a musically infused, interactive concert format that involves guests directly in the experience.
The all-new “Disney Junior Dance Party” show debuts in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure park on May 26, 2017!
Be sure to check out our sister site Disney Addicts, where we feature all the best Disney Planning Tips and more! Or drop by our You Might Be a Disney Addict Facebook group where you can chat about your your home away from home... Disney!
Latest posts by Chip (see all)
- New Video Clip and Featurette released For Pixar’s “Coco” - October 17, 2017
- Photos from the Australian premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok” - October 16, 2017
- Video: New Marvel Studios Black Panther Poster & Trailer Out Now! - October 16, 2017


Britons warned of retirement crisis
More than 12 million British workers aged over 25 are not saving enough to fund their retirement and the average retiree faces a 30 per cent cut in the value of their state pension, a report has warned.
The Pensions Commission has revealed that millions of workers face retiring in poverty unless they and the Government act urgently to meet a ££57 billion ($A140 billion) annual shortfall in saving levels.
At current levels, future pensioners face a 30 per cent cut in retirement income or will have to work until they are 70 to enjoy the same standard of living as today's retirees, the report says.
Unlike Australia, British employers are not compelled to pay into employees' superannuation funds and for most wage earners, the state pension is funded from contributions made during their working life. British pensions have come under enormous pressure due to falling birth rates, higher life expectancies and problems with share-based pension funds.
The Government commissioned the report into the extent of Britain's retirement crisis but is not expected to act on it until after the next general election, expected next May. Pensions are likely to be a central poll issue.
The 528-page report explodes the comforting myth that the state will look after most British workers in old age.
It reveals 11.3 million workers are not contributing to a private pension scheme, including 1.7 million self-employed.
Britain is said to have four "unavoidable" options, or a combination of them, to stave off the crisis:
- Accept that pensioners will be poorer than today.
- Raise taxes or national insurance contributions, or cut spending in other areas.
- Rapidly boost private savings among current and subsequent generations.
- Increase retirement age.
"If we want to keep pensioners as well-off, relative to average incomes, but we do not increase taxes or saving rates, the average age of retirement would have to rise from the current male average of 63.8 to 69.9, in addition to the current female average of 61.6 rising to equal the male level," the report says.
It criticises the existing "bewildering" system of state-funded, means-tested pensions for failing to provide people with incentives to save for their retirement.
The Government's Work and Pensions Secretary, Alan Johnson, has ruled out big tax rises and said he opposed raising the male retirement age to 70 until at least 2008.


But the Government was looking at financial incentives to encourage people to work longer, he said.


Extended Version of <I>Return of the King</I> Due Dec. 1427 Sep, 2004 By: Holly J. Wagner
Dec. 14 director Peter Jackson will die.
Not literally, but fans will get to see the death of his cameo character, a pirate in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, amid the nearly 50 minutes of additional footage in the four-disc special edition set streeting that day. Prebook is Nov. 9 for gift sets and Nov. 16 for single units.
“Fans of the book will be very excited about this one. There are scenes from the book that fans will be looking for, such as the House of Healing, where Aragorn facilitates Eowyn's healing from her battle wounds,” said Laura Abele, New Line Home Entertainment's director of marketing for the title. “It also sets up the romance between Faramir and Eowyn, which was only implied in the theatrical film.”
As with extended editions of the first two films, added footage is scattered throughout the extended Return, but a few sections have entire new scenes, including a rematch wizard's duel between Saruman and Gandalf, now Gandalf the White, in which Saruman gets his comeuppance. Also beefed up are the special effects, with more than 350 new effects in the extended version.
“Much of the effects are in the battle scenes. There was another fantastic scene added into the path of the dead, where [Jackson] created an avalanche of skulls that falls when the army of the dead have Legolas and Gimli surrounded. The avalanche is a very high-action scene, where they narrowly escape the cave they were in.”
Bonus materials are all new and include a documentary that follows the cast and crew as they bid farewell to the characters they have played over seven years of production. “We had camera crews following the cast going to the premieres around the world. It goes into how the thing wrapped up,” Abele said. “It was an emotional thing for these actors and how they bid farewell to their characters, and it is very moving.”
Other bonus materials include four separate audio commentaries that involve more than 30 cast and crew members, production documentaries and featurettes, design and photo galleries, interactive maps, and access to exclusive online features via DVD-ROM.


Besides single copies ($39.99 DVD, $24.99 VHS), the extended Return will be offered in a slipsleeved set of the three extended editions ($119.97) and a five-disc special collector's gift set that includes a polystone sculpture of Minas Tirith that hides a keepsake box and a fifth disc, “Howard Shore: Creating The Lord of the Rings Symphony — A Composer's Journey” ($79.92). Fans who bought extended editions of the first two films can also take advantage of a special offer to get a slipsleeve for the three extended editions. Those who bought the theatrical version will also be eligible for $5 and $10 rebates on the extended version.


Universities in Potsdam and Brandenburg
The BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg is a young University of Technology with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. It combines outstanding international research with future-oriented teaching.
Platz der Deutschen Einheit 1 | 03046 Cottbus
telephone: 0355 69 3206
The Viadrina is located in the center of Europe – internationality is its trademark. About a quarter of all students and academic staff hail from over 100 countries in the whole world. For students, access to foreign language programs at the Language Center is a given, just like spending part of their studies abroad at one of Viadrina’s 250 partner universities.
Große Scharrnstraße 59 | 15230 Frankfurt (Oder)
telephone: 0335 5534 4515
Film University is a lively place for independent research, teaching and art. Founded in 1954, it is today not only the largest film school in Germany but also the first with university status.
Marlene-Dietrich-Allee 11 | 14482 Potsdam
telephone: 0331 6202 0
Since its establishment in 1999, GISMA Business School has paved the way for talented and skilled individuals to develop tech-driven and innovative solutions to some of the biggest challenges in the business world.
Campus Potsdam | Konrad-Zuse-Ring 11| 14469 Potsdam
telephone: 030 58 58 409-50
The HPI is Germany’s university center of excellence for digital engineering and offers innovative engineering- and application-oriented study programs.
Prof.-Dr.-Helmert-Str. 2-3 | 14482 Potsdam
telephone: 0331 550 90
The FHSMP with its two dual bachelor degree programmes is a non-profit organisation of the Landessportbund Brandenburg which has developed an independent, specific profile focusing on sport and health.
Am Luftschiffhafen 1 | 14471 Potsdam
telephone: 0331 907 57 105
The University of Europe for Applied Sciences is a state-recognised private university with campuses in Berlin, Potsdam (“UE Innovation Hub”), Hamburg, Iserlohn and the Virtual Campus (“Campus in the cloud”).


Konrad-Zuse-Ring 11 | D-14469 Potsdam
telefone: 030 338539 710
With over 21,000 students and seven faculties, the University of Potsdam, founded in 1991, is the largest university in Brandenburg. It is also the only teacher training institution in the state.
Am Neuen Palais 10 | 14469 Potsdam
telephone: 0331 977 1474


The LG Optimus 2X is the first smartphone to feature NVIDIA’s Tegra 2 processor, which includes an ultra low power GeForce GPU. Not everyone considers themselves a gamer, but there comes certain times in the day when you want to kill a few minutes while waiting in line at the bank or being stranded at the airport for a couple hours (don’t get me started).
NVIDIA already showed us with their benchmarks that they have the fastest GPU available, but how do the actual games perform? I’ve spent the weekend playing around with the Optimus 2X and I’m glad to report that it meets the high expectations we set and it delivers the best gaming experience of any Android phone I have tested.
Most of the joy of playing games on the Optimus 2X comes from LG’s superb touch sensor. I’m not sure whose sensor they are using (could be the Atmel Maxtouch), but it recognizes unlimited touch points and provides the most responsive touch screen I have ever used.
The GeForce GPU absolutely shreds any Android game out there, but the fact is that most titles are not yet optimized to take full advantage of its advanced capabilities. Many developers (see below) are collaborating with NVIDIA to optimize their titles for the best visual experience and performance, but most of those games are still being worked on.
The good thing is that when these Tegra HD (THD) games are finished, we will be able to easily find them in NVIDIA’s showcase application called Tegra Zone. This spotlight app will help you discover the best games designed for Tegra devices by providing “professional game reviews, high-res screenshots, HD video trailers, gameplay videos, and behind-the-scenes footage.” The Optimus 2X shippped with a preview version of Tegra Zone (which you can see in our video), and the full version is expected to be available when Tegra phones launch on U.S. carriers over the coming months.
Overall, the Optimus 2X delivered exactly what we expected – the best gaming experience available on any Android smartphone. Current Android games play great and they will only continue to get better once the optimized titles come out. Android games have been really lacking when compared to Apple’s iOS library, but that is going to change this year thanks to Tegra. NVIDIA has the industry’s largest content development team that works closely with developers and we will see the fruits of their labor in the coming months.


If you want an Android smartphone that delivers the fastest GPU and has the most console-quality titles to choose from, make sure you look for the NVIDIA logo on the box.
Developers already confirmed to be working on Tegra games include:
- Electronic Arts
- Epic Games
- Factor 5
- Guild Software
- Ideaworks Game Studio
- Natural Motion
- Silver Creek Entertainment
- Trendy Entertainment
- War Drum Studios


Yesterday was the first day of the annual Launceston Cup Carnival! It's a week of glamour and fun culminating with the cup day next Wednesday. Our What's On In LIVE team is taking part by filming and editing a new video every single day! Each event will come online the day after it happens. Sounds like a worthy challenge!
Day 0ne - Magic Millions Race Night
Our first day at the cup, and the first day of the carnival. Watch the video below:


Philippe Coutinho admits playing for Liverpool in the Premier League was "exciting" and says he will always be grateful for having represented the Anfield club.
And the Brazilian has left the door open to a possible return, although says his focus is purely on Barcelona at this moment of time.
Coutinho left Liverpool in 2018 with the Catalan club splashing out £142million on the Brazilian, who was the Reds' best player at the time.
The midfielder struggled at first and was subsequently sent on loan to Bayern Munich. This campaign he is back at Barcelona and an important player under new boss Ronald Koeman.
Talk that he could leave Barcelona at the end of the season has died down, but Coutinho has admitted he may one day return to England.
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Coutinho told World Soccer: "The Premier League is one of the most exciting leagues in the world and to have the chance to play there with a team like Liverpool will always be something I will feel grateful for.
"It is impossible to say what might or might not happen in the future – but what I know is that right now my only focus is on being successful with Barcelona."
Coutinho's agent Kia Joorabchian often speaks out on his client, and has been honest in the past in regards to looking for a new club for him.
He was recently asked about Coutinho, and whether he is looking to leave Barcelona, but categorically ruled out a move.
"I have not heard anything and we have no plans to move from Barcelona, and yes that Coutinho can contribute to a successful season," Joorabchian told Mundo Deportivo.
Coutinho won the Champions League at Bayern Munich, in what turned out to be a successful loan spell in Germany for the 28-year-old.
On his time in the Bundesliga, Coutinho added: "I won three trophies, including the Bundesliga and Champions League, so I don't think [the loan move] can be anything other than a success.
"Winning the Champions League has always been a big ambition of mine and to win it with Bayern was a big thing.


Now my ambition is to win it with Barcelona.
"I will always remember and be thankful for my time and success there, but I am back with Barcelona now and that is where my focus is."
Will Liverpool win the Premier League this season? Have your say here.
* Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip
Source: Read Full Article


How long have you lived in Oconee County? 10 years, on and off. Raised in Atlanta.
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Family: Mother, Harriet Landau of Watkinsville; father Charles Ratz of Cumming and sister, Rebecca, who lives in St. Louis.
Occupation: Graduated from Elon College in 2001 with degree in broadcast communications. Works as disc jockey and remote tech for Rock 103.7
Hobbies: ''I love to watch all sports, except soccer, it's not a real sport. I'm slowly restoring my '73 jeep as well. I don't really have that much free time, but I love my job, so it doesn't bother me that much.''
Member of: Sports Car Club of America.
What do you like about Oconee County? ''It's a great place to live, quiet but not too quiet. This town is great for families and for students.''
What concerns do you have about Oconee County? ''It's not the best town to meet other single people unless you are a student and there are not as many St. Louis Cardinals fans as I would like. Give me Pujols over Bonds any day of the week.
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Now that fuel is so expensive, a kid can’t cruise the streets in his car with the sound system turned up so high that the road vibrates. Instead, a group of Trinidadian teenagers in Queens are customizing their BMX bikes.
Hmm, I’m not sure this would work in Wellington without some sort of rain and wind-shelter as well? But it would definitely liven up Featherston St. I wonder if they can get their bikes to generate power for the sound systems. Anyway, here’s the video:


BDex™ was born out of the necessity to solve a problem that was affecting our everyday life; we wanted to improve the experience of communicating with the buildings, creating an intelligent operated building that can reduce the energy waste and controlling the BMS and HVAC systems autonomously. We have succeeded to implement over 300 sensors and Systems and achieving over 30% savings for our customers we saw another important issue that we can solve with the data that we are creating from the Commercial Real Estates.
To reflect the evolution of our company’s mission, we’ve decided to reshape our name and brand. Our new name, BDex™, represents our mission to create information about a particular subject, that object is the Commercial Real-Estates, the word Gen was used in Second World War (used in the armed services): from the first syllable of general information, pointing the importance of information to win a war. But also, as a suffix denoting a substance that produces something like Oxygen. BDex™ is the essential core element that changes the way we use and integrates Real Estates into different verticals.


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With neon signs typically it would be either the neon or the power supply or transformer that can go bad. We use a neon tester when we arrive on site which tells us if the neon is good or not . If the neon is not good we have to take it back to the shop for repair. If the neon is good then we can figure out the next step which would be to test the transformer and if thats bad we found the problem or if not then it a wiring issue somewhere.
In the picture above we were called to repair their sign. There was a bad neon tube which was causing the sign to not work. While we take the neon back to the shop for repair we jump the piece out so the rest of the sign works till we are back. Some visibility has to be better then no visibility right?
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Over the last few days, I have felt his presence. I have been talking and he has been answering.
To have a relationship with him is so valuable, to be humble by it, bumps up the value. To respect just what I have, is up another notch.
THE LORD IS WITH YOU WHERE EVER YOU GO..
How many times do we try and only show our good side, but remember he knew you before you were created. He knows your thoughts before you think them, he sees the real you, he see your heart.
There is no place to hide, and no place to run.
So embrace him with all that you are and capable of, you will win every time.


Hay runner receives Queen’s Birthday honour
A man responsible for delivering thousands of hay bales to drought stricken farmers is being honoured this Queen’s Birthday.
Brendan Farrell’s Burrumbuttock Hay Runners have completed 13 deliveries to hundreds of farmers, moving hay from Victoria up to Queensland and New South Wales since 2014.
Rural reporter Eddie Summerfield spoke with Brendan.
Download this podcast here


Finally it starting to feel like spring. The grass is green and you can see actual buds on the trees.
The bird feeder has been full of birds for two weeks now. We even had a blanket out in the yard last weekend for reading and doing homework and getting some very much missed sun.
My daughter's best friend had braces and now she is getting glasses. Em is beside herself because she wants glasses and braces...isn't it funny that the things that are nearly perfect on her she isn't happy with?? I tried to explain that to her, but no...I told her to get fake glasses..that was dumb!
So Glad it is Friday..this has been a long week and i only walked to work twice...
Still reading Extremely close and Incredibly Loud. I left if for awhile, it is such a cool book, I love the way it is written. If you have the chance you should really try it out I think you will be amazed. Seriously, go get it now.
I need to clean up this site it looks a bit messy!


2017 brought a lot of travel for a lot of different reasons. First and foremost, our personal travel this year was really Europe heavy with 5 trips to the continent. Work took us to Hawaii multiple times and family events took us from Southern Oregon to Reno to Virginia this year. We also road tripped a lot this year, from driving through the Alps in Austria to an epic road trip that ended in Yellowstone National Park. We loved places like our return to Austria and our first visit to Stockholm and didn’t love other places as much along the way. This year’s travel was a lot more in our comfort-zone, places we’ve been to and that we feel comfortable but also really refreshing. All in all, I can’t complain about our travel this year and I look forward to the places to come in 2018!


Americans lose confidence in higher ed
Americans — especially Republicans — are losing confidence in higher education, reports Gallup. Three years ago, 57 percent of U.S. adults had “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in higher education: That’s fallen to 48 percent.
Confidence in Higher Education Declining
Percentage with “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in higher education
20152018Change%%pct. pts.U.S. adults5748-9Republicans5639-17Independents4844-4Democrats6862-6GALLUP
“Many Republicans believe colleges and universities are institutions that promote a liberal political agenda, notes Gallup.
Higher education inspires more confidence than most other institutions, however. While 74 percent express confidence in the military, the presidency and the Supreme Court come in at 37 percent, public schools at 29 percent and the media at 23 percent (newspapers) and 20 percent (television news). Only 11 percent express confidence in Congress.
Montana educators fear voters will reject funding for state universities and colleges on the November ballot, reports Hechinger’s Jon Marcus. Polls show the property tax levy, which is on the ballot every 10 years, could be in trouble.
A variety of surveys show Americans are concerned about “campus speech controversies, athletic scandals, high dropout rates, sexual harassment and assault, comparatively generous pay for faculty and administrators and complaints about the competence of graduates,” he writes.
In a Pew Research Center survey released July 26, 61 percent said higher education is going in the wrong direction. That includes 73 percent of Republicans and 52 percent of Democrats.
Among those dissatisfied with higher education, 84 percent cite college costs and 65 percent say students aren’t learning the skills they need to succeed in the workplace. In addition, 54 percent believe colleges and universities are too concerned about protecting students from views they might find offensive and half say professors bring their political and social views into the classroom. Republicans and Democrats are far apart on the last issues.


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Simple Steps to Do Leak Detection on Your Home
Performing leak detection in your own Colorado home on a regular basis is extremely important. This will save you a lot of money from paying for plumbing services and in fixing structures that have been damaged by leaks, which you could have prevented. How do you get started with the task?
While major leaks may be easier to detect, it is also quite important that you check the minor ones that may be hidden. If left unfixed, these will become bigger and could influence vital structures in your house to deteriorate. Here are some useful tips on how you can perform leak detection in various parts of your home.
1. First off, check your toilet for this kind of problem. Not minding the situation may cost you lots of money from wasted water. You can use a dark food coloring for the task. Why do you need the color? It is because the leaks on your toilet bowl may not be that noticeable, especially if the bowl is white and the water flow is slow. Drop some food coloring on the tank of the bowl. You will then have to observe if there are any tinges of the color that appear on the bowl. If there is, then you just have confirmed that there is indeed a problem on your toilet and you can look for quick fixes to solve it.
2. It is also essential that you check the pipes on your sinks and tubs on a regular basis. The leaks may be due to the accumulated grease and food remains on the pipes of the sinks and soap suds and strands of hair on the pipes of the tubs. If you will not do anything about this, the pipes will be seriously damaged in the long run, which may affect the other structures on your home that can cost you a bigger sum in having all these fixed.
3. Leak detection must also be done on your faucets. This is easier to identify because the dripping water is visible, especially if you are often using the faucet. You must check all the faucets on your home and replace the ones, which can no longer be fixed. This is the cheaper option than to let the damage go on without doing anything about, and you will end up paying for water that you did not use nor consume.
These are only some of the steps that you ought to do as part of your leak detection task on your Colorado Springs home. If done on a regular basis, you will be able to save money from avoiding encounters with bigger problems on the overall structure and wasted water.


DoubleClick, Liberate Offer Targeted I-TV Ads
The two companies said they would work together to deliver I-TV advertising. The effort would combine the Liberate TV Platform technology with DoubleClick's AdServer software.
The goal of the collaboration is to allow advertisers to deliver highly targeted marketing messages to consumers using I-TV, DoubleClick said. Initial stages of the integration of the two technologies are complete.
Future phases of the partnership will seek to combine AdServer with other Liberate technology to give clients more advanced ad targeting capabilities. Further details were not disclosed.
The partnership allows current and future AdServer customers to take advantage of the I-TV market, said Richard Frankel, vice president and general manager of DoubleClick's AdServer division. AdServer is part of DoubleClick's TechSolutions division, which serves about 2,000 marketers worldwide.
In addition, DoubleClick said it would expand its role in Liberate's PopTV vendor partnership program to provide end-to-end I-TV products and services. Liberate claims that the PopTV program, which promotes I-TV development through the use of open broadcast and Internet standards, is the largest of its kind in the I-TV industry with about 2,500 members.


By Jim Hintelmann
MIDDLETOWN – With his team in a bit of a rebuilding year following a 10-11 season, Mater Dei Prep boys basketball coach Bob Klatt believes he is seeing some progress after the Seraphs’ impressive 60-37 B-Division Central romp over shorthanded Asbury Park.
“We have a mixed team with three senior starters in Sam Miles, Jordan Owens and Matt Eckert,” said Klatt, whose team came back from a tough 50-49 loss to Keyport the previous game.
“We also have a freshman starter in Eddie Lewis and think that we will keep getting better,” he said. “We missed a lot of free throws in the Keyport game, but played excellent defense tonight.”
Winless Asbury Park (0-5), which is traditionally strong in basketball, has been having a rough season and suited up only seven players for the Friday, Jan. 10 game. There also were only seven on the junior varsity team.
Mater Dei started slowly and led only 12-9 after the first quarter. The Asbury Blue Bishops managed to go in front, 13-12, on two foul shots by Makal Fearon early in the second period.
“We were a little flat,” Klatt said. “We missed our first five layups in the first quarter, but played better after that. We wanted to pressure them a lot and play good man-to-man defense.”
Mater Dei (3-2), led by Miles and Lewis, began to pull away in the second period by scoring nine straight points to go up 21-13, and followed with a 10-3 run to extend its lead to 31-16 at the half.
The Seraphs kept the pressure on in the second half and built up its biggest lead of the game, 49-20, before reserves finished up.
Miles, who scored a game high 16 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and handed out six assists, is a three-sport standout. Playing fullback and linebacker, he helped Mater Dei in its best football season (6-5) in years. Miles, who hasn’t picked a college yet, also plays baseball. He is averaging close to 14 points per game.
“Miles has great athletic ability and wants to compete no matter what the situation,” Klatt said.


“Lewis also is very athletic, but still has a lot to learn since he is only a freshman.”
Klatt is also looking forward to the return of senior C.J. Williams soon.
“He tore his ACL during the summer,” the coach said. “He should help us when he gets back.”


Chad’s Morning Brief: Camping Out for the iPhone 5, White House Admits Attack on the Embassy in Libya Was Terror, & More
Here is your Morning Brief for the morning of September 21, 2012. Give us your feedback below and tune in to Lubbock’s First News with Chad Hasty for these and many more topics from 6-9 am.
1. Camping Out for the iPhone 5
The iPhone 5 will be released today and across the country, iPhone fans have been camping out in order to get their hands on the new phone.
I don’t get camping out in order to buy something. Especially something like the iPhone which will still be around next week. I’m sure for many it’s a social thing to do and they enjoy it, except for the person who shows up one person too late and has to leave empty handed. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of Apple and will in fact be getting the iPhone 5. However, I like sleeping in my own bed so I pre-ordered my phone last Friday and will be waiting for it at home whenever it arrives.
Is there anything you would camp out for?
2. U.S. Finally Admits Terror Attack (link)
The White House is finally admitting what we all, including Mitt Romney, knew. The attack on the U.S. Embassy in Libya was a terrorist attack.
The White House, after declining for more than a week to directly label the deadly attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi a terrorist strike, conceded Thursday that it was “self evident” that it was an act of terror — an admission that took eight days for any administration official to make.
Earlier in the week, a top State Department spokeswoman declined to label the attack terrorism.
Carney’s comment, though, comes after the director of the National Counterterrorism Center testified on Capitol Hill that the strike was indeed a “terrorist attack.” Intelligence sources also told Fox News on Wednesday they are convinced the deadly attack was directly tied to Al Qaeda, with a former Guantanamo detainee involved.
The administration is still sticking by its claim that they don’t have evidence the assault was pre-planned. But Carney for the first time Thursday called it terrorism — while downplaying the fact that he was doing so.
“It is, I think, self evident that what happened in Benghazi was a terrorist attack,” Carney said.


“Our embassy was attacked violently and the result was four deaths of American officials. That is self evident.”
I wonder if the Obama campaign will apologize to Mitt Romney since he was right. Obama has failed and a terror attack has occurred on his watch on the anniversary of 9/11. Still, the White House just stands by and does nothing. Where is the outrage? If the terror attack was “self evident”, why was this administration blind?
3. Obama Pressed on Failures (link)
President Obama probably won’t be visiting Univision again anytime soon. According to Politico, Obama was pressed in an interview.
President Barack Obama on Thursday faced some of the toughest questioning of his reelection campaign to date, pressed repeatedly on his failure to achieve comprehensive immigration reform and other unmet promises from his 2008 run.
The Univision presidential forum at the University of Miami here kicked off with grilling on another topic which brought mounting criticism from Republicans Thursday: The government’s decision to label as a terrorist attack the violence at the consulate in Benghazi which killed American Christopher Stevens.
While Jay Carney at the White House admitted that the Benghazi attack was a result of terrorism, the President still wanted to put some blame on the video.
Asked why the United States was not better prepared, with better security at its embassies on the Sept. 11 anniversary, Obama responded by repeating the admonitions about not tolerating violence, but continued to discuss the incident in the context of the controversial video depicting scenes from the life of Mohammed.
“This is obviously something that is used as excuse by some to carry out inexcusable violent acts on westerners or Americans,” Obama said, “and my number one priority is to keep our diplomats safe and our embassies safe.”
The president did not go as far as had his press secretary, Jay Carney, who earlier in the day told reporters on the flight from Washington that the president considers the attacks last week in Benghazi terrorism.
“We’re still doing an investigation,” he said. “What we do know is that the natural protests that arose because of the outrage over the video were used as an excuse by the extremists to see if they could directly harm U.S. interests.”
4. Hobby Lobby & ObamaCare (link)
Hobby Lobby could face a backlash and boycott from liberals for their stance against ObamaCare.
A Christian-owned chain of hobby shops is facing a bitter backlash after suing the Obama administration over new requirements to provide insured employees with contraceptive and abortion coverage.


Oklahoma-based Hobby Lobby filed the suit Sept. 12 in U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City, alleging that the ObamaCare mandate violates the religious beliefs of the company’s owners. The suit followed similar suits by Catholic colleges and a Denver-based company whose owners also objected to the mandate on religious grounds. While a judge has not yet ruled on Hobby Lobby’s suit, a Facebook page calling for a boycott of the company, which operates 500 stores in 41 states, has appeared online, and several other forums have featured posts urging customers to steer clear of Hobby Lobby.
Lawyers argued that company employees are well aware of Green’s views and their bearing on the company.
“The Green family’s business practices … reflect their Christian faith in unmistakable and concrete ways,” the complaint states. The company employs full-time chaplains; close all store locations on Sundays and monitors all marketing and operations to make sure that it is consistent with their beliefs.
Failure to comply with the mandate could subject the company to as much as $1.3 million in daily fines, according to Becket Fund attorneys.
“They’re being told they have two choices: Either follow their faith and pay the government half a billion dollars or give up their beliefs,” Lori Windham, an attorney from the Becket Fund, told Foxnews.com. “We believe that’s a choice no one should have to make.”
If Hobby Lobby isn’t careful they could face the same wrath and fate that Chick-fil-a did. Oh, wait… their business went up.
Other Top Stories:
These and many more topics coming up on today’s edition of Lubbock’s First News with Chad Hasty. Tune in mornings 6-9am on News/Talk 790 KFYO, streaming online at kfyo.com, and now on your iPhone and Android device with the radioPup App. All guest interviews can be heard online in our podcast section after the show at kfyo.com.


Let me state my position up front. I am against motherhood. I am not against mothers, unless of course it is lousy mothers, scary mothers, abusive mothers, hurtful mothers…but I realize that every one of us has at some point in our life had a mother, and that many of us love our mothers. We love them so much that we all get together once a year to erupt in a giant flood of love for our mothers, buying them cards and flowers, taking them out to dinner, and telling them how much we appreciate them. That’s good, because it will encourage Mother to keep doing all those things we appreciate but don’t mention for the rest of the year.Read More
Starting Thursday, March 1, 2018, this site will host a new feature called Women's Writes. For the duration of Women's History Month, there will be a new post every day related to women and feminism. The author, Robin Buckallew, has declared the intent to write something every day for Women's History Month every year until women everywhere have the same rights, opportunities, pay, and respect as men all over the world are able to command. The management of this site hope she lives a very long time...
Works posted here will be works of short fiction, essays, or excerpts from longer works. Please check in regularly to see any and all of the updates in this dynamic new area. This new section will continue to host the works of this author throughout the year, and will host the once a day posts every March until...well, unfortunately, the way it looks, probably until the end of the author's life, even though she is still young(ish).Read More
Hey, you, woman! I’m a male writer! I don’t really know how to write women. Can you give me some hints? You see, I’m not sure I got the dialect right. I just don’t know how women talk. I don’t know their language. Give it a look, will you?Read More
Many orthodox Jewish males open their day by thanking God for not making them a woman. I would like to add my voice to theirs; I would like to thank God for not making me a woman.Read More


Smilies or Emoticons
Any chance of a bit more variety?
O.K. I know that "rabid boar eats politician" is a bit exotic.................and we all want it in real life anyways :D
I have absolutely no idea how difficult they are to create or implement............ it's just a thought
Maybe members could contribute some ideas on content?
This has been suggested over & over again. We always get no interest from the Owners.
But meh it wouldn't hurt to keep the smiley's we already got and maybe add a few more to the collection.
Johnno re-edit the thread and add a poll to the thread. :)
OK mate! I have done that.
Took me to a thread back in 2006 :D
Seems we still have the ghost of JPV's bastardisations hanging around?:(


So, you’ve already explored all the night markets in Taipei and Kaohsiung, and now you’re looking for something more. Taichung, Taiwan’s third largest city, is relatively undiscovered by tourists from Singapore, but that just makes it all the more rewarding to travel to.
In Taichung, Singapore visitors will find a charming city that’s more relaxed than the capital but still boasts some of Taiwan’s best travel attractions, food, and shops.
Here are five must-visits on your next visit to Taichung.
Feng Chia Night Market
No visit to Taiwan is complete without binging on snacks at a night market. Feng Chia Night Market in Taichung is a must-visit for its selection of snacks and clothes, as well as the energy that has become a hallmark of Taiwanese night markets.
Taiwan’s night markets are suitable for just anybody. Couples and friends will enjoy the opportunity to share snacks and soak in the bustling, festive atmosphere, while families with kids can easily keep the little ones entertained thanks to the selection of carnival games on offer.
Address: Wenhua Road, Xitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 407
Opening hours: Daily 4 pm to 2 am
Guguan Hot Spring
Visiting hot springs is a favorite activity of couples in Taiwan, and was popularised during the period of Japanese rule. Gu-Guan Hot Spring, which is located about an hour’s drive from central Taichung, is a great introduction to hot spring culture.
The hot spring offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. If you wish to enjoy the hot springs in the cheapest way, take a day trip from Taichung instead of staying at one of its resorts, and opt for relatively cheap treatments like a foot bath.
Address: Lane Wenquan, Sec 1, Dongguan Road, Heping District, Taichung City, Taiwan
Opening hours: Daily 7 am to 10 pm
Dajia Jenn Lann Temple
Culture buffs will be spoiled for choice when it comes to temples in Taichung. Dajia Jenn Lann is one of the best and most impressive. The temple, which is more than 200 years old, is also one of Taiwan’s most important Matzu temples.
Do as the locals do, and light some incense and ask Matzu to bless you and your travel companions.


Remember, however, that it’s no substitute for a good travel insurance policy!
Address: 158 Shuntian Road, Dajia District, Taichung City, Taiwan 437
Opening hours: Daily 6 am to 9:30 pm
Rainbow Village has gained cult status in Taichung for its buildings daubed in bright, psychedelic colors that are sure to delight children.
Rainbow Village was originally a veteran village, which the man now known as Rainbow Grandpa decided to give a facelift by painting it in whimsical colors, and introducing childlike imagery of animals, people and more. Today, it looks more like a fantasy land than or a hippie hideout than a veteran village.
Address: 25 Qing-An Road, 56 Alley, Nantun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 408
Opening hours: 24/7
National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts
If you’re traveling solo, there’s nothing quite like whiling the afternoon away at a museum, as you’ll have all the time in the world to pore over exhibits without distraction.
The National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts is a good choice, thanks to its plethora of modern art exhibits. It’s also free to visit, which makes your trip to Taichung a bit cheaper.
One of the great things about this museum, which is also one of Asia’s best modern art museums, is that it strikes a good balance between Western art and works by Taiwanese and Chinese artists.
Address: No. 2 Section 1, Wuquan West Road, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403
Opening hours: Tue to Fri 8 am to 5 pm; Sat and Sun 9 am to 6 pm
Buy travel insurance
Give yourself peace of mind with travel insurance from HL Assurance so you can enjoy your trip to Taichung to the fullest! If you travel often, HL Assurance’s annual travel insurance offers you year-round protection.
By Joanne Poh
Disclaimer: All info contained herein is intended for your general information only and is not a substitute for insurance advice. If you have a specific question, please consult our insurance experts at 6702 0202.


The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Saturday that they've released safety Jahleel Addae.
"Jahleel was part of our rookie class my first year with the organization in 2013," said General Manager Tom Telesco. "Not only did he make the team as an undrafted free agent, he won a starting role at safety and became an undisputed team leader. In his time here, nobody has worked harder, and exemplified what we want in a Charger more than Jahleel. These decisions are never easy, and we will always be grateful for Jahleel's contributions both on the field and in our community."
"Jahleel has been the consummate professional," added Head Coach Anthony Lynn. "He's a leader in the locker room and a big part of the culture we've been building. He's also a high character individual, hard worker and a great mentor to a lot of the younger guys, especially the guys in the defensive backfield. Building a roster with this salary cap often means you have to make tough decisions and part ways with good people, and this is one of those situations. I want to thank Jahleel for everything he's done in my two years here."
The Chargers have a noted history with undrafted free agents, and Addae is another who clearly left his mark. After all, his 361 career tackles are the second-most of any undrafted Charger behind only Stephen Cooper (473).
Overall, Addae started 59 of the 80 regular season games he appeared in since joining the Bolts in 2013, totaling 361 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 26 passes defensed and two interceptions. His 90-yard pick-six in the 2016 season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs ranks as the seventh-longest interception return in team history.
The 29-year-old Addae finished fourth on the team with 72 tackles a year ago while also adding six passes defensed, one interception and one sack. He appeared in both postseason games, finishing with 32 tackles and a forced fumble.


This principle - that your spouse should be capable of becoming your best friend - is a game changer when you address the question of compatibility in a prospective spouse. If you think of marriage largely in terms of erotic love, then compatibility means sexual chemistry and appeal. If you think of marriage largely as a way to move into the kind of social status in life you desire, then compatibility means being part of the desired social class, and perhaps common tastes and aspirations for lifestyle. The problem with these factors is that they are not durable. Physical attractivess will wane, no matter how hard you work to delay its departure. And socio-economic status unfortunately can change almost overnight. When people think they have found compatibility based on these things, they often make the painful discovery that they have built their relationship on unstable ground. A woman "lets herself go" or a man loses his job, and the compatibility foundation falls apart.
Romantic Quotes And Sayings by Timothy Keller, The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God