The walkers got the chance to donate household supply kits for veterans placed in apartments by the Department of Veterans Affairs and cooperating agencies.

Similar events took place at VA clinics in McAllen, Corpus Christi and Laredo.

In Harlingen, participants walked from the VA Health Care Center at 2601 Veterans Drive toward the VA clinic at 2106 Treasure Hills Boulevard.

Walkers covered a 2-kilometer route that circled both facilities, said David Jacobson, VA chief of social work.

A band made up of veterans performed live music in front of the VA Health Care Center on Veterans Drive as volunteers and staff members provided cold water for the hikers.

Jacobson said the program also provided exercise for VA health care workers and a chance to donate household items for homeless veterans.

In the Valley, weve housed 50 homeless veterans in the last year, he said.

We work in partnership with housing authorities, he said of city and county agencies that operate public housing projects.

The event was co-sponsored by the Veterans Recreation Association, which organized the band to entertain vets using the health center, V2K participants and veterans family members, Jacobson said.

Donated boats and even motor homes have been provided to his group by veterans, widows and Winter Texans so that smaller groups of veterans can enjoy fishing, nature excursions and other recreational opportunities, said Eugene Allen, a leader of a veterans recreation group that helped organize the walk.

Our participants take a pledge of sobriety and no illegal drug use, he said.

Allen, a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War, and Kim Pietrzak, an Army veteran of the 1989-1990 invasion of Panama and another leader of the veterans recreation group, are both qualified with degrees in fields such as human relations social work and recreation therapy.

They develop programs that help veterans socialize with one another and get outdoors to exercise and have fun.

Volunteers include doctors, a photographer, a music teacher and other types of teachers and ranchers, Allen said.

Four leaders direct nine groups that often become close friends and gather for offshore fishing, horseback riding and other activities, Allen and Pietrzak said.

Once a group forms, they often run it themselves and choose activities they want, Pietrzak said.

Recruitment efforts are ongoing, the two leaders said.

We go to job fairs, expos to help them get a job but they also need to have fun, Pietrzak said.

People who get involved in the activities include not only veterans, but also children, wives and significant others, Allen said.

We have veterans with (post-traumatic stress disorder), he said. We provide a more relaxing atmosphere.

We have four boats and a 24-foot RV, he said. The RV was donated by a veteran who suffers from Agent Orange exposure and he cant drive anymore, Allen said.

A widow who donated her late husbands boat also contributed a large amount of marine gear and fishing equipment, Allen said.

Veterans who started fishing together in the program are now close friends and often fish together and eventually organize outings themselves, he said.

Pietrzak, who uses a wheelchair, said she got to pet a horse at a recent group activity and will soon be able to ride the horse.

The group also needs a closed trailer to store fishing equipment, Allen said.

allene@valleystar.com

TAMPA, Fla., May 01, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
Lecada Medical Artistry takes great pride in congratulating Leanne
Cross, M.D. on earning the prestigious “Best Facial Injectable
Enhancement” award for the second consecutive year. Dr. Cross was
recognized for her extraordinary work and remarkable contribution to
aesthetic medicine at The Aesthetic Show in Las Vegas, April 14, 2012.

Dr. Andrew Ordon, of the television talk show, “The Doctors,” hosted the
gala award ceremony at the Aria Resort. Dr. Ordon, calling the event “a
celebration of excellence,” showcased the very best outcomes of this
year’s one hundred thirty entries. Leanne Cross, M.D. is the only
physician to have been recognized for nomination both in 2011 and 2012.
“My greatest reward is seeing how the transformation to a patient’s
outward appearance makes a positive change inwardly,” Dr. Cross said. “I
am honored to be part of the process.”

The Aesthetic Show is the leading multidisciplinary medical event for
aesthetic professionals. Its focus is to provide advanced procedural
training, highlight new products, share innovative techniques, and honor
the finest in the field. To be considered for recognition, qualified
aesthetic physicians are asked to submit before and after photos
representative of their work. Finalists are selected by an expert panel
of judges and winners are determined by peers at The Aesthetic Show,
which includes the top physicians in the industry.

Dr. Cross specializes in using dermal fillers (Artefill, Sculptra,
Radiesse, Juvederm, Restylane, etc.) and Botox to contour, rejuvenate,
and restore a youthful, natural appearance to the face. Dr. Cross offers
treatment options that are relevant, progressive, and contemporary with
incomparable results. Lecada Medical Artistry is located at 3710 West
Azeele, Tampa, FL 33609. For a complimentary consultation with Dr.
Cross, call 813-874-2332 or visit
www.LecadaTampa.com .

SOURCE: Lecada Medical Artistry

Lecada Medical Artistry
Dana Martinez, 813-874-2332
Director of Client Services
info@lecadatampa.com

Copyright Business Wire 2012

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It was telling the postgame demeanors of Chandler, coming off a title with the Mavericks last season, and Anthony and Amare Stoudemire, who now have lost two straight first-round series and are a combined 1-8 in the process. Anthony, in particular, felt everything will be fine as is. Chandler had a different slant.

Im personally very disappointed. Its unacceptable to me, Chandler said. I didnt come here to lose in the first round, and I dont plan on doing this in the future. Ill do everything I can to make this team better in the future.

It was the fifth straight postseason series the Knicks have lost. Chandler talked about a lack of leadership.

Each individual, myself, Amare, Carmelo, we have to come back better as better leaders next year, Chandler said. We have to elevate our teammates. We have to do a better job of getting everybody involved. It cant be individuals. Because when you play as individuals, you dont get very far.

If he was angry at the end result, Anthony didnt show it as he talked of a glossy future, clinging to their raft of injuries all season and in the series.

I feel confident in the team and where were headed despite everything that happened this season, Anthony said. Its been an up and down season. We competed. In the future, I feel good competing against the top teams in the East. I do consider our team being up there, top three, four teams in the East.

Next year well be much better as a unit, Anthony said. Not just me and Amare but as a team.

This wasnt Super Melo Wednesday night, but he also didnt have a super sidekick. Stoudemire appeared hampered by his left hand, covered in a black bandage. He fouled out with 4:48 left a charging foul. It was a fitting conclusion to his disappointing second season in New York. Stoudemire finished with 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting and had just four rebounds. Often, he grabbed at his bandaged hand, looking in pain.

Unfortunately, Stoudemire this season will be remembered for a fire extinguisher instead of firing up New York as he did in his first year.

Asked if there is accomplishment, Stoudemire said, The only thing we accomplished is breaking the record of getting a win in the playoffs. Were looking for better things than that.

Chandler, who helped the Mavericks beat Miami for the championship last June, largely was invisible on the offensive end and had just seven points.

LeBron James (29), Dwyane Wade (19) and Chris Bosh (19) were good enough, combining for 67 points as the Heat face Indiana in Round 2 Sunday. Anthony and James, who didnt speak during the series, hugged for several seconds at the final buzzer.

I am so happy for our ballclub, interim coach Mike Woodson said. They fought all year to get to this point. [But] I dont want them to be satisfied because the ultimate goal is to win an NBA title.

It has been four years since former president Donnie Walsh started the rebuilding and made his first salary-cap clearing move, dismantling a 6-5 club in November 2008. That cap plan has not netted the kind of success hoped for one playoff win.

Woodson is expected to return, but the Knicks future is murky. Despite the teams injuries in this series, the Knicks Big 3 doesnt seem up to Miamis trio and will struggle this summer to patch up the bench that could have significant losses.

Can Anthony-Stoudemire-Chandler be the core of a title contender? Nobody knows.

Were just going to see what Coach Woodson is going to do to make it work, Stoudemire said.

The Knicks needed big games from reserves JR Smith and Steve Novak and didnt get it. Smith, 8-of-33 in the two Garden games, shot 3-of-15. Novak didnt take a shot in 13 minutes. Novak and Smith both could be free agents and flee. Landry Fields is also a free agent but likely to re-sign.

marc.berman@nypost.com

CALGARY, May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –
10:20 a.m. Eastern Time on May 23, 2012

The Churchill Corporation

/quotes/zigman/11942 CA:CUQ
-0.16%

(“Churchill”) will be presenting at the Raymond James Infrastructure &
Construction Conference at Le Meredian King Edward Hotel in Toronto,
Ontario on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 10:20 a.m. Eastern time. Mr.
Daryl Sands, Executive Vice President and CFO of Churchill, and Andrew
Apedoe, Vice President Investor Relations, will be the presenters.

Interested participants can access a live audio webcast of the panel
discussion through Churchill’s website at
www.churchillcorporation.com/news/events/ . The length of the webcast will be approximately 20 minutes. The
webcast will be archived on the website for 21 days.

About The Churchill Corporation

The Churchill Corporation provides building construction, commercial and
industrial electrical contracting, earthmoving and industrial
insulation services to an array of public and private sector clients.
Churchill operates office locations throughout British Columbia,
Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, northern Ontario and the Yukon.
Churchill common shares and convertible debentures are listed on the
Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols “CUQ” and “CUQ.DB”,
respectively.
www.churchillcorporation.com

SOURCE The Churchill Corporation

Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

/quotes/zigman/11942

Add to portfolio

CA:CUQ

Churchill Corp.

CA

: Canada: Toronto

$
12.38

-0.02
-0.16%

Volume: 8,803
May 18, 2012 5:40p

P/E Ratio14.16
Dividend Yield3.88%

Market Cap$301.73 million
Rev. per EmployeeN/A

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Rick Windham writes about the outdoors from North Platte. He can be reached at outdoor@nptelegraph.com

SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –
Triptrotting, an international community connecting travelers with like-minded locals for meet ups and authentic experiences, announced today the re-launch of
www.triptrotting.com , featuring new content and enhancements to the design and functionality of the website.

Triptrotting enhances the travel experience beyond the traditional tourist path by connecting travelers with locals and providing locals the opportunity to socialize with travelers in their own city. Featuring a proprietary matching algorithm developed by the former chief scientist at eHarmony, members are able to establish an immediate connection with like-minded travelers and locals based on interests, personality, profession, and more. Travelers can pick their own level of activity, choosing to meet people face-to-face, get travel advice and participate in activities with locals.

Free to join, members (known as “Triptrotters”) will appreciate the easy-to-navigate website with new enhancements that make connecting with other Triptrotters simple, including:

The Social Activities feature allows Triptrotters to find activities by location, date, time and price. The most popular activities come up first and Triptrotters can view participants who have already signed up so they can connect ahead of the activity. Activities are chosen based on interests and allow for meeting with other like-minded travelers. Activities include meals, parties, walking tours, concerts, speakers, and trips to historic sites, museums, beaches, local destinations, and much more. Additionally, users can alert friends and other Triptrotters about activities by sharing on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

Triptrotters can now sign up to attend TRIPups, events hosted by an elite group of Triptrotting local advisors or curated activities all over the world for locals and travelers to meet and have fun. Past TRIPups have taken place in China, Brazil, Italy, U.S., Russia, Cambodia, Hungary, and more.

The People tab allows members to more easily read profiles and connect with or “follow” new Triptrotters without having to go in and out of profiles that may not be a match. The new Search People feature allows Triptrotters to find existing members by typing in a name or email address so that a connection can be built.

“The expanded features and enhanced usability of the website allow Triptrotters to be connected in an age where social media and travel are linked,” said Shana Zheng, Triptrotting co-founder. “Triptrotters want to know the cool things to do off the beaten path and who is joining them on the journey. This is a community built around the love of travel and having an authentic experience at every destination.”

Triptrotting is an innovative company that understands traveling is about the experiences and people you meet while away from home, and not just about destinations. Bringing together like-minded individuals from all over the world, Triptrotting connects travelers looking to discover their own travel experiences beyond the tourist path with locals. In the few short months since the site’s beta launch, the community has rapidly expanded to over 2,000 cities worldwide. This is largely due to the group of local ambassadors who host events in cities with thousands of attendees, driving more users to the site and attracting local partners.

“Triptrotting keeps evolving as our travelers continue to evolve,” said Aigerim Shorman, Triptrotting co-founder. “We saw how much our Triptrotters wanted autonomy in deciding which activities to take part in and how they wanted to be able to notify friends and other travelers about exciting things to do. That is why we are continuously trying to provide new opportunities to some of the most extraordinary travelers in the world–the ones that love to think outside of the box.”

ABOUT TRIPTROTTING

Triptrotting was founded in 2010 by avid travelers and University of Southern California graduates Aigerim Shorman and Shana Zheng. Inspired by their shared belief that traveling is about the experience and the people you meet, the Triptrotting engine and community was created. Immediately, like-minded travelers around the world discovered the site in their pursuit of travel experiences beyond the tourist path. In a few short months, the Triptrotting community has rapidly expanded to over 2,000 cities worldwide, engaged both on- and off-line. The company recently relocated to Santa Monica, California, to join Mark Suster’s Launchpad LA and announced a round of funding from investors including Google Ventures, 500 Startups, Idealab, WI Harper Group, Golden Seeds, Seraph Group, Safa Rashtchy and other angel investors. Begin your adventure at
www.triptrotting.com .

Triptrotting is a trademark of Triptrotting, Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2012 All rights reserved.

SOURCE Triptrotting

Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

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So Lyric went in another direction Saturday night at the Civic Opera House, hosting the first piano recital I can recall ever having been presented under the companys auspices that of the Chinese superstar pianist, Lang Lang.

The reason was because it expressed Catholic immigrant piety in a particular American way, according Jerry Vigna, associate theology professor at Alvernia University.

The European Catholic immigrants who arrived early in the last century wanted to be part of a new culture even as they suspected its occasional anti-Catholic tendencies, Vigna said.

Vigna said Chambers art, like Norman Rockwells, was as much illustration as art and focused on Catholic aspirations just as much as Rockwells work focused on the homespun or noble.

One of those aspirations was the honor of having sons and daughters enter the priesthood and religious life, Vigna said. Chambers captured that hope in his paintings, Here I Am, and Christ Calling a Young Man.

In each, a properly dressed young man is shown looking piously at the crucified Christ and Christ as the Sacred Heart, an important Catholic devotion, respectively.

Vigna said Chambers most famous work, Light of the World, shows Jesus as a boy.

Light-haired with blushed cheeks, the childs soft eyes and curls convey the innocence of Rockwells America in a Catholic devotional context, he said.

A 58-year-old Elgin man is facing criminal charges after police said he tried to strangle a prostitute in a motel room after the woman refused additional sex after more than 30 encounters over a four-day period.

Kim P. Brandmire was charged with aggravated battery in the attempted strangulation of the woman, plus two counts of battery and a count of solicitation, all stemming from an incident Sunday, police said.

Officers were called to the Quality Inn, 500 Tollgate Road, at 9:30 pm, and a 41-year-old Elgin woman said the two had rented a room at the motel Thursday, and Brandmire had paid her to have sex in excess of 30 times in ensuing days.

When she refused to have sex Sunday, police said, Brandmire grabbed the woman by the throat and choked her, police said,

The woman was charged with prostitution, a misdemeanor. Bail for Brandmire was set at $75,000.

Games will now be rated by the Video Standards Council (VSC) in line with Europe-wide guidelines.

Previously, additional ratings were decided upon by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

The new system means for the first time that anybody selling a 12-rated game to a child under that age could face jail.

The Pan European Game Information system (Pegi) gives games an age rating as well as additional information such as violent content and bad language.

The VSC will now rate games to Pegis specifications while enforcing compliance among retailers.

The new ratings do not apply to games bought online.

Much-needed clarity

Creative Industries Minister Ed Vaizey said: It will give parents greater confidence that their children can only get suitable games while we are creating a simpler system for industry having their games age-rated.

While the BBFC will now largely stop assessing content in games, it will still be called upon to judge games with gross violence or sexual material.

Games and entertainment body Ukie said the new system provides much needed clarity for consumers.

We are also in the planning stages of a major awareness campaign to help the public understand the system and other aspects of responsible gaming as soon as Pegi become law in the UK, Ukie chief executive Jo Twist said.

Richard Wilson, from UK games industry trade association Tiga, said the changes were a necessary evolutionary step.

It simplifies the system, he told the BBC.

The Pegi system is reasonably easy to understand.

The fact there are criminal sanctions in place will mean that retailers will want to train and support their staff.

The new system is expected to come into force by July this year.