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No. 2 Kamehameha trounces No. 1 'Iolani

By Jason Kaneshiro

LAST UPDATED: 03:07 a.m. HST, Jan 07, 2011

Even with a double-digit lead in the final minute, Kamehameha basketball coach Jesse Nakanishi wouldn't let himself breathe easy.

"Nope, not until that buzzer went off," Nakanishi said.

But after enduring last-minute heartbreak against 'Iolani in three of their most recent meetings, the second-ranked Warriors didn't let last night's duel come down to another dramatic finish in closing out a 50-38 win over No. 1 'Iolani at Kekuhaupio Gym.

'Iolani found ways to edge Kamehameha in tense late-season showdowns last season with last-second shots against the Warriors, giving the Raiders the ILH and Division I state championships. Their first meeting this season was decided on a putback in the final 30 seconds and a blocked shot at the buzzer.

This time, Kamehameha's defense fueled an 11-2 second-quarter run to give the Warriors (4-1) command and they maintained the cushion to hand 'Iolani (3-1) its first loss in league play.

"This is a huge W, keeps us in the running for the ILH championship," Nakanishi said. "If we dropped that one, that puts us two back and it's hard to come back."

In a game in which few passes went uncontested, the Warriors were able to grind out a win led by forward Micah Christenson's 11 points and 12 rebounds.

"Everybody is going to key on Micah and other guys have to step up," Nakanishi said. "Micah does all the intangibles. Eleven points is just a small part of his game."

Makoa Camanse-Stevens hit two 3-pointers and finished with 10 points as the Warriors answered each time 'Iolani appeared ready to make a push in the second half. Point guard Dyrbe Enos contributed nine points.

"Every game we play against 'Iolani we come in knowing it's going to be a huge battle," Christenson said. "Everybody on the team just stepped up today. It feels amazing because everybody's getting big rebounds, hitting huge shots."

'Iolani's Adam Ching hit three 3-pointers and led the Raiders with 11 points.

Kamehameha's pressure harried 'Iolani into nine first-half turnovers, seven in a ragged opening period in which neither team scored in the first 4 minutes and 20 seconds.

When the Raiders did escape the Warriors' traps at the top, Christenson posed a formidable obstacle in the paint with five blocks before halftime.

"To me our offense is our defense," Nakanishi said. "We create easy stuff with our defense and our pressure stuff and take teams out of their offense. We're not the best halfcourt offensive team, but we try to do it on defense."

'Iolani trailed 9-8 when Ching made a 3-pointer early in the second quarter. Kamehameha then took command, with five different players contributing to its 11-2 spurt, starting with Frank Ho's steal leading to a layup.

"We didn't execute today," 'Iolani coach Dean Shimamoto said. "That's a credit to them. They took us out of what we wanted to do.

"We knew (the trap) was coming. We had some things ready and we didn't put them to use and that's what's disappointing."

The Warriors extended the lead to 26-13 when Enos grabbed a rebound and got a short jumper to fall just before the halftime buzzer.

After the lead swelled to 17 in the third quarter, 'Iolani was able to chip away to close to 43-33 on a 3-pointer by Trevyn Tulonghari with 2:53 left. But the Raiders couldn't get another field goal to fall until with were 42 seconds left with Kamehameha firmly in control.

"They gave us a little scare toward the end when we were turning the ball over a little bit, but we made enough plays to attack that press," Nakanishi said.

At Kekuhaupio Gym
'Iolani (3-1) 5 8 9 16 -- 38
Kamehameha (4-1) 9 17 10 14 -- 50

'IOLANI--Jourdan Simmonds 4, Reid Saito 7, Kainoa Scheer 0, Josiah Sukumaran 8, Austin O'Leary 0, Trevyn Tulonghari 8, Gabriel Vega 0, Adam Ching 11, Keahi Hogan 0, Duke Pauli 0.

KAMEHAMEHA--Dyrbe Enos 9, Shane Matayoshi 3, Frank Ho 2, Micah Christenson 11, Brandon Orpillia 3, Davis Achong 4, Makoa Camanse-Stevens 10, Charlton Tang 0, Shane Yoshida 4, Zerin Parker 0.

3-point goals-- 'Iolani: 5 (Ching 3, Saito, Tulonghari). Kamehameha 4 (Camanse-Stevens 2, Matayoshi, Opillia).

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Cancer survivor, 79, keeps hitting road in Race for Cure

Mark Goldstein

Published: Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 2:41 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 2:41 p.m.

Breast cancer survivor Mark Goldstein, who turns 80 in April, has run in every Susan G. Komen Race since 1992.

Want to Go

What: Wilmington Race for the Cure
When: Saturday, 7 a.m.
Where: Downtown Wilmington, race center near Market and Second streets
What else: Event is part of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Series to raise funds for breast cancer research. There is a competitive 5K event, a recreational walk/run and children's fun run scheduled.
More info: Go to

He is scheduled to extend that streak this weekend in Wilmington, arriving Friday from New Jersey to run in the area's inaugural Race for the Cure through historic downtown on Saturday morning.

A fixture on the Komen circuit, it will be his 224th race through 47 states and five international events.

Known for an upbeat personality, he races to raise awareness of the disease, sometimes as the lone male participant at a race.

He attributes that the fact that only six men are diagnosed daily with the disease – compared to 635 women – and some are too embarrassed or disinterested in running.

In February 1988, at age 55, Goldstein discovered a receding lump beneath his left nipple, yet he ignored it for three months.

"The macho gene prevents us from believing we can develop any gene, let alone one associated with women,'' he said.

A dermatologist eventually examined the lump, but formed no conclusion and sent Goldstein to a male breast cancer expert in New York City.

The doctor deemed a biopsy unnecessary and removed the clump during an initial routine procedure. Sensing it might be malignant, she performed a modified radical mastectomy.

"I was shocked,'' Goldstein said. "Conventional wisdom is, it is a woman's disease.''

For eight months, he underwent chemotherapy and radiation. And for two years he took tamoxifen for hormonal therapy.

Now a retired executive manager in a satellite communications company, he started wearing a pink hat with an American flag during races two weeks following the 9/11 tragedy and also does it as a show of support on the war against terrorism.

He also wears a running shirt with an inscription on back: Male breast cancer, rare, but there.

"I am grateful to Komen because they enable me to get the exposure to enlighten people about breast cancer,'' said Goldstein, who is also a Komen Ambassador. "And I have one phrase that exemplifies why I do it. The phrase is ‘Men should not die out of ignorance.'"

For Wilmington's event, Goldstein says first races in a new town provide outlets for local breast cancer survivors to commiserate with those outside the region.

"The public in general should come and participate in this race and it will be an exhilarating experience for them,'' he said. "By participating, the contribution they make will be so meaningful.''

Ten years ago, Goldstein was selected one of the Yoplait 25 champions for contributions to breast cancer awareness and advocacy and eventually was chosen to the Komen National Distance Running Hall of Fame.

For all his accomplishments, breast cancer and fame have not changed him. He defined his personality as tenacious, defiant and positive.

"If you are positive, you should not abandon your personality because you have a disease.

Chuck Carree: 343-2262

On Twitter: @StarNewsSports

Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.

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Pedestrian Art revived around town

Prey with Ease by local artist Paul Hill with help from glass artist Niki Hildebrand is located at the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce office on the river.

Alan Cradick
Published: Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 1:14 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 1:14 p.m.

I was passing Bijou Park in downtown Wilmington one recent afternoon when I noticed something new out of the corner of my eye: a dog, cast in steel, straining against its leash with jagged gears set over its taught muscles. I didn't react to the sculpture itself initially, just to its presence. It was an, "Oh, that's nice" kind of reaction, like seeing something good happen to a deserving friend, and I smiled.

Prey with Ease by local artist Paul Hill with help from glass artist Niki Hildebrand is located at the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce office on the river.

Alan Cradick

Locations of the current Pedestrian Art installation are:
Bijou Park, 225 N. Front St.
305 Chestnut St.
Sixth and Castle streets
200 Hanover St.
Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, 1 Estelle Lee Drive
N. Fourth and Harnett streets

"I remember installing it, people would come by and all of sudden they broke out in this grin," said Paul Hill, the creator of the "Straining to Be" sculpture on display at 225 N. Front St. "And I thought, 'Well, that's good. Some people have kind of taken notice. Make people smile, that's good.'"

In early April, The Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County revived the public art series Pedestrian Art - or PedArt - a program that was led by Creative Wilmington for five years until the group disbanded in 2011. In cooperation with the city and area nonprofits, the arts council has installed six new sculptures throughout downtown, including three "sound sculptures" by Cary artist Phil Hathcock, and three figurative works in steel by Hill.

Many Wilmington pedestrians are already familiar with Hill's work. His "Southern Hospitality," a giant, lime-green, glass-and-steel rendition of Southeastern North Carolina's native Venus flytrap, was once on display in front of the downtown post office under the original Ped Art series. The Residents of Old Wilmington purchased the sculpture and donated it to the city of Wilmington, and it's now on permanent display at Water and Front streets. Hill said he enjoys having his works cemented to the cityscape.

"I feel like I'm contributing something to the city," Hill said. "It gives you a connected feeling, and I like that."

If you were to place Hill's sculptural interests on a pie chart, public sculpture would occupy way more than a slice.

"I'd put 99 percent of that pie chart in public sculpture, because I just think it's an exciting way to work," he said. "Taking sheet metal, and twisting it, and making it into something that is recognizable, or makes a statement, or says something, or tells a story."

Hill tends to open his animal figures up to interpretation by giving them clever titles that evoke mini fables. On the corner of Sixth and Castle streets, an ornate metal pedestal holds up a nest of wire. A steel egret swoops down on the nest, gripping a freshly caught fish. The piece is titled "Diametrical Opinions."

"I take my situations, what I've gone through, and then I try to re-interpret that through an animal form," Hill said. "And that's kinda fun, too, because other people read all kinds of things into it."

You can hear seagulls calling over the Cape Fear River just outside the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce at 1 Estelle Lee Drive. The caws of the birds add an unintended aural element to Hill's "Prey with Ease," a sculpture featuring an owl flying, talons ready, through a hoop of red, blue and purple stained glass installed by Wilmington artist Niki Hildebrand. When the glass and the owl's wings catch a gust of wind off the river, the owl turns very slightly to the left, and then slightly back to the right. A major component of public art is that it's installed outside in the environment, and when the wind turns "Prey with Ease," we can actually see the sculpture interacting with its setting.

Some sculptors aim to evoke ephemerality by letting their works rust out in the elements. Hill's not really interested in that. He treats the carbon steel to preserve it, clear it and seal it, and most of the bolts are stainless or galvanized. Hill's works are set to be on display in downtown Wilmington through September, when the arts council brings the next batch of Ped Art in, but they're designed to last a lot longer than that.

"It's a mineral out of the earth, so it may go back to the earth some day," Hill said. "But I'm trying to keep it around as long as I can."

Coming on May 2: The work of Pedestrian Art "sound sculptor" Phil Hathcock.

Features: 343-2343

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James,_Jessie news RSS feedSubscribe to Jessie James RSS news feed!

How Did Jessie James Decker Announce Pregnancy No. 2?

March 4th, 2015 8:03am EST
Jessie James Decker Announces Pregnancy No. 2 With An Adorable F
Country singer Jessie James Decker and her husband Eric Decker just revealed some wonderful news.

They're pregnant!

The celeb couple made the big announcement over Instagram with an adorable family photo. In the pic (seen above), Jessie, Eric and their daughter Vivianne are decked out in their best bathing suits and smiling for the camera.

(Well, Vivianne's not so much "smiling" as she is crying. Or yelling, happily. She's hard to read).

The photo's caption revealed the good news:

"Vivianne is so excited because she is going to be a big sister! We are over the moon about having another...

Bikinis 2014

January 1st, 2014 4:01pm EST
Welcome 2014 With The 100 Hottest Celebrity Bikini Photos Of The
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Jessica Alba, among others, hit the beaches of popular celeb hangout St. Barth's, a French island in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, back in April. The island is is a favorite of several celebs during the holiday season, like Russell Simmons, Stephanie Seymour and Olivia Palermo.

British supermodel Cara Delevingne opted for Barbados, where she spent time with both her family and with pal Rihanna, a native of the island.

Those weren't the only active beaches during the 2013 holiday seasons (both at the ...

Country Singer Jessie James & NFL Player Eric Decker Spend Honeymoon On The Beach In Maui (Hot Pics!)

July 4th, 2013 3:04pm EDT
Jessie James and Eric Decker
Country singer Jessie James and Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker spent their honeymoon showing off their perfect beach bodies in Maui this week.

The couple, who married in Castle Rock, Colorado, on June 22, enjoyed some fun in the sun on their romantic getaway.

Decker popped the question last spring during the couple's one-year anniversary, and James showed off a photo of her diamond ring on Twitter afterward, writing, "Thank you all so much for the congrats on our engagement."

"We are blessed to have found each other and to have supporters like you all."

I love you Hawaii!!!! A...

Singer Jessie James Engaged To Broncos' Eric Decker

April 3rd, 2012 2:31pm EDT
Jessie James
Country singer Jessie James is engaged to wed football star Eric Decker.

The Denver Broncos player reportedly popped the question during a romantic getaway to celebrate the couple's one-year anniversary over the weekend.

Taking to to share the happy news and upload a snap of her new diamond ring on Sunday, the When You Say My Name hit-maker wrote, "Thank you all so much for the congrats on our engagement."

"We are blessed to have found each other and to have supporters like you all."

The pair was introduced through a mutual pal last year.

Jessie James' Latest, Ledisi Performs, Behind The Scenes With The Script & More (Videos)

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Jessie James' second single, "I Look So Good (Without You)", is sure to become an empowerment anthem for single ladies everywhere. And yesterday, MTV premiered its accompanying music video! Watch it for yourself now!

"I Look So Good (Without You)"

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Jessie James' Hot Maxim Pics; She Plays Xbox 'Game With Fame' Today

July 22nd, 2009 12:55pm EDT
Jessie James
Jessie James has made appearances at Nascar races and sang for many audiences, but this time she is getting behind the wheel. Jessie will join other gamers on XBOX Live for a game of Nascar '09

today at 1pm. (EST).

Jessie's debut self-titled album is set to be released on August 11th on Mercury Records. She cites Leann Rimes, Christina Aguilera and Janis Joplin as some of her biggest influences; and her first single, "Wanted", was co-written by American Idol judge Kara Dioguardi.

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Date: July 22nd
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May 15th, 2009 5:30pm EDT
Jessie James
Jessie James recently released her hit single "Wanted", which she co-wrote with American Idol judge Kara Dioguardi, Mitch Allen and David Hodges. James also is known for the song "Blue Jeans", a song featured in the Touchstone film and Hollywood Records album soundtrack to the film Confessions of a Shopaholic, starring Isla Fisher. This petite powerhouse will release her self-titled debut album this summer, which she has been recording in Los Angeles, New York and Nashville.

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Kate Hudson Brings The Sexy In A White Monokini

Kate Moss & Naomi Campbell Pose Topless For Interview Magazine

Kevin Blair Kevin Blair
December 4th, 2012 6:28pm EST

Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss

British supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell are no strangers to shedding their clothes, so it's only fitting that both of them recently posed topless in the December 2012 issue of Russia's version of Interview magazine.

The magazine's mantra of having one star lead an interview with another has Moss, 38, asking most of the questions to Campbell, 42; and the two discuss their early days in the modeling industry.

Moss reveals that Campbell's first job was in a Bob Marley video.

"I read that you made your first public appearance in a Bob Marley video," she says.

"Yeah. I was seven, I think," replies Campbell. "He was such a handsome man. I remember I started crying when I saw his dreadlocks because I thought they were worms. But he was really, really gentle."

The two also discuss the shock they had when they first arrived in New York City from the comforts of their native London suburbs.

"When I first got to New York, I was like, 'What are they talking about?' I could not tell, you know," says Moss. "It was really weird and I also think growing up in South London, it is so mixed race."

"Exactly, we just know our area and how we were raised," adds Campbell; "so it was a big eye opener to me."

As for Kate Moss, Interview Russia isn't the only nude shoot she's got out in December, she recently shed her clothes for a nude shoot with Rihanna for the December issue of V Magazine (see pics here).

But unfortunately if you want to get your hands on a copy of the December Interview you'll have to fly over to Russia or Germany to grab a copy because it's not available in the States. But if you must, you can check out the uncensored versions of the pictures from the magazine at London's

1 of 4Next page
© 2012
Photo Credits: Mert & Marcus for Interview Magazine.

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One of two international recruits the Gophers men’s basketball team was counting on this season has been denied admission by the University of Minnesota.

Gaston Diedhiou, a 6-9 forward and native of Senegal who played at a high school in the Canary Islands last year, passed the NCAA Clearinghouse — typically the major academic hurdle — as a full qualifier earlier this summer, but he was denied by the school’s office of admissions, which deemed him unprepared for academic success at Minnesota, according to multiple university officials.

Those sources told the Star Tribune that Diedhiou’s English proficiency test scores were cited as the major concern. Minnesota does not have any thresholds for proficiency test scores set in stone, director of admissions Rachelle Hernandez said, but the results are considered as part of a holistic review done for every applicant. After being advised by other members of the department, Hernandez ultimately makes the decision whether to admit the prospective student.

“Our assessment is really related to can the student be successful academically and can they be successful in an English-speaking setting,” Hernandez said, speaking generally about the admissions process. “Admissions decisions are never based on just one thing.”

Bakary Konate, Minnesota’s other foreign recruit, has been fully admitted and is eligible, but that admissions process, too, was far from smooth, according to sources. The 6-11 Mali native, a shot-blocker who is also developing an outside shot, is expected to see playing time as a true freshman this fall.

Diedhiou can retake the proficiency test — Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) — before next semester and could be admitted to school and be granted eligibility to play at that time. In the meantime, Diedhiou, who is expected to arrive on campus yet this week, will participate in an English-intensive program on campus as a non-student — which is not covered by his pending scholarship — this fall.

The program is hopeful Diedhiou will be eligible for the second semester and playing for the team this spring, a source told to the Star Tribune.

The Diedhiou denial, however, comes at a bad time for Minnesota. The Gophers have only two returning players taller than 6-9 on the roster: senior centers Elliott Eliason and Mo Walker, both in their final year of eligibility. Diedhiou, a power forward, and Konate, a center, represent essential cogs in the frontcourt depth. The hope was for both to play big roles in 2015-16, and this season was seen as critical to that development.

International prep stars playing top-level college basketball is becoming a growing trend as recruiting becomes more competitive and comprehensive, the NCAA extends its reach overseas through promotional games and programs develop deeper financial resources.

The previous two national championship teams have had a notable international presence. Connecticut had four players born outside of the United States on its title-winning roster this past spring. Louisville boasted two foreign-born players — including Gorgui Dieng, who Gophers coach Richard Pitino was heavily involved with recruiting when he worked for his father, Rick — when it cut down the nets in 2013. Three of the top five picks in this spring’s NBA draft — Andrew Wiggins (Canada), Joel Embiid (Cameroon) and Dante Exum (Australia) — were one-time international prep stars.

The Gophers have one other foreign-born player on the roster in Walker, an Ontario native. But recruiting international players is expected to be a growing strategy under Pitino. In May, the second-year coach was asked about recruiting outside the U.S.

“I think we want to look at all options,” he said after landing Konate and Diedhiou. “Especially when you’re trying to build up a culture, build up a brand. Minnesota does not have, yet, a brand which really recruits itself. I think we’ve got to build that and that’s going to take time.

“I was able to coach a kid at Louisville — Gorgui Dieng — who not only became a much better player but he’s like one of the most enjoyable people to be around on a daily basis. And I think it’s because they’re so appreciative. Bakary will text me every single night and ask me how my baby’s doing. And that’s not normal. And it’s so nice. I’ve had good experiences with international kids before, and if they’re good enough, certainly we want to look at every single option possible right now.”

When the Big Ten portion of the schedule rolls around in January, there is a chance the Gophers could have both international freshmen post players in action. Until then, Diedhiou will try to emerge from something of an admissions purgatory in Minneapolis, unable to begin his scholarship and college playing career.


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IRS audits less than 1 percent of big partnerships

  • Associated Press
  • April 17, 2014 - 5:30 PM

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service audits fewer than 1 percent of large business partnerships, according to a government report released Tuesday.

That means some of Wall Street's largest hedge funds and private equity firms are largely escaping close scrutiny by the IRS, said Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich.

The Government Accountability Office says the number of large businesses organized as partnerships has more than tripled since 2002, yet hardly any get audited. In 2012, only 0.8 percent were subjected to field exams in which agents do a thorough review of books and records.

The GAO defines large partnerships as those with more than 100 partners and more than $100 million in assets.

"Auditing less than 1% of large partnership tax returns means the IRS is failing to audit the big money," said Levin, who chairs the Senate subcommittee on investigations.

"It means over 99% of the hedge funds, private equity funds, master limited partnerships and publicly traded partnerships in this country, some of which earn tens of billions each year, are audit-free," Levin said.

More than 80 percent of large partnerships are in the finance and insurance industries, the GAO report said.

The IRS said auditing partnership returns is a priority, but that budget cuts over the past four years have left the agency with the lowest number of enforcement personnel in years.

"Since Fiscal 2010, the IRS budget has been reduced by nearly $900 million," the service said in a statement. "The IRS has about 10,000 fewer employees than in 2010, affecting our work across our taxpayer service and enforcement categories. Last year, we had 3,100 fewer people in our key enforcement positions than in 2010."

Overall, the IRS audited fewer than 1 percent of returns by individuals last year, though the chances of getting audited increased with income, according to IRS statistics.

The GAO report says the audit rate for large partnerships has been low since at least 2007.

The IRS releases annual statistics on audits, including the number of partnerships returns that are examined. But the IRS doesn't usually break down partnership returns by asset size.

Overall, more than 4.4 million partnerships filed tax returns in 2011, and 0.42 percent were audited, according to IRS statistics. That same year, the GAO says there were 2,226 large partnerships, and only 20 were audited. That's about 0.9 percent.

"This is a real problem and serves as yet another example of why Congress needs to get serious about comprehensive, bipartisan tax reform," said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. "This includes looking at the growth of large partnerships and working with the proper parties — including the IRS — to put in place a smart framework for auditing and governance."

© 2015 Star Tribune


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I’ve been reporting sports in the Twin Cities since the fall of 1968. There have been several revolutions in American sports, including:

Pro football overwhelming baseball to become the national game, and stock car racing becoming the king among motor sports, and boxing gorging itself on initials to the point it’s less popular than the grotesque exercise called MMA.

None of these compares with what took place after Title IX was written into the education amendments of 1972 — a few words that brought equal opportunity for girls and women to participate in sports.

I’ve said this, and many people choose to disbelieve based on a few paragraphs critiquing the state of women’s basketball in a long-ago notes column, but it is fact:

The greatest occurrence in my career was the chance for half of our population to compete fully in team sports.

And I’m now starting to feel that No. 2 on the list of sports revolutions is the arrival of soccer as a spectator sport of significance in this country.

OK, I get the old argument: “Zealots have been wrongly selling the idea of a ‘soccer boom’ to this country since the 1970s, when crowds of debauched youth descended on NASL stadiums and parking lots to party.”

I’ve promoted that idea on occasion to dismiss a game that doesn’t do it for me — never has, never will.

Which is OK, because soccer in 2014 sure as Hades doesn’t need me, with men and women who played the game now ensconced with their families in Maple Grove or Woodbury, and with our new immigrants bringing their soccer passion to our neighborhoods.

The TV ratings for soccer will dazzle only in the World Cup for the foreseeable future, since only then do we see the “home team” against the best.

Football, baseball, basketball and hockey offer us the best leagues in the world. In 2013, Major League Soccer was ranked No. 7 internationally.

No matter. We have a soccer crowd of significance. And while I’m sure drinking on asphalt remains an attraction, it’s not the only reason these folks are involved. They also like watching soccer.

Plus Three from Patrick

Three-year run in the Timberwolves draft room:

2009: Select Ricky Rubio (No. 5 overall) and Jonny Flynn (6). Miss: Steph Curry (7). Gave away: Ty Lawson (18).

2010: Select Wes Johnson (4). Miss: DeMarcus Cousins (5). If only: Paul George (10).

2011: Select Derrick Williams (2). If only: Klay Thompson (11) or Kawhi Leonard (15). Gave away: Chandler Parsons (38).


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Entrepreneur Helps The Environment With Aqwastream™

Startup Tips from Founder, Mare Van Dyke

Recently, I went scuba diving in Redondo Beach, California and was looking forward to seeing fish, crabs, lobsters, and some interesting sea snails. But that wasn’t the case. This time, I dropped down into the ocean, and there was a sea of garbage.

I can’t say I was that surprised. ABC News reported that, “approximately 1 billion seabirds and mammals die per year by ingesting plastic bags” and an article at The Mother Nature Network states that, “80 percent of plMare Van Dyke of Aqwastreamastic bottles are simply thrown away.”

I was sharing this story with an associate and discovered that she is actually doing something about it. Meet Mare Van Dyke, founding partner of Aqwastream and what she had to say during our interview…

Tell us about Aqwastream and why you started the company.

In a nutshell, we are developing a system of personal, water-bottle refill and digital media-stations that dispense free, filtered water on college and corporate campuses. The program for universities will be funded by corporate sponsors and provided to them at no cost.

Aqwastream™ stations include a micro-broadcast network where videos play to promote sponsor sustainability efforts to a targeted audience. Our goal is to partner with sponsors, schools and corporations to attack the issue of plastic-bottle waste one refill at a time.

I’ve worked continuously in various education and marketing related positions for over 40 years. During that time, I had the privilege to learn many facets of business, both B2B and B2C and felt strongly about becoming involved in something that could make a difference in our world – some small action with an educational twist that had a long-term benefit. I’ve been carrying a refillable water bottle for more years than I can remember, so the opportunity to create Aqwastream was a perfect fit.

What makes Aqwastream unique and why do you think it will be successful?

Aqwastream™ is unique because of the total system solution technology we’ve incorporated in our network of stations to educate and engage users. We are taking the idea of the prehistoric “watering hole” or more contemporary “water cooler” concept where users quench their thirst, and get caught up on the important news of the day.

Our broadcast network is designed to display content directly related to issues around sustainability – produced by corporate sponsors or creatively designed by students – and shown in an environment where education and company loyalty can increase engagement and action.

We’re also utilizing M2M (machine to machine) technology to manage all mechanical and technology systems on the station. Sponsors and hosts (corporations and schools) won’t have to worry about maintenance or service calls. We handle it all, having developed a proprietary remote monitoring system.

What has been the most difficult part about starting a new company and becoming an entrepreneur?

From a personal perspective, there’s a lot of buzz around young entrepreneurs taking their great idea to market. You see them on TV, in social media and on magazine covers. The excitement of their risk is buffered by the time they have in life to re-group if they lose all their money or that of their investors.

We don’t hear much about professionals who later in their careers, take their beliefs, experience and savings and combine them to start something new in what’s supposed to be a winding-down time. With everyone “working toward retirement,” you only hear warnings that you’ll end up as Wal-Mart greeters if you fail. In actuality, according to a December 2012 article in Inc. magazine, “Older Entrepreneurs Get a Bum Rap,” those starting businesses later in life have a pretty good shot at success.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned so far starting Aqwastream?

The most important lesson I’ve learned is to get outside of your current network. Fresh opinions and perspectives open your mind to possibilities and new connections. One particular new contact gave me advice that proved to be most valuable. She advised me to take advantage of my years of experience and connect only with those at the top level in each organization. She stressed the importance of “owning the start-up space” and adding value in every category by working top level players.

As a marketing expert, how are you marketing and promoting your new business?

Since becoming a founding partner of Aqwastream LLC, I’ve spent a lot of time learning how sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and green movement professionals are communicating to their constituents. There is a tight network of those who already “get it.” Expanding our concept to broad and targeted audiences will happen through expansive efforts of social media. It’s where we all look to learn.

What tips do you have for other entrepreneurs just starting out?

My tip to new entrepreneurs is to create value right from the beginning by acquiring assets for your business. File for trademarks, create systems with technology, apply for patents, establish your brand standards, set up a solid accounting system, and add equity partners to your team. Put your ego on the sideline and skip the fancy office, address and business expenses that do not add value to the business you are building.

That’s great advice Mare. Is there anything else you would like to add?

One of the most poignant statements that I heard about building a new business or even running an existing company goes like this. “Everything a company does should be done to make it more successful. Everything else is just a waste of time and resources.” For entrepreneurs like me, this is timely advice.

Thanks for your insights Mare, and we wish you all the best with your new business. If you’d like to contact Mare, visit

Do you have comments or a good, startup story to tell? Please write to us below.

And if you need help with your PR and SEO content strategy to boost sales, please write to me at

Startup Tips from Founder, Mare Van Dyke Recently, I went scuba diving in Redondo Beach, California and was looking forward to seeing fish, crabs, lobsters, and some interesting sea snails. But that wasn’t the case. This time, I dropped down into the ocean, and there was a sea of garbage. I can’t say I was [...]

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Tips for Dealing with Negative Folks

Have you ever heard the quote, “If it weren’t for people, business would be easy?” Running a successful business is all about dealing with different personalities to accomplish specific goals. And this is often much easier said than done.

Well, instead of increasing your blood pressure and letting these people get to you, here are a few tips to help you open up the communication lines and accomplish more:

1. Listen.

    So many times, we are in a hurry, have an important point to get across or just want to provide our feedback. Without knowing it, this can give the wrong impression, and we can come off as pushy. This triggers a response in the person we are talking to that puts them on the offensive.

    Instead of talking a lot, try to be a good listener. This way, you’ll learn more about the person you are communicating with and be able to fulfill their needs more adequately. Plus, you’ll create a better, more respectful, working relationship.

    2. Stay Positive.

      Even if someone drives you nuts, it’s important to keep a positive attitude. After all, you may not have control over the person you are speaking to and what they say, but you do have control over your thoughts and actions.

      When you are dealing with a “Negative Nancy,” try to think of something positive about this person or the situation. It will help reduce your stress level and make the conversation more productive for both of you

      3. Say “Thanks.”

        If you are having a difficult time staying positive when your boss is yelling at you or you have a run-in with a negative customer, try to think of five or more things you are thankful for to change your mindset. Perhaps you are thankful you have a job with a steady income, that you are healthy and made it to work today, that you have wonderful children? The list goes on…

        When it comes right down to it, there are more important things than work. If you put it into perspective and think of all the big things in life you are thankful for, your attitude will change significantly.

        Hang In There.

        Business can be tough, especially if you are an entrepreneur. And it’s sometimes necessary to deal with people you’d rather not talk to at all. When this happens, it’s important to focus on listening to the other person, stay positive and think of the things you are thankful for in life. This way, you can face difficult people with a smile, learn more about there needs and maintain a healthy attitude that will make you more successful in business… and life!

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Hibiscus Flower Tea Bags Organic

Hibiscus Flower Tea Bags Organic

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Botanical Name: Hibiscus sabdariffa

Origin: Egypt

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SKU: 401535-84Size: 4 oz

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Made with fine organic Egyptian hibiscus this slightly tart but refreshing tea is high in vitamin C. One pound contains approximately 47 organic hibiscus flower tea bags.

Directions: Hot Tea preparation (single serving): Bring water to a boil. Pour water over 1 tea bag. Steep 3-5 minutes.

Sun Tea preparation for a half-gallon pitcher (2 qts): Use 7 tea bags for each half-gallon of water. Place tea bag in half-gallon jar filled with water. Cap jar loosely and place in sunshine. Steep 3-4 hours. Remove tea bags. Refrigerate within 1 hour. Discard left over tea after 24 hours.

Warning: Hibiscus may be intercropped with peanuts. May contain peanuts or shell fragments.

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Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel

  • 3501 Atlantic Avenue
  • Virginia Beach,
  • Virginia
  • 23451
  • United States
  • Map

Rooms & Rates

  • For stays longer than 90 nights, please call 866-539-3446.
  • You can only book up to 550 days in advance.
  • Please double-check your dates.
1 Room 1 Rooms , 1 Adult 1 Adults , 1 Child 0 Children
Rated 4 out of 5 by 403 reviewers.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Great choice for VA Beach This hotel has a great location, just down the boardwalk from the center of the action, so if you want to see a band you can take a short walk, but if you want to sit on your patio and listen to the ocean you can do that. Very friendly staff from the front desk to bartenders and waiters/waitresses. Once suggestion for improvement in the room would be to move the refridgerator (which was genorously sized, a big plus) out of the cabinet to make room for more storage of clothes. Free wifi worked great. The new parking garage accross the street is super-convenient, making it very easy to bring our beach stuff from car to beach. We loved the restaurants, which were never crowded. Disapointed that the outdoor restaurant, Cabanas, was closed a couple of nights. The fitness center was nice with a full set of dumbbells and a resistance training machine to go along with the standard cardio machines you see at most places. You can run on the treadmill while watching the people pass on the boardwalk. Nice! June 28, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Great stay We had a great stay over a weekend Birthday surprise for my wife. The staff were very helpful and went the extra mile to ensure a memorable occasion. June 25, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Amazing I wanted to take my wife on a random get away. When we arrived the hotel was getting upgrades to the parking deck and adding fountains to the front entry. Sucked due to parking, but they offered me valet parking free of charge. Everyone wore a smile and really seemed to enjoy their job. Their food was amazing, I loved the Vodka Shrimp Pasta. I will say I had one lady rub me the wrong way as a greeter (seemed like she was filling in, still not an excuse) But the waitress and everyone else made up for that. :) I do plan on going there again in the near future June 25, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by This Hotel always meets my expectations! It is always a pleasure staying at this hotel. Front desk clerk Patrick went above and beyond my expectations to ensure my stay was great. I was traveling on Interstate 81 to I 64 for over 8 hours to get to Virginia Beach. I was stalled in traffic for over 3 hours due to a huge car crash and knew I could not get to the hotel in time for my reservation. Patrick made sure that my reservation was changed without penalty and my stay was perfect because of that!!! Because I have been coming to the VA Beach Ocean Front Sheraton for many, many years for business - always in June, I will always choose to stay there whenever I am in VA Beach. I will retire in December, so I will be absent when my group meets next June, but I will always have fond memories of all my stays at this site!!! Thanks guys. June 24, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Great Stay for the Family This was a great place to stay for the family. Easy to get the beach with the kids. The service was excellent and friendly. The free WIFI was major plus - nowadays everyone has to be connected EVEN THE KIDS. LOL. Another plus was the nice restaurants in and around the hotel. I would love to visit again. June 24, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by great view and nice upgrades While this was a positive overall experience, there were little things that could be improved. The A/C unit in the room was quiet - so quiet it didn't work overnight. not sure what that was all about. The fawcet in the bathroom leaked. it was surprising that housekeeping wouldn't notice this and turn in a repair order. Additionally, when we asked for our towels to be "refreshed" they sent clean ones, but didn't take away the large pile of wet ones. Additionally, we received four bath mats and no bath towels! Kind of hard to dry off from a shower with a bath mat. June 24, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by This hotel has great staff and features The newly renovated hotel is really attractive as well as comfortable. The meeting spaces were nice. The staff was very friendly and helpful -- from the registration to bellmrn to banquet staff to housekeeping. I really enjoyed my stay and look forward to returning. June 22, 2013
Rated 1 out of 5 by Horrible hotel I am a Starwood Preferred Guest and have stayed in Sheraton hotels all over the country. This hotel is by far the worst I have ever been in. The only positive part of the experience was the parking valet, so that's not a great indicator! I have never stayed in a Sheraton that did not give preference on floors to SPG members. The room they tried to give me was the worst in the hotel and completely inadequate. When I tried to come back downstairs to the front desk, I waited through five elevators that were packed full (the hotel only has two) and ended up having to walk down several flights of stairs with a heavy suitcase. I did not even stay one night, got in my car and drove back home. I would never, ever stay in this hotel again. June 18, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Home away from home My wife and I stayed at the VB Sheraton the first week in June 2013. The rates were unbelievably low for the area and for what they offer. From the second we walked in we found the resort to be just what we were looking for. The staff member at check in was named Brandon and he was very courteous and had a smile on his face the entire time. He made us feel very welcomed. We cant say enough about the offerings of the hotel. The pool, fitness center, and restaurant made it very easy to enjoy ourselves and relax on vacation. The Fusion restaurant served up some great wings that were only outdone by the top notch service of Rashad the bartender. He took the time to have good conversation and went above and beyond to show us unmatched hospitality. We highly recommend this hotel to anyone going to VB. June 9, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by Excellent location, great service I have come to Virginia Beach quite a number of times in the last 2-3 years, and have stayed at the Sheraton every time. The location is right on the boardwalk, and close to everything. Rooms are spacious enough, though bathroom is a bit small. The air con unit needs some improvement, because the thermostat is not sensitive and the unit blows right at your head at night. The room is either too cold or too hot. Open the balcony door only if you want lots of insects to fly in. The front desk people are excellent. Free valet parking as well which is a plus. They treat PLATS very well. We get free breakfast everyday, as well as the welcome points. However, don't really expect upgrades (we've never gotten one). The room has a good sized fridge, a microwave, and coffemaker. Even has inroom safe. Very nice. If not for the air con unit, I'd give it a 5-star. The restaurant is ok. Service is great, but food is so-so at best. This is certainly the first hotel I look at for my next visit to VB. May 17, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by A favorite location at VA Beach New management in the summer of 2012 put together a GREAT Happy HOUR with oyster shooters by the pool, wings all at $.50 and killer fish tacos in the lobby bar for $2.00 with unbelieveable flights of wine.. The Best HH in VA beach and a pleasant suprise for a hotel lounge. April 18, 2013
Rated 3 out of 5 by Not impressed with service or room CONS: When I checked in I asked for foam pillows (I am allergic to feather) that were never delivered. I had to request again the second night and finally received them. The elevator is is extremely loud and sounds as if it is about to break. Keeps us all up all hours of the night. The bathroom is one of the smallest that I have ever seen in any hotel and it is almost impossible to turn the water on/off due to a screw that has worked itself loose. PROS: Very large indoor pool. Nice size fridge in room. Great view. April 8, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by Overall a GREAT stay! My family and I stayed here for a night while visiting Virginia Beach, VA. The girl that checked us in was VERY polite, and helpful. We ended up upgrading our room, because the traditional room was just too small for our family (we have a baby in a pack n play), so we ended up upgrading to a suite, the suite was SO nice, it was very spacious and we LOVED the room. It over looked the pool and the ocean, and was right across the hall from the indoor pool entrance. The hotel was quiet, and everyone was friendly. The lady that checked us in (forgot her name, sorry), was very helpful and answered any questions we had. The guy that checked us out, didn't seem to want to be working, or want anything to do with anyone, so I was NOT pleased with him, but overall we had a great stay!!!! There was construction going on out front while we were there but it didn't really make a lot of noise, or bother us, and was easy to get in and out of the hotel. I would recommend this hotel to anyone who is looking to stay in the Virginia Beach, area! <3 April 6, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Nice beach front gateway Nice beach front gateway. I stayed in a cabana ocean-front suite - enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out the Pocahontas pancake house right across the road! The hotel looks to have been recently renovated, and some touch-up was still underway when we stayed there (not an issue). Only possible downside is that the outdoor pool is not heated (there is a heated indoor pool). Should not be an issue in the heat of the summer, but only a decoration during the other 3 seasons. Ocean-front outdoor fountain/pool looked very attractive. April 1, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Thank you!!! We stayed during the busy weekend of the Shamrock Marathon. The staff were amazing and gave us a great room with a view, despite such short notice of our stay. They gladly accommodated us and made our stay worth the price! Unfortunately, our car was stuck in the parking lot during the marathon course after I had finished my half marathon. Since we had no way of leaving, the staff allowed me to re-enter my room after checkout time so that I could shower while we waited for the road blocks to be moved. I cannot thank them enough for this luxury!!! After 13.1 miles of running, I'm sure my family thanks them, too, since we had a 2 1/2 hour car ride before I'd be able to get home to shower! LOL Thanks again to the staff at Sheraton for making our stay so comfortable and by providing me the opportunity to shower while we waited for our car. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! March 18, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by Great Hotel Enjoyed our stay. Would definitely return. December 31, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Great location VA Beach is one of the best places to visit on the east coast. the view is outstanding. December 31, 2012
Rated 1 out of 5 by Not happy I stayed with the hotel on the beach with my command sponsored party. After I checked out my bank suspended my card due to multiple unauthorized charges to my card. Ranging from gift shop to bar and various other things. The people at this venue will never receive my business or my commands. December 27, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Beautiful location, five star service! I stayed at the Sheraton Oceanfront on Christmas day. The hotel is newly remodeled every staff member I came across was plesant and gave five star service. My room was clean and odor free!! Checked out the pool and the tempature was perfect. Cant wait until my next stay!!! December 27, 2012
Rated 3 out of 5 by Okay weekend I liked the room I was in but had a couple of issues. When I first got there it appeared to be toothpaste running down the wooden part of the sink. I also found hair in the bed that was not mine and was on the very bottom sheet. The staff didn't say much didn't they didn't even acknowledge that I was a SPG member. They also didn't tell me anything about the hotel(where ice was if there was any dining and also didn't inform me of a $25 hold on my account). Besides knowing nothing of the hotel except what I could get from the web we had a okay stay. The room was amazing but the staff didn't make me feel welcomed or informed... December 20, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by I always enjoy this Hotel The Sheraton Oceanfront is a lovely place to stay. We had a room that overlooked the ocean and were able to watch the dolphins playing at sunrise from our balcony. The room has great amenities:coffee maker, microwave and fridge. LOVED the shower (esp the shower head) and the bathroom was spacious! Once the renovations are completed it will be spectacular!! December 19, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by This Hotel has nice rooms and bed was comfortable. We stayed for one over night stay and rooms were very nice and the bed was so comfortable. The food was great for an office Christmas party. I would highly recommend your stay at this Hotel or holding your function here! The only thing was the drinks/soda and chips were high priced downstairs in their lobby. Cost was $2.00 for a very small diet coke and chips were $2.00 also. December 13, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by The hotel staff was very friendly! The renovations to the hotel was extremely inviting. The room was very clean and the view from our room was breathtaking watching the dolphins swim in the morning. We would definitely stay here again. The only drawback was parking which was one block over but you can unload at the lobby then go park. We will return for more than one night stay. December 13, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by wonderful We really enjoyed our stay at the Sheraton in Virginia Beach, The room was beautiful! December 12, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by Nice but... The hotel stay was very nice. Had an ocean front room in the off season and it was nice and relaxing to listen to the ocean while falling asleep and waking up. The room was not dirty or gross, but it also wasn't super sparkly either. Though for having just went through a multi million dollar renovation, it appears they may have skimped on the fixtures and such in the room. There isn't a towel rack in the bathroom, just a small flimsy hook that fell off as soon as I tried to take the towel off, the carpet didn't look like it have been replaced, and if it had they did a poor job installing it. Something left black grease streaks on the dust covers of the beds (looked like wheels had run it over) and we saw those same black marks on dust covers and even a duvee in the two other rooms our party was staying. However the banquet facilities were wonderful, the food was wonderful. We were staying for my company holiday party and had a great time. I just wonder if they really did put several million dollars of renovations in recently... it doesn't seem like much of that money went to the room fixtures. December 12, 2012
Rated 4 out of 5 by Waterfront hotel at Va Beach Beautiful waterfront hotel with luxury rooms. Because we were there during "Off-season" the staff seemed to be mimimal and it took a few minutes to be waiting on checking out, getting valet, no bellhops, etc. We did not eat at hotel. While we had no problems, during busy season, traffic could be a problem. December 10, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by BEST ON TH EBEACH I am a Platinum for life returning client to this Sheraton property. My wife and I had a wonderful time. The management upgraded my room to a beach view which had easy access to the beach to accommodate our pet dog. The staff made us feel comfortable and at home especiallly the bellmen and front desk clerks. We had thanksgiving dinner at the hotel; It was excellent too. We will be back! November 28, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by We're here again !!!!!!! Wonderful job with the renovations!! As always, courteous, friendly and helpful staff. Nice to see familiar smiling faces. Great food in Aqua-Vi. Most comfortable beds. Had a great time. Will be back again. Thank you for the upgrade. Only complaint, indoor Pool water was too cold. November 26, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 by Fantastic Hotel! From the friendly bell and front desk staff to the attentive housekeepers and restaurant staff, this hotel on the oceanfront offers it all. Thank you for an excellent stay! November 11, 2012
Rated 5 out of 5 The best staff on the coast! I checked in late, after a long day of travel, and was pleasantly surprised at how the staff made me feel. Typically associates on the overnight shift aren't the most pleasant, but that wasn't the case at this hotel. It made all the difference and I will always choose this hotel first when I return to VA Beach. November 7, 2012
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The Westin O'Hare

  • 6100 North River Road
  • Rosemont,
  • Illinois
  • 60018
  • United States
  • Map

Rooms & Rates

  • For stays longer than 90 nights, please call 866-539-3446.
  • You can only book up to 550 days in advance.
  • Please double-check your dates.
1 Room 1 Rooms , 1 Adult 1 Adults , 1 Child 0 Children

The Westin O'Hare
Hotel Amenities

Along with nurturing amenities to make your stay as carefree and comforting as possible, The Westin O'Hare's professional and dedicated staff is pleased to offer AAA Four-Diamond Service, including full concierge services to meet and exceed your every need.

We offer High Speed Internet Access (for a fee) throughout the hotel, a complimentary Business Center, a well-curated gift shop, and Westin Kids Club® Amenities for children ages four to twelve. You may also take advantage of convenient Service Express®—personal service at the touch of a button—as well as complimentary luggage storage.

During your stay, we invite you to take a deep breath and enjoy the clean, smoke-free air at Westin. By eliminating secondhand smoke and keeping pollutants from the air, we help our guests and employees stay healthy and feel their best.

3:00 PM     12:00 PM

Weekends last longer at Westin with late checkout on Sunday. Availability may vary.

Accessibility Services

  • Disability Accessible Facilities

Business Services

Family Activities & Services

Guest Services

  • This is a smoke-free hotel. Breathe Westin™
  • Hotel History
  • Luggage Storage
  • Service Express®
  • Safe Deposit Boxes
  • Smoke Detectors
  • Laundry/Valet Service
  • Concierge Desk

Recreation & Entertainment

Internet Access

Free internet is available to all SPG Members when booking on Starwood websites, mobile sites and SPG apps. Benefits vary by membership level. Learn more

  • Wireless High Speed Internet Access in Deluxe Rooms (Complimentary)
  • Wired and Wireless High Speed Internet Access in Guest Rooms 7.99-17.99 USD per day
  • Wireless High Speed Internet Access in Lobby (Complimentary)
  • Wired/Wireless High Speed Internet Access in Business Center (Complimentary)
  • High Speed Internet Access in Event Spaces


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The geographical center of Ohio is located at latitude 40.37 degrees North and longitude 82.78 degrees West.  This basic map of OH (postal abbreviation for the State of Ohio) shows Columbus, the capital city, as well as other major Ohio cities such as Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Toledo.  The map also shows Ohio's Interstate highways plus the Ohio River, the Muskingum River, and the Great Miami River.

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U.S. Department of State - Great Seal

U.S. Department of State

Diplomacy in Action

Press Briefing on Afghanistan

Press Availability
James F. Dobbins
Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan
Kabul, Afghanistan
July 22, 2014

Ambassador Dobbins: Thank you all for coming.

I’m here this week to look and see how progress is being made at implementing the agreement that was reached between the two candidates during Secretary Kerry’s visit here the weekend before this. I’ve had a chance over the last several days to meet twice actually with Dr. Ghani, with Dr. Abdullah. I also met with Jan Kubis, the head of the UN. I had a couple of meetings with President Karzai. I met with the general commanding ISAF, with Vice President Yunus Qanuni. In a little while when we’re finished here I’m going to meet with the head of the Independent Election Commission, Dr. Nuristani. I’m also going to visit the warehouses where the actual auditing process is taking place.

The auditing process started six days ago. It was intended to begin gradually because there were any number of kinks and issues that had to be resolved for the process to move slowly. It’s been gathering steam, each day increasing the number of boxes and ballots that are being examined, and we anticipate that the pace will continue to pick up.

At the moment the audit is being conducted in two five-hour shifts, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and then from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. We anticipate that after the end of Ramadan they’ll actually add a third shift, a shift that will be in the night, so there will be three shifts with up to 100 tables looking at up to a thousand ballot boxes a day.

I think those of you who have had a chance to go out to the audit floor have seen a scene of a great deal of enthusiasm, a very busy area. You have large numbers of people participating in this process. It includes candidate agents from both candidates. It includes international observers. It includes officials from the Independent Electoral Commission and the Electoral Complaints Commission and it includes experts from the United Nations. All of these individuals are operating at a series of tables at which boxes are being opened and ballots are being examined.

As of Sunday, as of this last Sunday, 42 percent of the ballots had been delivered to Kabul. These ballots are being brought from all over the country. This itself is a pretty massive exercise with almost eight million or about eight million ballots that have to be transported safely and without any possibility of tampering from the provincial centers where they are to Kabul where they can be audited.

The whole operation is really unprecedented. The UN tells me they’ve never been involved in such a large-scale operation in such a compressed period of time in which you’re actually re-examining every single ballot in an election. So I think a lot of credit needs to go to the Independent Electoral Commission, the United Nations, the observers, and the candidate agents, all of whom have been mobilized on very short notice for an unfamiliar process in order to get this moving with an expectation that it can be completed in the next few weeks in order to allow the presidential election to be completed and a new government of national unity to take office.

I also had a chance yesterday, I had my initial meetings the day before yesterday, on Sunday, with the candidates, the President. I then spent several hours yesterday in Pakistan where I had an opportunity to meet with the Chief of the Army Staff General Rahil Sharif; with Sartaj Aziz, the National Security Advisor; and with the Interior Minister; where most of the discussion revolved around the large military operation that Pakistan is undertaking in North Waziristan to clear that area of both domestic Pakistani and foreign militants.

I’ve also had, as I noted, a chance to talk a couple of times with both of the candidates. They are talking to each other. They’ve had a couple of meetings last week after Secretary Kerry left, and they will continue to meet in the future in order both to ensure that the auditing process goes forward and also to begin to discuss the modalities for forming a government of national unity as the two committed to do during Secretary Kerry’s visit.

I think I’ll stop there and I’ll be glad to take questions.

Wall Street Journal: A couple of days ago it seems there wasn’t too much of a consensus between the two camps on how to disqualify votes. Has that been addressed? Are you helping the two camps find a solution to that?

Ambassador Dobbins: This was a task for the UN. There are two stages to that process. One is looking at the criteria by which a ballot should be judged. The UN with the cooperation of the IEC and both of the candidates agreed to a 16 point uniform checklist that will be the basis of IEC decisions on the validity of the vote.

So when you go through a box there are a certain number of things you check off, and that checklist has been agreed between all of the parties.

There’s also a question of the criteria for then determining whether, depending on the contents of that checklist, whether votes will be disqualified or not. Those discussions are still underway but having talked to both of the candidates today and to the United Nations, it appears there are only a couple of relatively small issues left.

BBC: Mr. Ambassador, what is your definition of a national unity government? I think there’s been a lot of confusion on both the candidates what exactly that means. Where do you see President Karzai’s role in all of this? And on the Pakistani operation, are you content the Pakistanis are going after the Haqqani Network as the Afghan government continues to show their concern in that regard.

Ambassador Dobbins: I’ll almost certainly forget the second half of the question by the time I finish answering the first half, so you can remind me. Remind me of the first half, actually.

BBC: Mr. Ambassador, what is your definition of --

Ambassador Dobbins: Okay, national unity government. I think to a certain degree this is up to the two candidates themselves to define. But the concept is that there will be a president, there will be a chief executive officer who will be nominated by the loser, if you will, and appointed by the president. They’ll have to obviously agree on that. There will be discussion between them about the distribution of portfolios. Again, there will be agreement. There will be participation from elements of both camps, and probably independent individuals based on expertise and merit in the government. The government will be one in which both camps and perhaps both individuals will participate, and they will work together to advance national interest in a collaborative fashion.

The second half?

BBC: President Karzai’s role.

Ambassador Dobbins: President Karzai will be the former president. I don’t know that he expects or anticipates or wants to have any former role --

BBC: No, what is his role in the current --

Ambassador Dobbins: He, as you know, has encouraged the UN and the United States to help advance this process. He welcomed Secretary Kerry’s visit. He’s very pleased that the visit resulted in an agreement between the two candidates. He’s encouraged the Independent Electoral Commission and the Electoral Complaints Commission to cooperate with the United Nations. And he’s encouraging the candidates to meet with each other regularly and begin discussing the issues that they’ll need to address if they’re to collaborate in a government of national unity.

I think the operation in North Waziristan seems to be quite a massive operation. You’ve had almost 800,000 people who are refugees or displaced persons who have left North Waziristan, which is actually 200,000 more than they actually thought lived in North Waziristan, so it’s essentially the entire population. The army has taken a number of casualties; it’s inflicted an even larger number of casualties on both the domestic and foreign militants in the area. Domestic meaning Pakistani; foreign meaning other nationalities including Afghan. It’s seized huge amounts of ammunition, of IED precursor material and bomb-making facilities particularly in Miranshah.

The operation is continuing. It’s begun in the population centers and the lowlands and it will expand into the highlands in the coming weeks. There are important issues of assistance to the displaced persons which we want to be helpful with. And of course there will also be issues of reconstruction when the operation is over which again, the United States wants to be helpful.

As regards the Haqqani Network, we believe that they, like other militants, have in fact been pushed out of North Waziristan and our concern is whether they would come back or be allowed to operate elsewhere in Pakistan. We’ve been assured by the Pakistani government that they will not be allowed back into North Waziristan and they will not be allowed to operate from elsewhere in Pakistan. We will, of course, be observing that carefully.

AFP: Obviously the United States is very keen not to get involved in an independent country’s elections. What are the risks of being so closely involved now?

Ambassador Dobbins: Of course the risk of being involved in anything is you assume some degree of responsibility for it. I think we made an effort to avoid any role in the period before the election because we didn’t want to suggest that we supported one candidate or another and because we wanted to demonstrate that Afghan institutions had matured and were capable of addressing the complex issues resulting in an election, which largely they were. This is the fifth Afghan election, it’s the first one that ever occurred on time, and technically most of the preparations were superior to those that had been done during previous elections where the international community had a more formal role.

It’s clear, however, that in the end, despite this, that there was a degree of fraud. Both sides agree that there was fraud. How it’s distributed is yet to be determined, but the issue appeared significantly serious enough so that both candidates and President Karzai all asked for U.S. and international assistance in order to ensure that the process of adjudicating the disputes, addressing the quality of the ballots and determining the winner should have full legitimacy within Afghanistan, and of course the Afghan institutions are fully participating and are legally responsible for the outcome, but also that it would have full legitimacy internationally.

So we’ve responded to a clear request from the candidates and from the President of Afghanistan. At this point, I think it’s no longer a case of whether or not we favor one candidate or another. Clearly, both candidates believe we’re impartial in that regard. And both candidates, I believe, I’m sure, believe the UN is also impartial in that regard.

Media: Thank you, Mr. Ambassador.

You have talked about the unity government. The main concern among the Afghan people, for example, the corrupt people or those people who are not the good [inaudible], they are again joining a unity government. Do you think that such a government would be a legitimate government for the U.S.? What is your position?

Ambassador Dobbins: I don’t have any reason to believe that the candidates will agree on appointing of people who have been involved in corruption. I believe they both had campaigns in which they committed themselves to reform and campaigns against corruption. But I think it’s also important to believe that nobody is going to be appointed unless both the president, and in some cases, the opposition or the person who’s not the president, the leader of the second largest winner, agrees. So nobody’s going to be appointed over the firm objection of the other. It’s going to be a collaborative process.

The Guardian: We’ve got an audit going on without any criteria for the invalidation of ballots. It’s going [Inaudible] on at a pace that would take over three months to get a result. The two candidates do feel quite strongly behind the scenes that they’re unhappy with aspects of the unity government. How realistic is it do you think that or how nervous are you that this process is going to derail? Also what would the time line we are looking at? Is Afghanistan going to have a president by September, October, if it doesn’t go ok?

Ambassador Dobbins: I think President Karzai has determined that Afghanistan will have a new president by the end of August and both candidates are committed to that deadline, as are we.

Media: With all due respect, do you expect [inaudible] a president by August second? He was so confident that that inauguration was going to happen. [Inaudible] What’s to say I’s not going to happen again.

Ambassador Dobbins: Right.

Media: They talk about [inaudible] great havoc. He was very very [adamant]. So what does that [inaudible] even the fact that you have huge disagreements about the shape of the government and [inaudible] validation criteria, and incredibly slow pace. So that [inaudible].

Ambassador Dobbins: I guess I just don’t accept all of those premises. I think the pace is picking up very smartly. I think there is full agreement on the criteria for evaluating each ballot. The criteria for invalidation is nearly agreed. And as I said, 42 percent of the ballots are already here. You’re opening a third warehouse. You’ve now got hundreds of observers, hundreds of party candidates, dozens of UN experts, hundreds of both Afghan observers and international observers, all of whom are working feverishly.

I think any of you who have visited the area will note that there’s a sense of enthusiasm; that they’re working very hard, and under difficult conditions, obviously, in the midst of Ramadan, and at the end of Ramadan that should pick up very smartly.

Media: Do you think there is a big challenge for --

Ambassador Dobbins: I might also say that having talked to both candidates, at this point I also don’t detect any disagreement about the basic framework for the unity government. There’s obviously a lot of work to do to fill out that framework, but neither of them have expressed any reservations about what they’ve already agreed.

Media: Do you think there is a big challenge that can be solved without your interference or U.S. interference?

Ambassador Dobbins: I don’t think what we’re doing now is interfering. We’re here at the invitation of both candidates, the president of the country. I think the public reaction to the agreement that was reached last week was one of relief. I think that there’s widespread support for the process. I think the Afghan people will be relieved to know that the election will produce a legitimate, clear-cut, clean result. And I think they’ll also be relieved that it will also result in a government which will include all important elements of Afghan society, including losers as well as winners, in the presidential contest.

Media: For some time during the [inaudible] candidates have supported [inaudible]. What do you [inaudible] for candidates [inaudible] and also guarantee IEC and [inaudible]?

Ambassador Dobbins: The audits are going forward. They’ve occasionally been stopped. We anticipated that given the complexity of the process in the first few days there were going to be questions that arose that needed to be addressed. Those questions have arose, they’ve been largely addressed. The pace is picking up, the number of ballots being audited is increasing, and we anticipate that that will continue to be the case.

For instance, in the first few days one had to operate with international observers that were drawn from local embassies. These are people who had not observed elections before. They’re inexperienced. Experienced observers who have done this before are coming in from abroad, from the United States and from Europe. So you’ll have not only more international observers, but you’ll have international observers with a greater background and experience in the coming days.

I think the candidate observers who are key to the process are becoming more sophisticated. It’s not something they’d ever done before. And they’re learning the process, they’re beginning to understand the framework and the best practices that are being promulgated by the United Nations, and the United Nations itself is bringing in additional people.

NPR: Would U.S. support both candidates if there will be something that one of the candidates would not be accepting the result of the vote and this process? What will be U.S. position? Will they help them or what will you do?

Ambassador Dobbins: Both candidates have explicitly and unqualifiedly agreed to accept the results of the audit. We anticipate that they will do so. They’ve repeated to me and they’ve repeated to Secretary Kerry that they would respect the results of this audit and we fully expect them to do so.

Thank you.

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U.S. Department of State - Great Seal

U.S. Department of State

Diplomacy in Action

Case Study: 2008 Breast Cancer Global Congress

June 15, 2009

Background Information

Partnership Name: 2008 Breast Cancer Global Congress
Partnership Type: Shared Policy Objective
Bureau or Post: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
PPP Life Cycle Phase for Learning: Engagement
State Department Strategic Goal: Investing in People// Health, education and social services and protection for especially vulnerable populations
Major Partners: The Avon Foundation (
Resource Contributions: The State Department partnered with Avon Foundation to assemble a Global Congress at the George C. Marshall Center which convened experts in the field of breast cancer research and awareness; the Avon Foundation underwrote the costs of the day-long event, including travel, honoraria and accommodations expenses for visiting experts from around the world (estimated at a value of $230,000) and provided access to their network of cancer experts and researchers.
Dates of Partnership: October 15, 2008
Problem/Challenge Statement:
The Congress sought to connect breast cancer experts, public health representatives and policy makers from around the world to form alliances and increase dialogue on the disease—one that still faces a high degree of stigma in many countries. The Congress also aimed to encourage these representatives, from more than 40 countries from every region in the world, to support public-private initiatives in their own nations in an effort to find solutions in the treatment of breast cancer.

Every year, 1.2 million people all over the globe are diagnosed with breast cancer, while the disease claims the lives of another 500,000, according to statistics issued by the World Health Organization. Among women, it is the most common cancer worldwide. And it is one that is frequently accompanied by a high degree of stigma and misunderstanding in many regions, especially among poor and less educated populations. One Pakistani doctor, speaking at a European oncology conference in 2002, reported on cases in which women were physically isolated from their families due to the mistaken fear that the disease was contagious.

To draw attention to the issue, the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) collaborated with the Avon Foundation, the charity arm of the well-known cosmetics company, to organize a one-day forum in October of 2008, that would connect experts and public health representatives from all over the globe to share ideas and form alliances on the topic of breast cancer. “We wanted to bring together key leaders who are going to go back to their home countries and become agents of change—by increasing the dialogue and by doing things like starting up breast cancer walks,” reports Daniella Foster, director of private sector outreach at the ECA. “It’s part of a best practices exercise to elevate change.”

The project arose out of ECA’s existing relationship with the Avon Products. The two entities (along with numerous other corporate players) had previously worked together on a women’s leadership program, the FORTUNE/U.S. State Department’s Women’s Mentoring Partnership. Following this culmination of the 2008program, the representatives from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Avon Foundation and Company met to explore other public-private partnership possibilities. Breast cancer awareness—one of the Avon Foundation’s two principal missions and an area of interest for the State Department—was chosen as the topic of a day-long congress, to take place in Washington.

ECA provided key logistical support, planning, and participants. The Avon Foundation covered the costs of the event (estimated at $230,000), which included flying in representatives—from oncology experts to policy makers to survivors—from every region of the world. They also provided expertise. With deep roots in the area of breast cancer philanthropy, Avon is connected to some of the foremost experts and researchers in the field. In addition to these figures, the State Department deployed its own contingent of participants: among them, participants in the International Visitor Leadership Program.

The Congress was designed to address a number of issues. The first was to update participants on recent developments in breast cancer research and emergent technologies in screening and early detection. Other sessions focused on the public policy angle of the disease: education, awareness and public health strategies—with a focus on decreasing mortality in poor and middle-income countries.

The goal, above all, was to foster connections among leaders working in the field. “It is at forums like this, by sharing our collective ideas, forming new friendships and partnerships and developing innovative solutions that we will help improve the lives of women everywhere,” said Avon Products president Liz Smith at the Congress’s opening reception. This was also highlighted in the State Department’s opening remarks: “By combining private sector support and expertise with a successful government public diplomacy program, this partnership will magnify the impact of existing State Department exchange programs and the global philanthropic work of the Avon Foundation.”

The relationship between Avon and the ECA was outlined in a Memorandum of Agreement. (No other NGOs or private partners were involved.) As stated earlier, the Avon Foundation directly sponsored the costs of staging the event. In forming this partnership ECA sought (and received) gift acceptance authority since the event—valued at almost a quarter of a million dollars—was to take place on State Department turf. Throughout planning and execution, decisions were made jointly by ECA and Avon.

Foster described the partnership with Avon as a “smooth, flowing process.” They were, she says, “a phenomenal partner to have.” (Philanthropy News Digest, an online publication produced by the Foundation Center, covered the partnership.) Though the Global Congress piece has now been completed, the partnership dialogue is still open between Avon and ECA. “We’re talking about doing other things in the future,” she says.

Key Take-Aways:

  • Open-ended brainstorming meetings with established, long-term partners can lead to new and innovative public-private partnerships.
  • Well-planned events organized in cooperation with partners serve as a platform for matching public and private sector expertise and knowledge towards achieving concrete diplomatic or programmatic goals.

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Information Maintained by the Office of Code Revision Indiana Legislative Services Agency
    SEC. 1. That section 1 of the above entitled act be amended to read as follows: Section l. That Samuel Hanna, Allen Hamilton, John E. Hill, John Cochrane and Charles E. Sturgis, and their successors in office, are hereby constituted a body politic and corporate, for religious purposes, and its name shall be The First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne.

    (Amended by Acts 1939, c.51, s.1.)

    SEC. 3. That section 3 of the above entitled act be amended to read as follows: Sec. 3. It shall be lawful for said corporation, by and in its corporate name, to sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded in any court of this state, or of the United States, and by said name to have perpetual succession, and in said name purchase, hold, bargain and sell any property, real or personal, for the use of said church, whether by legal or equitable title. It shall be lawful for the trustees to fill vacancies on its board or among the officers which may in any way occur for the unexpired term of the trustee or officer whose office is vacated; to hold meetings at such places and at such times as may suit their convenience or as the business of the church may require; to sit in adjournment or on the call of a proper officer of one of their body, as may be provided by the by-laws of their corporation; to elect a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer, who shall each hold office until his successor is elected and qualified, and who shall manage the affairs of the corporation under the trustees; to appoint such other officers or employes as may be deemed necessary by the trustees; to receive and accept all and singular any subscription, gifts, grants, donations or bequests designed for the benefit of said church, which shall be held and solely applied to the uses and benefit of said church in such manner as the trustees shall deem judicious and expedient; to make loans on behalf of said church, mortgage its property to secure the same; to make loans and to sign notes therefor when deemed necessary for the welfare of the church; to establish such rules or by-laws for their government as said trustees or a majority of them may deem proper: Provided, That such by-laws shall not be incompatible with the constitution and laws of this state.

    SEC. 4. That section 4 of the above entitled act be amended to read as follows: Sec. 4. The board of trustees of said corporation shall, by suitable by-law provide that the treasurer of said board shall execute a personal or surety bond in such an amount and with such surety as said board shall approve, for the proper accounting and payment of all funds that may be received by him as such treasurer.

    SEC. 5. That section 5 of the above entitled act be amended to read as follows: Sec. 5. All property now held by or under the order of the

trustees of the First Presbyterian church of Fort Wayne, either by legal or equitable title, or intended for the use and benefit of said church, whether acquired by purchase, subscription, gift, bequest or donation, is hereby vested in the First Presbyterian church of Fort Wayne, as fully as if said property had been acquired under the provisions of this act.


text:
State High Hardballers Look to Take Next Step

by and on April 22, 2014 4:15 PM

A closer look at the State College Area High School baseball team:

Head coach — Bill Tussey, 11th season.

2013 record — 17-7, District 6 champions, advanced to PIAA quarterfinals.

Key losses — Nick Smith, Dan Fry, Darrian Herncane, Jason Costa and Ben Finlan.

Key returnees — Calvin Sichler, Kenny Craig, Nick Raquet, Derek Van Horn, Jon Bergman and Alec Lose.

Strengths — Tussey realizes that his team is young after losing so many players from 2013, but he believes this group has potential.
"We're trying to get stronger defensively in the infield," he says, "and in the outfield, with all those seniors we lost from last year. Defensively, we've looked pretty good. I'm thinking our defense may be our strong point. Offensively, we've scored runs. We put up 14 runs in the first two games. This team is definitely a work in progress."

Concerns — Youth and inexperience. "Don't get me wrong," Tussey says, "we have a talented group of kids. Once we get some experience, I think we are going to be a very competitive team. But right now, it's just everybody finding their roles and getting comfortable as a group."

Outlook — "I feel very good about this group," Tussey says. "It's a good bunch of boys, and I love being around them. They work hard. They have fun, and the best part is they get along with each other. So the team part is there, and now it's just a matter of putting it together. We started out very tough with our schedule, and right now we're happy with being 3-0 against three very good ball clubs. As I said, we think this team can be very competitive, and we're looking forward to the challenge of this year."

Circle these dates — vs. Cumberland Valley (April 17); at Cedar Cliff (April 22).

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This story was produced by the staff at the Centre County Gazette. It was re-published with permission. The Centre County Gazette is a weekly publication, available at many locations around Centre County every Thursday morning.

Pat Rothdeutsch covers Penn State football for The Centre County Gazette. Email him at
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April 22, 2014 12:20 PM
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