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Obituary: Richard "Skip" Skibski of Schaumburg

March 21, 2013, 10:57 pm
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Patch Palatine, IL --

Richard "Skip" M. Skibski, 71, of Schaumburg was born December 22, 1941, in Chicago to Mitchell and Harriet, nee Manicki.  He passed away March 16, 2013, after a 4 year confrontation with brain cancer.

Skip was a Lane Tech and DeVry graduate, but kept returning to college for more classes in his quest for more knowledge.  He had a long and successful career in Information Technology as a business owner, software specialist and highly-sought consultant.

He met the love of his life, Deanna, nee Hansen, on a blind date and married her on November 23, 1963 at Grace Lutheran Church in Elmwood Park. A man of enthusiasm and youthful energy, Skip was game for anything his eight grandkids tried their hand at—from cheer to baseball, soccer to swimming.  When left to himself, he rollerbladed in the forest preserve, watched the White Sox on wide screen, and played Buddy Holly every chance he got.

Skip loved travel, music, amateur theater, cards, trivia and clever wordplay. He was refreshingly direct, slyly humorous and endlessly generous. 

He is survived by his wife, Deanna; his son Richard (Anita) and daughter Krista (Jeff) McClellan; grandchildren, Emma, Tom, Jack and Mike Skibski and Holly, Ryan, Tracy and Allison Bachman; his aunt Virginia Pestka; sister-in-law, Bonita Hansen; nephew, James (Elaine) Hansen and their children Alexandria and Zach; nieces, Elizabeth (Roger) Paveza and their children, Annelise and Brennan; godchildren, Jim Hansen and Lisa Medina; and many cherished cousins and friends. We loved him.

A special thanks to the amazing staff at ABMC, Dr. Tony DiGianfilippo, Dr. Ronald Shade, Dr. R. Patel, Dr. Alan Weiss and Debbie Williams and to the caregivers from Guardian Hospice, Nanci, Beth and Serge, cousin Jan, Shelly and Molly.  And a huge thank you for the warm, compassionate ministry of our own Immanuel Lutheran Church in a time of great loss. 

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, March 23, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 200 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine from 9 a.m. until time of memorial service at 11 AM. Skip's service may be viewed online at www.immanuelpalatine.org. Interment will be held privately at Union Cemetery, Palatine.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Skip's name to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Lutheran Church Charities, 333 W. Lake Street, Addison, IL 60101 would be greatly appreciated. 847-359-8020 or www.smithcorcoran.com.

Information provided by Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home.  Reported by Patch 7 hours ago.
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Community Conversation on Obesity, Healthy Eating and Mental Health

March 21, 2013, 9:17 pm
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Community Conversation on Obesity, Healthy Eating and Mental Health Patch Culver City, CA --

Join a community conversation about Food vs. Mind and Body on *Tues. April 2 from 7-9 p.m. at the Mike Balkman Chambers at Culver City City Hall.*

 The event is being hosted by The Culver City Parks, Recreation & Community Services Commission and will discuss the timely topic of obesity, healthy eating and mental health.

Attendees will watch a shortened version of the documentary Killer at Large about the obesity epidemic in the United States and the screening will be following by a discussion with questions and answers from a panel of experts that will include representatives from the LA County Department of Health, Edelman Westside Mental Health Clinic and the Office of Assemblymember Holly Mitchell.

For more information contact Dan Hernandez at 310-253-6655 or Daniel.hernandez@culvercity.org

*Be sure to like Culver City Patch on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and sign up for our free daily newsletter **for email updates.*

 

 

  Reported by Patch 9 hours ago.
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Cherokee County Mug Shots

March 21, 2013, 10:05 pm
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Cherokee County Mug Shots Patch Holly Springs-Hickory Flat, GA --

The Cherokee County Adult Detention Center supplied Patch with the mug shots and booking reports of the inmates who appear here. At the time of reporting, none of them has been convicted of the listed charges, and all should be presumed innocent. Reported by Patch 8 hours ago.
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Suspect in East Cobb Murder Gets 10 Years in Stalking Case; Man Charged with Child Porn Possession

March 21, 2013, 10:05 pm
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Suspect in East Cobb Murder Gets 10 Years in Stalking Case; Man Charged with Child Porn Possession Patch Holly Springs-Hickory Flat, GA --

*Suspect in East Cobb Murder Gets 10 Years in Stalking Case* - East Cobb Patch

An Acworth man indicted last month in the December 2012 murder of his ex-wife at her East Cobb home was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in prison for violating the terms of his probation in a prior aggravated stalking case.

Cobb Superior Court Chief Judge Adele Grubbs, who sentenced John Steven Kristofak to probation in October after he pleaded guilty in the earlier aggravated stalking and family violence simple battery case involving Donna Kristofak, revoked that probation today, according to the Marietta Daily Journal and theAtlanta Journal-Constitution. For more on this story, visit East Cobb Patch. 

*Forsyth County Man Charged with Possession of Child Porn* - Cumming Patch

A 42-year-old Forsyth County man faces at least five counts of possession of child pornography found on his computer, authorities said.

William Guy Hella was arrested Wednesday after his home on Lakewood Road in Cumming was searched by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. Hella has been charged with five counts of sexual exploitation of children (possession of child pornography).For more on this story, visit Cumming Patch.

*Two Local Businesses Vandalized Early Wednesday* - Midtown Patch

Two businesses in the shopping center located at Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive had their front glass doors smashed in by vandals during the early morning hours on Wednesday.

Video taken by 11Alive news cameras shows how the doors were smashed open on both the Area 4 Salon located at 1536 Monroe Dr. and the Rapid Sign Systems business located at 1531 Piedmont Avenue. For more on this story, visit Midtown Patch.

*Milton Offers Reward to Help Find 3 Murder Suspects* - Alpharetta-Milton Patch

Milton police want your help in finding three people believed to be involved in a murder and attempted robbery that occurred in the city on March 12, and they are ready to hand over up to $5,000 for the assistance.

Police investigators and Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the person or persons responsible. For more on this story, visit Alpharetta-Milton Patch. Reported by Patch 8 hours ago.
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Lexington High, River Bluff High Get New Assistant Principals

March 21, 2013, 7:41 pm
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Lexington High, River Bluff High Get New Assistant Principals Patch Lexington, SC --

Lexington County School District One hired two new administrators and promoted one employee, the district announced Thursday.

Matthew McCormack, currently an assistant principal at Richland One's A.C. Flora High School, will serve as assistant principal at Lexington High School. 

McCormack has eight years of educationa experience and started his career in 2005 as a math teacher at Lexington One's White Knoll High. He has been at A.C. Flora High since 2010.

Tara D. Black, who is an assistant administrator at Lexington High School, was promoted to assistant principal at the district's newest school, River Bluff High, which is set to open in the fall. 

Black has 19 years of educational experience. She began her career as a math teacher and cheerleading coach in 1994 at Northwestern High School in Rock Hill. She worked at Palmetto High School in Anderson before moving to Lexington High in 1997.  

The district also hired Holly Sullivan as science coordinator in Instructional Services. 

Sullivan has 18 years of educational experience and currently serves as science department chair and teacher at Lugoff-Elgin High School in the Kershaw County School District. She also worked at high schools in Texas and North Carolina before moving to E.L.Wright Middle in Richland District Two. 

Lexington One's Board of Trustees approved the two hires and the promotion at their March 19 meeting.  Reported by Patch 10 hours ago.
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Tommy's Pizza Wants to Add Ice Cream, Yogurt Shop

March 21, 2013, 9:55 pm
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Tommy's Pizza Wants to Add Ice Cream, Yogurt Shop Patch Strongsville, OH --

 

The owners of Tommy's Pizza & Chicken are seeking to open a place to have dessert next door.

Rick Tompot and his wife, Holly, want to take over an empty storefront in the shopping center at Pearl and Drake roads to open Holly's Ice Cream and Yogurt.

The business would be open year-round and offer self-serve frozen treats and toppings, but with a twist on the fro-yo craze.

"Everyone is so stuck on frozen yogurt, they forget about ice cream," Rick Tompot said. 

Holly's will have six machines -- three with frozen yogurt and three with high-quality ice cream, he said.

The project was to go before the Strongsville Planning Commission Thursday night, seeking a conditional use permit to operate a restaurant in a general business district. 

The store would seat up to 48 people and occupy 1,668 square feet in the former Tutoring Club spot, directly next door to Tommy's.

Tompot said he believes the area is under-served with ice cream, especially with Honey Hut closing.

"We're hoping to draw people from the north part of Brunswick and the south side of Strongsville," he said.

He also wants to rev up commercial activity in the area.

"We want to bring new life to this plaza," he said. "There hasn't been anything new here, besides Family Video (which bought the plaza), in years."

Ideally, they'd like to open by Memorial Day, but if not, sometime in June. Tompot plans to start construction April 15.

After that, he believes the two businesses will offer a great option to customers, especially since Tommy's doesn't offer seating.

"You can pick up your Tommy's and take it over to Holly's, then have dessert," he said. Reported by Patch 8 hours ago.
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'Goodfellas' gang caught by police sting

March 21, 2013, 10:51 pm
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This is Bristol --

A DRUGS gang raking in tens of thousands of pounds selling cocaine and heroin were so relaxed they posed for a photo in tribute to gangster film Goodfellas.

But just as in the Hollywood blockbuster, the police were on their trail.

Undercover officers from Avon and Somerset Constabulary's Serious Crime Group infiltrated their network, posing as customers for more than two years to bring down the operation.

In one deal to undercover officers, monitored by police, the gang used a boy aged ten to deliver heroin worth £20,000 on the street.

Now 15 members of the gang have been sentenced to a combined total of 62 years at Bristol Crown Court for their respective roles after two stings, codenamed Operation Neptune and Operation Valley.

Six men pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs.

They were: Ershane Khaliq, 25 of Sheridan Road, Horfield; Waseem Hussain, 22, of Oxford Place, Easton; Tony Cross, 26, of no fixed address; Aaron Dad, 24, of Cotman Walk, Lockleaze; Shazan Qumar, 30, of Clark Street, Easton.

Yasir Mahmood, 27, of Britannia Road, Easton, pleaded guilty to being concerned in supply.

Judge Julian Lambert jailed Khaliq for eight-and-a-half years, Hussain for five years, seven months, Mahmood for two years, four months, Cross for two years, Dad for three-and-a-half years and Qumar for two years, eight months.

Nicholas Rowland, prosecuting, said the saga unfolded when undercover officer known as Amin, together with colleagues, infiltrated groups of men responsible for supplying cocaine in Bristol.

He first built up a rapport with Yasir Mahmood and then Ershane Khaliq, and was supplied with increasingly large amounts of cocaine at various purities.

In May, 2011, Mr Rowland told the court, Amin told Mahmood he was looking for cocaine and Mahmood said that he knew people who could supply it.

So began a series of meetings, which included some at Mahmood's shop – Park Booze and News in Park Road, Stapleton, and a pub near the M5.

Mr Rowland said: "Mahmood said he would sort out an introduction and the following day Mahmood said he would speak to his friend about the cocaine."

After samples of cocaine were given, Mahmood handed Amin over to Khaliq and a series of cocaine deliveries were made.

Police forced entry to Waseem Hussain's home, at Dirac Road, Ashley Down, in March last year.

He said he was just visiting, but was actually the occupant of a flat there which contained drugs and drugs paraphernalia including a hydraulic press as well as some £1,400 cash.

The police found a framed photo at Khaliq's home, in which some gang members posed as characters from Goodfellas.

Stephen Moses, defending Khaliq, said his client was a "middleman" who had an operational role in facilitating transactions between Amin and those higher up the chain.

Anjali Gohil, defending Hussain, said his rented premises were used a base for the operation, and he had been directed to make a cocaine delivery.

David Maunder, for Mahmood, said his client had stated to the undercover officer that cocaine was not something he got involved with, but he facilitated "hook ups" with other gang members.

Jonathan Stannliand, defending stonemason Cross, said he made a "one-off mistake" in making a cocaine delivery and was remorseful.

Mark Linehan, defending Dad, and Kannan Siva, defending Qumar, said their clients' involvement amounted to them making deliveries.

In August and September last year five other men arrested in the same police sting were jailed after convictions for supplying cocaine.

They were: Howard Blake, 42, of Lodge Road, Fishponds (31 months); Anthony Byfield, 30, of Portland Street, Bristol (54 months for cocaine supply as well as producing cannabis); Craig Tamlyn, 31, of Holly Close, Speedwell (three years); Paul England, 30, of Gilpin Close, Kingswood (32 months); Bradley Pearcy, 24, of Derwent Road, Speedwell (24 months)

On Wednesday the court heard how the pushers used a boy aged ten to help them supply undercover police with heroin worth £64,050 on the street.

Bristol Crown Court heard officer Amin and three other undercover police gained a gang's trust and liaised with them to receive six drug deliveries in Bristol between November 2011 and March 2012.

For one under-surveillance supply, at Tesco Express in Lodge Causeway, the youngster handed a carrier bag to police containing two blocks of heroin worth £20,500.

Four men pleaded guilty to separate roles in the gang.

Mubashar Aftab, 35, of Reading; Tassadaf Hanif, 28, of Franklyn Street, St Paul's; Zuaur Ali, 28, of Inkerman Close, Horfield pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of diamorphine.

Erion Qela, 25, of Lichfield Road, London, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply a controlled drug.

Judge Julian Lambert jailed Ali for six years, Aftab five years, six months, Hanif for five years, three months and Qela for three years, six months.

Nicholas Rowland, opening the case for the prosecution, said undercover officer Amin developed a relationship with Ershad Khaliq and met him at his shop Thoroughgoods in Filton, together with Khaliq's brother, Zuaur Ali.

Mr Rowland said: "After Zuaur Ali had left, Amin spoke to Khaliq about difficulties sourcing the 'other stuff', meaning heroin.

"Khaliq asked what Amin needed and he replied by rubbing the top of his hand to indicate brown.

"Prices were discussed, against the background of their commercial relationship.

"Khaliq said he could sell a kilo at 10/10 quality and lesser prices for quality lower down the scale."

The court heard discussions continued, some at Remo's barber shop in Fishponds.

Undercover officer Amin was then supplied with three separate ounces of heroin worth £1,500.

So began a series of supplies from the gang to police, including a meeting at Tesco Express in Lodge Causeway when a gang member turned up with an Asian boy aged nine or ten.

Mr Rowland said: "In the boy's hand was a carrier bag. That contained two separate blocks of heroin. Undercover officer Pete conducted a test on the block by scraping a bit off, which revealed that it was heroin."

The court heard a major £41,000 heroin consignment was handed over at the Tesco Express store.

It was at Amin's flat, just as Khaliq was counting £41,000 in a bag, where police swooped.

Gang members were arrested, interviewed and largely made no comment, Mr Rowland said.

Kara Reiff-Musgrove, defending Ali, said her client was a middleman of previous good character who was hard-working, with relations who depended on him.

Anjali Gohil, defending Hanif, said her client was a facilitator who "chose to put his hands up" to his role, rather than waste time.

Tyrone Smith, defending Qelar, said Qelar was simply a courier who was asked to drive a delivery of drugs from London to Bristol.

Michael Roques, defending Aftab, said his client was a committed family man whose father was "devastated" that his son had been released from custody and offended again. Reported by This is 7 hours ago.
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Pet Owners: Licenses Due March 31

March 21, 2013, 11:21 pm
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Pet Owners: Licenses Due March 31 Patch Collingswood, NJ --

Attention: Collingswood pet owners! It's time to get your furry friends registered with the borough.

Cats are $8 ($5 if spayed or neutered); dogs are $20 ($17 if spayed or neutered).

Got one of each? The borough asks that you make out separate checks for dogs and cats.

Licenses are due March 31; anyone filing after that date will be paying a $10 late fee for each pet.

Questions? Call Borough Clerk Holly Mannel at 856-854-0720 x127. (Click here to download the forms.) Reported by Patch 7 hours ago.
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'Goodfellas' gang caught by police drugs sting

March 22, 2013, 1:53 am
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'Goodfellas' gang caught by police drugs sting This is Bristol --

A DRUGS gang raking in tens of thousands of pounds selling cocaine and heroin were so relaxed they posed for a photo in tribute to gangster film Goodfellas.

But just as in the Hollywood blockbuster, the police were on their trail.

Undercover officers from Avon and Somerset Constabulary's Serious Crime Group infiltrated their network, posing as customers for more than two years to bring down the operation.

In one deal to undercover officers, monitored by police, the gang used a boy aged ten to deliver heroin worth £20,000 on the street.

Now 15 members of the gang have been sentenced to a combined total of 62 years at Bristol Crown Court for their respective roles after two stings, codenamed Operation Neptune and Operation Valley.

Six men pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs.

They were: Ershane Khaliq, 25 of Sheridan Road, Horfield; Waseem Hussain, 22, of Oxford Place, Easton; Tony Cross, 26, of no fixed address; Aaron Dad, 24, of Cotman Walk, Lockleaze; Shazan Qumar, 30, of Clark Street, Easton.

Yasir Mahmood, 27, of Britannia Road, Easton, pleaded guilty to being concerned in supply.

Judge Julian Lambert jailed Khaliq for eight-and-a-half years, Hussain for five years, seven months, Mahmood for two years, four months, Cross for two years, Dad for three-and-a-half years and Qumar for two years, eight months.

Nicholas Rowland, prosecuting, said the saga unfolded when undercover officer known as Amin, together with colleagues, infiltrated groups of men responsible for supplying cocaine in Bristol.

He first built up a rapport with Yasir Mahmood and then Ershane Khaliq, and was supplied with increasingly large amounts of cocaine at various purities.

In May, 2011, Mr Rowland told the court, Amin told Mahmood he was looking for cocaine and Mahmood said that he knew people who could supply it.

So began a series of meetings, which included some at Mahmood's shop – Park Booze and News in Park Road, Stapleton, and a pub near the M5.

Mr Rowland said: "Mahmood said he would sort out an introduction and the following day Mahmood said he would speak to his friend about the cocaine."

After samples of cocaine were given, Mahmood handed Amin over to Khaliq and a series of cocaine deliveries were made.

Police forced entry to Waseem Hussain's home, at Dirac Road, Ashley Down, in March last year.

He said he was just visiting, but was actually the occupant of a flat there which contained drugs and drugs paraphernalia including a hydraulic press as well as some £1,400 cash.

The police found a framed photo at Khaliq's home, in which some gang members posed as characters from Goodfellas.

Stephen Moses, defending Khaliq, said his client was a "middleman" who had an operational role in facilitating transactions between Amin and those higher up the chain.

Anjali Gohil, defending Hussain, said his rented premises were used a base for the operation, and he had been directed to make a cocaine delivery.

David Maunder, for Mahmood, said his client had stated to the undercover officer that cocaine was not something he got involved with, but he facilitated "hook ups" with other gang members.

Jonathan Stannliand, defending stonemason Cross, said he made a "one-off mistake" in making a cocaine delivery and was remorseful.

Mark Linehan, defending Dad, and Kannan Siva, defending Qumar, said their clients' involvement amounted to them making deliveries.

In August and September last year five other men arrested in the same police sting were jailed after convictions for supplying cocaine.

They were: Howard Blake, 42, of Lodge Road, Fishponds (31 months); Anthony Byfield, 30, of Portland Street, Bristol (54 months for cocaine supply as well as producing cannabis); Craig Tamlyn, 31, of Holly Close, Speedwell (three years); Paul England, 30, of Gilpin Close, Kingswood (32 months); Bradley Pearcy, 24, of Derwent Road, Speedwell (24 months)

On Wednesday the court heard how the pushers used a boy aged ten to help them supply undercover police with heroin worth £64,050 on the street.

Bristol Crown Court heard officer Amin and three other undercover police gained a gang's trust and liaised with them to receive six drug deliveries in Bristol between November 2011 and March 2012.

For one under-surveillance supply, at Tesco Express in Lodge Causeway, the youngster handed a carrier bag to police containing two blocks of heroin worth £20,500.

Four men pleaded guilty to separate roles in the gang.

Mubashar Aftab, 35, of Reading; Tassadaf Hanif, 28, of Franklyn Street, St Paul's; Zuaur Ali, 28, of Inkerman Close, Horfield pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of diamorphine.

Erion Qela, 25, of Lichfield Road, London, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply a controlled drug.

Judge Julian Lambert jailed Ali for six years, Aftab five years, six months, Hanif for five years, three months and Qela for three years, six months.

Nicholas Rowland, opening the case for the prosecution, said undercover officer Amin developed a relationship with Ershad Khaliq and met him at his shop Thoroughgoods in Filton, together with Khaliq's brother, Zuaur Ali.

Mr Rowland said: "After Zuaur Ali had left, Amin spoke to Khaliq about difficulties sourcing the 'other stuff', meaning heroin.

"Khaliq asked what Amin needed and he replied by rubbing the top of his hand to indicate brown.

"Prices were discussed, against the background of their commercial relationship.

"Khaliq said he could sell a kilo at 10/10 quality and lesser prices for quality lower down the scale."

The court heard discussions continued, some at Remo's barber shop in Fishponds.

Undercover officer Amin was then supplied with three separate ounces of heroin worth £1,500.

So began a series of supplies from the gang to police, including a meeting at Tesco Express in Lodge Causeway when a gang member turned up with an Asian boy aged nine or ten.

Mr Rowland said: "In the boy's hand was a carrier bag. That contained two separate blocks of heroin. Undercover officer Pete conducted a test on the block by scraping a bit off, which revealed that it was heroin."

The court heard a major £41,000 heroin consignment was handed over at the Tesco Express store.

It was at Amin's flat, just as Khaliq was counting £41,000 in a bag, where police swooped.

Gang members were arrested, interviewed and largely made no comment, Mr Rowland said.

Kara Reiff-Musgrove, defending Ali, said her client was a middleman of previous good character who was hard-working, with relations who depended on him.

Anjali Gohil, defending Hanif, said her client was a facilitator who "chose to put his hands up" to his role, rather than waste time.

Tyrone Smith, defending Qelar, said Qelar was simply a courier who was asked to drive a delivery of drugs from London to Bristol.

Michael Roques, defending Aftab, said his client was a committed family man whose father was "devastated" that his son had been released from custody and offended again. Reported by This is 4 hours ago.
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Hugh Hefner Sends Compliments To New Mum Holly Madison

March 22, 2013, 1:33 am
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Hugh Hefner has reached out to ex-girlfriend Holly Madison to congratulate her on the birth of her daughter.The Playboy boss' former partner gave... Reported by ContactMusic 5 hours ago.
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Council Will Investigate More Fire Service Options

March 22, 2013, 4:37 am
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Council Will Investigate More Fire Service Options Patch Canton-Sixes, GA --

After the defeat of the $6 million fire bond referendum on Tuesday by Canton voters, the city council had to re-focus on ways to provide the highest quality fire service to its residents.

Councilman Glen Cummins has proposed three potential solutions to the fire services problem, including consolidating with Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services.

Mayor Gene Hobgood directed Cummins and councilmen Bill Bryan and Jack Goodwin to resume the dormant fire services committee to examine options available to the city.

Cummins' other proposals were hybridization options, including the development of a highly-trained volunteer force or a contract with the county to construct and maintain two additional stations while the city will maintain its two stations and continue making system improvements.

The consolidation issue drew some criticism from Councilman John Beresford, who felt that the council should move past both consolidation and the $6 million bond issue.

"I was hoping to have a fresh start tonight in trying to work through the issues we have in order to get fire services we need," said Beresford, "But Mr. Cummins wants to belabor the point of consolidation."

Bryan, who admitted he would be hesitant to serve on a new fire services committee, expressed concern at the lack of communication between the county and city during the initial consolidation discussions and seemed hesitant to re-engage with the county due to past experiences.

Additionally, Bryan was worried that the county's removal of the senior tax exemption in Holly Springs when that city consolidated fire services with the county would happen in Canton should the departments merge. The loss of the senior tax exemption is a deal breaker for Bryan.

Councilman Hooky Huffman proposed a motion that would direct City Manager Scott Wood to assess the resources currently available to the city that could be used to build a fire station in Laurel Canyon as soon as possible. 

"We need to move forward, it is dragged out too long and this next committee will drag it out even longer," Huffman said. The motion passed. No "holes in the ground" will be dug until a thorough look at the financial resources.

Councilman Bob Rush will look to contact the consultants that performed a similar fire services study for Garden City and ask them to perform one for Canton. Rush proposed a motion to reach out to Ecological Planning Group to investigate all funding options available to the city.

Council members were split on the issue, with Bryan saying outsiders would "de-politicize" the issue, while Cummins felt that asking third-party experts to look at funding options when new fire service options haven't even been decided on would be putting the cart before the horse.

Huffman didn't want the city fire services committee to be involved with third party consultants at all.

Other items the city council discussed at their nearly three hour meeting included:

· The swearing in of the 21-member Commission on Canton's Future. Hobgood told the new commission members, "this council supports your efforts financially and morally." 
· The new pension plan, which not change anything for current city employees. The new plan would have an employee contribution rate of two percent, which would be matched by the city. In May, when the new plan comes in to effect, the amount of payroll money paid towards premiums will decrease.
· The city will send a letter of support to Cherokee County in regards to Chairman Buzz Ahrens' request for funding from Cherokee cities to fund the county office of economic development. The council will not commit to providing the funding until they have a better understanding of what the county plans to do with the money.
· The formal ribbon-cutting for the Canton Theatre's movie apparatus will be held at April 4 at 5 p.m.

To watch a replay of Thursday's meeting, follow this link and look for the March 21 meeting video. Reported by Patch 1 hour ago.
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Police Log: Hyannis Man Arrested, Charged with OUI

March 22, 2013, 2:53 am
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Patch Barnstable-Hyannis, MA --

The Barnstable Police Department provided the following. It does not indicate a conviction.

*Notable incidents from Wednesday March 20, 2013*

Police arrested Melissa Kroslak-Dlugolec, 29, of Watertown during a motor vehicle stop on Old Colony Rd. and Main St. at 12:50 a.m. Kroslak-Dlugolec was charged with OUI-liquor and a marked lanes violation.

Police responded to a report of armed robbery on Main St. and School St. at 3:16 a.m.

Police responded to a report of a domestic argument at 7-Eleven on North St. at 12:44 p.m.

Police responded to a report of harassment at Jo-Anne Fabrics on Iyannough Rd. at 1:54 p.m.

Police responded to a report of harassment on Woodland Ave. at 3:09 p.m.

Police responded to a report of fraud at Trader Ed’s on Willow St. at 3:18 p.m.

Police responded to a report of a disturbance at Cape Cod Community College on Iyannough Rd. at 4:56 p.m.

Police arrested Brigitte L. Ferraro, 35, of Mashpee while responding to a report of shoplifting at Kmart on Iyannough Rd. at 5:31 p.m. Ferraro was charged with larceny of property over $250.

Police responded to a report of assault at Cellar Leather on Main St. at 6:25 p.m.

Police responded to a report of harassment at Holly Hill Apartments on Falmouth Rd. at 6:35 p.m.

Police arrested Michael J. Santos, 24, of Marstons Mills during a motor vehicle stop on Greenwood Ave. at 6:39 p.m. Santos was charged with operating a motor vehicle after suspension of license.

Police responded to a report of a domestic verbal argument at Craigville Motel on Shootflying Hill Rd. at 6:53 p.m.

Police arrested Christopher Shawn Giles, 40, of Hyannis during a motor vehicle stop on Main St. and Sea St. at 10:32 p.m. Giles was charged with OUI-liquor, operating motor vehicle with revoked license, operating motor vehicle with open container, operating motor vehicle that fails to meet safety standards and speeding.  Reported by Patch 3 hours ago.
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Crime Blotter: Burglary, Criminal Trespass of a Private School

March 22, 2013, 5:49 am
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Crime Blotter: Burglary, Criminal Trespass of a Private School Patch Snellville, GA --

The following is a listing of crimes reported by Snellville Police from March 11 - March 19.

March 11: Theft by deception was reported at 1882 East Main Street (Hill Top Pawn).

March 11: Entering auto to commit a theft was reported at 3222 Lenora Church Road.

March 11: Drugs obtained/attempt to obtain by fraud/forgery was reported at 1670 Scenic Highway (Kroger).

March 11: Deposit account fraud/bad checks less than $499 was reported at 2972 Tiffany Mazelle Court.

March 11: Entering auto to commit a theft was reported at 1958 Harbour Oaks Drive.

March 11: Criminal trespass was reported at 3005 Lenora Church Road (Integrity Christian Academy).

March 11: Criminal damage to property was reported at 2971 West Main Street (La Quinta Inn).

March 12: Criminal trespass was reported at 2230 Scenic Highway (BB&T).

March 12: Theft by taking was reported at 3110 Skyland Drive.

March 12: Theft by taking was reported at 1785 Rockdale Circle.

March 12: Criminal trespass was reported at 3005 Lenora Church Road (Integrity Christian Academy).

March 12: Possession/purchase of schedule I and II illegal substances was reported at 2484 Springdale Drive.

March 12: Financial transaction card fraud was reported at 1678 Holly Lake Cove.

March 12: Theft of lost/mislaid property was reported at 1520 Scenic Highway.

March 13: Possession of marijuana (less than 1 oz.) was reported at 1884 North Road.

March 13: Theft by taking was reported at 1550 Scenic Highway.

March 13: Theft by taking was reported at 2758 Odum Street.

March 13: Financial identity fraud was reported at 2294 Amber Woods Drive.

March 14: Missing person was reported at 1700 Medical Way.

March 14: Demented person was reported at 2795 West Main Street.

March 14: Loitering/drug related activities were reported at 1700 Medical Way.

March 14: Theft of lost/mislaid property was reported at 1700 Medical Way.

March 15: Theft by taking was reported at 1294 Summit Chase Drive.

March 15: Theft by taking was reported at 2330 Scenic Highway (Xfactor Realty).

March 15: Possession of marijuana (less than 1 oz.) was reported at 2650 Springdale Road.

March 15: Possession of marijuana (less than 1 oz.) was reported at 2013 East Main Street.

March 16: Entering auto to commit a theft was reported at 3000 Lenora Church Road.

March 17: Burglary was reported at 3026 Lenora Church Road.

March 17: Financial transaction card forgery was reported at 1905 Scenic Highway.

March 17: Theft by shoplifting over $300 was reported at 1550 Scenic Highway.

March 17: Theft by shoplifting was reported at 1550 Scenic Highway (Walmart).

March 17: Theft of lost/mislaid property was reported at 1615 Scenic Highway.

March 17: Theft by shoplifting was reported at 1550 Scenic Highway (Walmart).

March 18: Identity fraud was reported at 1735 Tuftstown Road.

March 18: Burglary was reported at 1982 East Main Street.

March 18: Theft by taking was reported at 2753 Ashworth Circle.

March 18: Theft by taking was reported at 1800 North Road.

March 19: Burglary was reported at 2982 Heavenly Lane.

March 19: Verbal dispute was reported at 3132 Dove Court.

March 19: Attempt to commit financial identity fraud was reported at 2216 Windsor Drive.

March 19: Theft by taking was reported at 2500 Freemont Street. Reported by Patch 15 minutes ago.
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Hugh Hefner sends compliments to new mum Holly Madison

March 22, 2013, 4:57 am
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Hugh Hefner sends compliments to new mum Holly Madison HUGH HEFNER has reached out to ex-girlfriend HOLLY MADISON to congratulate her on the birth of her daughter. Reported by Daily Star 1 hour ago.
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Get Out: Easter Egg Hunt, TrailFest, Wine Tasting

March 22, 2013, 3:49 am
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Get Out: Easter Egg Hunt, TrailFest, Wine Tasting Patch Woodstock-Towne Lake, GA --

*Woodstock*

'The Taming of the Shrew'

Horton Foote's 'The Young Man from Atlanta'

Easter Egg Hunt

Friends of the Library Book Sale - Woodstock Library

Wellesley at Towne Lake Neighborhood Garage Sale

Trailfest/Woodstock

Wine Tasting

Oak Grove School Reunion 1930-1970

St. Michael the Archangel Lenten Fish Fry

*Canton*

Northside Hospital-Cherokee Easter Eggstravaganza

Historic Preservation Awards Banquet

Movie Night ('Hop')

St. Clement's 4th Annual Lenten Fish Fry

*Holly Springs*

City of Holly Springs Easter Egg Hunt

*East Cobb*

Cobb Hobbler Road Race

Voice Today 4th Annual Giant Rummage Sale

*Kennesaw*

Word, Image, & Spirit: A Lenten Workshop

Tales from the Lonesome City

'In the Twilight: The Chekhov Stories'

Bunny Breakfast

KSU's Civil War Center presents: 1863 - Struggles East & West

City of Kennesaw's Easter Egg Scramble

The Southern Museum’s Inaugural 'Museum Night: Trains, Planes and Cars'

*Alpharetta*

'Seussical the Musical'

Native Plant Rescues Topic of First of Alpharetta Garden Club's Monthly Meetings

*Roswell*

North Metro Moms of Multiples Consignment Sale

Farm Day

Spring Bloomers Tour Reported by Patch 2 hours ago.
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Cotley point-to-point marks Diamond Jubilee with special charity flat race

March 22, 2013, 4:33 am
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Cotley point-to-point marks Diamond Jubilee with special charity flat race This is Devon --

The Cotley point-to-point will celebrate its Diamond Jubilee on Easter Saturday with a charity flat race in aid of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

"To mark the special occasion we wanted to do something a bit different," said Vyvyan Eames, who owns and farms the beautiful Cotley Estate, near Chard, and has been chairman of the point-to-point for over 35 years.

"The flat race is open only to Cotley Hunt members riding their hunters and promises to be a true amateur race, albeit a hotly contested one," he explained. "It's a chance for the locals to have a spin for a very good cause."

Each rider must have raised £100 minimum in sponsorship with a special prize for the rider who raises the most.

Vyvyan added: "It's a mixed field of all shapes and sizes and includes two well known local pensioners."

Of the 10 entries, one of the smallest partnerships in the field will be Emily Wells riding her own 14.2hh pony Fi Fi Trixiebelle. "We plan to give it our best shot," said Emily of Combe St Nicholas, who has hunted with the Cotley since a five-year-old.

The 23-year-old has never raced before, although admits she has always had a yearning. "We've been out cantering when we can to improve our fitness but being the smallest I doubt we'll stand a chance of winning! Whatever happens it's going to be a lot of fun and the more support we have the better."

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is a charity particularly close to Emily's heart as they helped her sister Holly last year who had to be airlifted to hospital after an accident out hunting.

Hunting twice a week with the Cotley for up to five hours in the saddle each time keeps local rider Richard Thompson fit, and although in his 70s he will be one to watch with his mount Vincent.

Richard has two hunters at home but he chose Vincent as he has more Thoroughbred blood in him. "He's hunting fit and I've started taking him to Richard Barber's gallops at Seaborough," he said of his 17hh eight-year-old Dutch warmblood.

"We intend to be as fit as we can be," he added with a competitive note, "and I've been getting a few handy tips from my daughter who has trained pointers."

It will be Richard's first ever race and although he's in it to win it, he admits the emphasis is on "having fun and raising as much money as possible".

In addition to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance charity race, which will run at the end of the day, there are six races on the Cotley Diamond Jubilee race card.

On celebrating 60 years of racing, Vyvyan said: "Without doubt, the Cotley point-to-point's success is due to our many volunteers – it's all a big team effort."

Vyvyan has many fond memories of running the annual meeting at the family farm. "I remember my father asking me to help pick up all the stones off the course in preparation for the first point-to-point – it was hard work and I hope those he was paying got more than a bob's worth!"

Over the year's Cotley has had to cancel a few meetings, once due to fog. "I was ordered by my father to take the Land Rover across the course to stop people coming in. I was told to go to the far end of the queue of traffic and tell them to turn around but by the time I got there the fog had cleared – I was not the most popular person!"

Racing starts at 1.30pm. The course can be found two miles SW of Chard, off the A30. Reported by This is 2 hours ago.
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Reader reviews roundup

March 22, 2013, 4:55 am
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Tales of adventure, secrets and magic enchanted our reviewers in this week's roundup!

To begin, Aiman.A wrote an excellent review of *0.4 by Mike Lancaster*. 0.4 is a sci-fi book told in the form of audio tape transcripts. Kyle and his friends awake in their peaceful Cambridgeshire town after being hypnotised - to find everyone missing! 'Suddenly, the rest of the village comes back to life. But they're different'.



'0.4 is a fast-paced story that holds a unique idea within the broad genre of science-fiction. Despite being a short and easy read, 0.4 is a rather scary and gripping book, forcing us to question the human race and whether we really are who we think we are. Like the very best of sci-fi books, 0.4 is thought-provoking, presenting an astonishing idea, yet simultaneously, it seems woefully convincing.'



Meanwhile, an equally mysterious review of *The Name of this Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch* was written by MissKatniss: 'I cannot tell you much about this story as it is top secret and you would be in danger if I did'. However, MissKatniss does reveal that it is about two unlikely children 'who can't stop talking [and] get caught in a plot involving a symphony of smells, a midnight sun and a big secret searched for by a sinister organization.'



'Although I enjoyed the story plot, I did not enjoy the writing style, due to the fact the author kept stopping when the story got exiting, and started babbling on about how he couldn't tell you any more… But you see, the thing about secrets is that once you know a bit of one, you have to know the rest. So unfortunately, you have no choice but to read this strange and intriguing volume!'



For animal lovers, SeaMonster97 sent us a terrific review of *The Vet by Luke Gamble*. Based on the real life of veterinarian Luke Gamble and his experiences as a vet in the West Country, the book has a 'brilliant mixture of veterinary knowledge, romantic comedy, comedy in general, and equally tragedy'



'I recommend it to anyone who loves a good animal story, who is interested in veterinary practices or who generally wants a good book.'



Similarly, we have an animal-themed review of *Stick Dog by Tom Watson* - written by Emerald Girl. This book is an adventure novel about a dog called 'Stick' - because he is drawn in the same way as a stick man - going on a deadly mission to find the perfect hamburger.



'I found this book very funny, entertaining and hard to stop reading. I really liked the style it is written in, but it did get a little boring toward the end because it went on about hamburgers.'



On the romantic side of things, we read a brilliant review from piglover of *Just One Day but Gayle Forman*. The story of is of a student who takes a detour to visit Paris with a boy she has just met. She falls in love but finds that the boy has disappeared when she wakes in the morning and 'puzzles for a year before going to Paris once again to find him.'



'It is written in the same poetic language as If I Stay; beautiful, flowing, moving. Imagery that sticks in your mind for a long, long time. I felt as if I were visiting Paris myself.'



Awesome-Charlie sent us this excellent review of *The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket*. A magical story of three orphaned children who are forced to live with their new guardian Count Olaf, who is, unfortunately 'the most awful, horrendous person anyone could ever meet.'



'I would rate this book a 9.5/10 because it has a great mixture of suspense and mystery also some humour mixed in.'



On a similar magical theme, Horselover3000 wrote a wonderful review of *Lily by Holly Webb*. Lily and her family must hide away from the world but realises she could be living under a spell and must escape.



'I really enjoyed this book. It is full of twists and turns and you never seem to know what happens next. It has a bit of everything: fantasy, magic, adventure, and chilling fear in moments'.



Finally, Chocolatechipcookie wrote an enthusiastic review of *Hetty Feather by Jacqueline Wilson*. Hetty Feather is an orphan who is separated from her foster family and sent off to the Foundling Hospital. Hetty then sets off on a series of travels in search of friendship and family.



'Phew, I'm out of breath, and so will you be when you finish this series of amazing books! I would recommend these books to anyone who likes an interesting, dramatic story full of surprises.'



Phew! And we're out of breath after reading all those fantastic reviews. That's it for this week's roundup! Thanks for all your delightful reviews, if any of your reviews were mentioned drop us a line at childrens.books@guardian.co.uk and we'll send you a surprise book from our cupboards.

Happy reviewing!

*Want to tell the world about a book you've read? Join the site and send us your review!* Reported by guardian.co.uk 1 hour ago.
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Our parenting regrets

March 22, 2013, 5:55 am
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We asked you for your biggest regret as a parent. Here is a selection of readers' tales of sorrow, embarrassment, time wasted and love left unexpressed. Also, a psychologist who works with families reveals the top five regrets cited by parents

**The spaghetti incident**

Out of all the hundreds and thousands of things I've done for my kids: lifts, birthday parties, cooking, cleaning, washing clothes, ironing, parents' evenings, financial support – the list is endless – why do they always remember the one bad thing I did as a parent?

We all have our off days – mothers too. When my youngest daughter was three and refusing to finish her dinner, I picked up her bowl which contained remnants of cold spaghetti bolognese – realising even as I did it that I'd be the one to clean up the mess – and placed it upside down on her head. My four children were misbehaving and I'd reached boiling point. The food was cold and there wasn't much of it, but this desperate, if relatively mild, act of maternal rage is brought up regularly in company when my kids want to have a laugh at my expense.

Over the years the story has become more and more exaggerated. The bowl has grown bigger, the spaghetti hotter and more plentiful. This small act of aggression eclipses everything kind, loving and maternal I've ever done. Maybe it's a lesson in life – you can lead an exemplary existence but if you put one foot wrong that's probably what you will be remembered for.

I wish in retrospect that I'd left the room and counted to 10 instead. But my daughter appears not to have been too traumatised. Although, come to think of it, she did grow dreadlocks when she was 18 … Alison Clink

**Christopher and Harry**

My son Christopher was entirely in thrall to Harry Potter, the boy wizard, and his epic struggle against "He who must not be named". Over the years, as each book in the series came out, Christopher would make sure that I read several chapters to him each bedtime, only agreeing to let me stop reading when his mum shouted up the stairs that it really was time he went to sleep.

In the summer of 2007, Christopher and his mum, Julie, older brother Jonathan and I were on holiday at Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest when the last in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, was published. Now 14, Christopher, of course, had no desire for me to read to him any more and, as I recall, hid himself away in his chalet room for a day or so and devoured the book in more or less one sitting.

In February 2009, Christopher fell ill. His condition worsened as the week went on, so we took him to hospital. On arrival at A&E, Christopher collapsed and had to be rushed to the crash room. He never recovered and died from a rare streptococcal infection.

I now regret not having read that last Harry Potter book to Christopher and how I wish that Harry, Ron, Hermione and Dumbledore could once again get together and perfect the ultimate spell that would bring Christopher and his beautiful smile back to us.

Richard Salmon

**A ruined Christmas**

* *

The family was sitting at the table, chatting after Sunday dinner, within the Twelve Days of Christmas. The tree was still twinkling – cards, holly, bells and baubles everywhere.

"You don't still believe in Father Christmas, do you?" I said. Without a word, Elizabeth, the youngest, aged eight, got down from the table and left the room.

After the washing up, I went to find Elizabeth. She was in her room, decorated with paper chains from school, snowflakes she had made at Brownies, Christmas cards from her friends. But the room was bare. She had taken down her decorations and thrown them in the bin. She was heartbroken, and so was I.

On Christmas Eve, we still followed the custom of hanging up their stockings, and putting out sherry for Father Christmas and a carrot for Rudolph. But with Elizabeth at junior school, her big brother, 11, and her older sister, 13, both at secondary school, I'd assumed that they or her schoolfriends would have laughed her out of the idea of Father Christmas by now.

I was wrong and had carelessly shattered her belief in Father Christmas; the first test of faith for a child. I hoped and prayed she'd still believe in Jesus and the reason for Christmas. Rosemary Brockbank

**I wish I'd had a routine*
*

Two words. Just a name, but enough to strike terror into the heart of many parents – Gina Ford. Her methods have won her a loyal following, but others find her slavish devotion to routine at odds with caring for the tiny alien whirlwind that has just arrived in their lives. I was firmly in the latter camp. How I wish I'd listened to Ford.

My son, Niko, arrived by emergency caesarean on 12 April 2010 and weighed only 5lbs. From his first day, he struggled to hold up his head, straining his neck, determined to take in the world around him. The first few days lulled me into a false sense of security. He slept a lot. Despite the post-op pain, I was happy. This is easy, I thought.

Then I took him home.

The sleepless nights began. It was hard, but don't all parents complain about sleepless nights? But it was every hour for months on end. Was this normal? So I did what I always do when I need to learn about something. I bought books. The author everyone recommended was Gina Ford, the mistress of routine. But I couldn't understand how you could make a little person adhere to set patterns and dismissed it.

My son is nearly three. He's a happy, curious, contented little toddler. He has slept through the night precisely three times. I'm 40 but look about 10 years older. How I wish I'd listened to Gina Ford. Suzanne Lightfoot

**Sharing the love**

My four-year-old grandson clutches my knees and hugs me: "I love you, Granny." I bend down and put my arms around him: "I love you too, Ben."

I'm filled with a depth of emotion that is impossible to put into words because I never gave my four children what my grandson has just given me.

I never told them how much I loved them. I was a stay-at-home mum and my husband and I tried our best to make their lives full of fun and interest. We loved them and I hope they felt loved but this is my regret: I never put that love into words to my children.

I love them still and I hope they still feel loved. I want to hold each one in turn in my arms and say: "I love you, James; I love you, Jenny; I love you, Naomi; I love you, Tom." But I think it's probably too late to do what my grandson has just taught me to do.

Anji Dawkins

**Too much, too young**

I regret not waking my seven-year-old son to see his dead father before he left the house 20 years ago. I woke my older son, Robert, who was 12, and we said goodbye together as the coroner's officer took his body away. But I thought Andrew was too young.

My husband looked asleep and peaceful then. When I took both boys to see his body at the funeral parlour, he looked completely different, not like my husband at all. Andrew has subsequently said that he wished he had seen his father, and I think he might have coped with his death better if he had. Glynis Platt

**Embarrassing silence**

We are in the cinema watching a film. My daughter is 11 and I am a relatively old mother, enjoying this outing hugely. Such a treat, to take your child to see a new film – we do this often.

However, 20 minutes or so into the showing I am beginning to feel irritated. There is a gang of teenagers directly in front of us, chatting and laughing loudly. This continues. I grow yet more annoyed. These young people are not only interfering with my enjoyment but blatantly breaking cinema rules. I am a secondary school teacher and the instinct to take action is just too powerful to resist. I lean forward and say, in lowered tones of course, "Shush! Please be quiet!"

It works. The teenagers fall silent and remain so. I am very aware that I could have fallen foul of the kind of creative verbal abuse only adolescents have the skill to invent, but no – they obey, clearly cowed by my teacherly authority. I feel smug.

My daughter throws me a look that says, "I want you to die, right here and now." She is mortified beyond endurance and sits rigidly in her seat for the remainder of the film. Her body language radiates an inarticulate blend of shame and fury. When it ends, she turns and hisses, "I will never, ever go to see a film with you ever again."

She is now 21 and has remained true to her word. Jayne Greenwell

**Still my little boy**

I regret making my son the "big boy" as soon as his sister was born. When she arrived, my son seemed so big, so grown-up, a real big brother. He was kind and gentle with her, giving her careful kisses and cuddles. As the elder, I think I expected too much of him. I expected him to understand that when I needed to put his sister down for a nap it was easier if he played in the lounge rather than in the bedroom with me. I forgot that until his sister arrived, he hadn't had the luxury of having mummy at home. Instead, he was at nursery while I worked. I forgot that he needed time with mummy too; forgot that everything had changed for him with his sister's arrival.

Now my daughter is just a bit older than he was then – and she seems so little. I regret that in my head he became the big boy overnight when really he was still my little boy.

Alison Willis

**Tales of the riverbank*
*

I regret not teaching our boys to fish. My father first took me fishing when I was two. He taught me respect for and wonder at the natural world and I grew to know his wisdom through his gentle patience. When my father died, the first book I turned to was about fishing – The Deepening Pool by Chris Yates – hoping to secure his presence through familiar stories of barbel and chub.

Our sons are now 14 and 16 and, as with all teenage boys, they believe that their father's a fool.

They will never have the opportunity to watch a water vole swim two feet in front of their wellington boots or marvel at the iridescence of the kingfisher hunting in the rays of a midsummer sunrise. They won't have a chance to plead for one last cast in that liminal realm where all possibilities coalesce between daytime's end and the gathering gloom of night.

These days we walk the riverbanks of the Peak District. I feed bread to the trout while my wife and the boys humour me and look on with patronising resignation. I am entranced by the magic of water. I regret they will never be drawn towards such mysteries. I regret that, for them, water will always be merely H2O. Steve Brooks

**A sense of loss**

When my elder son left for university I set about cleaning and redecorating his abandoned bedroom. But the makeover only left me grieving for the unholy mess he used to create.

The familiar fug of unaired room with top notes of Lynx surrendered to malodorous gloss paint. I close my eyes to desperately try to recall the old multi-coloured walls, topped with a nursery frieze of circus elephants marching incongruously above posters of death metal bands, a dartboard and noticeboards crammed with ticket stubs for festivals and concerts, party invitations and photos of drunken, gurning teenagers.

Floor space that used to be covered in Lego blocks, toys, discarded clothes, odd socks, and, more recently, crisp packets, cans, empty bottles and laptops is back to visible carpet. Adrian Mole, Harry Potter and Stephen Fry used to sit amicably alongside science fiction and college textbooks piled on shelves. Towers of zombie DVDs, CDs and computer games leant perilously against the chest of drawers covered in football stickers and cup stains.

Now the pristine room somehow looks smaller and the self-righteous satisfaction I should have felt after my hard work is tainted by feelings of guilt and regret that I didn't photograph his teenage world before the sterile uniformity of magnolia paint reclaimed it for the rest of the house. Euphoria has unexpectedly given way to an overwhelming sense of loss for the material evidence of his childhood, which I have obliterated. Diane Evans

**I cannot cope**

I regret adopting you. Importing a baby from a distant and troubled country into a fragile family unit was not a good idea. In retrospect, many years later, it seems madness.

I chose you because you seemed likely to be the one who would always be left behind.

You were the silent one in a room of crying babies; sullen, indifferent and distant. Even then, at less than a year old, you looked as if you had had enough of life. Unable to walk or talk, you turned your head to the wall and refused – I was told – to even cry.

Back home, slow development became special needs and then, with great speed, dysfunctional and alarming behaviour. I loved you despite it all, because of it all – at the expense of the rest of the family who felt excluded and ignored.

You watched: the rows you had caused, the disruption you created with that blank, uninterested look I first saw and felt pity for all those years ago. Even now I don't know what you feel or if you feel anything in return.

Is it guilt, love or just despair I feel now looking at you? My family is fractured and despite my indulgent love, my tough love, my frustrated love, I have to finally admit that my overwhelming feeling is one of regret that we ever met, that I thought I could give you a better life. At last I have to admit, I cannot cope. Anonymous

**My choice, my guilt**

On Sunday, 29 February 2004, the best thing ever happened to me – my pride, my reason, my son was born.

The regret is: right son, wrong dad.

I feel a deep sense of guilt and regret that my son has been lumbered with an absent father because of my poor choice. Anonymous

**Not an optimal time**

My biggest regret was allowing my sons to sell their original die-cast Optimus Prime Transformers. Now 27 and 29, they've never forgiven me. Christine Proudlock

**I wish I had iron will*
*

I wish I had done less ironing. Shell-shocked by a colicky newborn, I was rather dominated by my then mother-in-law who believed that only women who ironed tea towels possessed moral fibre. I ironed when I should have slept. I ironed in a frenzy to keep a semblance of order in the chaos of new motherhood. I ironed in a desperate and misguided attempt to be a good housewife and mother. I look back now and cringe.

Fifteen years later, and the colicky baby is a 6ft-tall charmer of a rugby player. Two girls followed; they are now 11 and eight. The years passed; a divorce and a house move. I no longer iron. The flick and hang method produces great results and most creases vanish with a little body heat.

I wish I could sit my younger self down with a large gin and tonic and ask: is this what you would like your children to be doing when they are grown up and have their own babies?

Unclench, yield to the chaos.

Aspiring to fit in with someone else's views of how family and home life should be leads to unhappiness. My mother-in-law ironed tea towels because she took pleasure in "things being nice". She is bitterly full of regret at the paths not taken in life; a stack of precision ironing eases this inner tension. My version of things being nice is different. It consists of letting go a little, breathing out, realising that we have so little control in our lives really. It's just an illusion.

Parents don't have all the answers; just being human is good enough. Anonymous Reported by guardian.co.uk 10 minutes ago.
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First Photo: Holly Madison Debuts Baby Rainbow

March 20, 2013, 11:07 am
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Meet Holly Madison's baby girl Rainbow Aurora! Two weeks after giving birth, the proud mom shows off baby Rainbow in the new issue of InTouch. Reported by CelebGlitz 3 days ago.
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Holly Madison Debuts Her Baby Girl

March 20, 2013, 11:48 am
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Holly Madison has debuted the first picture of her baby girl, Rainbow Aurora Rotella.

The former Playboy Playmate, 33, who gave birth to her daughter on March 5, shares a photo of Rainbow in In Touch Weekly and admits she's already thinking about having more kids -- five to be exact.

“We want Rainbow to have lots of brothers and sisters. I’d love to have six!" Madison reveals, adding that she's loving motherhood.

“Just holding her is so much fun,” Madison tells the new issue of In Touch, on newsstands now. “Even the delivery was easy -- I was actually laughing as I was pushing!”

“I had an epidural, so it was fun," she adds, "She made it easy on me.”

And Madison and her fiance Pasquale Rotella are fighting back against the baby name criticism, saying their daughter will never feel ashamed of her unique moniker.

“If getting teased about her name is the worst thing that’s going to happen to her,” says Madison, “bring it on.”

*Check out a photo of Holly and Rainbow below: * Reported by Huffington Post 3 days ago.
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