Gambling At Horseshoe Casino Is Womans Last Wish
Solon woman takes her mother Arsenia Grair, who is in hospice with a terminal condition, gambling at Horseshoe Casino in Cleveland. Gambling at the new casino was the womans last wish.
More Americans plan on summer travel, surveys say
2012 -
05.20
Americans plan to travel in slightly higher numbers this summer, according to surveys, starting with the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; But many will hold the line on spending for items such as hotel stays and entertainment because of high fuel costs and rising airfares.lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; An annual survey by the American Automobile Association released Tuesday predicted that 34.8 million Americans will travel by all modes at least 50 miles from home during the holiday weekend, a 1.2 percent increase over last year.lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; Slightly more than half the 50,000 people who took part in the nationwide study said fuel prices wont affect their travel plans. But the rest said that costs will force them to take shorter trips or cut back on spending in other areas.lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; The average distance traveled over the holiday weekend is expected to drop to 642 miles this year, from 792 miles last year, according to AAA.lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; We have been seeing people sort of managing their trips, said Jeffrey Spring, a spokesman for the Auto Club of Southern California. If they have to spend more on gasoline, they will look for other ways to save, like eating out less.lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; Jim Egnatoff, a carpenter from Arcadia, Calif., said he will be one of those being careful. You always try to do the frugal thing, especially now with the gas prices up, he said.lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; He said he plans to take trips this summer to Pismo Beach and San Diego and will watch for ways to save, such as hotel deals. That goes without saying, he said.lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; Paul Neria, a federal worker from Covina, Calif., said he is worried about the price of gasoline but wont let it disrupt his plans for a road trip in the next few weeks to Laughlin, Nev., where he plans to ride his jet ski in the Colorado River.lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; Gas prices are going to slow people down, he said. But Im going to enjoy my trip.lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; The rising number of travelers this summer may reflect growing consumer confidence in the economy, said Adam Weissenberg, travel leader for Deloitte, a professional services firm in New York that also released a travel survey Tuesday.lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; Weve seen the travel numbers in the last two summers continue to grow, and the growth has been modest, he said. But its still good news, reflective of consumer confidence.lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; The Deloitte survey showed that 54 percent of Americans expect to take a trip between June 1 and Labor Day, up slightly from the 52 percent who said they planned to take a summer trip last year. About 1,000 people nationwide took part in the online survey.lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; To save money, travelers will book flights this summer on airlines that dont charge checked-bag fees and they will stay at hotels that offer complimentary breakfast, free wireless Internet and free parking, according to the Deloitte survey.lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; The expected uptick in travel over the next few months reflects a dramatic improvement for the travel industry from the recession, when travel dropped significantly. The hotel industry was hardest hit, with occupancy levels near 60 percent, the lowest since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist strikes.lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; Gone are many of the more exotic deals during the recession, such as Southern California hotels that offered guests discounts on tattoos and free motorcycle rentals.lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; Hotels will continue to offer some discounts this summer but the deals wont be as extreme, said Steve Joyce, chief executive of Choice Hotels, which oversees more than 6,000 hotels around the world.lt;/pgt;lt;pgt; Our customers feel they have a God-given right to take a vacation, he said. I think that is going to hold true this summer.
Friendship Village Approved to Renovate
2012 -
05.20
Upper St. Clair commissioners voted unanimously to allow Friendship Village of South Hills to renovate and build an addition.
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The renovations in the facility will create a new cafe, kitchen, fitness center, theater, lobby, auditorium and office.
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The addition is primarily for a room to be named the St. Clair Room that will serve as an auditorium and gathering space for residents.
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Also, the main entrance will be redesigned with a new porte cochere for the drop-off area.
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The parking areas will be redesigned to create more landscaping around the addition and residential units.
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A fire lane will be maintained to provide access to the building in case of an emergency.
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Friendship Village is an independent living community and nursing facility located on Boyce Road.
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What do you think about the plans to renovate Friendship Village? Tell us in the comments.
Gambling Episode Gives Bad Name to Korean Buddhism
2012 -
05.20
The recent scandal involving gambling Buddhist monks could not have erupted at a worse time for the proponents of spreading Korean Buddhism globally.
Modern Korea is not a predominantly Buddhist country, but the nation has practiced and nurtured its own brand for more than 1,700 years after adopting it from China. Compared to Buddhism in other Asian countries such as Tibet, Japan or China, Korean Buddhism has largely remained inside the country.
Some insiders are worried that the latest scandal may taint the image of Korean Buddhism and hurt its already meager international presence.
This story about the monks engaged in high-stakes gambling has been widely reported in the Western media, Robert Buswell, a renowned scholar on Korean Buddhism told The Korea Times.
A video clip disclosed on April 20 showed monks of the Joygye Order gambling, drinking and smoking in a domestic hotel room. Since then, major international news outlets, including wire services, and the BBC, ABC and Wall Street Journal, among others, have reported the incident with embarrassing headlines such as Carousing monks caught on camera.
The globalization of Korean Buddhism is a relatively new endeavor. The practice had largely remained isolated until pioneering missionaries such as the Great Zen Master Seung Sahn (1927-2004) started to spread it in the 1980s through the 1990s particularly in the United States by establishing Korean Zen centers. A US chapter of the Jogye Order was established in New York in September in 2011, to oversee the administration of 30 Korean temples in the New York and New Jersey areas.
It is leaving a terrible impression abroad about Korean Buddhism and can only undermine the serious attempts the Jogye Order has made in recent years to globalize Korean Buddhism, the professor said. Buswell holds the title of distinguished professor of Buddhist Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, and also serves as the director of Center for Buddhist Studies at the university.
In the last decade or so, a rise in the popularity of Buddhism has brought formerly isolated Korean Buddhism much closer to everyday life, even for non-Buddhists and non-Koreans. Meditation retreats, recreational yoga or templestay programs are now a familiar routine in the lives of many people within and outside Korea.
However, the general Korean public is still reluctant to hold Buddhist monks in high esteem, as they are regularly seen engaging in behavior unbefitting their calling, such as drinking in public and driving expensive cars purchased with donations from believers.
The public should not allow the cupidity of a very few monks to tarnish the reputations of the thousands of Jogye Order monks and nuns who are fully committed to their vocations and serious about their practice and conduct. I have known scores of Jogye monks and nuns over 40 years and I have never come across a single one who is anything like the monks shown in the video, Buswell said.
Since monks from other countries have not recently caught international media attention through misbehavior, could the recent incident suggest that Korean Buddhist monks are more prone to corruption than others?
There is nothing in Korean Buddhism per se that makes it more prone than any other religious order to corruption, Buswell said. But monastic orders are of course social organizations and, like any organization that accommodates all types of people, it inevitably includes good apples and bad. The question is how to respond when such unsalutary types of conduct are uncovered, Buswell said.
Government data show that around 12 million Koreans are Buddhists. Among the 25 Buddhist orders in the country, Jogye is the largest, running major temples nationwide.
Some experts said that it is important to understand the reasons behind the repeated occurrences of corruption scandals involving Buddhist monks.
On a fundamental level, this scandal is reflection of the power struggle among different factions among monks at the administrative level of the Jogye Order, Chun Ock-bae, director of the Korea Institute of Buddhist English Translation, said in a telephone interview. These troublemakers represent only a tiny fraction of the monk population.
Some critics have raised questions over the financial clarity of some major temples involved in the scandal like the Jogye Temple in central Seoul. There is no way of monitoring how the donations from believers are spent at temples.
Buddhist temples are different from Cathedrals in that they exercise direct power over their finances, Chun said.
There is also the question of the proper qualification of some of the monks who joined the order in the 1980s, when Korea was undergoing political turmoil. That generation of monks is now leading the order.
The Jogye leadership has faced harsh criticism since the scandal. Ven. Jaseung, president of the order, issued a written apology. But the public remains unconvinced that the order is serious in rooting out corruption.
Some of the older monks in the leadership of the order had been ordained despite a lack of proper qualifications and moral standards, Kim Eung-cheol, a professor at the Joong-Ang Sangha University, was quoted as saying in a local daily Thursday.
The government has remained silent on the corrupt practices of the religious sector.
We cannot comment on such things. The government could try to help bring harmony among different religions, but when it comes to such problems, it is the responsibility of each to deal with it in their own manner, Do Jae-kyung, first religious affairs officer at the culture ministry said.
FG_AUTHORS: lt;span class=author vcardgt; Je-hae Do lt;/spangt;
Read more http://newamericamedia.org/2012/05/gambling-episode-gives-bad-name-to-korean-buddhism.php
British schools fail our children say Eastern European immigrants who would …
2012 -
05.20
Eastern European immigrants complain that British schools are failing to challenge their children, a survey has found.
Some take trips home to see medical specialists because they regard the NHS as too slow to provide treatment.
The concerns of parents from Poland and other Eastern European countries were recorded in a paper published yesterday by the Government’s Economic and Social Research Council.
Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher keep friendship in check during series
2012 -
05.19
Oklahoma City guard Derek Fisher celebrates after hitting a three-pointer against the Dallas Mavericks on May 3. Fisher and former Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant are putting their friendship temporarily aside as the two teams play one another in the Western Conference semifinals.
(Ronald Martinez / Getty Images / May 3, 2012)
AJC Lauds Czech Republic’s Friendship with Israel
2012 -
05.19
NEW YORK, May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –
AJC saluted the further deepening of Czech-Israeli relations during Prime Minister Netanyahu’s two-day visit to Prague. The Israeli delegation was warmly received by Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas.
“The close and mutually beneficial relationship between the Czech Republic and Israel is particularly noteworthy,” said AJC Executive Director David Harris. “Prague is one of Israel’s staunchest EU allies, drawing on the historical support for a Jewish state that dates back to such venerable Czechoslovak leaders as Thomas Masaryk.”
Necas said his government shares Israel’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, opposes any unilateral Palestinian declaration of statehood, and “fundamentally rejects delegitimization and any boycott of the State of Israel.”
“The long-term Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be solved only through direct negotiations of the two parties,” Necas said.
Israel has “no better friend in Europe than the Czech Republic,” said Netanyahu. “The Czech people understand what it’s like to be a believer in democracy in a hostile region.”
In an interview with the Jerusalem Post before his meeting with Netanyahu, the Czech prime minister said, “We’ve got a special feeling for Israel’s situation – that of a small nation surrounded by enemies. We remember our situation in the 1930s, when the small democratic Czechoslovakia had neighbors that wanted to destroy it or take part of our territory.”
SOURCE American Jewish Committee
Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved
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Oak Ridge Friendship Bell rings in 16th anniversary
2012 -
05.18
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A symbol of international friendship rang loud and clear Thursday in Oak Ridge.
Oak Ridge leaders marked the 16th anniversary of the Friendship Bell.
It was dedicated in 1996 to celebrate growing friendship between Oak Ridge and the Japanese people, particularly Oak Ridges sister city of Nakamachi.
It also symbolizes Oak Ridges commitment to use science and technology to promote freedom and peace around the world.
But like the nuclear technology for which Oak Ridge is known, the bell isnt without a controversial past.
When the idea first was brought forth, there was a great deal of controversy about whether to have a bell here or not or to have any that commemorated World War II and that talked about friendship. Some perceived it as an apology. It was never intended to be that. It has come to be a symbol of international friendship, which was the intention all along, said Ray Smith, an Oak Ridgeauthor and historian.
The bell was chained for the first four years so it could only be rung at certain times, but it is now open to anyone who wants to ring it, at any time.
This Week In The Arts
2012 -
05.18
rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001-weg3gBnV_V_9U5ekBuHWJzAwm4Ks8nsfsHjZzFD03LrdeXlHTWVYU2KalRUizmR_wzcMTYC13c4zIWCe1W9TbXMo0O7axHBaSVH3MAefdg= shape=rect target=_blank style=text-decoration: underline; >www.cdmfun.org.
The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists 41st annualTennessee Craft Fairwill be held Friday-Sunday atCentennial Parkin Nashville. For additional information, visitwww.tennesseecrafts.org.
Julie Bestry, a certified professional organizer, will share her organizing skills on Saturday from 1-3 pm at theEastgate Library. For more information, call757-5310.
The 2nd annualEveryday Heroes Galawill be held on Saturday beginning at 6 pm atThe Chattanoogan Hotel. For additional information, visitwww.everydayheroesgala.com.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga will host aState of Israel Independence Day Celebrationon Sunday at 11:30 am in the Hubert Fry Center at theRiverpark. For more information, call493-0270 ext. 10or visitwww.jewishchattanooga.com.
City Share, featuring guest speaker Trinidad Ruiz, Watts House Projects program director, will be held Wednesday at 12 pm atGreen Spaces. Emailinfo@glasshousecollective.org
The 6th annualHubFestfestival will take place atHeritage Parkon Saturday, May 12, from 11 am-4 pm For more information, visitwww.facebook.com/
Theatre, Music amp; Dance
TheCSOwill conclude their season with performances featuring world renowned banjo player Bela FleckThursday-Friday at 8 pm at theTivoli Theatre. Call267-8583or visit
www.chattanoogasymphony.orgto purchase tickets.
TheHunter Museum of American Artwill hostHot Jazz in Stone and Steelon Thursday beginning at6 pm with a concert featuring the Pieter Meijers Trio. Visitwww.huntermuseum.orgfor moreinformation.
Stellalunaopens Friday and continues each weekend through Sunday, May 20, and Theatre Questwill presentThe G Playon Saturday at 10:30 am at theChattanooga Theatre Centre. Visitwww.theatrecentre.comfor more information.
Auditions for the MainStage production ofAnything Goeswill take place on Sunday-Monday at 7:30 pm at theChattanooga Theatre Centre. Visitwww.theatrecentre.comfor audition information.
Chattanooga Balletwill presentPaquita Grand Pasas well as new works by Frank Hay, Karen Smith,Angela Sweet, and Joellen Wojtowicz Friday-Saturday, May 11-12, at 8 pm at theUTC Fine ArtsCenter. Call425-4269to purchase tickets.
Once Upon a Mattresswill be performed by the middle school musical theatre majors at theCenter forCreative ArtsThursday-Saturday at 7 pm For more information, call 209-5942 or emailandrews_d@hcde.org.
TheChattanooga Harp Ensemble, a division of Jan Pennington Gray Harp Scholarship Fund, will perform onFriday at 7 pm atRidgedale Baptist Church. For additional information, visitwww.chattanoogaharpensemble.
TheChattanooga StateFine Arts Department will present aperforming arts concert, featuring the music,musical theatre, and dance ensembles, as well as performances by members of the Fine Arts faculty, onFriday at 7:30 pm For more information, call697-3383or697-3246.
Tennessee Valley Theatrewill present their production ofThe Last RomanceFriday-Sunday.For ticket information, call 365-PLAY or visitwww.tennesseevalleytheatre.com
The Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga will present their production ofA Dolls Houseon Friday-Sunday, at theSt. Andrews Center. Tickets may be purchased by calling987-5141or visitingwww.
Beasties Birthday Party, a puppet musical production, will be performed Friday at 7 pm andSaturday – Sunday, at 2 pm at theMountain Arts Community Center. For reservations, call886-1959.
Oak Street Playhousewill presentThe Dixie Swim Clubat the Flo Summitt Theatre Friday-Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm For additional information, call756-2428orvisitwww.oakstreetplayhouse.com.
The Chattanooga Music Club will present anorgan concertfeaturing Robert Delcamp as well as the CSOYouth Orchestra on Monday at 7 pm at theSoldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium. Visitwww.chattanoogamusicclub.orgfor more information.
Frank Fairfieldwill perform Thursday, May 10, at 8 pm at theLindsay Street Hallwith the KnobCreek Girls as the opening act. Visitwww.chattanoogafolk.comfor more information.
TheNightfall Concert Seriesbegins its 24th year on Friday, May 11, at 8 pm atMiller Plazawith aperformance by the Alexis P. Suter Band. The opening act is Ashley amp; The Xs. For more information,call265-0771or visitwww.nightfallchattanooga.com.
AuditionsforGodspellwill be held atThe Salvation Army 614 Corps ReCreate Cafeon Friday, May 11, from 5-8 pm and Saturday, May 12, from 2-5 pm For more information, contact TenikaDye at756-1023 ext. 137ortenika_dye@uss.salvationarmy.
SaxophonistTravis Laplanteand trumpeterPeter Evanswill perform Sunday, May 13, at 7:30 pm at theBarking Legs Theater. Call624-5347or visitwww.barkinglegs.orgfor ticket information.
Visual Art amp; Film
AnIntroduction to Video classwill take place Thursdays, May 3-31, from 6-8 pm atAVA.Visitwww.avarts.orgfor more information.
In-Town Gallerywill host the opening reception forSpring is in the Arton Friday from 5-8 pm For more information, call267-9214or visitwww.intowngallery.com.
The opening reception for theHistories of Natureexhibit will be held Friday from 6:30-8 pm and aprintmaking demonstrationwill take place Saturday from 12-4 pm atRiverGallery. Call265-5033 ext. 5or visitwww.river-gallery.comfor additional information.
Afloral painting workshopwith instructor Mia Bergeron will take place Saturday-Sunday from 9am-5 pm atTownsend Atelier. Visitwww.townsendatelier.comor call266-2712toregister.
Writing, Literature amp; Poetry
Free Comic Book Daywill be held Saturday from 2:30-5 pm in theDowntown Libraryauditorium. Activities include a comic book give-away, a Super Swap station where participants cantrade comics, local artists demonstrating drawing techniques, a back-to-back drawing board face-off andcrafts. Visitwww.lib.chattanooga.govfor more information.
Chris Grabenstein, popular author ofThe Haunted Mysteryseries, will discuss his books and answerquestions about his life and career on Monday at 6:30 pm at theNorthgate Library. For moreinformation, call757-5314.