Phoebus, Virginia Tech football, college, high school realignment top 2012 sports stories

People and numbers forge the backbone of sports, in these parts rarely more than during 2012. High school, college and professional. Football, basketball and golf. Men, women and young folk.

At every level and seemingly at every turn sports retained its uncanny ability to entertain, surprise and provoke.

From Phoebus High's unusual coaching transition, to the NCAA Championship Subdivision's first 5,000-yard passing season. From the LPGA Tour's second-longest, sudden-death playoff to the ACC's rapid membership changes. From a hospital bed in Newport News to the medal stand at the London Olympics.

So before ratcheting up your New Year's festivities and forecasting 2013, settle in and relive 2012's top-10 sports stories, as chosen by our staff. On Pages 4-5

1. Phoebus' drive for a record fifth consecutive state football championship encountered an unforeseen hurdle in late September when administrators suspended head coach Stan Sexton, 47-2 in three-plus seasons, following a practice incident in which a player was injured. Defensive coordinator Jeremy Blunt took over on an interim basis, and less than three weeks later, administrators made Sexton's departure permanent. Under Blunt, the Phantoms won their next six games to a complete a 10-0 regular season. But in the third round of the Eastern Region playoffs, Lake Taylor mauled Phoebus 54-0, the Phantoms' worse loss in 27 years. The Titans won the Division 5 state title, the first football state championship for a Norfolk school since Granby in 1966. On Dec. 17, school officials removed the interim tag and hired Blunt full-time. "I've known him ever since I was in elementary school," junior lineman Kevin Lyles said of Blunt. "The guys wanted him back. He's the person we need to get back on track and (win) another state championship."

2. 'Twas a turbulent 2012 for Virginia Tech athletics. First, the school fired basketball coach Seth Greenberg and replaced him with James Johnson, a former Greenberg assistant who had just left for an assistant's position at Clemson. Greenberg's late-April dismissal was unusually timed, lending credence to athletic director Jim Weaver's assertion that the decision had little to do with wins and losses ? the Hokies were 16-17 last season, 170-123 under Greenberg, but made only one NCAA tournament during his tenure. In short, Greenberg chafed many in the athletic department, his staff and Weaver included, and his ultimate mistake was portraying assistants' departure as a reflection of Tech's salaries. As much drama as basketball created, it paled to football, which endured a 7-6 season, its worst record in 20 years. Preseason favorites to win the ACC Coastal Division, the Hokies didn't secure bowl eligibility for the 20th consecutive year until a 17-14 victory over Virginia in the finale. They defeated Rutgers 13-10 on Friday in the Russell Athletic Bowl.

3. Old Dominion's final season as a Football Championship Subdivision program was indelible, in large measure, because of sophomore quarterback Taylor Heinicke. He not only led the Monarchs to the national playoff quarterfinals, but also eclipsed Steve McNair's 18-year-old FCS record for passing yards in a season. Heinicke finished with 5,076 and won the Payton Award, emblematic of FCS' top offensive player. His next challenge is to help ODU's transition to the Bowl Subdivision, an upgrade the school announced in May with its move to Conference USA. Watching Heinicke next season against the likes of Maryland, North Carolina and East Carolina will be curious, indeed.

4. When the ACC welcomed Notre Dame as a football scheduling/bowl partner and full member for other sports in mid-September, the conference's membership appeared set for years, perhaps decades. Two months later, charter member Maryland blindsided its colleagues and the league office by announcing its intention to not only leave for the Big Ten but also to fight the ACC's $52 million exit fee. National media and even Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski pronounced the ACC vulnerable to further defections. Many speculated that Virginia also could be Big Ten-bound, a notion athletic director Craig Littlepage quashed. At year's end, and with Louisville secured to replace Maryland, the ACC again appears solid.

5. Francena McCorory and Kellie Wells missed one another by a year at Hampton University, but they were U.S. Olympic teammates last summer, and each returned from London with hardware. A graduate of Bethel High, McCorory won a gold medal in the 4x400 relay; Wells captured bronze in the 100-meter hurdles. "Coming from Hampton University made me so proud," Wells said during an October celebration at HU, "because it shows you don't have to be from a big SEC school with all the money and big budgets. ? Francena and I had that (Hampton) blue and white through our hearts."

6. Less than a month after former Hampton High basketball standout Gary Smith lost his fight with leukemia, the Crabbers won their first state championship in 15 years, defeating Petersburg 64-51. "Make sure you put in that this was for Monstar," Hampton guard Anthony Barber said afterward, using Smith's nickname. For all the emotion of the Crabbers' postseason run, much drama remained for Peninsula District fans. Specifically, where would Barber, Phoebus' Troy Williams and Woodside's Adrienne Motley elect to attend college in 2013? Each chose programs that resided among the top 25 last season. Barber signed with North Carolina State, Williams, who is finishing his prep career at Oak Hill Academy, with Indiana, and Motley with Miami.

7. Saddled with a September date that conflicted with blanket college football and a NASCAR race in Richmond, the LPGA's return to Kingsmill after a three-year absence figured to struggle for attention. Then Paula Creamer and Jiyai Shin staged the second-longest, sudden-death playoff in tour history, a nine-hole ordeal that spilled into Monday morning after darkness prevailed Sunday night. Eight times the pair dueled over the par-4 18th hole, and eight times each made par. Tournament officials shifted Monday's opening playoff hole to the par-4 16th, where Creamer's 3-putt bogey handed Shin her first victory in two years. Both players exited Virginia quickly for the Women's British Open, which Shin won by a record nine shots.

8. The post-spring practice arrival of former Alabama and prep All-America quarterback Phillip Sims spiced Virginia's preseason to wasabi levels, but coach Mike London and his staff never settled on a coherent strategy or rotation at the game's linchpin position. That led to the Cavaliers' 4-8 season and the subsequent transfer of rising senior Michael Rocco, with whom Sims shared playing time. Virginia's 2-6 ACC record relegated it to last place in the league's Coastal Division for the third time in four years and prompted London to dismiss four assistant coaches, including defensive coordinator Jim Reid.

9. If you think college conference realignment is confusing, try wrapping your arms around the structure the Virginia High School League has adopted for 2013 and beyond. Schools will be divided into six classes, strictly by enrollment with no option to play up. Current districts will remain intact for regular season competition but vanish come postseason, when teams will be divided into smaller conferences of 5-8 schools. Locally, the Peninsula and Bay Rivers Districts will include schools from three classes and conferences, with the changes creating heretofore unimaginable playoff pairings such as Phoebus-Grafton and Denbigh-Jamestown.

10. As coach, administrator and ambassador, C.J. Woollum has been the front porch of Christopher Newport athletics since 1984, when he began a 26-year run as basketball coach that included 502 victories and 17 NCAA Division III tournament appearances. After 25 years as the school's athletic director, a tenure than included the Captains adding football, Woollum stepped down in June to assume an emeritus role. Less than two months later, he underwent surgery in Newport News to remove a cancerous brain tumor. Woollum is back home and undergoing treatments, and in late October gave a wry acceptance speech marking his induction into the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame.

Source: http://www.dailypress.com/sports/dp-spt-top-sports-stories-2012-20121230,0,6699541.story?track=rss

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leblancesmatt: Education & Reference 2016: Petal the Owl Colours

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Source: http://educationreference234.blogspot.com/2012/12/petal-owl-colours.html

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Obama touts Hagel, says no decision on defense secretary job

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama offered strong support for former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel as the potential next U.S. defense secretary but said in remarks aired on Sunday he has not yet decided on a nominee for the Pentagon post.

Hagel is considered a leading candidate to replace outgoing Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, but he has come under criticism for his record on Israel and for a comment that being gay was an inhibiting factor for being an ambassador.

"I've served with Chuck Hagel. I know him. He is a patriot. He is somebody who has done extraordinary work both in the United States Senate, somebody who served this country with valor in Vietnam," Obama told NBC's "Meet the Press" in an interview taped on Saturday and broadcast on Sunday.

Obama said he has seen nothing that would disqualify Hagel.

The president said Hagel had apologized for his comments related to homosexuality, referred to by NBC's David Gregory in the interview.

"With respect to the particular comment that you quoted, he apologized for it," Obama said.

"And I think it's a testimony to what has been a positive change over the last decade in terms of people's attitudes about gays and lesbians serving our country. And that's something that I'm very proud to have led."

(Reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Will Dunham)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/obama-touts-hagel-says-no-decision-defense-secretary-141235000.html

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Old Aleppo, frontline ghost town of ruined treasures

ALEPPO, Syria (Reuters) - A 13th century mosque is shuttered, its tottering minaret struck at the base by a shell. Snipers fire from nests atop the immense stone walls of the citadel, where ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab and Turkish warriors once perched.

Until a few months ago, Old Aleppo was both a living museum and a breathing city, where souk shoppers haggled over spices, books and olive-oil soap beneath wrought-iron filigree balconies and wooden lattice screens.

Aleppo is Syria's largest city and economic hub. Its old district, with towering fortifications built by the medieval dynasty of Saladin after his 12th century victory over the crusaders, is also a UNESCO heritage site, its architecture declared a marvel of human achievement by the United Nations cultural body.

Today it is a war zone and a ruin. Corrugated iron sheets pocked with bullet holes cover alleyways housing shuttered, burnt or demolished market stalls. Rebel fighters zigzag around in cars blasting revolutionary music.

"Old Aleppo was the foundation of this world," said Haj Amer, who owns a printing press in the old bazaar. "What really upset us are the mosques that were destroyed."

"This area is my roots, my life since 1975," he added. "I'll always stay."

Syria's civil war has killed an estimated 44,000 people and driven half a million from their homes. It reached Aleppo with full wrath six months ago, and though rebels now control much of the city, parts of it remain a battleground.

U.N. officials who declared Old Aleppo a heritage site have catalogued some of the wonders to be found here.

"The 13th century royal palace, with its fine stalactite and honeycomb entrance porch, is inlaid with white marble," they wrote. "The throne room, dating from the Mameluke period (15th-16th centuries) has been tastefully restored: Syrian artists and craftsmen have recreated the luxurious setting of the court - the ceiling with its decorated beams and caissons, lighting, windows, polychrome columns - all are a tribute to their skill. There are around 200 minarets, some squat like defensive towers, others slender as needles."

"ASSAD'S REVENGE"

During a walk through the old town, residents show the damage and describe their own heartbreak.

At the al-Uthmaniya mosque, a gaping hole has been blown through a dome dating to 1728. Concrete floors bear the marks of a shell, and the glass that decorated the tall arches at the entrance to the prayer hall has gone, shattered.

"There were no gunmen in this mosque," said 70-year-old Abu Mohammed, a local man dressed in traditional robes, who often prays here.

"Two weeks ago, we were leaving afternoon prayers, and sitting in the shade when a shell blasted into the courtyard."

Further on, at an Ottoman-era bathhouse that bustled before the war, the dank stench of an abandoned swimming pool fills the domed stone underground rooms.

A shell has blasted through the atrium dome, and bits of broken colored glass lie scattered around a fountain. Iron-lattice lanterns lie on the floor. An empty vending machine stands near white marble basins and colored ceramic mosaics.

People have slowly begun to return to the ruins of the old city.

"We came back because there was nowhere else for us to go," said 12-year-old Riham, accompanying her grandmother down a cobbled alley to a clinic. "We don't even recognize the alleyways any more."

In the bazaar, a few surviving stalls are open selling sweets and sodas. Men drink tea outside workshops.

"Bashar al-Assad destroyed the mosques and old souks, one of the oldest souks in the world," said Abu Othman, a fighter in the rebel Free Syria Army's al-Tawheed Brigade, wearing the group's green fatigues.

"We haven't seen water and electricity in two months," he said. "It's as if this man has enmity between himself and the ruins: the souks and the mosques. And even with the sellers. Because they did not hail his oppressiveness, he got his revenge by burning all their property."

(Editing by Peter Graff and Will Waterman)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/old-aleppo-frontline-ghost-town-ruined-treasures-095912146.html

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My Blog for Home Improvement Tools - Posterous

If you tend to be contemplating a one-time do it yourself project that you intend to undertake on your own personal, you may be wondering how you can save money on the tools that youll need for your project. If you are contemplating only one project, you likely would prefer not to have to invest a lot of money in the actual purchase of tools for your endeavor.In point of fact, there are options open to you short of running out and producing the purchase of tools to get a one time do-it-yourself project. For example, rather than investing a significant sum of money in the buy of tools for the home improvement project, you might want to give serious thing to consider to renting the tools you will need for that endeavor.In the 21st century, there are a variety of rental options offered to a person who wants tools to take on a one-time home improvement project. There are resources open to a person seeking to do some do-it-yourself work in both the offline world and on the net and World Wide Web.In the proverbial real-world, there are businesses or businesses in many cities and communities the world over that specialize particularly in renting equipment, including tools, to people whore interested in undertaking do-it-yourself projects. Many of these lenders will rent tools and equipment to a person thinking about doing a do-it-yourself project for either a short or an extended term.In addition in order to stores or retailers in the offline world that concentrate on renting equipment and tools, many home development centers now offer these kinds of products for rent along with for sale. (Again, many people get excited about one time do it yourself projects. Therefore, it makes much more sense for these individuals to rent equipment and tools for the once project rather as compared to make the purchase of these items that theyll not be using again later on.)Once again, if you are usually contemplating starting a home improvement project, consider renting resources, equipment and related items for your endeavor. In the finish, you likely will be able to save a great deal of money on your one time home improvement project should you rent tools and equipment rather than make a purchase of those items that youll not be using again in the future.

Source: http://cooperativehobo87.posterous.com/renting-tools-for-your-home-improvement-proje

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Book Review: APE ? Author, Publisher ... - Akamai Marketing

It?s a natural step for bloggers to consider publishing; self publishing books is easier than ever before. And yet. That doesn?t mean the process is easy. If only..there were a single resource written by people who have been through the process. People who could provide you the details of how to self-publish. And that is why I jumped at the chance to get my hands on an early review copy of APE-Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur by Guy Kawasaki and Shawn Welch. As a young writer, actually publishing a book seemed like a pipe-dream, particularly given the fact that I also always dreamed of eating and having shelter. But given my dream to one day be published, I agreed to write a review of my experience of the book in exchange for a free PDF copy of the book.

From Blogger to Author?

I?ve considered several books over the years. Some for this blog, some for my poor, sadly neglected foodie blog What We Chow?and now, as my alter-ego pursues collaborative writing on?Dirty Girl?s Kitchen?(be warned, it?s truly for the?unapologetic?profane gal or guy) I seek another book opportunity. But, as kick-butt as self-publishing is, writing a blog is one thing, writing a book is another.

I?ve said many times that having a blog is a brutal task-master. A blog is a living, breathing entity, with a living, breathing audience. Writing a book is no-less a task master, just a different one from marketing to?distribution? And. Let?s face it. Reader expectations are different too. As a blogger, my audience will forgive the occasional typo, not so in a book. See, blogs are generally free but people purchase books and whether the price point is .99 or 4.99, the reader will expect an error-free manuscript. Guy Kawasaki says that after having 75 people review the manuscript of APE, multiple readings by the authors themselves, the copyeditor found 1,500 errors, this was after Guy?s?community?had already provided feedback and content suggestions. Talk about humbling.

What does it cover?

APE covers everything from?crowd-sourcing?editing to determining what your book?s price point should be. The book is chock full of resources for the writer, whether she?s written a blog or not. And for those of us who rarely do anything in print anymore, you?ll love the fact that all the links and resources are clickable links within the book as well as on the?website. There are suggestions that are still considerably important even when e-publishing. Then there are moments where Kawasaki literally says ?tradition be damned? and provides insight into why breaking the rules when e-publishing is important. Kawasaki brilliantly meshes the traditions of book publishing with the practicalities of e-publishing.

I appreciate that the book moves through the steps of self publishing in a logical way, but I still recommend reading it in its entirety before ever typing a single word. After reading the book, I can how some knowledge upfront will save hours later on. And given that writing a book is almost always an act of love (rather than money) saving time and being?efficient?are important.

The Social Role in Self Publishing

Many writers might think the only role for social media is in the marketing and promotional phase. But throughout the book, Kawasaki provides examples of how his social community made the book better, during each phase.

From crowdsourcing feedback to yes, marketing, the Kawasaki discusses how to leverage an active social community. Kawasaki also covers ways to mobilize communities such as KickStarter and IndieGoGo. While Kawasaki didn?t use these methods ?himself, he provides some examples of those who did. ?The authors of APE also continually underscore the need for feedback, which is very consistent with blogging. In the marketing world, we essentially do this through focus groups. But few writers have access to actual focus groups.

Practical Advice

Kawasaki provides several different ways to incorporate community feedback while writing your book. His approach to feedback from readers is very consistent with social media ethos, he invites it and acts on it. Perhaps this is one reason why his books have been so?successful. Or maybe its because he already had a large social media audience before he ever wrote a single book. I do wish Kawasaki would acknowledge this fact ? the time to build community is well before you need them. This goes for businesses and writers.

I?ve found myself referring, highlighting and returning to the book frequently. All in all, if you?ve ever thought that writing a book was in your future, I?d say 2013 is the time to grab that bull by the horn, and start with reading APE. I think you?ll find it well worth your time and chock full of?practical, easy to read advice. ?I?m sure there is no perfect path to self publishing, but I know this will be a resource that I enjoy having in my treasure chest.

If you?re looking for a copy yourself, here?s how to get one:

• Name: APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur?How to Publish a Book (ISBN 978-0-9885231-1-1)
• Ship date: 12/10/12
• Price: $9.99 Kindle ebook? (affiliate link)
• Website:?http://apethebook.com/

?

Source: http://akamai-marketing.com/wordpress/2012/12/28/self-publishing-books-book-review-ape-author-publisher/

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Hear Better At Work After A Hearing Test - rukikilucaba's posterous

Posted by Abigail Aaronson on 12/26/12 ? Categorized as Health and Fitness

When you have a hearing test, you may learn that there is the potential for you to lose some or all of your ability to hear. You may be worried about what this will mean for you. There is no doubt that workplace noise levels are often one of the key problems affecting those who have hearing issues. Yet, there is something you can do about it. You can take steps to prevent the problem from getting worse. To do so, you simply need to realize what is causing the problem. Then, you must minimize the risk. Most employers are happy to work with you, because your suggestion may improve everyone?s working conditions.

Protecting Your Ears

One of the most important things you can do, even before you have a hearing test, is protect your ears from harsh noises. Noise is any sound that is above the healthy sound levels. The loudest healthy sounds are about as loud as a washing machine. Sounds louder than that can begin to cause damage to the inner ear, especially if they are heard for long periods of time. Additionally, very loud sounds, like the sound of a hand drill or the sound of a gunshot can cause damage must faster or with just one exposure.

To protect against this type of sound, wear earplugs when you are at work. These will block out some of the sounds you hear. Most of the loud sounds will be more acceptable when you have these devices in place. Your employer may even have to provide these to you, according to OSHA standards. If not, ask about them.

Minimize Exposure

Another step you can take to prevent further damage to your inner ear is to minimize your exposure to loud noises. If your hearing test revealed even minimal loss, doing this now can help to prevent the situation from getting worse. Minimize the length of time you are exposed to any noise. You may want to take a long break from duties that require you to be in loud situations. You should also avoid exposure to loud sounds for good.

By doing these things, you can prevent losing your hearing to any further extent. For many people, a hearing test can be an awakening. It can show them exactly what is happening. If your workplace is the problem for you, talk to your doctor about it. Find out what steps you can take to improve your situation.

Have a Sacramento, CA hearing testwhen you are concerned with how noise exposure is affecting you. For more information about preventative measures for hearing loss, please read the following: http://www.miracle-ear-sacramento.com.

Source: http://www.articlesrx.com/hear-better-at-work-after-a-hearing-test/10046

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Vigil marks 2 weeks since Conn. school massacre

NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) ? Clergy from numerous faiths came together Friday in Newtown to mark the passing of two weeks since the elementary school massacre with a vigil to pray for healing.

Religious leaders gathered with a few dozen others at a wind-swept, snowy soccer field to offer words of support for the community.

"Your faith leaders want you to know that we continue to stand with you as we all continue to deal with this great tragedy that has befallen our beloved community of Newtown," said the Rev. Jack Tanner of Newtown Christian Church. "It is only the beginning of a long healing process that we will all go through."

The vigil included representatives from Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist, Congregational, Buddhist, Muslim and other places of worship.

Gunman Adam Lanza, 20, shot his way into Sandy Hook Elementary on Dec. 14 and killed 20 first-grade students and six adult staff members. He also killed his mother before going on the school rampage and then committing suicide.

"We are your children, your hurting children from many faiths, many traditions, many cultures, from many parts of the earth," said the Rev. Leo McIlrath of the Lutheran Home of Southbury "We cry out to you. We are in pain and we ask for your healing."

Vicky Truitt, who works at Newtown Congregational Church, said she had been feeling worn down before the service.

"Today it was helpful, the prayers that they gave, to hear all the different denominations all together as one," Truitt said. "Even the ones where you didn't understand the words, you could understand the feeling that was behind them."

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/vigil-marks-2-weeks-since-conn-school-massacre-160053131.html

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Mental Illness & Violence: We Need to Step Up | World of Psychology

It?s impossible to write a blog post about mental illness without confronting the violence that has descended on this country all too often. Too many innocent victims have fallen at the hands of too many offenders to set the issue aside.

My heart bleeds for the victims lost and the loved ones remaining. Nothing written can take away the pain of the survivors. But a call to action may help to prevent such crimes from continuing.

The offenders in these incidents are often troubled and plagued by recurrent mental illness. The tragedy begins when our mental health system fails these individuals and their families as they seek help that is sometimes unavailable.

It layers as so many people who do not have direct experience with mental illness find their only exposure to people with serious mental illness in these stories. This adds to an already daunting stigma against those with psychiatric disease, and too many of those who need help avoid it for fear of being labeled or ostracized.

Every incidence of violence leaves me heartbroken, and waiting for the inevitable story about someone with mental illness gone wrong.

The result of a broken mental health system and the stigma that drives people with serious mental illness into the shadows is fewer people getting treated than need treatment. Some people (a very small percentage of the population with mental illness, but a disturbingly real number) with untreated mental illness act out and sometimes violence occurs. In addition to the senseless tragedy that results, this adds to the stigma placed on those with psychiatric challenges as the general population hears the stories of mentally ill offenders who were ?off their meds,? refusing treatment, or being refused treatment.

In truth, even though sensationalized in the media, very few people know anyone with mental illness and violent tendencies. However, almost everyone knows someone with mental illness who is managing life well. Yet because of the stigma, more often than not few know that those managing well have a mental illness at all. There is so much to risk in stepping from the shadows and saying ?I have bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, or anxiety disorder, or major depression or?? Jobs and relationships could become tenuous.

Still, until those of us who have a mental illness and do cope well stand up and act as role models for those who are not currently able to deal with disease, the stigma will hold, people will avoid treatment, and society will view the mentally ill as disturbed, demented, or violent. Those of us who do well owe it to those who are suffering to light a path toward recovery. Only we can testify that treatment often works, and only we can tell our stories and reveal to the larger population that those with mental illness are not miscreants, vagrants, and criminals. We are your teachers, your accountants, your child?s playdate?s parents, your boss, your mechanic, your kid?s soccer coach, your favorite musician, actor, or writer, your doctor, your councilperson.

Treatment is difficult and access is often limited. But there is no denying that even when treatment is readily available, many refuse it for fear of the stigma. These same people often get worse. Some do stupid or reprehensible things. This can be avoided if we can chip away at the stigma. And we can chip away at the stigma by taking a stand and showing our neighbors that mental illness does not mean maladaptation. There is much pain in knowing that in all of these incidents of violence we could not be there to intervene or help.

But we can help avoid the next one by testifying to the very ill that: ?I did it. I overcame this. You can, too, and I can help show you how.?

If more of us act as responsible role models the stigma will erode. As the stigma falls away, more people will seek help. Examples of people who have been successfully treated may open up access to treatment for others, as policymakers see that dollars spent on psychiatric care are well spent. As more people seek and receive care, fewer incidences of mindless violence will occur.

It?s our responsibility to let society know that those with mental illness can lead peaceful, productive, creative, and meaningful lives. We are examples of this. The stigma against people with mental illness is one factor that leads to so many bad outcomes. We owe it to those who have lost loved ones, and to those suffering from illness as we surely once did, to stand up and be seen as examples of how things can turn out well.

George Hofmann is a mindfulness meditation instructor teaching people with mental illness how to manage stress. He also has bipolar disorder 1. He writes about these topics at http://practicingmentalllness.blogspot.com.

Like this author?
Catch up on other posts by George Hofmann (or subscribe to their feed).

????Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 27 Dec 2012
????Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.

APA Reference
Hofmann, G. (2012). Mental Illness & Violence: We Need to Step Up. Psych Central. Retrieved on December 28, 2012, from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/12/27/mental-illness-violence-we-need-to-step-up/

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Source: http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/12/27/mental-illness-violence-we-need-to-step-up/

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Lakeland College launches new communications program | The ...

PLYMOUTH ??Lakeland College has introduced a new communication major this fall, but it isn?t like most of the communication programs that already crowd the higher education marketplace.

The constant evolution of new media is a centerpiece of Lakeland?s program, making it one of the few programs in the region that will prepare students to understand and use these new media in a variety of professional settings after graduation.

?In 2000, no one had heard of Facebook because it hadn?t been designed yet, but today one in seven people in the world have Facebook profiles,? said John McKenzie, an instructor in the program. ?We?re in the midst of a fascinating communications revolution that?s changing faster than some consumers can keep up. It?s also dramatically changing the ways we?re communicating with one another.

?The courses in this program will teach our students to master the myriad of methods available to communicate and open the door to a number of different career paths.?

Lakeland?s program includes the classic theories that are the staple of any communication program and demonstrates to students how those theories are applied in today?s dynamic landscape. The major is an interdisciplinary program that provides students opportunities to take classes in, among other topics, writing, public speaking and computer design.

The degree could lead students to a variety of careers, from journalism, public relations and marketing to public policy analysis, political advising and lobbying and law school.

The major builds on the college?s communication minor, which had been offered for a number of years. The first new courses within the major were offered this fall, and the Higher Learning Commission formally approved the new major last week.

The program offers students two different emphasis tracks:

• A rhetoric and public communication emphasis for students who may want to work for nonprofits, activist or political organizations or other careers with a civic focus.
• A professional communication track for students interested in journalism, PR and marketing, corporate communication and human resources.

Highlighting the coursework will be multiple hands-on opportunities, including building communications campaigns and understanding and using the latest social media tools.

Earlier this semester in his Political Communication and Activism course, one of the new offerings, McKenzie led students through the Republican and Democratic presidential debate talking points and strategies, and then met with his students outside of class to watch and discuss the debates.

?The students enjoyed seeing how much of the communication was prepared entering the debate and how it evolved during the debate,? McKenzie said. ?The timing of the debates this fall was perfect for this course.?

With today?s employers consistently stressing the need for employees with above-average writing and oral communication skills, McKenzie said Lakeland?s program will provide a variety of opportunities to learn and hone those skills.

?You often read today how employers and others are lamenting the erosion of communication skills in this day of 140-character Twitter responses and emails on the go from our smart phones,? McKenzie said. ?Our coursework will blend using new media while underscoring what?s demanded as a professional communicator.

?The program isn?t about the latest fad. Our courses will be constantly changing as the marketplace changes so Lakeland?s program is always relevant for our students.?

Source: http://www.sheboygandaily.com/2012/12/27/lakeland-college-launches-new-communications-program/

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NRA envisions armed volunteers, but experts say trained police are needed for school security (Star Tribune)

Share With Friends: | | Politics - Top Stories News, News Feeds and News via Feedzilla.

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Video: One man works 100 jobs in one year

Sorry, Readability was unable to parse this page for content.

Source: http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/50296649/

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Denver rolls, keeps top spot in AP Pro32 rankings

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning sets to throw a pass in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning sets to throw a pass in the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Wesley Woodyard (52) pushes off of Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy (12) after sacking him in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, in Denver. Denver won 34-12. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

NEW YORK (AP) ? The Denver Broncos strengthened their grip on the top spot in the AP Pro32 NFL power rankings after extending their winning streak to 10 games.

The AFC West champion Broncos (12-3) received nine first-place votes and 381 points in balloting Wednesday by The Associated Press' panel of 12 media members who regularly cover the league.

The NFC South champion Atlanta Falcons (13-2) moved up two places to second with one first-place vote and 363 points. Last week, the Broncos were first by three points over San Francisco, which dropped to sixth after its loss to Seattle.

The Seahawks are fifth and the 49ers sixth. Each received a first-place vote. Green Bay is third and New England fourth in the second-to-last rankings.

Kansas City is 32nd and last.

___

Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-12-26-AP%20Pro32%20Rankings/id-f85880582c474cbf8d4bf1084b68545d

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PFT: Seahawks could add Edwards for playoffs

Getty Images

The soap opera continues, more than a week after the fat lady finished singing.

Quarterback-of-all-trades Tim Tebow has addressed with the media the report that he asked to be omitted from the team?s Wildcat package after being informed that he wouldn?t be the starting quarterback in Week 16.

?I never said, ?Hey, I don?t want to do anything.? I won?t do anything,?? Tebow said Wednesday, via Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.? ?That wasn?t the talk at all.? He knows that.? And everybody on this team knows that I would never not to do something if I was asked.? That?s what?s disappointing.? People saying, ?Oh, you quit.? Or you didn?t do this.?? That was not it at all.? It was just me asking to get an opportunity to play the position I love, which is quarterback.? It wasn?t me asking out of anything.?

Tebow acknowledges that coach Rex Ryan may have misinterpreted the message, and Tebow says he wishes he would have been ?more clear? when meeting with Ryan.

?I was definitely disappointed and frustrated and I let him know that,? Tebow said.? ?Just asked for an opportunity to play quarterback.? [On Friday, I told him that] I would do anything for this team like I have all year from punt to hands team to catching passes . . . whatever I could do. He appreciated that. He understood. We got a great relationship still.?

And that?s where the logic falls apart.? Tebow wouldn?t have had to tell Ryan that Tebow would do whatever the team needed on Friday.? Ryan would have already known it.

Tebow said he was bothered by the notion that he?s not a good teammate, which was perpetuated by whoever from the Jets organization told multiple reporters that Tebow asked to be left out of the Wildcat package.

?You work your whole life to build a reputation,? Tebow said.

That line, of course, will do nothing to convince those who think that Tebow is concerned more about his image than anything else.? Indeed, it will make the skeptics even more suspicious that there?s a disconnect between Tebow and his ?reputation.?

For that reason, it would make more sense for Tebow to admit that, yes, he?s human.? And, yes, he sometimes has bad days.? And, yes, he was frustrated last week.? And, yes, he made it known that if he?s not the starter he doesn?t want to be the gimmick, either.

Saying that would go a much longer way toward helping his ?reputation? than the clumsy manner in which he has handled the current situation.

Source: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/25/ray-edwards-could-sign-with-seattle-on-wednesday/related/

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Netflix Customers Experience Christmas Eve Outage | Small ...

All entrepreneurs must learn this important lesson: No matter how great your product or service may be, how you deliver that product or service ultimately makes or breaks your business. Fail to deliver what customers expect, and you will suffer the consequences. Deliver consistently at or even above those expectations and you build a loyal army of followers who will keep buying from you while bringing even more customers to your door. Here we see evidence that even large brands can get it wrong when it comes to delivering on expectations and also hear some advice from small businesses on how to get it right.

Customer Relations

The gift that keeps on giving. On Christmas Eve, Netflix users discovered the streaming video service isn?t always a good alternative to cable. An outage affected users in Canada, the U.S. and Latin America that evening and was not fully corrected until Christmas Day. It was not a great gift to Netflix customers, many of whom have abandoned cable and other forms of entertainment for the innovative service, and like many bad customer experiences, it may linger in their minds for some time to come. Reuters

Signing an unwritten contract. You may not think of it this way, but each time you make a sale of products or services to a customer, you effectively enter into an unwritten contract. Once you adopt this approach to customer relationships, you?ll probably never look at your business the same way again?or want to. Instead of simply moving on from one sale to the next, you?ll look at each transaction as a set of promises made between you and your customer, says blogger Harry Vaishnav. And they are promises that must be kept if your business is to succeed. Small Biz Viewpoints

Service with a Smile

Above and beyond the call of duty. The most successful businesses are those that do a little something extra. They are also the ones that make sure their customers know and remember the added benefits they provide in their products and services. Take the baker who always slips that extra bread roll into your bag, a ?baker?s dozen.? You remember that little extra the next time you?re buying bread and decide which bakery to visit. Do the same in your business, says Tom Watson, and you?ll keep them coming back for more. Cleaning 4 Profit

Up close and personal. Personalized service can be an important edge, especially for smaller companies. One important step in creating this personalized service is to get closer to your customers. This closer relationship lets businesses learn specifics about customer preferences and how to deliver on them effectively. Here business networking consultant Jeff Owen suggests some great steps that will bring you closer to your customer base. UPrinting

Communications & Community

How to change the channel. Customer service and engagement depend upon communicating with your customers and fans where they are, and like it or not, this does not always mean a single or small collection of channels. Not only do customers expect your brand to engage with them across multiple channels, but 97 percent of these customers expect their experience to be consistent no matter what channel they use to engage with your brand. The good news is that one study found those customers who engage you on multiple channels are likely to spend more money and be more loyal too. SalesPortal

Truth is more profitable than fiction. We all like to believe that our products and services help our customers. So the best kind of customer service should be to deliver those products and services in a way that will make our customers? lives better. But it turns out that telling the truth about what our customers need is also the best marketing. It may also be the best way of keeping customers loyal and bringing them back again and again. Business mentor Laura Humphreys tells the story of a dentist whose candor is winning business one patient at a time. Liber8Me

Talk to your community. Talk with your community and you create loyalty in ways you cannot fully calculate. As blogger Sian Phillips explains, your community allows you to connect in a way that goes beyond simple marketing and customer service. Ask them to answer a question or to share a blog post or other message, and they will respond. They are more than customers, clients, and fans, they are friends. These connections will serve you well and help you deliver products and services in tune with your customers and community. CorpNet

Source: http://smallbiztrends.com/2012/12/netflix-customers-experience-christmas-eve-outage.html

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How about this...

Okay, imagine yourself in this position. Your disabled. You have been pretty much cast out. You are disrespected and insulted very often.

What would you do if a Demon offered you a cure?

Okay, the whole point of this is that its HARD. They are in a world that treats the Disabled like absolute trash. Not much combat.

The characters know that the things offering them power are Demons. And none of them are devil worshippers(thats right, no submitting!), and all of them fear it.

OK, so there is 5 characters, and 5 different religions. There must only be one of each. I have Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Morman, and Hindu. Must Pick 1!

The prerequistes are these:

1. Must be one of the 5 religions.
2. Does not use a religion that is already been used.
3. Disability must be actually disabling. That's right, no ADHD or anything similair! I'm talking Alzheimers and wheelchairs.

Anyone interested?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RolePlayGateway/~3/JgtNo4I4J3A/viewtopic.php

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larajhonson: born leta: Most Popular Diets of 2012 | Health and ...

Most Popular Diets of 2012

Michael Phelps' 12,000-calorie-a-day training diet and Beyonce's maple syrup cleanse may top Google's list of the 10 most-searched diets of 2012, but the popular website Diets in Review.com found that when people want to get serious about weight loss, ?
See all stories on this topic ?

Source: http://health-fitness.holidayinndeals.net/?p=2297

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Source: http://larajhonson40.blogspot.com/2012/12/born-leta-most-popular-diets-of-2012.html

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Unwavering NRA opposes any new gun restrictions

WASHINGTON (AP) ? An unwavering National Rifle Association said Sunday that not a single new gun regulation would make children safer, that "a media machine" relishes blaming the gun industry for each new attack like the one that occurred at a Connecticut elementary school, and that a White House task force on gun violence may try to undermine the Second Amendment.

"Look, a gun is a tool. The problem is the criminal," said Wayne LaPierre, the CEO of the nation's largest gun-rights lobby, in a nationally broadcast television interview.

LaPierre hardly backed down from his comments Friday, when the NRA broke its weeklong silence on the shooting rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

LaPierre's assertion that guns and police officers in all schools are what will stop the next killer drew widespread scorn, and even some NRA supporters in Congress are publicly disagreeing with the proposal. Rep. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., called it "the most revolting, tone deaf statement I've ever seen." A headline from the New York Post summarized LaPierre's initial presentation before reporters with the headline: "Gun Nut! NRA loon in bizarre rant over Newtown."

LaPierre told NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday that only those armed guards and police would make kids safe.

"If it's crazy to call for putting police and armed security in our schools to protect our children, then call me crazy," LaPierre said. "I think the American people think it's crazy not to do it. It's the one thing that would keep people safe."

He asked Congress for money to put a police officer in every school. He also said the NRA would coordinate a national effort to put former military and police officers in schools as volunteer guards.

The NRA leader dismissed efforts to revive the assault weapons ban as a "phony piece of legislation" that's built on lies. He made clear it was highly unlikely that the NRA could support any new gun regulations.

"You want one more law on top of 20,000 laws, when most of the federal gun laws we don't even enforce?" he said.

LaPierre said another focus in preventing shootings is to lock up violent criminals and get the mentally ill the treatment they need.

"The average guy in the country values his freedom, doesn't believe the fact he can own a gun is part of the problem, and doesn't like the media and all these high-profile politicians blaming him," he said.

Some lawmakers were incredulous, yet acknowledged that the political and fundraising might of the NRA would make President Barack Obama's push for gun restrictions a struggle.

"I have found the statements by the NRA over the last couple of days to be really disheartening, because the statements seem to not reflect any understanding about the slaughter of children" in Newtown, said Sen. Joe Lieberman, a Connecticut independent.

He said the NRA is right in some of the points it makes about the causes of gun violence in America.

"But it's obviously also true that the easy availability of guns, including military style assault weapons, is a contributing factor, and you can't keep that off the table. I had hoped they'd come to the table and say, everything is on the table," Lieberman said.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said LaPierre was "so extreme and so tone deaf" that he was making it easier to pass gun legislation.

"Look, he blames everything but guns: movies, the media, President Obama, gun-free school zones, you name it. And the video games, he blames them," Schumer said.

But Lieberman didn't seem to be buying it. He said the NRA's stand on new gun rules means passing legislation next year won't happen easily.

"It's going to be a battle. But the president, I think, and vice president, are really ready to lead the fight," he said.

Obama has said he wants proposals on reducing gun violence that he can take to Congress in January, and after the Dec. 14 shootings, he called on the NRA to join the effort. The president has asked Congress to reinstate an assault weapons ban that expired in 2004 and pass legislation that would end a provision that allows people to purchase firearms from private parties without a background check. Obama also has indicated that he wants Congress to pursue the possibility of limiting high-capacity magazines.

If Obama's review is "just going to be made up of a bunch of people that, for the last 20 years, have been trying to destroy the Second Amendment, I'm not interested in sitting on that panel," LaPierre said.

The NRA has tasked former Rep. Asa Hutchinson, R-Ark., to lead a program designed to use volunteers from the group's 4.3 million members to help guard children.

Hutchinson said the NRA's position was a "very reasonable approach" that he compared to the federal air marshal program that places armed guards on flights.

"Are our children less important to protect than our air transportation? I don't think so," said Hutchinson, who served as an undersecretary at the Department of Homeland Security when it was formed.

Hutchinson said schools should not be required to use armed security. LaPierre also argued that local law enforcement should have final say on how the security is put into place, such as where officers would be stationed.

Democratic lawmakers in Congress have become more adamant about the need for stricter gun laws since the shooting. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California is promising to push for a renewal of expired legislation that banned certain weapons and limited the number of bullets a gun magazine could hold to 10. NRA officials made clear the legislation is a non-starter for them.

"It hasn't worked," LaPierre said. "Dianne Feinstein had her ban and Columbine occurred."

There also has been little indication from Republican leaders that they'll go along with any efforts to curb what kind of guns can be purchased or how much ammunition gun magazines can hold.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., noted that he had an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle in his home. He said America would not be made safer by preventing him from buying another one. As to gun magazine limits, he said he can quickly reload by putting in a new magazine.

"The best way to interrupt a shooter is to keep them out of the school, and if they get into the school, have somebody who can interrupt them through armed force," Graham said.

LaPierre also addressed other factors that he said contribute to gun violence in America, but he would not concede that the types of weapons being used are part of the problem.

He was particularly critical of states, which he said are not placing the names of people into a national database designed to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the dangerously mentally ill. He said some states are not entering names into the system and 23 others are only putting in a small number of records.

The American Psychiatric Association responded to LaPierre's comments by saying that he seemed to conflate mental illness with evil at several points.

"People who are clearly not mentally ill commit violent crimes and perform terrible acts every day," said Dr. James Scully, chief executive of the trade group. "Unfortunately, Mr. LaPierre's statements serve only to increase the stigma around mental illness and further the misconception that those with mental disorders are likely to be dangerous."

___

Associated Press writer Adam Goldman contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/unwavering-nra-opposes-gun-restrictions-202011797--politics.html

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WSJ: Acer Iconia B1 tablet hitting in early 2013, priced at around $99

More info on that ultra budget tablet from Acer that made a sketchy FCC appearance roughly a week or so ago: The Wall Street Journal's been chatting with a "person with direct knowledge," who offered up an intriguing price tag of "around $99" for the Iconia B1. The slate is said to feature similar specs as older Amazon and Barnes & Noble devices, including a 7-inch 1,024 x 600 display and a 1.2GHz processor. As for availability, the device will apparently be targeted at developing nations, with no word on whether it will make it to the US.

Filed under: Tablets, Acer

Comments

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/24/acer-iconia-b1/

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Police say Afghan policewoman kills US adviser

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) ? An Afghan police official says an Afghan policewoman has killed an American adviser at the Kabul police headquarters.

Kabul's Deputy Police Chief Mohammad Daoud Amin says an investigation is under way to determine whether the killing Monday was intentional or accidental.

It was not known whether the victim was a military or civilian adviser. The NATO military command says it's looking into reports of the shooting but had no independent information.

At least 53 international troops have been killed by Afghan soldiers or police this year, and a number of other assaults are still under investigations. NATO forces, due to mostly withdraw from the country by 2014, have speeded up efforts to train and advise Afghan military and police units before the pullout.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-12-24-Afghanistan/id-31ae37a11d2043f0a5fb3bad79ca90a9

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McLemore's 22 gives Kansas huge road win, 74-66

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) ? It's not supposed to be this easy for a kid playing his first collegiate road game.

Kansas' Ben McLemore, a redshirt freshman surrounded in the starting lineup by seniors, didn't let the raucous crowd, the travel or sleeping in a strange bed bother him.

McLemore scored 22 points and No. 9 Kansas proved it was more than just a bully at home by beating seventh-ranked Ohio State 74-66 on Saturday.

"This was great. It was my first time playing in an away game," McLemore said with a slight smile. "You go up and down the court a little bit, and you get into the game. I kept my intensity, I just played my game."

For that matter, none of the Jayhawks had yet played a true road game this season. Kansas, which has won nine in a row since losing to Michigan State 67-64 on Nov. 13 in Atlanta, came in 7-0 at home, with two other games played before friendly fans in nearby Kansas City.

They had barely heard a boo all season.

No wonder coach Bill Self was a little worried.

"I had concerns, for sure," Self said. "Our seniors are good and quality and they've been through some things, but against a team that pressures man-to-man and you're playing with one primarily (ball) handler? That was my biggest concern."

But the Jayhawks (10-1) weathered a 14-0 run by the Buckeyes (9-2) in the first half that turned the volume up in Value City Arena to 11 on a scale of 10. Then, down in the second half, they held cold-shooting Ohio State without a field goal for more than 10 minutes to take control.

The Buckeyes, who were led by Deshaun Thomas' 16 points and a career-best 15 by Shannon Scott, hit just 9 of 36 shots from the field in the final 20 minutes. For the game, they ended up making only 31 percent of their shots from the field.

No wonder coach Thad Matta looked so stunned when he spoke after the game.

"There was one point in the second half where I turned to the bench and I said, 'Hey, let's call a play where we score,'" he said, heavy on the irony. "A lot of it just comes down to you've got to put the ball in the basket in a game like this and we couldn't do it. It became contagious."

Sixty percent of the starting lineup ? star defender Aaron Craft, usually reliable Lenzelle Smith Jr. and post man Evan Ravenel ? was a combined 5 of 24 from the field.

Credit the Jayhawks, who play withering man-to-man defense and then are backed up by the incredible wingspan of 7-foot Jeff Withey underneath. Or blame the Buckeyes, who frequently were all alone when they bricked a shot off the rim. But no matter the reason, Ohio State couldn't buy a bucket for most of the second half.

It was the third victory for the Jayhawks in little more than a year over the Buckeyes (9-2). Kansas won a 64-62 thriller in last year's NCAA semifinals.

"Today's probably the best we've played against Ohio State in the three games," Self said. "We were really good except for about a 3-minute stretch in the first half when they went on a (14-0) run. Other than that stretch, that was a pretty good 35 minutes we played out there."

Withey added 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Jayhawks. Elijah Johnson had 13 points and Travis Releford 11.

They weathered Ohio State's first-half tear by relying on the seniors.

"We have a good group of vets and we've been in tough situations before," Withey said. "We just bounced back. We just had to kind of breathe a little bit."

Ahead 56-52 with 7 minutes left, Kansas pulled away thanks to its McLemore. He hit a pair of foul shots and then flipped in a 15-foot jumper that bounced not once, not twice, but three times before falling through. Off an inbounds pass, McLemore then came off a back pick and dunked to push the lead to 62-52 with 5 minutes left.

The Buckeyes never got closer than six points again.

Self said he found out a little more about McLemore in the game.

"There's a lot of stuff I'm curious about Ben," he said. "He's still trying to figure out how to play. You can tell in late-game situations, he's played less basketball than anybody that's as old as him and as good as him around. It's all new to him. When it all comes naturally to him, he's going to become terrific."

In his first road game, he already was.

___

Follow Rusty Miller on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/rustymillerap

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/mclemores-22-gives-kansas-huge-road-win-74-021402086--spt.html

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Johnson sets NFL season record for receiving yards

(Reuters) - Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson gave the home crowd something to cheer about when he set a National Football League record for most receiving yards in a season in a 31-18 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday.

Johnson caught 11 passes from quarterback Matthew Stafford for 225 yards and a total of 1,892 yards for the season with one game remaining.

The speedy, 6ft-5in (1.96m) Johnson, serenaded by chants of "Calvin, Calvin" even while the team was falling to its seventh loss in a row, eclipsed the record of 1,848 yards set by Hall of Famer Jerry Rice in 1995 for the San Francisco 49ers.

After his 26-yard fourth-quarter reception on one of his typical catch-and-run plays across the middle moved him past Rice, the Lions receiver jogged to the sideline to hand the ball to his father as the crowd roared in appreciation.

"This is a huge accomplishment to take one of those records from the great Jerry," said the 27-year-old Johnson, taken with the second overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft out of Georgia Tech.

"He's amazing," Rice said in a phone interview during the ESPN telecast. "Just watching him go out there and do his thing on the football field, he's a true talent and that's why they call him 'Megatron'.

"You never want your record broken, but if anyone is going to do it, I prefer it's Megatron."

EXCEPTIONAL THREAT

Rice said Johnson's combination of size, strength and speed made him an exceptional threat on the gridiron.

"I just sit back and I'm just like a fan," said Rice, whose NFL records include most career touchdowns (208).

"He can run every route, from the slant route, to running by you with that 4.35 (seconds over 40 yards) speed. Then he can out-jump you, where he can just get up in the air and just levitate his body and make those incredible catches. This guy has all the tools."

Lions coach Jim Schwartz said surpassing Rice was a great achievement.

"To break a record by a guy who is maybe the greatest player ever to play in the National Football League says a lot about what he accomplished," Schwartz said, adding: "His best is yet to come."

Johnson also set an NFL record by gaining more than 100 yards receiving for an eighth straight game.

It was Johnson's 11th game this season with at least 100 yards receiving, matching the NFL mark achieved in 1995 by Michael Irvin of the Dallas Cowboys.

After the game, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan sought out Johnson on the field. "I congratulated him," Ryan said. "I'm a fan."

(Reporting by Larry Fine of New York; Editing by John O'Brien)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/detroits-johnson-sets-nfl-season-record-receiving-yards-051443976--nfl.html

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Asteroid 2011 AG5 Will Miss Earth In 2040

dryriver writes with a report from CNN that the asteroid known as 2011 AG5 will not hit Earth in 2040 as early calculations had led some to fear when it was first spotted last year. "To narrow down the asteroid's future course, NASA put out a call for more observation. Astronomers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa took up the task and managed to observe the asteroid over several days in October. 'An analysis of the new data conducted by NASA's Near-Earth Object Program Office at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, shows that the risk of collision in 2040 has been eliminated,' NASA declared Friday."

Source: http://rss.slashdot.org/~r/Slashdot/slashdotScience/~3/eAuKKSh1TtI/story01.htm

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AAP Advocates to Improve Children's Safety in Wake of School Shooting

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is advocating for changes to ensure children are safe in their schools and communities.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) December 21, 2012

As the nation continues to mourn the children, teachers and school employees who lost their lives in Newtown, Conn., The Academy?s 60,000 members have a heartfelt desire to do everything possible to prevent a repeat of such tragedies.

In a letter to President Obama issued Wednesday, AAP President Thomas K. McInerny, MD, FAAP, called for new federal legislation that bans assault weapons sales and the sale of high-capacity magazines, strengthens mandatory waiting periods and background checks for all gun purchases, and promotes strict gun safety policies. These measures are reflected in the AAP policy statement on firearm injuries released in October. The AAP is also calling for federal action to improve children?s access to mental health services and support for children exposed to violence.

?We are ready to work with you ? to honor the memory of the children and families in Connecticut and those exposed to gun violence every day through swift, bold action that keeps our children healthy and safe,? McInerny wrote.

In the past few days, the AAP has heard from many of its members who are deeply saddened by the shooting and want to respond as strongly and actively as possible to the tragedy. The AAP has identified concrete steps its members can take to advocate for the improved safety and mental health of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

?As pediatricians, we believe that children deserve a safe environment in which to grow and learn,? McInerny said. ?These incidents are always horrific, but the fact that young children were the victims in this case makes us even more passionate about trying to prevent such tragedies in the future.?

The AAP urges parents who have concerns about how their children are responding to the shooting to speak with their child?s pediatrician. The AAP offers resources for parents to talk to children about disasters, and advice on watching for signs of stress and trauma. The AAP advises parents to ensure young children are not exposed to extensive media coverage of the event.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit http://www.aap.org.

Media Contacts:

Susan Stevens Martin ssmartin(at)aap(dot)org 847-434-7131

Deborah Jacobson djacobson(at)aap(dot)org 847-434-7084

Debbie Jacobson
American Academy of Pediatrics
847-434-7084
Email Information

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/aap-advocates-improve-childrens-safety-wake-school-shooting-223030850.html

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