MARION, Ohio — A chemical spilled inside a classroom Tuesday afternoon, forcing four people to a hospital and evacuating the Tri-Rivers Career Center.
The incident occurred at about 2 p.m. at the school, located at 2222 Marion-Mt Gilead Road.
Administrators told 10TV's Glenn McEntyre that an instructor teaching a floral design class dropped a bottle that contained a chemical called Duraplex. The bottle punctured and dispensed.
A short time later, some students complained about having shortness of breath. The school was then evacuated and students were sent home for the day, McEntyre reported.
"We got the students through the showers first and that's just to get that irritant off of your skin and make sure that your clothes have had an opportunity to be thoroughly cleaned," said Tri-Rivers Career Center Superintendent Charles Speelman. "That's the best course of action with this chemical."
Duraplex is an insecticide used on plants. It can be harmful if inhaled or absorbed into the skin and can cause moderate, but temporary, irritation to the eyes and skin.
Three students and the instructor were transported to a hospital. They were all treated and released.
Stay with 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.
and everyone is k i seen everyone was back to school on friday
Friday, October 15, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Restoring Honor and Integrity to the Highway Patrol
Blog by Gov. Bev Perdue
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is known nationwide as an elite law enforcement agency – and this reputation was earned over more than 80 years of service and dedication to the state. Those who wear the uniform represent honor, dignity, courage and respect. They have been looked upon as role models and leaders for decades.
Today, their reputation is suffering from the misdeeds of a few. The good name of the State Highway Patrol has been dishonored by a few bad apples.
Though we may not like it, the old saying applies here: perception is reality. It’s time to change the perception of the Patrol and reform the Highway Patrol in the image of the trooper’s oath:
On my honor, I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character, or the public trust.
I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for their actions. I will always uphold the constitution, my community and the agency I serve.
On Wednesday, I joined Crime Control and Public Safety Secretary Reuben Young and Highway Patrol Commander Colonel Randy Glover to address all 160 Patrol supervisors from across the state. My message to them was simple – I know that 99.9% of troopers do their jobs with integrity. I know that the majority of the Highway Patrol serves with honor. But from this day forward, there will be zero tolerance for illegal or unethical behavior. If a trooper betrays this oath, he will be dismissed. And I called upon the secretary and the colonel to reorganize the agency to better reflect these goals.
I have laid out four priorities for change in the Highway Patrol:
1) All troopers will go through ethics training and will sign a code of conduct;
2) All supervisors will go through ethics and management training;
3) The Patrol code of conduct and oath will become the litmus test – betray the oath and you will be dismissed; and
4) Within the next 60 days, Sec. Young and Col. Glover will deliver to the governor a plan to restructure Highway Patrol leadership.
My expectations were made clear and I am encouraged that we will be able to restore the luster to the image of the Highway Patrol. These dedicated public servants, who work hard, train hard and put their lives on the line daily for the people of North Carolina, deserve better from their fellow troopers.
Jobs, Jobs and more Jobs
IBM Adds 600 Jobs in RTP
IBM Lender Business Process Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of International Business Machines Corp., will hire 600 workers during the next two years and invest $3.7 million to open a managed business process service center in Research Triangle Park. A state Job Development Investment Grant helped make the project possible.
“IBM has been a major employer in North Carolina providing thousands of skilled jobs for more than 30 years. We value this company’s ongoing commitment to North Carolina and Research Triangle Park,” said Perdue.
For more information about IBM, including employment opportunities, visit www.ibm.com.
Industrial Contractor to Bring 43 Jobs to Pasquotank County
AMARK Corp., an industrial contractor, will expand with a new fabrication facility in Pasquotank County. The company plans to create 43 jobs and invest $1.9 million, including lease payments, during the next three years in Elizabeth City. The project was made possible in part by a $126,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
“Creating jobs is my number one priority and North Carolina continues to be attractive to strong, growing industrial service companies,” said Gov. Perdue. “Our skilled workers, custom training programs and top-rated business climate remain top draws for companies nationwide looking for the best location to succeed.”
AMARK Corp., headquartered in Virginia, fabricates steel and pipe for multiple uses in both general and industrial construction applications. The company plans to expand operations into North Carolina by leasing the former Davis Yachts building in Elizabeth City. The currently vacant site will be converted into a fabrication shop to cut, weld and fabricate steel structures as well as miscellaneous metals.
For more information about AMARK Corp., including job opportunities with the company, go to: www.amarkcorp.com.
Air Quality in N.C. Restaurants Improves 89%
Blog by Ruth Petersen MD, MPH, Chronic Disease and Injury Section Chief, Div. of Public Health
North Carolinians are already reaping the benefits of the new smoke-free law for restaurants and bars that went into effect this year.
A recent study shows an 89 percent improvement in air quality in restaurants and bars since implementation of the new law. The dramatic improvement shows the impact of the new law in protecting workers and patrons from tobacco smoke.
The North Carolina Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch uses devices called Personal Aerosol Monitors to assess the air quality in restaurants and bars. The monitors are used to measure the amount of particles smaller than 2.5 micrograms in diameter in the air. These tiny particles, called PM 2.5, are one of the many dangerous components found in tobacco smoke. The particles are drawn into the lungs and are known to cause breathing problems and lung disease, contributing to premature deaths. Between 2009 and 2010, the air quality measured in a sample of restaurants across the state improved by 89 percent.
With approximately 13,000 smoking-related deaths in North Carolina each year, the new law and improved air quality mark significant changes to improve health in our state. Compliance with the new law continues to be strong, with health officials receiving only six complaints for six businesses out of approximately 24,000 by May.
For more information about the smoke-free law, and other issues around secondhand smoke, visit http://www.tobaccopreventionandcontrol.ncdhhs.gov.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is known nationwide as an elite law enforcement agency – and this reputation was earned over more than 80 years of service and dedication to the state. Those who wear the uniform represent honor, dignity, courage and respect. They have been looked upon as role models and leaders for decades.
Today, their reputation is suffering from the misdeeds of a few. The good name of the State Highway Patrol has been dishonored by a few bad apples.
Though we may not like it, the old saying applies here: perception is reality. It’s time to change the perception of the Patrol and reform the Highway Patrol in the image of the trooper’s oath:
On my honor, I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character, or the public trust.
I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for their actions. I will always uphold the constitution, my community and the agency I serve.
On Wednesday, I joined Crime Control and Public Safety Secretary Reuben Young and Highway Patrol Commander Colonel Randy Glover to address all 160 Patrol supervisors from across the state. My message to them was simple – I know that 99.9% of troopers do their jobs with integrity. I know that the majority of the Highway Patrol serves with honor. But from this day forward, there will be zero tolerance for illegal or unethical behavior. If a trooper betrays this oath, he will be dismissed. And I called upon the secretary and the colonel to reorganize the agency to better reflect these goals.
I have laid out four priorities for change in the Highway Patrol:
1) All troopers will go through ethics training and will sign a code of conduct;
2) All supervisors will go through ethics and management training;
3) The Patrol code of conduct and oath will become the litmus test – betray the oath and you will be dismissed; and
4) Within the next 60 days, Sec. Young and Col. Glover will deliver to the governor a plan to restructure Highway Patrol leadership.
My expectations were made clear and I am encouraged that we will be able to restore the luster to the image of the Highway Patrol. These dedicated public servants, who work hard, train hard and put their lives on the line daily for the people of North Carolina, deserve better from their fellow troopers.
Jobs, Jobs and more Jobs
IBM Adds 600 Jobs in RTP
IBM Lender Business Process Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of International Business Machines Corp., will hire 600 workers during the next two years and invest $3.7 million to open a managed business process service center in Research Triangle Park. A state Job Development Investment Grant helped make the project possible.
“IBM has been a major employer in North Carolina providing thousands of skilled jobs for more than 30 years. We value this company’s ongoing commitment to North Carolina and Research Triangle Park,” said Perdue.
For more information about IBM, including employment opportunities, visit www.ibm.com.
Industrial Contractor to Bring 43 Jobs to Pasquotank County
AMARK Corp., an industrial contractor, will expand with a new fabrication facility in Pasquotank County. The company plans to create 43 jobs and invest $1.9 million, including lease payments, during the next three years in Elizabeth City. The project was made possible in part by a $126,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
“Creating jobs is my number one priority and North Carolina continues to be attractive to strong, growing industrial service companies,” said Gov. Perdue. “Our skilled workers, custom training programs and top-rated business climate remain top draws for companies nationwide looking for the best location to succeed.”
AMARK Corp., headquartered in Virginia, fabricates steel and pipe for multiple uses in both general and industrial construction applications. The company plans to expand operations into North Carolina by leasing the former Davis Yachts building in Elizabeth City. The currently vacant site will be converted into a fabrication shop to cut, weld and fabricate steel structures as well as miscellaneous metals.
For more information about AMARK Corp., including job opportunities with the company, go to: www.amarkcorp.com.
Air Quality in N.C. Restaurants Improves 89%
Blog by Ruth Petersen MD, MPH, Chronic Disease and Injury Section Chief, Div. of Public Health
North Carolinians are already reaping the benefits of the new smoke-free law for restaurants and bars that went into effect this year.
A recent study shows an 89 percent improvement in air quality in restaurants and bars since implementation of the new law. The dramatic improvement shows the impact of the new law in protecting workers and patrons from tobacco smoke.
The North Carolina Tobacco Prevention and Control Branch uses devices called Personal Aerosol Monitors to assess the air quality in restaurants and bars. The monitors are used to measure the amount of particles smaller than 2.5 micrograms in diameter in the air. These tiny particles, called PM 2.5, are one of the many dangerous components found in tobacco smoke. The particles are drawn into the lungs and are known to cause breathing problems and lung disease, contributing to premature deaths. Between 2009 and 2010, the air quality measured in a sample of restaurants across the state improved by 89 percent.
With approximately 13,000 smoking-related deaths in North Carolina each year, the new law and improved air quality mark significant changes to improve health in our state. Compliance with the new law continues to be strong, with health officials receiving only six complaints for six businesses out of approximately 24,000 by May.
For more information about the smoke-free law, and other issues around secondhand smoke, visit http://www.tobaccopreventionandcontrol.ncdhhs.gov.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Convicted drug trafficker arrested again
MARION - In an investigation sparked by tips from residents, drug task force officers arrested a drug trafficking suspect and seized cash, cocaine and marijuana in a raid Thursday morning.Antonio King, 34, 139 W. Walnut St., was arrested after the MARMET Drug Task Force searched his residence, Maj. Jay McDonald said.
Assisted by the Marion Police Department Special Response Team and police detectives, MARMET reported seizing $739 in cash, $400 in money orders, 28.6 grams of crack and 9.7 grams of marijuana.
Officers also seized a 1996 Mercury Sable and other personal property in connection with the case.
The investigation started when residents reported frequent traffic and suspicious activity at King's home. They used the Marion Law Enforcement Crime Tips Line and called the police department regularly, according to a news release.
Police opened the case when the calls started coming in a few weeks ago, McDonald said.
"I think it shows that we're responsive when we get complaints," he said.
King was taken to Multi-County Correctional Center on charges of trafficking in cocaine and possession of cocaine.
He has been convicted of drug charges in four other felony cases in Marion County, court records show.
In 1995, he was placed on five years probation after pleading to a trafficking charge. In 1996, he was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading to an aggravated trafficking charge and failure to comply with the order of a police officer. In 2001, he served six months for possession of cocaine, and in 2002 he was sentenced to two years after pleading guilty to attempted abduction, having weapons under disability and possession of cocaine.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
This is the Barlow Girl's tour dates
Sat, 06/26/2010 11:00 AM
Garland Special Events Center
4999 Naaman Forest Blvd.
Garland, TX
United States
More info
Thu, 07/01/2010 7:00 PM
Laguna Seca Recreation Area
1025 Monterey Salinas Hwy 68
Salinas, CA
United States
More info
Sat, 07/03/2010 7:30 PM
Cornerstone Baptist Church
19856 Hwy Y
Sedalia, MO
United States
More info
Sat, 07/10/2010 7:00 PM
Texarkana Fairgrounds
3700 East 50th Street
Texarkana, AR
United States
More info
Sun, 07/18/2010 6:00 PM
Memorial Park
301 N 5th Street
Rapid City, SD
United States
More info
Fri, 07/23/2010 8:45 PM
Crawford County Fairgrounds
610 Whetstone St.
Bucyrus, OH
United States
http://www.itickets.com/events/239542.html More info
Sat, 07/24/2010 7:00 PM
Alexian Field
1999 Springinsguth RD
Schaumburg, IL
United States
More info
Sat, 07/31/2010 7:00 PM
Union Reservoir
461 County Road 26
Longmont, CO
United States
More info
Mon, 08/02/2010 7:30 PM
Darien Lake Theme Park Resort
9993 Allegheny Rd.
Darien Center, NY
United States
More info
Fri, 08/06/2010 7:50 PM
Gunstock Mountain Resort
719 Cherry Valley Road
Gilford, NH
United States
More info
Sat, 08/07/2010 7:00 PM
Camp Albermarle
156 Albermarle Dr
Newport, NC
United States
More info
Fri, 08/13/2010 8:00 PM
Higher Ground Music Festival
3242 230th Street
Winsted, MN
United States
More info
Sat, 08/28/2010 6:00 PM
Tumbleweed Festival- Lee Richardson Zoo
312 Finnup Drive
Garden City, KS
United States
http://tumbleweedfestival.com/ More info
Sun, 09/05/2010 4:00 PM
Lifelight Festival
47468 280th Street
Worthing, SD
United States
More info
Fri, 09/10/2010 7:00 PM
Magic KingdomOrlando, FL
United States
More info
Sat, 09/11/2010 7:15 PM
New Testament Baptist Church
6601 NW 167th Street
Miami, FL
United States
More info
Sat, 09/11/2010 7:15 PM
New Testiment Baptist Church
6601 NW 167th Street
Miami, FL
United States
More info
Fri, 09/17/2010 7:30 PM
The Now Center
2407 Beech Rd.
Johnstown, OH
United States
More info
Sat, 09/18/2010 6:00 PM
Marie Kerr Park
2723 Rancho Vista Blvd.
Palmdale, CA
United States
More info
Sat, 09/25/2010 5:40 PM
Kruse International Auction Park
5540 County Road 11-A
Auburn, IN
United States
More info
Fri, 02/04/2011 8:00 PM
Hugo Young Theatre
331 College Ave
Ashland, OH
United States
More info
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Review: `Toy Story 3' builds a virtual playground
When I was a kid, they didn't make video games based on movies. But if you wanted to relive, say, "Star Wars," you could buy the action figures. If you didn't have all the dolls, you could recruit substitutes: GI Joe could fill in for Darth Vader, Barbie could understudy Princess Leia, and you could make C-3PO and R2-D2 out of Legos.
In 2010, just about every child-friendly blockbuster is accompanied by a video game. But since they're usually straightforward rehashes of the movies, most games don't capture that childhood spirit, which is really about creating new adventures for beloved characters.
"Toy Story 3" (Disney Interactive, for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, $49.99) comes closer to that feeling than any movie-based game before it.
On one level, it does deliver a recap of the film. The familiar Pixar toys have been left behind by their owner, Andy, and embark on a mission to get him to play with them one last time. The result is a better-than-average romp, with Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie running and jumping through levels based on the new film's settings.
Some of these story sequences may be a little too challenging for younger children, even with the generous hints turned on. And some of them drag on much longer than you'd expect: One sequence, which begins in a flooded bedroom and ends in outer space, took me more than an hour to get through, which is beyond the attention span of most kids I know.
But there's another level to "Toy Story 3" that's likely to satisfy players of any age, from 8-year-olds to geezers like me. It's called the Toy Box, and it's as clever an approach to the material as you could imagine.
It's an open-world playground that starts off as a dusty Wild West town. Any one of the three main characters can be sheriff, and other "Toy Story" regulars, like Slinky Dog and Hamm the piggy bank, give you missions. You can ignore their demands - undoubtedly, some kids will be happy just roaming around and decorating their towns - but success at missions earns you the gold you need to buy new buildings or attract new residents.
Wherever you go in the Toy Box, they're something new to do. You can herd cattle. You can drive a racecar. You can explore a haunted mansion. If there's anything you daydreamed about when you were a child, odds are that developer Avalanche Software has stuck it in here.
Weirdly enough, the one game the Toy Box reminded me of was another Wild West adventure, Rockstar Games' recent smash "Red Dead Redemption" - minus all the prostitutes and corpses. Like "RDR," "Toy Story 3" delivers a wide-open landscape of seemingly endless possibilities. It's one of the most adventurous movie games ever created, and it's a delight. Three-and-a-half stars out of four.
---
Online:
http://disney.go.com/toystory/
Justin Bieber and Nick Jonas Bond Over "Bustin Jieber"
J-14 was the first to report that Nick Jonas and his brothers call Justin Bieber "Bustin Jieber." So this weekend was shaping up to be pretty awkward when Justin and Nick would cross paths for the first time at The White House Correspondents' since that news broke.
But according to both Nick and Justin's Twitter, they joked about "Bustin Jieber" and now not only does Nick follow Justin on Twitter, but they also tweeted each other with an inside joke about ping pong!
Justin tweeted, "also @nickjonas and i talked about the Bustin Jieber thing. all good. great guy. Lookin forward to playing Jick Nonas in ping pong soon. lol"
And Nick wrote in response, "@justinbieber Haha dude... Maybe Ceorge Glooney will want to play ping pong too. Good seeing you tonight bro."
Can you feel the love?! ;-)
Do you think Justin and Nick are real friends or fake friends?
PS: Don't forget to follow J-14 on Twitter @j14magazine for all the latest gossip!
Nick Jonas is Starring in Les Misérables!
Nick Jonas has been hinting all week on his Twitter that he has a big announcement. J-14 can reveal that he will be going across the pond to London to play the role of Marius in the West End production of Les Misérables.
Nick is no stranger to Les Mis -- when he was 11 he play young boy Gavroche on Broadway! And now just six years later, he'll be playing a much more adult character.
As for Nick's cryptic tweets, J-14 can help solve them. Nick tweeted yesterday, "This riddle is a hint for the big announcement... 'One time I forgot what Day it was. so my friend told me to look at a calendar More'" The only words that are capitalized are "One" "Day" and "More." One of the biggest musical numbers in Les Misérables is called, you guessed it, "One Day More," which features Nick's character Marius.
Are you surprised by Nick's announcement? Send him your "break a leg" wishes! (It's bad news to say "Good luck" in the theatre!)
Friday, June 11, 2010
First In Class
Courtesy: OhioStateBuckeyes.com
Release: 06/11/2010
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Two members of the 2010 Ohio State football team will be among 8,000-plus Ohio State students participating in Spring Commencement Sunday afternoon inside Ohio Stadium.
Offensive lineman Scott Sika and safety Aaron Gant will graduate after finishing their degree in four years and continue their playing careers on the field with the Buckeyes this fall in hopes of bringing a national title to Columbus. Sika will receive a degree in sport and leisure studies while Gant earned his degree in consumer services.
Sika is in the mix at both center and guard after playing in five contests in 2009 as a reserve lineman while Gant has played in 32 career games, making 23 tackles, battling injuries much of his career. The two have made it to a BCS game each year, including a pair of national championship games, while winning the Big Ten each season.
Perhaps more importantly than anything Sika and Gant have done on the field is the fact that both of them stayed on the right track academically and finished their undergraduate degree in just four years, a great accomplishment for any college student, let alone a Division I student-athlete.
"It means a lot to me because there is a lot more to being a football player at Ohio State than on the field stuff," Sika said. "Finishing in four years is pretty important to me and I'll be the fifth person in my family to graduate from here."
For Sika, playing football at Ohio State made him a better student and put him in a much better position for life after football.
"You learn how to balance your time," Sika added. "The athletics part of it really helps you focus on your academics because everything is so scheduled and it forces you to stay on task. I'm going to grad school and looking to be an athletic director or work in sports marketing because of what I have learned in my time here. I've grown up in sports and I'm looking forward to making it a career."
However, let there be no mistaking the fact that the Strongsville, Ohio native has more on his mind than pursuing his education further.
"I want to win a national title. If you ask anybody on our team, especially the seniors, we want to get that national championship and build off the strong finish and Rose Bowl victory last season."
[Office of Governor Bev Perdue] Governor Visits "Main Streets"
This is the Governor of North Carolina Bev Perdue i get e-mails from her i had to look her up for a school thing
Governor Continues "Main Street" Tours
Continuing her tour of small town "Main Streets" across North Carolina that has taken Gov. Perdue to Burlington, Morganton and Waynesville, she visited downtown La Grange on Monday. Gov. Perdue celebrated the town's Main Street Solutions grant award, met with the mayor and local business owners and toured downtown establishments.
Gov. Perdue's visit was the first time in 41 years that a governor has visited La Grange. The last was Gov. Bob Scott in 1969.
Governor Signs Hearing Aid Bill
Gov. Bev Perdue on Monday signed House Bill 589 into law, requiring health plans to cover hearing aids for young people through the age 21. During the signing ceremony, Gov. Perdue was joined by third-grader Collin Tastet, 9, and other young advocates who made headlines by successfully lobbying the General Assembly.
“This new law will help many of our kids and young adults have a better quality of life and stay ahead in school,” said Gov. Perdue. “These kids who lobbied for this bill showed tremendous courage, and now more than ever we need strong, young leaders.”
HB 589 requires that every benefit health plan must provide coverage up to $2,500 for one hearing aid per ear every 36 months for covered individuals up through age 21. The coverage includes hearing aids and services ordered by a physician or an audiologist as follows:
1. Initial hearing aids and replacement hearing aids.
2. New hearing aids when alterations cannot adequately meet the needs of the individual.
3. Services, including the initial hearing aid evaluation, fitting and adjustments, and supplies, including ear molds.
North Carolina's Business Climate: A comparison of state rankings
North Carolina’s Small Business Commissioner Scott Daugherty has recently compiled a listing of state business climate rankings and compared the criteria to determine what specific elements contribute to North Carolina’s excellent results.
Specific Criteria Supporting North Carolina’s Positive Rankings:
- High Return on Investment for Government Expenditures Benefitting Businesses
- Moderate Business Costs
- Low Percentage of Business Taxes to Gross State Product
- Outstanding Executive-level Perceptions
- Excellent Workforce
- Good Quality of Life
- Access to Capital
- Moderate Regulatory Environment
- Strong Technology and Innovation
- Excellent Transportation and Infrastructure
- Low State and Local Property Tax
- Unemployment Insurance Tax
And the good rankings:
- #1 2009 Best Business Climate (Site Selection Magazine)
- #1 2010 Lowest State & Local Tax Burden on Business (Council on State Taxation and Ernst & Young)
- #2 2009 Best States for Business (CEO Magazine)
- #2 Most Favorable Business Climate, ’08 (Development Counselors International)
- #3 2009 Pro-Business State (Polina Corporate Real Estate)
- #5 The Best State for Business, ’09 (Forbes)
- #9 America’s Top State for Business, ’09 (CNBC)
- #12 2009 Boardroom Guide to the Best states for Business (Directorship Magazine)
250 Jobs for Cleveland County
Clearwater Paper Corp. plans to invest $260 million and hire 250 workers over the next five years to build a new manufacturing and distribution facility in Shelby. The plant will make private-label tissue products for retail grocery chains throughout the Southeast and along the East Coast.
“Paper making is a heritage industry in North Carolina dating back to colonial times,” said Gov. Bev Perdue. “We remain a leader in this field and others because of our top-rated business climate, our outstanding workforce, and excellent infrastructure. We welcome Clearwater Paper to North Carolina.”
Clearwater Paper (NYSE:CLW) makes pulp and paperboard, private-label tissue and wood products. Its Consumer Products Division supplies more than half of the retail grocery store brand bathroom tissue, paper towels, facial tissue and napkins in the United States.
For more information about Clearwater Paper Corporation, including job opportunities, visit www.clearwaterpaper.com.
North Carolina Adopts Common Core Standards
North Carolina’s State Board of Education has adopted the Common Core State Standards, released last week by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers. With the adoption of these state-led education standards, North Carolina is in the first group of states to embrace clear and consistent goals for learning to prepare children for success in college and work.
“North Carolina has always been a leader in education reform and this is yet another example of how the leadership in this state remains committed to putting our children first,” said Gov. Bev Perdue.
North Carolina was one of the 48 states to participate in the state consortium led by governors and chief state school officers. Teachers, education advisors and other groups have provided valuable feedback to the groups working since fall 2009 to write the Common Core standards on behalf of the state consortium. With the release of the Common Core, it is up to each participating state to formally adopt the Core and to plan their state’s implementation.
These standards define the knowledge and skills students should have throughout their K-12 education so that they will graduate high school fully prepared for college and careers.
The full Common Core standards can be viewed at www.corestandards.org.
N.C. Teachers Honored by President Obama
One hundred and three mathematics and science teachers were named Monday by President Barack Obama as recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Two of the recipients are Maria Hernandez, who teaches math at N.C. School of Science & Mathematics in Durham, and Judith Jones, who teaches science at East Chapel Hill High School.
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are the Nation's highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science. The awards recognize outstanding K-12 teachers for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. Since 1983, more than 4,000 teachers have been recognized for their contributions to mathematics and science education. The winners are selected by a panel of distinguished scientists, mathematicians and educators following an initial selection process.
According to the White House, Maria Hernandez and Judith Jones will join the rest of the recipients on an all expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., later this year for an awards ceremony and several days of educational and celebratory events. In addition, they will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation to be used at their discretion.
“I applaud Ms. Hernandez and Ms. Jones for winning such a distinguished award,” said Gov. Bev Perdue. “North Carolina has some of the best teachers in the world and I’m always proud when they receive the recognition they deserve.”
Governor's schedule for the coming week
Saturday, June 12
- Cape Hatteras Secondary School Graduation, Buxton
Monday, June 14
- Senior Staff Meeting
- Office Time
- Education Meeting
Tuesday, June 15
- Senior Staff Meeting
- Briefings for local officials and legislators on North Carolina's ongoing oil spill preparations
- Office Time
- Joint Strike Fighter Public Hearing, Havelock
Wednesday, June 16
- Senior Staff Meeting
- Global Trans Park Board Meeting, Kinston
- Smart Start Board Reception, Executive Mansion
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LeBron's image taking shots as free agency looms
CLEVELAND (AP) -- LeBron shames. Quantcast
That's what Cleveland fans have been thinking about LeBron James ever since he disappeared and his Cavaliers collapsed in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
Around here, win or lose, fans desperate to sip championship champagne once in their lives have always treated James royally.
Just not now.
In the wake of the Cavaliers' startling loss to the Boston Celtics, even some of King James' most loyal subjects are revolting. A typically fatalistic bunch, Cavs fans can't seem to shake their team's emotional defeat and the denial - again! - of this city's first major pro sports title since 1964.
They're mad, perplexed and disappointed, venting their feelings on the airwaves and Internet chat rooms. It doesn't seem to matter that James could soon be wearing another jersey if Cleveland won't show him some love.
They feel betrayed by one of their own, by the kid who grew up just down the road in Akron.
"Other than Tiger Woods, I don't know of a bigger fall from grace in our town," said sports talk radio host Tony Rizzo, whose morning show is one of many forums where LeBron bashers have expressed themselves since the Cavs bowed from the postseason. "People are heartbroken."
It's not just Cleveland, either.
James has been ripped nationally for disappearing in Game 5 of the Boston series, perhaps his farewell to this city. He has been condemned for atypical postgame comments when he publicly criticized (now former) Cavs coach Mike Brown. He has been blamed for an overall lack of leadership and accountability - all as he prepares to possibly leave as a free agent after July 1.
The outside detractors have always been present, ready to pounce on any misstep. This time, though, some of the most stinging barbs have been by those who know James best - Cleveland fans.
"Whether it's fair or not, it's going on," said Mike Polk, who directed a somewhat tongue-in-cheek "Please Stay LeBron" video to the tune of "We Are the World" with the hope that James re-signs with Cleveland. "A lot of the criticism toward LeBron started nationally - maybe they want us to resent him. Some people seem to feel like we're supposed to hate him right now until he decides what's next.
"But I also think he could have handled all this a lot better."
After weeks of silence, James may be ready to begin repairing his image.
James, who has not done any interviews since the Cavs' flop, sat down at his home with CNN's Larry King on Tuesday to tape an interview in which he addresses his impending free agency. In the segment, which will air on Friday, James said that Cleveland has "an edge" to sign him when free agency begins, according to comments provided by the network.
That may not be enough to help nervous Cavs fans - and owner Dan Gilbert - sleep better, but at least he didn't rule out the possibility he'll stay home.
James has kept a low profile around town since his seventh season ended short of a title. As even President Obama weighed in on his future, he took a short vacation. Then the All-Star forward was unavailable to the media during an awkward holiday weekend appearance judging a slam-dunk contest.
"There's not much he can say right now," said David Schwab, vice president of Octagon, a company that links corporations to athletes. "He's in a tough situation. He needs to block out the noise. If he stays in Cleveland, fans will forgive him and a lot of it will go away."
And what happens if he bolts?
"If he leaves," said writer Scott Raab, a Cleveland native, who recently profiled Shaquille O'Neal in Esquire and is working on a book about the Cavs. "LeBron could replace Art Modell as the most hated person in Cleveland."
It all goes back to Game 5 - or, the LeBacle, as it has been nicknamed.
In the pantheon of Cleveland sports misery, the Cavs' Game 5 loss to the Celtics has elbowed in for a spot alongside The Drive, The Fumble, The Shot, Red Right 88, and, of course, The Move, when Modell packed up the beloved Browns and took them to Baltimore.
Slowed by an elbow injury, James had one of the worst games of his career in Cleveland's biggest of 2010. With the series against Boston tied 2-2, he scored 15 points on 3-of-14 shooting as the Cavs were throttled, 120-88 - the most lopsided home playoff loss in team history.
James' stats were troubling. So was his temperament.
There wasn't a hint of the normal aggression that defines his game. He rarely drove to the basket, and instead launched jumpers that were well off their mark. Other times, he simply stood and watched. When the Cavs began fouling in a last-ditch effort to cut into Boston's lead, James glared at Brown and Cleveland's assistant coaches as if annoyed.
He appeared distracted, disillusioned, disgusted.
Either something was bothering him or he simply buckled under the pressure of his impending free agency and the weight of carrying Cleveland's hopes.
"People have to understand he is only one man," said Browns Pro Bowl kick returner Josh Cribbs, who attended Game 5. "It was all on his shoulders. People are saying he quit and this and that, but if anybody has any question about his desire, watch some videotape on him, he has never quit.
"People can't always expect a miracle from him."
Really all Cleveland fans wanted was for LeBron to be LeBron, the two-time MVP and Olympic gold medalist. But he wasn't, not even close. James then deepened the mystery about his play by shrugging if off afterward, coolly saying, "I spoil a lot of people."
It's not what fans wanted or expected to hear from James, whose remarks seemed to be coming from someone else. Then, after the Cavs were beaten in Game 6, when James recorded a triple-double but committed nine turnovers, the only "team" the 25-year-old referred to was his group of advisers who will help him decide on where he'll continue his career.
Cleveland hasn't given up on James, whose loyalty to his home state is about to be tested like never before. Polk and others wish he would at least say what he's thinking.
"He doesn't owe us," Polk said. "But if he wants to quell this rebellion he could say, 'I love Cleveland,' and he hasn't even done that. I know this is a tricky time for him, but it is for everyone. This city wants him and needs him."
That's what Cleveland fans have been thinking about LeBron James ever since he disappeared and his Cavaliers collapsed in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
Around here, win or lose, fans desperate to sip championship champagne once in their lives have always treated James royally.
Just not now.
In the wake of the Cavaliers' startling loss to the Boston Celtics, even some of King James' most loyal subjects are revolting. A typically fatalistic bunch, Cavs fans can't seem to shake their team's emotional defeat and the denial - again! - of this city's first major pro sports title since 1964.
They're mad, perplexed and disappointed, venting their feelings on the airwaves and Internet chat rooms. It doesn't seem to matter that James could soon be wearing another jersey if Cleveland won't show him some love.
They feel betrayed by one of their own, by the kid who grew up just down the road in Akron.
"Other than Tiger Woods, I don't know of a bigger fall from grace in our town," said sports talk radio host Tony Rizzo, whose morning show is one of many forums where LeBron bashers have expressed themselves since the Cavs bowed from the postseason. "People are heartbroken."
It's not just Cleveland, either.
James has been ripped nationally for disappearing in Game 5 of the Boston series, perhaps his farewell to this city. He has been condemned for atypical postgame comments when he publicly criticized (now former) Cavs coach Mike Brown. He has been blamed for an overall lack of leadership and accountability - all as he prepares to possibly leave as a free agent after July 1.
The outside detractors have always been present, ready to pounce on any misstep. This time, though, some of the most stinging barbs have been by those who know James best - Cleveland fans.
"Whether it's fair or not, it's going on," said Mike Polk, who directed a somewhat tongue-in-cheek "Please Stay LeBron" video to the tune of "We Are the World" with the hope that James re-signs with Cleveland. "A lot of the criticism toward LeBron started nationally - maybe they want us to resent him. Some people seem to feel like we're supposed to hate him right now until he decides what's next.
"But I also think he could have handled all this a lot better."
After weeks of silence, James may be ready to begin repairing his image.
James, who has not done any interviews since the Cavs' flop, sat down at his home with CNN's Larry King on Tuesday to tape an interview in which he addresses his impending free agency. In the segment, which will air on Friday, James said that Cleveland has "an edge" to sign him when free agency begins, according to comments provided by the network.
That may not be enough to help nervous Cavs fans - and owner Dan Gilbert - sleep better, but at least he didn't rule out the possibility he'll stay home.
James has kept a low profile around town since his seventh season ended short of a title. As even President Obama weighed in on his future, he took a short vacation. Then the All-Star forward was unavailable to the media during an awkward holiday weekend appearance judging a slam-dunk contest.
"There's not much he can say right now," said David Schwab, vice president of Octagon, a company that links corporations to athletes. "He's in a tough situation. He needs to block out the noise. If he stays in Cleveland, fans will forgive him and a lot of it will go away."
And what happens if he bolts?
"If he leaves," said writer Scott Raab, a Cleveland native, who recently profiled Shaquille O'Neal in Esquire and is working on a book about the Cavs. "LeBron could replace Art Modell as the most hated person in Cleveland."
It all goes back to Game 5 - or, the LeBacle, as it has been nicknamed.
In the pantheon of Cleveland sports misery, the Cavs' Game 5 loss to the Celtics has elbowed in for a spot alongside The Drive, The Fumble, The Shot, Red Right 88, and, of course, The Move, when Modell packed up the beloved Browns and took them to Baltimore.
Slowed by an elbow injury, James had one of the worst games of his career in Cleveland's biggest of 2010. With the series against Boston tied 2-2, he scored 15 points on 3-of-14 shooting as the Cavs were throttled, 120-88 - the most lopsided home playoff loss in team history.
James' stats were troubling. So was his temperament.
There wasn't a hint of the normal aggression that defines his game. He rarely drove to the basket, and instead launched jumpers that were well off their mark. Other times, he simply stood and watched. When the Cavs began fouling in a last-ditch effort to cut into Boston's lead, James glared at Brown and Cleveland's assistant coaches as if annoyed.
He appeared distracted, disillusioned, disgusted.
Either something was bothering him or he simply buckled under the pressure of his impending free agency and the weight of carrying Cleveland's hopes.
"People have to understand he is only one man," said Browns Pro Bowl kick returner Josh Cribbs, who attended Game 5. "It was all on his shoulders. People are saying he quit and this and that, but if anybody has any question about his desire, watch some videotape on him, he has never quit.
"People can't always expect a miracle from him."
Really all Cleveland fans wanted was for LeBron to be LeBron, the two-time MVP and Olympic gold medalist. But he wasn't, not even close. James then deepened the mystery about his play by shrugging if off afterward, coolly saying, "I spoil a lot of people."
It's not what fans wanted or expected to hear from James, whose remarks seemed to be coming from someone else. Then, after the Cavs were beaten in Game 6, when James recorded a triple-double but committed nine turnovers, the only "team" the 25-year-old referred to was his group of advisers who will help him decide on where he'll continue his career.
Cleveland hasn't given up on James, whose loyalty to his home state is about to be tested like never before. Polk and others wish he would at least say what he's thinking.
"He doesn't owe us," Polk said. "But if he wants to quell this rebellion he could say, 'I love Cleveland,' and he hasn't even done that. I know this is a tricky time for him, but it is for everyone. This city wants him and needs him."
Child porn results in 17-year sentence
Who would do that it is just wrong here is that article from marionstar.com
MARION - A Marion County judge sentenced a local man who had more than a million files of child pornography to more than 17 years in prison on Thursday.
Charles A. Vanbuskirk, 39, was caught with the images and videos after police obtained a search warrant for his home, an investigation that stemmed from his arrest in Ontario for allegedly groping two young girls in Richland County retail stores.
"This is an unusual case," Common Pleas Judge William Finnegan said. "I've never had a case like this. I've given it a lot of thought."
He considered the sentencing memoranda and looked at what other courts have done, he said, after hearing arguments from the prosecution and defense.
"There is compelling evidence in this case that this is very serious. It involved acts between adults and children who were less than 10 years old," Marion County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Greg Perry said in court. "That's about the least detailed as I can put it."
In his years of experience as a prosecutor and other involvement in law enforcement, Perry said he has been desensitized to such material, but these images were an exception.
"There is no way you can look at that stuff and not be affected," he said. "I'm angered and outraged about it."
Though Vanbuskirk pleaded guilty to 50 charges, prosecutors said he could have been charged with hundreds or thousands of counts based on the evidence.
"I don't think he wants to be that way, but I don't think he can help it," Perry said.
In an interview with police after his arrest, Vanbuskirk admitted to a sexual incident in the mid 1990s when he allowed a 4-year-old girl to fondle him when he was aroused. He told officers he had always had thoughts about young girls and he wanted to stop but didn't know how.
"Not all child molesters are pedophiles and not all pedophiles are child molesters. He has both," Perry said, referring to a psychological diagnosis.
He referred to print outs of chat logs found on Vanbuskirk's computer that were of a sexual nature, describing his fantasies involving children.
"That's pretty wicked stuff," Perry said, pointing to the recommendation of a 20-year sentence, opposite the defense's request for community controlled sanctions in addition to completion of a sex offender treatment program.
"That's a chance we just cannot take," Perry said of the defense request that Vanbuskirk not go to prison.
"That's totally excessive in this case," said J.C. Ratliff, one of Vanbuskirk's attorneys, of the prison sentence. "We aren't saying these aren't crimes. We're just saying they don't mean you should go to prison there for this long of time."
He cited four cases from Marion County Common Pleas Court that involved sex offenses where the defendants were placed on community control.
Perry and Ratliff agreed with the psychologist's report that Vanbuskirk would benefit from sex offender treatment - where he would receive that treatment was a point of contention.
Vanbuskirk's mother testified at the sentencing hearing.
"I've always been proud of Chuck. He's got a kid way about him that makes you appreciate life," she said.
She didn't know about his addiction to child pornography until he was first arrested, she said
"I think the whole thing blew up because he didn't know what to do," she said. "I think he touched the girls so he would get arrested."
She said she and her husband would help support their son in any way they could.
Ratliff said the alleged gropings in Ontario that led to the Marion case were a cry for help from Vanbuskirk, as his client's mother testified.
In an interview where Ontario police questioned Vanbuskirk in Marion before the search at his home last September, he told officers he felt guilt and shame about things he'd done.
"I don't know how to talk anymore, to anyone," he said.
After he was arrested in Richland County and made bail, he went home and tried to delete the files from his computer because he didn't want them anymore.
"I don't want it in my mind anymore," he told officers.
Before, he spent most of his waking hours viewing child pornography, he said.
He told police he never touched any children, but there were pictures of his backyard neighbors, who were young girls, jumping on their trampoline.
"I don't want to get by day-by-day. I don't care if I'm in jail for the rest of my life," he said in the interview.
In court, he read a prepared statement, apologizing for his conduct and asking his family for forgiveness, noting their continuous support.
"I also can truthfully state to the court that I won't do anything like this again," he said.
The case was unusual, Finnegan said, in that Vanbuskirk pleaded to fifth-degree felonies and fourth-degree felonies, for which the maximum prison terms are one year and 18 months in prison, respectively. But there were a large number of charges.
"The more images you have, the more children have been exploited," he said. "He definitely needs major help. He has a major problem here."
Vanbuskirk was sentenced to 17 years and one month in prison and will not be eligible for early judicial release. He will be classified as a Tier II sex offender.
MARINE HOME ON LEAVE
U.S. Marine Cpl. Nathan Miller got a big welcome home Wednesday as he arrived in Marion while on leave. Miller, stationed at Camp Pendleton is marking his third year in the Marines this month. A member of the Marine Aviation Logistics squadron, Miller will soon be deployed to Japan.
Pleasant achieves all 5 OGT benchmarks
MARION - Pleasant High School continued its trend of hitting benchmarks on all five subject areas on the Ohio Graduation Tests, according to preliminary results released this week by the Ohio Department of Education.
More than 75 percent of Pleasant's sophomores were proficient or above on the reading, mathematics, writing, science and social studies tests, making Pleasant the only Marion County high school to do so.
"Our district is very pleased and very humbled to be recognized for the fine academic achievement that our students attain year after year," Pleasant Local Schools Superintendent Stephen Larcomb said.
Pleasant High School Principal Brian Sparling said the high school has never failed to gain more than 75 percent proficiency in each of the five subjects on the tests. Incorrect information in Thursday's Marion Star stated that Pleasant was not proficient in one of the subject areas. An incorrect number appeared in a chart that is being reprinted with today's story.
River Valley High School reached the benchmark in all but science. Elgin High School reached it in reading, mathematics and writing while Ridgedale High School did in reading. Marion Harding High School reached the benchmark in none.
Sparling said the high school does nothing special as far as preparing for the tests. He said teachers know the academic standards and make sure to follow them in their everyday teaching.
"My philosophy is if you teach what you are supposed to teach the test will take care of itself," he said.
The Pleasant Parent Teacher Organization serves breakfast to the students prior to the test. Sparling said while the school board no longer can supply the funds to continue this, an anonymous donor has vowed to cover the costs for serving the OGT test takers.
There are also after-school classes held for those who fail sections, but Sparling said otherwise the school does not have any special courses or professional development geared solely to the tests.
School officials are looking over the data, which will be followed up by the 3rd-8th grade Ohio Achievement Tests results and eventually the Ohio School Report Cards later in the summer.
Interim Elgin Superintendent Jim Craycraft said that Elgin High School had slightly lower scores in four of the five areas.
"Based on what went on in this district over the last two years, I can understand why this may have happened," he stated in an e-mail. "The district went through RIFS (reductions-in-force of staff), many teachers were shifted into new positions, and we had new administration in three of the four buildings."
He also said that he was new to the district, filling in as interim after Doug Ute resigned as superintendent in 2009. Bruce Gast will become the new superintendent in August.
"Basically I feel the district went through a bump in the road and have already re-focused and will be on track next year," Craycraft stated.
Ridgedale Superintendent Robert Britton said that school officials have some disappointment concerning the results.
"We have been working hard on the improvement of these scores over the course of the past two years," he stated in an e-mail.
The district is taking part in the Ohio Improvement Process, which lets staff see current teaching methods and adjust the methods to meet their students. Britton stated that the district will continue to look at research-based best teaching practices in order to improve student achievement.
the other schools
How local school districts fared in preliminary results of 2009-10 Ohio Graduation tests versus the year before:
Elgin Local Schools
09-10 08-09
Reading 77.4 79.9
Mathematics 78.1 74.6
Writing 82.1 88.8
Science 69.8 73.9
Social studies 72.6 74.6
Marion City Schools
09-10 08-09
Reading 66.7 66.1
Mathematics 68.8 66.9
Writing 62.9 71.3
Science 56.1 52.4
Social studies 62.9 63.4
Pleasant Local Schools
09-10 08-09
Reading 92.1 91.4
Mathematics 85.1 87.6
Writing 89.5 97.1
Science 78.1 83.8
Social studies 89.4 85.3
Ridgedale Local Schools
09-10 08-09
Reading 83.3 75.3
Mathematics 69.1 65.4
Writing 70.9 82.3
Science 74.5 62.0
Social studies 62.3 73.8
River Valley Local Schools
09-10 08-09
Reading 81.2 86.3
Mathematics 81.2 84.2
Writing 79.1 92.4
Science 70.5 77.2
Social studies 79.2 77.8
Today's Devotions
(Heb.4:12-13) For the word of god is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword,it penetrates even on dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ( When the bible is read and shared it cuts past everything to the truth... on our thoughts and in our hearts... and reveals to us who we really are and what we should do something about)
<13> Nothing in all creation is hidden from god's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (there are no secrets kept for God and he will hold us responsible for our choices)
( Proverbs 2:1-8) My son and daughter , if you accept my words (what the bible says) and store up my commands within you, ( remember what the Bible says and apply it in our lives) <2> turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understand, <3> and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, <4> and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, ( make an effort to read and understand) <5> than you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.<6> For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding,. <7> HE holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, <8> for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. (We can not lose by doing what is right ... even if it seens unfair when we look around at others) God bless you today ! love Gibby
Pop-Tart Ice Cream Sandwiches
Our colleagues have been talking about a Pop-Tart commercial where you're shown how to sandwich ice cream between two Pop-Tarts, insert a popsicle stick, and voila -- you've got your very own ice-cream-truck-worthy concoction. Seriously? We immediately associated it with the fast-food gluttony exhibited by KFC and IHOP. Do we really need to be encouraging Americans (and specifically children) to combine a sugary pastry with ice cream?
Kellogg's brought back this marketing campaign (it first appeared in 2009) just in time for summer, presumably because toasted baked goods aren't as appealing when the temperature spikes. At least they're pushing the treats as a dessert, not breakfast. (We're not convinced the tarts should be considered "breakfast" to begin with.)
All that said, our curiosity got the better of us. With all the flavors of Pop-Tarts and the limitless varieties of ice cream, what sort of sandwiches could we create that would mimic our favorite desserts?
Click on the gallery below to see which eight combinations we tried; find our favorites after the jump.
Winning Combinations:
• Banana Sundae: The Pop-Tart didn't overpower the ice cream, and it tasted like a giant sundae.
• Strawberry Shortcake: We gave this sandwich its name because it happily reminded us of the Good Humor bar.
• Cookies & Cream Squared: You really couldn't go wrong here.
We then enlisted editors from Asylum, Lemondrop, Moviefone, Stylelist and MyDaily to create their own sandwiches. Combinations which earned two thumbs up included:
• Dontcha Dough?: Cinnamon Roll Pop-Tarts and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream
• Cinnamon Swirl: Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts and Vanilla ice cream
• Cookie Dough Squared: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pop-Tarts
• Froze Fruit: Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts with Banana Split ice cream
• Banana Flambé: Cinnamon Roll Pop-Tarts with Banana Split ice cream
All the editors agreed that the sandwiches would be better if the ice cream weren't so melted, so if you get inspired to try this at home, we recommend freezing the sandwiches for a bit after assembling. All the editors also (begrudgingly) admitted the sandwiches were pretty good, in a high-octane-sugar-hit way.
What we want to know, dear readers, is this: Given free reign at the grocery store to come up with your own flavor combos, what Pop-Tart ice cream sandwiches would you make?
Read more: http://www.slashfood.com/2010/05/26/a-new-kind-of-ice-cream-sandwich/#ixzz0qY7cma1g
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Lacrosse Coach Accused Of Solicitation Was College Instructor
WESTERVILLE, Ohio — A former high school lacrosse coach accused of trying to meet a teen for sex was an instructor at Columbus State Community College, and school officials said he was teaching classes as recently as this month.
Richard A. Case, Jr. was arrested Tuesday by undercover police who posed online as a 13-year-old girl, 10TV News reported on Thursday.
Case, 34, faces charges including importuning and attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
A Columbus State spokesman said Case has been teaching development education courses since September 2008.
During spring quarter, Case taught three courses at main campus, including basic communication skills, 10TV News reported.
He was dismissed as head coach of the Westerville North High School girls lacrosse team last month. Parents said Wednesday they were shocked by the accusations.
"It was kind of a difficult conversation, you know, I used it as an opportunity to explain to my daughter that no matter how well you know somebody, you don't really know them," said Jeff Hurl, president of the Westerville North Lacrosse Club.
Case's career as coach of the lacrosse team lasted only two years, 10TV News reported. He was fired in May because of his coaching philosophy, Hurl said.
"It turns out when they told me it was for soliciting a minor over the Internet, I was shocked," Hurl said. "Absolutely shocked and disturbed."
Westerville police said Case admitted he knew the girl was underage, and admitted he had child pornography on his home computers.
Investigators seized computers and other items during a search of Case's Westerville home.
Hurl's daughter, Taylor Hurl, learned about the charges against her coach, when her dad pulled her aside.
"It was kind of a difficult conversation. I used it as an opportunity to explain to my daughter that no matter how well you know somebody, you don't really know them," Hurl said.
There were more than 30 girls on the team.
Case passed a criminal background check when he was hired by the team, 10TV News reported.
Because the lacrosse team is a club sport at the high school, the school district is not involved in paying the coaching staff or managing the program.
Watch 10TV News HD and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.
New Charge For Man Accused Of Abusing Dairy Cows
MARYSVILLE, Ohio — A man accused of abusing cows at a central Ohio dairy farm pleaded not guilty Thursday to unrelated gun charges.
While Billy Joe Gregg faces several counts of animal cruelty stemming from his alleged actions at Conklin Dairy Farms in Plain City, he also faces a felony charge of improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle, 10TV News reported.
Authorities said they found a loaded gun in Gregg's vehicle when he was arrested earlier this month.
During a video arraignment Thursday, Gregg pleaded not guilty to the gun charge and a judge set bond at $15,000, 10TV News reported.
Gregg already faces 12 counts of animal cruelty after an undercover video surfaced, showing him allegedly abusing cows and their calves.
Mercy For Animals, the group responsible for the undercover video, said Thursday that it was pleased with how the case against Gregg was progressing.
"We're happy that we were able to provide law enforcement with the information that they needed regarding the guns, which led to the felony charge," said Mercy For Animals spokesman Daniel Hauff.
Gregg remained in custody after the arraignment Thursday.
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for continuing coverage.
2010 CMT Awards Winners
Carrie Underwood was the big winner at the 2010 CMT Music Awards in steamy Nashville, Tenn. Wednesday night. The country superstar took home CMT Performance of the Year for her live rendition of 'Temporary Home' from the CMT special, 'Invitation Only: Carrie Underwood.' She also stakes claim to the night's biggest prize -- Video of the Year, for 'Cowboy Casanova.'
"This is very special to me," Carrie said upon accepting her first award, thanking the fans. "You guys are what makes all of us. We couldn't do what we do without you guys."
Miranda Lambert also thanked fans in her acceptance speech for Female Video of the Year for 'White Liar,' in an upset win over Taylor Swift ('You Belong With Me'), Carrie Underwood ('Cowboy Casanova') and Reba McEntire ('Consider Me Gone').
Male Video of the Year honors went to Keith Urban for 'Til Summer Comes Around.' Lady Antebellum were the Group Video winners with their smash hit, 'Need You Now.' And the soon-to-split Brooks and Dunn take home their last CMT Award as a duo, for 'Indian Summer.'
See the full list of winners and nominees after the jump.
2010 CMT Awards Nominees & Winners
*Winners in bold
Lady AntebellumVIDEO OF THE YEAR
(Final nominees announced during the June 9 live telecast, with final voting held online at CMT.com during the show.)
Toby Keith – 'American Ride'
Lady Antebellum – 'Need You Now'
Miranda Lambert – 'White Liar'
Taylor Swift – 'You Belong With Me'
*Carrie Underwood – 'Cowboy Casanova'
MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Jason Aldean – 'The Truth'
Billy Currington – 'People Are Crazy'
Toby Keith – 'American Ride'
Tim McGraw – 'Southern Voice'
*Keith Urban – ''Til Summer Comes Around'
FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
*Miranda Lambert – 'White Liar'
Reba McEntire – 'Consider Me Gone'
Taylor Swift – 'You Belong With Me'
Carrie Underwood – 'Cowboy Casanova'
GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Gloriana – 'How Far Do You Wanna Go?'
*Lady Antebellum – 'Need You Now'
Rascal Flatts – 'Here Comes Goodbye'
Zac Brown Band – 'Toes'
DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR
*Brooks & Dunn – 'Indian Summer'
Steel Magnolia – 'Keep On Lovin' You'
Sugarland – 'Keep You'
Sugarland – 'Nightswimming/Joey'
USA WEEKEND BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
(Best video from an artist's major breakthrough album)
*Luke Bryan – 'Do I'
Laura Bell Bundy – 'Giddy On Up'
Easton Corbin – 'A Little More Country Than That'
Steel Magnolia – 'Keep On Lovin' You'
COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
(Best video that featured a special collaborative appearance by artists)
Jason Aldean and Bryan Adams – 'Heaven' from 'CMT Crossroads'
Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews – 'I'm Alive'
Kellie Pickler featuring Taylor Swift – 'Best Days of Your Life'
*Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins – 'Hillbilly Bone'
CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
(Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT)
Lady Antebellum – 'Lookin' For A Good Time' from the 2009 CMT Music Awards
Reba McEntire – 'Consider Me Gone' from 'Invitation Only: Reba'
Tim McGraw – 'Southern Voice' from 'Invitation Only: Tim McGraw'
Brad Paisley – 'Then' from the 2009 CMT Music Awards
*Carrie Underwood – 'Temporary Home' from 'Invitation Only: Carrie Underwood'
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Who Are You Serving?
We've all done it. We've thought about 'authority' and immediately felt uncomfortable or even fearful. Maybe the word authority reminds you of how your heart races when you pass a police officer after you've been speeding. Or maybe it makes you think about how you couldn't eat before you made that big presentation in front of your boss and his bosses last week. Or maybe the word authority has always been represented by the face of a certain teacher from childhood that you'd really rather forget.
Whatever we think the reason is behind our fear or dislike of authority, the truth is that we feel that way because we've been out of line. We haven't always respected authority or realized the role God has assigned to the authorities in our lives.
Our culture has taught us to use phrases like "It's all about me," "You deserve it," and "Have it your way." Our lives have become focused on our feelings, our agendas, and our survival. Unfortunately this "orphan mentality" is resulting in a culture that doesn't acknowledge, let alone respect, authority. The Bible warns us of this. We have to stop dismissing this mentality as innocent. It's not. The scriptures tell us that all authority is from God. His Kingdom is our example and it operates by the power of authority – a Kingdom with a King.
So why has God placed authorities in our lives? How do we benefit from respecting and honoring authorities? Besides the obvious reasons, the Bible tells us that learning how to operate properly under authority gives us an advantage. What is the advantage? The results of mentorship.
The world defines a mentor as an experienced and trusted advisor, but I believe God has mentorship in mind every time he puts someone in a position of authority or leadership. By submitting to and obeying those 'mentors,' with respect and sincerity of heart just as we would Christ, we posture ourselves to receive from God. He puts us under the leadership of people who have something He knows we need and when those 'mentors' step into the role God has called them to they provide:
* Correction when our attitudes or actions are wrong.
* Rebuke when we're making mistakes or not heeding quickly enough.
* Encouragement when we do well.
* Careful instruction on how to walk life out.
* Help in producing good fruit and character.
So look at where God has placed you. Figure out what leader He has assigned you to and serve them. If you already have a mentor, ask yourself 'When they think of me do they have joy? Would they trust me enough to put me in charge of all of the affairs of their estate?' If both of those answers are not 'yes' then you have some work to do.
Let God use people to train you so you can win. Learn all you can. Do you very best with the responsibilities you've been given. Be flexible and servant-minded. Stop worrying about titles. Don't try to claim territory. Ask how you can help. Humbly ask for advice. Stop getting offended. Propel yourself by connecting. Learn the lesson now so life won't have to teach it to you later. Become someone's answer and get your promotion.
This kind of teaching never generates a big 'hooray' from our culture but it is vital in God's Kingdom. So vital, in my opinion, that we've built an entire conference with the goal of training and mentorship in mind. It's called the ProVISION 2010 Conference and it's taking place June 24-26 at the Now Center near Columbus, Ohio. The ProVISION 2010 Conference schedule is packed with experts and industry leaders who will challenge you, give you the training and inspiration you need, and step into the role of mentors in order to help you get the ADVANTAGE God has been trying to give you.
Whatever we think the reason is behind our fear or dislike of authority, the truth is that we feel that way because we've been out of line. We haven't always respected authority or realized the role God has assigned to the authorities in our lives.
Our culture has taught us to use phrases like "It's all about me," "You deserve it," and "Have it your way." Our lives have become focused on our feelings, our agendas, and our survival. Unfortunately this "orphan mentality" is resulting in a culture that doesn't acknowledge, let alone respect, authority. The Bible warns us of this. We have to stop dismissing this mentality as innocent. It's not. The scriptures tell us that all authority is from God. His Kingdom is our example and it operates by the power of authority – a Kingdom with a King.
So why has God placed authorities in our lives? How do we benefit from respecting and honoring authorities? Besides the obvious reasons, the Bible tells us that learning how to operate properly under authority gives us an advantage. What is the advantage? The results of mentorship.
The world defines a mentor as an experienced and trusted advisor, but I believe God has mentorship in mind every time he puts someone in a position of authority or leadership. By submitting to and obeying those 'mentors,' with respect and sincerity of heart just as we would Christ, we posture ourselves to receive from God. He puts us under the leadership of people who have something He knows we need and when those 'mentors' step into the role God has called them to they provide:
* Correction when our attitudes or actions are wrong.
* Rebuke when we're making mistakes or not heeding quickly enough.
* Encouragement when we do well.
* Careful instruction on how to walk life out.
* Help in producing good fruit and character.
So look at where God has placed you. Figure out what leader He has assigned you to and serve them. If you already have a mentor, ask yourself 'When they think of me do they have joy? Would they trust me enough to put me in charge of all of the affairs of their estate?' If both of those answers are not 'yes' then you have some work to do.
Let God use people to train you so you can win. Learn all you can. Do you very best with the responsibilities you've been given. Be flexible and servant-minded. Stop worrying about titles. Don't try to claim territory. Ask how you can help. Humbly ask for advice. Stop getting offended. Propel yourself by connecting. Learn the lesson now so life won't have to teach it to you later. Become someone's answer and get your promotion.
This kind of teaching never generates a big 'hooray' from our culture but it is vital in God's Kingdom. So vital, in my opinion, that we've built an entire conference with the goal of training and mentorship in mind. It's called the ProVISION 2010 Conference and it's taking place June 24-26 at the Now Center near Columbus, Ohio. The ProVISION 2010 Conference schedule is packed with experts and industry leaders who will challenge you, give you the training and inspiration you need, and step into the role of mentors in order to help you get the ADVANTAGE God has been trying to give you.
Barkley picks Cavs to win it all
NEW YORK -- Charles Barkley wonders if the Cleveland Cavaliers are resting LeBron James too much, but doesn't see anything stopping them from winning their first NBA title.
Not a banged-up Kobe Bryant and the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. And certainly not the aging Boston Celtics, who the Hall of Famer believes have too much mileage on their legs to mount a real threat.
"When you get older and people say, 'When we get healthy,'" Barkley said Tuesday during a conference call. "Older people die, they don't get healthier."
Cleveland and Boston could meet in the second round, and Barkley sees the Cavaliers advancing.
"I think the Cavaliers are going to win the whole thing," he said.
Barkley and fellow TNT analysts Kevin McHale and Doug Collins all agree that a potential Cleveland-Orlando matchup would make a terrific Eastern Conference final, with the winner likely meeting the Lakers for the championship.
But they aren't ready to guarantee Los Angeles a third straight trip to the NBA Finals.
"The Lakers appear to be the team to beat [in the West], but they've got a lot of question marks right now," Collins said, listing Bryant's condition, their depth if Andrew Bynum isn't healthy, and their ability to defend quick point guards.
McHale said he would be less surprised than others if the Lakers weren't in the Finals, especially after getting a look at Bryant's broken right index finger when the reigning NBA Finals MVP appeared recently on the NBA TV studio show that features McHale. The injury has caused Bryant to shoot poorly late in the season.
"His finger looks just as bad as it did during the All-Star Game. I was surprised it didn't look a lot better," McHale said. "That thing is really, really looking bad. The swelling hasn't gone down. It still looks really, really funky."
Fear of injuries is part of the reason Cavaliers coach Mike Brown has rested James the last three games with home-court advantage throughout the NBA Finals already secured. He may consider playing the league's MVP Wednesday in the season finale against Atlanta, when Shaquille O'Neal is expected to return from his thumb injury.
Barkley thinks James probably should play. He felt it was a mistake that he, Kevin Johnson and Dan Majerle rested so much after Phoenix wrapped everything up in 1993. The Suns were rusty when they opened the playoffs against the Lakers and immediately fell into a 2-0 hole at home, forcing them to play more games than necessary before eventually reaching the Finals.
"I'm a little surprised they've rested LeBron as much as possible," Barkley said. "It's not like he's 39 years old, so I think Cleveland has to really be careful."
The Celtics once looked like the biggest threat to Cleveland, but have struggled over the second half of the season and don't defend nearly as well as they did while winning the 2008 championship.
"You can see they're not the same. The energy level is not the same," Barkley said.
"I think the Celtics went for it, they won a championship, and now they're just an older team. Kevin Garnett is one of my favorite players. You can just tell he's not the same player."
The postseason opens Saturday.
Not a banged-up Kobe Bryant and the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. And certainly not the aging Boston Celtics, who the Hall of Famer believes have too much mileage on their legs to mount a real threat.
"When you get older and people say, 'When we get healthy,'" Barkley said Tuesday during a conference call. "Older people die, they don't get healthier."
Cleveland and Boston could meet in the second round, and Barkley sees the Cavaliers advancing.
"I think the Cavaliers are going to win the whole thing," he said.
Barkley and fellow TNT analysts Kevin McHale and Doug Collins all agree that a potential Cleveland-Orlando matchup would make a terrific Eastern Conference final, with the winner likely meeting the Lakers for the championship.
But they aren't ready to guarantee Los Angeles a third straight trip to the NBA Finals.
"The Lakers appear to be the team to beat [in the West], but they've got a lot of question marks right now," Collins said, listing Bryant's condition, their depth if Andrew Bynum isn't healthy, and their ability to defend quick point guards.
McHale said he would be less surprised than others if the Lakers weren't in the Finals, especially after getting a look at Bryant's broken right index finger when the reigning NBA Finals MVP appeared recently on the NBA TV studio show that features McHale. The injury has caused Bryant to shoot poorly late in the season.
"His finger looks just as bad as it did during the All-Star Game. I was surprised it didn't look a lot better," McHale said. "That thing is really, really looking bad. The swelling hasn't gone down. It still looks really, really funky."
Fear of injuries is part of the reason Cavaliers coach Mike Brown has rested James the last three games with home-court advantage throughout the NBA Finals already secured. He may consider playing the league's MVP Wednesday in the season finale against Atlanta, when Shaquille O'Neal is expected to return from his thumb injury.
Barkley thinks James probably should play. He felt it was a mistake that he, Kevin Johnson and Dan Majerle rested so much after Phoenix wrapped everything up in 1993. The Suns were rusty when they opened the playoffs against the Lakers and immediately fell into a 2-0 hole at home, forcing them to play more games than necessary before eventually reaching the Finals.
"I'm a little surprised they've rested LeBron as much as possible," Barkley said. "It's not like he's 39 years old, so I think Cleveland has to really be careful."
The Celtics once looked like the biggest threat to Cleveland, but have struggled over the second half of the season and don't defend nearly as well as they did while winning the 2008 championship.
"You can see they're not the same. The energy level is not the same," Barkley said.
"I think the Celtics went for it, they won a championship, and now they're just an older team. Kevin Garnett is one of my favorite players. You can just tell he's not the same player."
The postseason opens Saturday.
Cavs fire Brown before $4.5M deadline
CLEVELAND -- Mike Brown won everything in five years coaching the Cleveland Cavaliers. Everything, that is, except an NBA title.
Brown, the most successful coach in franchise history, was fired after failing to win a championship with superstar -- and soon-to-be free agent -- LeBron James.
The Cavaliers had a midnight deadline Sunday night to fire the head coach or pay him his full $4.5 million salary for next season.
Cleveland was ousted from the playoffs two weeks ago by the Boston Celtics, who upset the NBA's top regular-season team in six games in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert made the decision to fire Brown after an organizational review that began following the Cavs' exit from the playoffs.
Cleveland's next move will be an interesting one. Because of James' uncertain future, it's possible the Cavs would want his input into their next coaching hire, assuming the two-time MVP is still considering re-signing with Cleveland when free agency opens after midnight on July 1. The Cavs will have to search for a new coach not knowing if James will be back and would have to go into the draft and free agency without a coach.
James is eligible to opt out of his contract this summer, a move that would make the two-time MVP -- and zero-time NBA champion -- a free agent and set off a scramble for his services from New York to Miami to Los Angeles and, of course, back in Cleveland.
Cleveland, which had the best record in the NBA the past two seasons, had a 2-1 series lead over the Celtics before losing three straight, including the final two at home by a combined 50 points.
"After a long and deep analysis of all of the factors that led to the disappointing early ends to our playoff runs over the past two seasons, we concluded that it was time for the Cavaliers to move in a different direction," Gilbert said Monday in a statement released by the team. "The expectations of this organization are very high and, although change always carries an element of risk, there are times when that risk must be taken in an attempt to break through to new, higher levels of accomplishment.
"This is one of those times."
Brown was not immediately available for comment, according to The Associated Press. No one answered the door at his home in Westlake, Ohio.
The James' family publicist said the All-Star forward was out of town on vacation and not available to comment on Brown's dismissal.
Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas tried to deflect the blame off Brown.
Obviously, we didn't achieve what we set out to achieve, which is to win a championship," Ilgauskas said, according to The Plain Dealer of Cleveland. "But if you're going to lay all the blame on coach Brown and think that's going to solve everything, you've got another thing coming.
"I think we're all at fault -- the players, everybody. You have to, at some point, accept some of the responsibility. We all have to do that. A coach only can take you so far. At some point you have to do it yourself and we didn't do it. I think coach Brown will be fine. He'll be coaching again, and I'm very sure he'll have success.''
Cavs guard Mo Williams agreed with Ilgauskas' stance, according to the Cleveland newspaper.
"Do I think he deserved it? No,'' Williams said. "My question is: Who's out there that's better? He's not a bad coach. To fire him, that's making a big statement. After him, you have to get a Hall of Fame coach.
"I thought we prematurely acted on our emotions, as an organization. I think he did a good job. If anything, bring in a veteran assistant. I think we just could have gotten better instead of blowing it all up. Now we're starting over.
"I'm hurt, because I like him a lot," Williams added. "He'll be missed. We know how the business of basketball goes. He knows the nature of the business, also. His presence will be missed.''
Brown, who had one year left on his contract, could be quickly scooped up by one of the five other teams looking for head coaches. Brown guided the team to the postseason in each of his five seasons but failed to win an NBA championship. Cleveland's assistants also have one year remaining on their deals.
General manager Danny Ferry's contract expires next month and there's no guarantee he wants to stay around.
"I have truly enjoyed working with Mike Brown," Ferry said on Monday. "Mike has played a huge role in turning around the Cavs organization. Over the past five years, Mike established a work ethic, defensive identity and culture of winning that was not here previously."
Duke promptly struck down rumors that Mike Krzyzewski could leave the Blue Devils to coach James and the Cavaliers.
"It has been addressed repeatedly since the Lakers thing a few years ago," a Duke spokesman told ESPN.com's Andy Katz. "If anything changes, we will let everyone know."
Brown was the league's coach of the year last season when the Cavs won 66 games. Cleveland lost to Orlando in the conference finals, however, and it was assumed Brown would have to get the team closer to a championship to keep his job.
Instead, the Cavs regressed. They were badly outplayed by the Celtics in the conference semifinals.
Boston's Doc Rivers and Orlando's Stan Van Gundy, the coaches who knocked Brown and the Cavs from the playoffs the past two years, expressed disappointment in Cleveland's decision.
"Obviously, I was not thrilled to see it," Rivers said before Game 4 in Boston. "I wonder what you have to do to keep your job -- back-to-back 60-win seasons. Our profession is tough."
Said Van Gundy: "Franchises have the right to make any decisions they want. You can't do a hell of a lot better. There's not a coach in the league that has done better than Mike Brown."
It wasn't all his fault, but the 40-year-old Brown, hired by Gilbert to change Cleveland's culture with a foundation based on defense, couldn't deliver a title this season despite having the game's most skilled player and a roster upgraded with the additions of All-Stars Shaquille O'Neal and Antawn Jamison.
The Cavs' defense, suffocating and relentless at times during the regular season, was atrocious in the series against Boston.
Cleveland allowed more than 100 points in six games and couldn't contain Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo. When Brown and his staff finally figured out a way to contain Rondo, the Cavs had no answer for Kevin Garnett, who dominated Jamison.
Brown was outcoached by Rivers, who had his team better prepared and got more from his players. The Cavs were constantly beaten to loose balls and long rebounds, something Brown couldn't help but see as perhaps a sign that he had already lost his team.
Brown's rotations were a mess in the series, leading to the team's inability to get into any type of offensive rhythm. With James unable to dominate as he so often does, the Cavs' offense was stagnant and players didn't seem to have any sense of their roles.
It was constant scrambling.
There were whispers Brown was in trouble after the Cavs were dumped by Orlando in last year's Eastern Conference finals. It was thought that Brown would have to take his team at least as far this season to save his job, but he couldn't and paid the price.
During his tenure, Brown rarely -- if ever -- criticized James. The opposite wasn't true.
In past seasons, James complained about the team's lack of offensive imagination, saying the Cavs should run more. He and Brown worked through most differences and seemed to have a solid relationship, but it began to fade as this brief postseason unfolded.
Because of an injury to O'Neal, Brown was forced to integrate the center back into the offense during the playoffs, and the Cavs never got into a flow. Also, James and some of the team's other veterans questioned Brown's game plans in both the series against Chicago and Boston.
James publicly questioned why O'Neal played only 49 seconds in the fourth quarter of the Game 4 loss in Boston. In the opening round against the Bulls, James campaigned to get J.J. Hickson more playing time, creating an awkward standoff between the coach and superstar.
Adding to the drama in Cleveland's final home game was the sight of Kentucky coach John Calipari, a friend of James, sitting in a courtside seat -- next to James' agent -- adjacent to Cleveland's bench.
Brown, the most successful coach in franchise history, was fired after failing to win a championship with superstar -- and soon-to-be free agent -- LeBron James.
The Cavaliers had a midnight deadline Sunday night to fire the head coach or pay him his full $4.5 million salary for next season.
Cleveland was ousted from the playoffs two weeks ago by the Boston Celtics, who upset the NBA's top regular-season team in six games in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert made the decision to fire Brown after an organizational review that began following the Cavs' exit from the playoffs.
Cleveland's next move will be an interesting one. Because of James' uncertain future, it's possible the Cavs would want his input into their next coaching hire, assuming the two-time MVP is still considering re-signing with Cleveland when free agency opens after midnight on July 1. The Cavs will have to search for a new coach not knowing if James will be back and would have to go into the draft and free agency without a coach.
James is eligible to opt out of his contract this summer, a move that would make the two-time MVP -- and zero-time NBA champion -- a free agent and set off a scramble for his services from New York to Miami to Los Angeles and, of course, back in Cleveland.
Cleveland, which had the best record in the NBA the past two seasons, had a 2-1 series lead over the Celtics before losing three straight, including the final two at home by a combined 50 points.
"After a long and deep analysis of all of the factors that led to the disappointing early ends to our playoff runs over the past two seasons, we concluded that it was time for the Cavaliers to move in a different direction," Gilbert said Monday in a statement released by the team. "The expectations of this organization are very high and, although change always carries an element of risk, there are times when that risk must be taken in an attempt to break through to new, higher levels of accomplishment.
"This is one of those times."
Brown was not immediately available for comment, according to The Associated Press. No one answered the door at his home in Westlake, Ohio.
The James' family publicist said the All-Star forward was out of town on vacation and not available to comment on Brown's dismissal.
Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas tried to deflect the blame off Brown.
Obviously, we didn't achieve what we set out to achieve, which is to win a championship," Ilgauskas said, according to The Plain Dealer of Cleveland. "But if you're going to lay all the blame on coach Brown and think that's going to solve everything, you've got another thing coming.
"I think we're all at fault -- the players, everybody. You have to, at some point, accept some of the responsibility. We all have to do that. A coach only can take you so far. At some point you have to do it yourself and we didn't do it. I think coach Brown will be fine. He'll be coaching again, and I'm very sure he'll have success.''
Cavs guard Mo Williams agreed with Ilgauskas' stance, according to the Cleveland newspaper.
"Do I think he deserved it? No,'' Williams said. "My question is: Who's out there that's better? He's not a bad coach. To fire him, that's making a big statement. After him, you have to get a Hall of Fame coach.
"I thought we prematurely acted on our emotions, as an organization. I think he did a good job. If anything, bring in a veteran assistant. I think we just could have gotten better instead of blowing it all up. Now we're starting over.
"I'm hurt, because I like him a lot," Williams added. "He'll be missed. We know how the business of basketball goes. He knows the nature of the business, also. His presence will be missed.''
Brown, who had one year left on his contract, could be quickly scooped up by one of the five other teams looking for head coaches. Brown guided the team to the postseason in each of his five seasons but failed to win an NBA championship. Cleveland's assistants also have one year remaining on their deals.
General manager Danny Ferry's contract expires next month and there's no guarantee he wants to stay around.
"I have truly enjoyed working with Mike Brown," Ferry said on Monday. "Mike has played a huge role in turning around the Cavs organization. Over the past five years, Mike established a work ethic, defensive identity and culture of winning that was not here previously."
Duke promptly struck down rumors that Mike Krzyzewski could leave the Blue Devils to coach James and the Cavaliers.
"It has been addressed repeatedly since the Lakers thing a few years ago," a Duke spokesman told ESPN.com's Andy Katz. "If anything changes, we will let everyone know."
Brown was the league's coach of the year last season when the Cavs won 66 games. Cleveland lost to Orlando in the conference finals, however, and it was assumed Brown would have to get the team closer to a championship to keep his job.
Instead, the Cavs regressed. They were badly outplayed by the Celtics in the conference semifinals.
Boston's Doc Rivers and Orlando's Stan Van Gundy, the coaches who knocked Brown and the Cavs from the playoffs the past two years, expressed disappointment in Cleveland's decision.
"Obviously, I was not thrilled to see it," Rivers said before Game 4 in Boston. "I wonder what you have to do to keep your job -- back-to-back 60-win seasons. Our profession is tough."
Said Van Gundy: "Franchises have the right to make any decisions they want. You can't do a hell of a lot better. There's not a coach in the league that has done better than Mike Brown."
It wasn't all his fault, but the 40-year-old Brown, hired by Gilbert to change Cleveland's culture with a foundation based on defense, couldn't deliver a title this season despite having the game's most skilled player and a roster upgraded with the additions of All-Stars Shaquille O'Neal and Antawn Jamison.
The Cavs' defense, suffocating and relentless at times during the regular season, was atrocious in the series against Boston.
Cleveland allowed more than 100 points in six games and couldn't contain Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo. When Brown and his staff finally figured out a way to contain Rondo, the Cavs had no answer for Kevin Garnett, who dominated Jamison.
Brown was outcoached by Rivers, who had his team better prepared and got more from his players. The Cavs were constantly beaten to loose balls and long rebounds, something Brown couldn't help but see as perhaps a sign that he had already lost his team.
Brown's rotations were a mess in the series, leading to the team's inability to get into any type of offensive rhythm. With James unable to dominate as he so often does, the Cavs' offense was stagnant and players didn't seem to have any sense of their roles.
It was constant scrambling.
There were whispers Brown was in trouble after the Cavs were dumped by Orlando in last year's Eastern Conference finals. It was thought that Brown would have to take his team at least as far this season to save his job, but he couldn't and paid the price.
During his tenure, Brown rarely -- if ever -- criticized James. The opposite wasn't true.
In past seasons, James complained about the team's lack of offensive imagination, saying the Cavs should run more. He and Brown worked through most differences and seemed to have a solid relationship, but it began to fade as this brief postseason unfolded.
Because of an injury to O'Neal, Brown was forced to integrate the center back into the offense during the playoffs, and the Cavs never got into a flow. Also, James and some of the team's other veterans questioned Brown's game plans in both the series against Chicago and Boston.
James publicly questioned why O'Neal played only 49 seconds in the fourth quarter of the Game 4 loss in Boston. In the opening round against the Bulls, James campaigned to get J.J. Hickson more playing time, creating an awkward standoff between the coach and superstar.
Adding to the drama in Cleveland's final home game was the sight of Kentucky coach John Calipari, a friend of James, sitting in a courtside seat -- next to James' agent -- adjacent to Cleveland's bench.
Carrie Underwood: On the ride of her life
Carrie Underwood is all smiles, curled up in a chair in an Indianapolis hotel room, but she's keeping the tissues close by. “Oh, my gosh, we've been in so many allergy-infested places, and everything's blooming, so pardon me if I'm sniffing a lot.”
Underwood is riding such a personal and professional high these days, not even a blast of pollen and pollution can dampen her spirits. At a time when other big hitmakers — Taylor Swift among them — are making their own splash, Underwood has emerged as the reigning Queen of Country. At age 27, she's a huge star with a multigenerational fan base that fills stadiums and racks up music sales by buying both her CDs and digital songs. Translation: She's a star with staying power.
“She's probably the best female vocalist to come out of Nashville maybe ever,” saysfellow country star and friend Miranda Lambert. “People in the industry really respect her. She's the epitome of a star.”
If Underwood goes home with an armload of trophies from Country Music Television's Music Awards Wednesday (8 p.m. ET), no one can say she didn't earn them. The singer, a previous winner of the USA WEEKEND Breakthrough Video of the Year, is nominated in three categories: Best Video, Female Video and CMT Performance of the Year.
As they might say in her hometown, Checotah, Okla., (pop. 3,481), Underwood's hotter than a two-dollar pistol on Saturday night. In April, she became the first woman to win the Academy of Country Music's Entertainer of the Year award twice; the five-time Grammy winner recently scored her 12th No. 1 single with Temporary Home, the second chart-topper from her hit 2009 album, Play On; and in all, her three CDs have sold just shy of 12.5 million copies since 2005's seven-times-platinum debut, Some Hearts. (Swift is close on her heels with 10 million albums sold.)
As a reminder of the star's not-so-distant past, she's wearing a red T-shirt from her waitressing days at Sam & Ella's Chicken Palace in Tahlequah, Okla. Completing the decidedly un-royal look: baggy sweat pants. (“They look like something you'd steal from a guy.”)Back then, the biggest crowd she had sung to “was maybe 150 people, and that was on a good night, you know?” she recalls. “They probably weren't even paying attention.”
Then came the 2005 season of American Idol, and in true Cinderella form, Underwood's life took on a fairy-tale glow.
It's easy to forget that it wasn't all that long ago that the country music establishment Underwood now dominates wasn't so accepting. When she captured the Idol title and sailed into Nashville, many felt she hadn't earned her place. Country stars of old traditionally came up the hard way, playing dives and paying dues until they got their break. They sure as heck weren't vegetarians and PETA supporters, as Underwood is.
“There were a few undertones from people,” she concedes. “Nobody ever came up to me and pointed his finger and said, ‘You shouldn't be here.' But it was always, ‘So and so said such and such.' But can you honestly imagine me spending 20 years singing in bars trying to make it? That doesn't fit me at all. And my family didn't have the money to pay for a demo. So what was I going to do? Idol was the door God opened for me, and I took my chances.”
Perhaps the most egregious, now-famous example of jealousy arrived in Faith Hill's reaction when Underwood beat her out for the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year title in 2006. As Underwood's name was called, Hill mouthed an indignant “What?” to the camera backstage in a display of diva-ness that she later dismissed as a joke. Underwood accepts her explanation. “I never believed for one second that there was any malice involved,” she says now. “People love a good catfight, even when there's really not one there.”
Ditto when it comes to her newest rival for country queen, 20-year-old Swift.
Their fans duke it out on online message boards, where things can get mean, “especially in comparing Underwood's polished live vocals with Swift's more erratic live efforts,” says Chet Flippo, editorial director of CMT and CMT.com. The singers actually have enjoyed a little hanging-out time, taking in a Nashville Predators hockey game and sharing a table at Clive Davis' Grammy party in January. But, Underwood says, “It's hard to be friends with people in the business. You're never in the same place at the same time.”
(3 of 3)
Underwood admits she has guarded her feelings, especially in high-profile romances with Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo and actor Chace Crawford. She says she has always been blunt about her priorities, telling guys exactly where they stood: “ ‘This is how it's going to be. You're not going to see me much, so you're going to have to love the phone, because that's the only contact we'll be able to have.' ”
Underwood admits she has guarded her feelings, especially in high-profile romances with Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo and actor Chace Crawford. She says she has always been blunt about her priorities, telling guys exactly where they stood: “ ‘This is how it's going to be. You're not going to see me much, so you're going to have to love the phone, because that's the only contact we'll be able to have.' ”
Now, those calls will be long-distance. Underwood is engaged to Canadian hockey star Mike Fisher, 30, whom she met in October 2008. Last Christmas, he proposed with a whopper of a diamond, reported as 12 carats, though Underwood insists it's far smaller. “I have baby fingers, the hands of an 8-year-old boy. I don't think that would even fit on my finger.”
When she talks about Fisher, her voice gets dreamy. “Usually I get annoyed with people after four months, and their jokes aren't funny anymore, and their ‘isms' start to bug me. But everything he does is great. I couldn't have dreamt him up any better.”
The pair will commute between Nashville and Ottawa, where he plays for the Senators. “We're both very independent people, so if we said, ‘We're going to move in and be together 365 days a year,' we'd probably want to hurt each other.”
In the meantime, she's trying to plan a wedding. With another awards show, a summer tour in full swing and even a movie debut next year, it may be tough. Still, Underwood says, “I definitely have no complaints. Life seems really good right now. It makes my heart happy.”
Underwood is riding such a personal and professional high these days, not even a blast of pollen and pollution can dampen her spirits. At a time when other big hitmakers — Taylor Swift among them — are making their own splash, Underwood has emerged as the reigning Queen of Country. At age 27, she's a huge star with a multigenerational fan base that fills stadiums and racks up music sales by buying both her CDs and digital songs. Translation: She's a star with staying power.
“She's probably the best female vocalist to come out of Nashville maybe ever,” saysfellow country star and friend Miranda Lambert. “People in the industry really respect her. She's the epitome of a star.”
If Underwood goes home with an armload of trophies from Country Music Television's Music Awards Wednesday (8 p.m. ET), no one can say she didn't earn them. The singer, a previous winner of the USA WEEKEND Breakthrough Video of the Year, is nominated in three categories: Best Video, Female Video and CMT Performance of the Year.
As they might say in her hometown, Checotah, Okla., (pop. 3,481), Underwood's hotter than a two-dollar pistol on Saturday night. In April, she became the first woman to win the Academy of Country Music's Entertainer of the Year award twice; the five-time Grammy winner recently scored her 12th No. 1 single with Temporary Home, the second chart-topper from her hit 2009 album, Play On; and in all, her three CDs have sold just shy of 12.5 million copies since 2005's seven-times-platinum debut, Some Hearts. (Swift is close on her heels with 10 million albums sold.)
As a reminder of the star's not-so-distant past, she's wearing a red T-shirt from her waitressing days at Sam & Ella's Chicken Palace in Tahlequah, Okla. Completing the decidedly un-royal look: baggy sweat pants. (“They look like something you'd steal from a guy.”)Back then, the biggest crowd she had sung to “was maybe 150 people, and that was on a good night, you know?” she recalls. “They probably weren't even paying attention.”
Then came the 2005 season of American Idol, and in true Cinderella form, Underwood's life took on a fairy-tale glow.
It's easy to forget that it wasn't all that long ago that the country music establishment Underwood now dominates wasn't so accepting. When she captured the Idol title and sailed into Nashville, many felt she hadn't earned her place. Country stars of old traditionally came up the hard way, playing dives and paying dues until they got their break. They sure as heck weren't vegetarians and PETA supporters, as Underwood is.
“There were a few undertones from people,” she concedes. “Nobody ever came up to me and pointed his finger and said, ‘You shouldn't be here.' But it was always, ‘So and so said such and such.' But can you honestly imagine me spending 20 years singing in bars trying to make it? That doesn't fit me at all. And my family didn't have the money to pay for a demo. So what was I going to do? Idol was the door God opened for me, and I took my chances.”
Perhaps the most egregious, now-famous example of jealousy arrived in Faith Hill's reaction when Underwood beat her out for the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year title in 2006. As Underwood's name was called, Hill mouthed an indignant “What?” to the camera backstage in a display of diva-ness that she later dismissed as a joke. Underwood accepts her explanation. “I never believed for one second that there was any malice involved,” she says now. “People love a good catfight, even when there's really not one there.”
Ditto when it comes to her newest rival for country queen, 20-year-old Swift.
Their fans duke it out on online message boards, where things can get mean, “especially in comparing Underwood's polished live vocals with Swift's more erratic live efforts,” says Chet Flippo, editorial director of CMT and CMT.com. The singers actually have enjoyed a little hanging-out time, taking in a Nashville Predators hockey game and sharing a table at Clive Davis' Grammy party in January. But, Underwood says, “It's hard to be friends with people in the business. You're never in the same place at the same time.”
(3 of 3)
Underwood admits she has guarded her feelings, especially in high-profile romances with Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo and actor Chace Crawford. She says she has always been blunt about her priorities, telling guys exactly where they stood: “ ‘This is how it's going to be. You're not going to see me much, so you're going to have to love the phone, because that's the only contact we'll be able to have.' ”
Underwood admits she has guarded her feelings, especially in high-profile romances with Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo and actor Chace Crawford. She says she has always been blunt about her priorities, telling guys exactly where they stood: “ ‘This is how it's going to be. You're not going to see me much, so you're going to have to love the phone, because that's the only contact we'll be able to have.' ”
Now, those calls will be long-distance. Underwood is engaged to Canadian hockey star Mike Fisher, 30, whom she met in October 2008. Last Christmas, he proposed with a whopper of a diamond, reported as 12 carats, though Underwood insists it's far smaller. “I have baby fingers, the hands of an 8-year-old boy. I don't think that would even fit on my finger.”
When she talks about Fisher, her voice gets dreamy. “Usually I get annoyed with people after four months, and their jokes aren't funny anymore, and their ‘isms' start to bug me. But everything he does is great. I couldn't have dreamt him up any better.”
The pair will commute between Nashville and Ottawa, where he plays for the Senators. “We're both very independent people, so if we said, ‘We're going to move in and be together 365 days a year,' we'd probably want to hurt each other.”
In the meantime, she's trying to plan a wedding. With another awards show, a summer tour in full swing and even a movie debut next year, it may be tough. Still, Underwood says, “I definitely have no complaints. Life seems really good right now. It makes my heart happy.”
This is about Zack Efron I'm growing up" Can Disney superstar Zac Efron escape his "High School Musical" past?
Some one send this too me just know
Even by Hollywood standards, Zac Efron has been blessed in the gene department. Sitting in a booth at Casa Vega, a Sherman Oaks, Calif., Mexican restaurant, it's hard not to be mesmerized by his eggshell-blue eyes lined with long lashes and that toothpaste-white smile peering out over the fish taco he's munching on. The gray knit beanie covering his head fails to prevent every waitress and female customer in this very dark joint from noticing the young star.
Still, as perhaps Efron understands better than most, life is not a Disney musical. "I'm at a transition point," Efron concedes, taking a measure of his current position in the Hollywood constellations. "My taste is changing. I'm growing up."
The change is not entirely obvious in his new movie, which is actually called "17 Again." In it, Efron, 21 in real life, again plays the cute guy, and a basketball star at that, à la "High School Musical," the monster hit movie series he starred in and which, he is quick to add, "is over" for him. The catch this time: A depressed 37-year-old with a failed marriage and career (Matthew Perry) gets to do over his life in the body of his 17-year-old self (Efron). Although still playing a teenager, Efron does it with his first hint of adult-style machismo.
"For a while, I felt lost in celebrity-land. I didn't know how to handle it."
"I saw it as a more complex part that could help me shift into adult material," he says hopefully.
Whether a movie called "17 Again," bound to be a hit with young girls, is the vehicle that will propel Efron from teen heartthrob to leading man remains to be seen. "The challenge for Zac Efron is to start to win over a general audience, including grown-ups, and to be taken seriously as an actor without losing his fan base of teens and tweens," says movie critic Leonard Maltin. "We're talking about the all-important transition from boyhood to manhood, and the term is not 'leading boy' but 'leading man.' Efron's got to prove he has what it takes to fans and critics."
In person, Efron, wearing a Beatles tee and worn jeans, is friendly, but super self-conscious about the interview. (In a second of exasperation, he blurts out, "I'm trying to figure out what you want me to say. What do you want me to say?") Growing up in the public eye, Efron has grappled with his own ambivalence about celebrity and what often has seemed like a 24/7 surveillance of his private life.
"I didn't want to be famous," he explains. "I get sick of seeing my own face around.
"I used to get so frustrated. For a while, I felt like I was completely lost in celebrity-land. I didn't know how to handle it. Now I know that I have to plot where I'm going, when I'm going there and where the back entrance is. It's like I'm playing a giant game of tag."
Given that, it is to his credit that he still, by many accounts, lives a relatively modest life for a guy who already earns several million dollars a picture. He lives in the San Fernando Valley, which is considerably less cool and expensive than the trendier Hollywood Hills or Santa Monica, and works out at a gym near his house. He likes to cruise around town, talking on his Bluetooth headset and listening to hip-hop. His idea of a great Saturday? "Hanging out with a group of friends and jumping on the 405 South to the beach for a day of sun and music," he says.
If it all sounds ridiculously "High School Musical" meets the Beach Boys, that's because Efron's roots are, in fact, laid down in the sand and surf of the bedroom community of Arroyo Grande. He had a relatively angst-free childhood.
"My parents really kept us anchored," Efron says of his dad, David, an engineer, and his mom, Starla, who worked in a winery for years, then opted to stay home with Zac and his younger brother, now 17 and a high school football player. "I played sports on weekends -- baseball, basketball -- and when I sucked at those, I started playing golf and ping-pong in the garage. After I lost interest, I started singing. I was always singing to the point where my parents would shout, 'Shut up, Zac! Enough already!' "
In high school, what he lacked in natural academic ability he made up for with determination, racking up an impressive 4.3 GPA and landing acceptance to the competitive University of Southern California. (He deferred going because of film projects.) "I wasn't a genius like some of my friends who slacked off and got A's," Efron says. "But I was a hard worker. I always give 100%."
When it comes to professional behavior, Lindsay Lohan he is not. To the contrary, Efron is known to do his homework, show up on time and make the most of it. For his role in "17 Again," he studied every detail of Perry's physicality and the tempo of his speech.
"Zac doesn't take anything for granted," says producer/director Adam Shankman, who directed Efron in the 2007 movie "Hairspray." "He never stops rehearsing, almost to an annoying degree. He's earned his way into more complicated roles."
What's next? For now, it's not clear. He has an art-house movie in the can, "Me and Orson Welles," with no release date. He recently opted out of starring in a "Footloose" remake, but he landed in a risqué photo spread rolling in the dirt with a naked model.
"I'm definitely not the best actor in the world at this point," he says, taking a last gulp of iced tea. "But hopefully, with time and effort and smart decisions, that will change."
As he exits Casa Vega, the paparazzi have tracked him down, and two rogue photographers shout questions at him. Efron smiles, pulls his beanie down over his head and takes off in his shiny black Audi.
There you guy ppl that love him lol
Even by Hollywood standards, Zac Efron has been blessed in the gene department. Sitting in a booth at Casa Vega, a Sherman Oaks, Calif., Mexican restaurant, it's hard not to be mesmerized by his eggshell-blue eyes lined with long lashes and that toothpaste-white smile peering out over the fish taco he's munching on. The gray knit beanie covering his head fails to prevent every waitress and female customer in this very dark joint from noticing the young star.
Still, as perhaps Efron understands better than most, life is not a Disney musical. "I'm at a transition point," Efron concedes, taking a measure of his current position in the Hollywood constellations. "My taste is changing. I'm growing up."
The change is not entirely obvious in his new movie, which is actually called "17 Again." In it, Efron, 21 in real life, again plays the cute guy, and a basketball star at that, à la "High School Musical," the monster hit movie series he starred in and which, he is quick to add, "is over" for him. The catch this time: A depressed 37-year-old with a failed marriage and career (Matthew Perry) gets to do over his life in the body of his 17-year-old self (Efron). Although still playing a teenager, Efron does it with his first hint of adult-style machismo.
"For a while, I felt lost in celebrity-land. I didn't know how to handle it."
"I saw it as a more complex part that could help me shift into adult material," he says hopefully.
Whether a movie called "17 Again," bound to be a hit with young girls, is the vehicle that will propel Efron from teen heartthrob to leading man remains to be seen. "The challenge for Zac Efron is to start to win over a general audience, including grown-ups, and to be taken seriously as an actor without losing his fan base of teens and tweens," says movie critic Leonard Maltin. "We're talking about the all-important transition from boyhood to manhood, and the term is not 'leading boy' but 'leading man.' Efron's got to prove he has what it takes to fans and critics."
In person, Efron, wearing a Beatles tee and worn jeans, is friendly, but super self-conscious about the interview. (In a second of exasperation, he blurts out, "I'm trying to figure out what you want me to say. What do you want me to say?") Growing up in the public eye, Efron has grappled with his own ambivalence about celebrity and what often has seemed like a 24/7 surveillance of his private life.
"I didn't want to be famous," he explains. "I get sick of seeing my own face around.
"I used to get so frustrated. For a while, I felt like I was completely lost in celebrity-land. I didn't know how to handle it. Now I know that I have to plot where I'm going, when I'm going there and where the back entrance is. It's like I'm playing a giant game of tag."
Given that, it is to his credit that he still, by many accounts, lives a relatively modest life for a guy who already earns several million dollars a picture. He lives in the San Fernando Valley, which is considerably less cool and expensive than the trendier Hollywood Hills or Santa Monica, and works out at a gym near his house. He likes to cruise around town, talking on his Bluetooth headset and listening to hip-hop. His idea of a great Saturday? "Hanging out with a group of friends and jumping on the 405 South to the beach for a day of sun and music," he says.
If it all sounds ridiculously "High School Musical" meets the Beach Boys, that's because Efron's roots are, in fact, laid down in the sand and surf of the bedroom community of Arroyo Grande. He had a relatively angst-free childhood.
"My parents really kept us anchored," Efron says of his dad, David, an engineer, and his mom, Starla, who worked in a winery for years, then opted to stay home with Zac and his younger brother, now 17 and a high school football player. "I played sports on weekends -- baseball, basketball -- and when I sucked at those, I started playing golf and ping-pong in the garage. After I lost interest, I started singing. I was always singing to the point where my parents would shout, 'Shut up, Zac! Enough already!' "
In high school, what he lacked in natural academic ability he made up for with determination, racking up an impressive 4.3 GPA and landing acceptance to the competitive University of Southern California. (He deferred going because of film projects.) "I wasn't a genius like some of my friends who slacked off and got A's," Efron says. "But I was a hard worker. I always give 100%."
When it comes to professional behavior, Lindsay Lohan he is not. To the contrary, Efron is known to do his homework, show up on time and make the most of it. For his role in "17 Again," he studied every detail of Perry's physicality and the tempo of his speech.
"Zac doesn't take anything for granted," says producer/director Adam Shankman, who directed Efron in the 2007 movie "Hairspray." "He never stops rehearsing, almost to an annoying degree. He's earned his way into more complicated roles."
What's next? For now, it's not clear. He has an art-house movie in the can, "Me and Orson Welles," with no release date. He recently opted out of starring in a "Footloose" remake, but he landed in a risqué photo spread rolling in the dirt with a naked model.
"I'm definitely not the best actor in the world at this point," he says, taking a last gulp of iced tea. "But hopefully, with time and effort and smart decisions, that will change."
As he exits Casa Vega, the paparazzi have tracked him down, and two rogue photographers shout questions at him. Efron smiles, pulls his beanie down over his head and takes off in his shiny black Audi.
There you guy ppl that love him lol
FU JCU
1. What's worse? Liars or cheaters?
i would think that both are worse but if i had to pick one it would be a liars
2. Is it easier to forgive or forget?
Forgive
3. Can men and women be "Just Friends"?
sometimes
4. How do you feel about dating Co-Workers?
that they should not as long they keep from doing will working
5. All expenses paid vacation to anywhere...where?
Disney
7. Would you rather have 1 great friend or 5 pals?
one great friend
8. If someone called you a bitch would you be offended?
probably not, i dont really care
9. Are you okay with your boyfriend/girlfriend being friends with an ex?
no i will not be
10. Would you live with someone without marrying them?
yes if we bother was out of school
11. Have you ever woken up drunk?
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
12. Do you like diet soda?
yes
13. Do you squeeze toothpaste from the bottom or the middle?
middle
14. How do you feel about tanning booths?
i do not tann so i do not now
15. Friends with benefits?
no
16. Do you believe in angels?
yes i do
17. Would you rather take pictures or be in pictures?
both but mostly in pictuers
18. Hot Carl or Blumpkin?
idk
19. Ever kissed a person you knew less then a day?
no
20. Who did you hang out with last?
Alex S. & Abby & my g/f at the same time
21. What color looks best on you?
i had some one say organe in my hair looks good in me
22. What song are you listening to?
all kinds
23. Are you a jealous person?
i dont get jealous
24. Would you ever have plastic surgery?
never!
25. Who has the sexiest accents?
idk
26. Favorite song?
i have so many of them
27. Where is your sidekick?
idk
28. What's your occupation?
cadet
29. What is your astrological sign?
idk
30. Are you a beach, country or city person?
country,city,&beach
31. If you could own a non-traditional pet which would it be?
dog
32. Favorite movie as a child?
101dalmatians
33. What's something you spend a lot of money on?
lots of stuff
34. Are you currently working at a job that you hate?
nope
35. Have you ever been so heart broken that you called in sick to work?
no
36. Can you change a car tire?
mybe
37. Favorite candle scent?
i love anything apple pie & vinalle!!!!
38. Would you consider yourself adventurous?
yes
39. What is your MySpace profile song & why did you choose it?
iidk,but i like it
40. Who was the last person that told you they loved you?
alex lol
42. Would you sing Karaoke in front of co-workers?
yes
43. Can you shoot pool?
yes
44. Can you drive a stick?
no
45. When you marry will you wear white?
no, but my women would
47. Ever skip school and spend the day at the beach?
NOPE
48. Favorite TV show?
i have lots of them
49. Last piercing you got?
nothing
50. What are you looking forward to the most?
Alex S. & Abby next TI thing
i would think that both are worse but if i had to pick one it would be a liars
2. Is it easier to forgive or forget?
Forgive
3. Can men and women be "Just Friends"?
sometimes
4. How do you feel about dating Co-Workers?
that they should not as long they keep from doing will working
5. All expenses paid vacation to anywhere...where?
Disney
7. Would you rather have 1 great friend or 5 pals?
one great friend
8. If someone called you a bitch would you be offended?
probably not, i dont really care
9. Are you okay with your boyfriend/girlfriend being friends with an ex?
no i will not be
10. Would you live with someone without marrying them?
yes if we bother was out of school
11. Have you ever woken up drunk?
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
12. Do you like diet soda?
yes
13. Do you squeeze toothpaste from the bottom or the middle?
middle
14. How do you feel about tanning booths?
i do not tann so i do not now
15. Friends with benefits?
no
16. Do you believe in angels?
yes i do
17. Would you rather take pictures or be in pictures?
both but mostly in pictuers
18. Hot Carl or Blumpkin?
idk
19. Ever kissed a person you knew less then a day?
no
20. Who did you hang out with last?
Alex S. & Abby & my g/f at the same time
21. What color looks best on you?
i had some one say organe in my hair looks good in me
22. What song are you listening to?
all kinds
23. Are you a jealous person?
i dont get jealous
24. Would you ever have plastic surgery?
never!
25. Who has the sexiest accents?
idk
26. Favorite song?
i have so many of them
27. Where is your sidekick?
idk
28. What's your occupation?
cadet
29. What is your astrological sign?
idk
30. Are you a beach, country or city person?
country,city,&beach
31. If you could own a non-traditional pet which would it be?
dog
32. Favorite movie as a child?
101dalmatians
33. What's something you spend a lot of money on?
lots of stuff
34. Are you currently working at a job that you hate?
nope
35. Have you ever been so heart broken that you called in sick to work?
no
36. Can you change a car tire?
mybe
37. Favorite candle scent?
i love anything apple pie & vinalle!!!!
38. Would you consider yourself adventurous?
yes
39. What is your MySpace profile song & why did you choose it?
iidk,but i like it
40. Who was the last person that told you they loved you?
alex lol
42. Would you sing Karaoke in front of co-workers?
yes
43. Can you shoot pool?
yes
44. Can you drive a stick?
no
45. When you marry will you wear white?
no, but my women would
47. Ever skip school and spend the day at the beach?
NOPE
48. Favorite TV show?
i have lots of them
49. Last piercing you got?
nothing
50. What are you looking forward to the most?
Alex S. & Abby next TI thing
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