Religion Clause: Montana High Court Upholds Extending Workers ...

In Big Sky Colony, Inc. v. Montana Department of Labor and Industry,?(MT Sup. Ct., Dec. 31, 2012), the Montana Supreme Court in a 4-3 decision upheld against constitutional attack amendments to the state's workers compensation law that brings Hutterite Colonies within the definition of those covered when their members perform agricultural, manufacturing or construction services even though members do not receive wages. Instead Hutterites receive food, shelter, clothing and medical care from the Colony. ?The new law applies so long as the Colony receives remuneration from outsiders for member services. The majority rejected free exercise, establishment clause and equal protection challenges to the law, finding that the law is neutral in its application and does not single out religious beliefs.

Justice Rice, joined by Justices Cotter and Nelson, dissented arguing that the legislature "created a clear religious gerrymander" in response to complaints about Hutterite colonies competing with other Montana businesses without have to provide workers' compensation insurance. Justice Nelson also filed a separate dissent. ?AP reported on the court's decision.

Source: http://religionclause.blogspot.com/2013/01/montana-high-court-upholds-extending.html

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Another Year And I'm Still Here: A New Year's Meditation

Look at yourself. Right now.

You are muscle,skin, bone, brain, blood, warmed by energy, and all of you, every cell, even the subsets of those cells, all trillions and trillions of them, are going to tire, waste and depart. In 10 years almost every bit of you will have been replaced by new bits.

And yet, you will still be you. You will look like you do (sort of), you will behave like you do (sort of), others will know it's you (most of the time), and though a census of your innards will say, this is a new body, a different collection of atoms, you will know it's the same old you. How come?

If you are all new on the inside, how do you persist?

What Keeps Us Whole?

Well, there's your soul. If this weren't a sciencey blog, we could stop here. Your soul, breathed into you at your conception, will hang around till it's time to go and then be off to wherever it is souls go to. But suppose you are a "materialist"? Suppose you choose to imagine this journey naked, you as just a bunch of atoms, nothing added? What holds a soulless soul together?

The answer, these days, is your brain. Your memory. It's the story you tell yourself as you grow up, the unfurling narrative that begins with faces and smells and meals and sounds, then stretches into tales about your mom, dad, siblings, your pets, your family, your friends. It deepens with loves, joys, disappointments. It is always told by you, filtered through you. You are the one who tells it, you are the one who hears it, you are the only one who knows every bit of it.

Memories Are Our Duct Tape

To a significant degree, you are the sum of the stories you tell yourself about yourself.

Take away your memories, the connective tissue of your life, and what's left? You may be breathing, but in the late stages of memory loss, you aren't really there any more. You have unraveled.

We live this life together, but we experience it alone.

And when you actually die, what is annihilated? Well, there are tens of thousands of private images in your head right now: the pigeon you once almost caught when you were 4. The sight of a particularly beautiful girl disappearing through a doorway. The brief whoosh made by a snowy owl flying low that time you were walking alone in the woods. These are things no one knows, no one ever knew, no one but you.

When you go, they go. Forever. But as long as you're here, they stay. So, to all those pigeons, those girls, those owls that live in our heads, as long as we're here ? to all of you, and to us, Happy New Year!

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2012/12/31/168352281/another-year-and-im-still-here-a-new-year-s-meditation?ft=1&f=1007

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Eagles fire Andy Reid after 14 seasons

PHILADELPHIA (AP) ? Andy Reid's worst coaching season with the Philadelphia Eagles ended Monday after 14 years when he was fired by owner Jeffrey Lurie, who said it was time "to move in a new direction."

The dismissal came one day after Reid and the Eagles were humiliated 42-7 by the New York Giants and ended their season at 4-12.

"Andy leaves us with a winning tradition that we can build upon. And we are very excited about the future," Lurie said in a statement released by the team.

Reid met with his players afterward and was sent off with a standing ovation.

"It's unfortunate. I feel we personally let him down," wide receiver Jeremy Maclin said. "It's a sad day."

Added rookie quarterback Nick Foles: "It's up to the players to make the plays."

Reid took over a 3-13 team in 1999, drafted Donovan McNabb with the No. 2 overall pick and quickly turned the franchise into a title contender.

He is the winningest coach in club history and led them to a run of four straight NFC championship games, a streak that ended with a Super Bowl trip after the 2004 season ? and a loss, 24-21, to the New England Patriots. The Eagles were seeking their first NFL title since 1960.

Still, Reid cemented Philadelphia as a football town and led the team to an unmatched level of success. But the team hasn't won a playoff game since 2008 and after last season's 8-8 finish, Lurie said he was looking for improvement this year.

Instead, it was worse.

Reid sounded like a man who knew he was going to be out of work when he addressed the media after the Giants game.

"I go in eyes wide open," Reid said, referring to his upcoming meeting Monday with Lurie. "Either way, I understand. Whatever he chooses will be the right thing. He always does things for the best interests of the Eagles."

In 2009, Reid and Lurie gave Michael Vick a second chance in the NFL after the former star quarterback spent 18 months in federal prison related to a dogfighting operation. Vick took over as the starter in 2010, had a remarkable season and led the Eagles to the NFC East title. But like rest of the team, Vick regressed the last two seasons.

Reid is due to make $6 million in 2013 in the final year of his contract. He is the franchise leader in wins (140) and winning percentage (.578) and led the Eagles to six division titles and five NFC championship games.. Reid grew up in Southern California and may welcome a return home. He already has said he wants to coach next season.

Aside from team troubles, the year was a painful one for Reid. He endured a devastating loss weeks before the season opener when his oldest son, Garrett, died at training camp after a long battle with drug addiction.

In October, Reid fired close friend and longtime assistant Juan Castillo, who was in his second season as defensive coordinator after coaching the offensive line for 13 years. He later fired defensive-line coach Jim Washburn.

After beating the defending Super Bowl champion Giants on Sept. 30, the Eagles lost eight straight games ? their worst losing streak in 42 years.

PhiladelpiaEagles.com posted video of Lurie and Reid addressing team employees, who gave Reid a big ovation. Lurie handed him a game ball.

"I have a hard time standing before people without a few boos involved. But I'm taking it, I'm taking it all in," Reid said. "These have been the greatest 14 years of my life."

He added: "Sometimes change is good. ... I know the next guy that comes in will be phenomenal. The ultimate goal is a Super Bowl. Everybody in this room, I wish you a big ring on the finger in the near future.

"Hail to the Eagles, baby."

___

AP Sports Writer Dan Gelston contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/eagles-fire-andy-reid-14-seasons-151942361--nfl.html

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California meteorite reveals secrets thanks to crowdsourcing (+video)

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Recently published research describes a collection of meteorite pieces that landed in California in April. The study came about through a group effort dubbed "crowdsourcing" by the lead scientist.   

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/science/~3/2uF_M25U_-Y/California-meteorite-reveals-secrets-thanks-to-crowdsourcing-video

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Video: Clinton: No evidence of neurological problems

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Source: http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/50334430/

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China court orders Apple to pay in rights dispute

A Chinese court has ordered Apple to pay 1.03 million yuan (US$165,000) to eight Chinese writers and two companies who say unlicensed copies of their work were distributed through Apple's online store.

The Beijing No 2 Intermediate People's Court ruled Thursday that Apple violated the writers' copyrights by allowing applications containing their work to be distributed through its App Store, according to an official who answered the phone at the court and said he was the judge in the case. He refused to give his name, as is common among Chinese officials.

The award was less than the 12 million yuan ($1.9 million) sought by the authors. The case grouped together eight lawsuits filed by them and their publishers.

An Apple spokeswoman, Carolyn Wu, said the company's managers "take copyright infringement complaints very seriously". She declined to say whether the company would appeal.

Unlicensed copying of books, music, software and other products is widespread in China despite repeated government promises to stamp out violations.

Apple's agreement with application developers requires them to confirm they have obtained rights to material distributed through the company's App Store.

"We're always updating our service to better assist content owners in protecting their rights," Wu said.

The Chinese writers said they saw applications containing unlicensed versions of their books last year.

In November, a court ordered Apple to pay 520,000 yuan ($84,000) to the Encyclopedia of China Publishing House for copyright infringement in a separate case. Apple is appealing, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

In the latest case, the Beijing court awarded 605,000 yuan ($97,500) to one company and 21,500 yuan ($3,450) to the second, according to the court official.

The biggest individual judgment went to writer Han Ailian, who was awarded 186,000 yuan ($30,000).

AP

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/co/HCaY/~3/T174dn-wR3M/Default.aspx

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'New year new you' holidays | Sportsister

After a long year and a busy festive season, with all the social engagements and over-indulgences this includes, you might very well be feeling sluggish, and less than raring to go at the start of 2013! Perhaps you want to recharge your batteries, cleanse and renew your body and spirit, or start the new year with a fun?fitness bang that gets you excited about exercise again.

So why not start your new year with one of these fantastic health and fitness retreats, catering for all our post-Christmas wellbeing needs.

Ananda Detox

India

Retreat Style

Detox retreat

Secluded in the serenity and beauty of the Himalayas, Ananda is a peaceful and elegant resort, providing its guests with a 24,000ft spa, outdoor aquamarine pool, three restaurants, and tranquil grounds.

Voted the Number 1 Spa in the World by Conde Nast Traveller Reader?s Spa Awards 2012, Ananda?s philosophy is firmly based in the Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta regimes, whilst providing first class service and luxury.

If you are looking to improve your mental clarity for the year ahead, cleanse your skin, speed up your metabolism, and re-energise yourself and your immune system, then a week-long stay at Ananda will help you do that. All programmes are individually tailored to flush out toxins?utilising natural therapies, detoxifying body treatments, a controlled diet with delicious healthy cuisine, and relaxing yoga and meditation classes.

Special experience

The outdoor yoga class at sunrise, with the birds singing in the background. It is impossible?not to?feel refreshed after this experience!

Prices

From ?2,790pp sharing, for 7 nights on the Ananda Detox Programme, including return flights and transfers, full-board, and a full series of detox therapies.

More info: www.healthandfitnesstravel.com

Buccament Bay Flexible Fitness Retreat

St Vincent

Spa style

Fitness Retreat

This Five Star resort, surrounded by white sandy beaches and?nestled in the area known as?the jewel of the Caribbean, is the perfect destination for solos or groups looking to get fit and fall in love with exercise again.

With a beautiful beach, two pools, diving facilities,?numerous restaurants and a spa whose signature treatment includes ?deep relaxation with volcanic stones?, you?d be hard-pressed?not to?feel reinvigorated on this fitness break!

The fitness programme, though designed and tested by Ex Royal Marine Commando Personal Trainers, is for any age and any fitness, as each programme is specifically tailored for?the individual?s?needs and goals. It includes a nutritional assessment, with all meals provided using fresh natural produce, and a fitness assessment, with 5-6 fitness activities per day. There are numerous activities to choose from: circuit training, obstacle courses, team games, boxing, and volcano hiking amongst others.

Special experience

A walk or run along the pristine beach at sunset with the turquoise water lapping gently against your feet!

Prices

?2,695pp, with no extra solo supplement, for 7 nights all-inclusive on the Flexible Fitness Retreat, including return flights and transfer. Dates: January 21 ? February 16 2013.

More info: www.healthandfitnesstravel.com

Grand Park

Austria

Spa style

Relax and re-energise

This beautiful hotel, nestled in the mountains of the southern region of Salzburger land, offers first-class luxury and service.

Its relaxation programmes cater for all needs, to gently unwind and melt away the stresses and strains of busy lifestyles,?like the snow melts in spring.

With a state of the art health and wellness centre, including an indoor thermal pool, and a plethora of spa treatments, you may not want to leave the grounds! However, there is also the option of hikes and cycles in the surrounding mountains or yoga and Pilate?s classes to refresh and renew bodies. Grand Park offers five different wellness programmes, at least one to suit your specific requirements, with their focus on health as the ultimate asset.

Special experience

A visit to the healing caves, with the Gastein thermal waters, which are extracted from 17 different natural springs ? truly restorative!

Prices

From ?1,165pp for 7 nights on one of the five wellness programmes, including full board, return flights and transfers.

More info: www.healthandfitnesstravel.com

Bianca Fermi, Sportsister
The Women?s Sports Magazine

Source: http://www.sportsister.com/2012/12/30/travel-new-year-new-you-holidays/

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