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Taxes time for Minnesota cities, counties: While Bemidji, Beltrami County buck the trend, other communities worry about higher taxes, state aid
ST. PAUL — The future of state aid that many local Minnesota governments depend on may be at stake in the next few weeks as property taxes appeared to be headed up.
By mid-December, city, county and other local officials decide how much property tax they will collect. Those decisions come on the heels of the Democratic Legislature and governor sending them large bundles of new money in the name of property tax relief.
Bemidji's preliminary property tax levy is actually down slightly from the previous year. It is one of the 37 percent of Minnesota cities with flat or decreasing preliminary property taxes. Beltrami County also plans no increase for 2014.
If taxes go up, Minnesota's local governments may see less state aid in the future. That could lead to service cuts or property tax increases, much like Minnesotans have experienced for a decade.
"People have a right to expect lower property taxes," state Rep. Paul Marquart, DFL-Dilworth, said.
But many Minnesotans probably will not see lower bills.
A state Revenue Department report earlier this month indicated that property tax levies statewide could rise nearly 2 percent statewide. Cities expect to raise tax levies 2.1 percent, counties 1.5 percent, townships 2.1 percent, schools 2.6 percent and other taxing districts 2.3 percent.
Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and others are concerned that the preliminary numbers show 63 percent of cities and 77 percent of counties plan higher property tax levies.
Democrats did not think that would happen. They thought that millions of dollars in additional state aid they sent to local governments would result in property tax cuts.
"There will be a number of legislators who seize on any increase as evidence that local governments are (big) spenders and they will take every dollar and spend it and get more and more and they will take every dollar they can get," Dayton said. "So they are going to undermine the case we have been making."
With Dayton saying that increases will "seriously undermine our case," Revenue Commissioner Myron Frans plans to talk to local government leaders who propose raising tax levies in the hope that they will trim their tax levies.
The latest Revenue Department numbers come from preliminary property tax levy decisions local officials have made. Each governing body needs to make a levy final decision by mid-December. State law does not permit preliminary levies to go up, only stay the same or shrink.
Statewide, preliminary levies always are higher than the final ones. They usually fall a percentage point or less, which if it happens this year tax means levies would rise a bit.
The preliminary levies are a mixed bag, Dayton said. "We reduced property tax increases, but our goal was to reduce property taxes."
Senate Tax Chairman Rod Skoe, DFL-Clearbrook, said that even if levies increase, "the average property taxpayer probably will not see an increase."
A higher levy does not always mean higher homeowner taxes. For instance, if business property value increases more than home value in a community, businesses would pay a higher percentage of taxes and home property taxes could fall. The situation is different in each community.
Frans and Dayton said that, despite their concerns, they understand the need for higher taxes.
Frans said that in Ada, for instance, he learned that when Local Government Aid was falling in the past 10 years, the city decided to buy a new police car every six years instead of every five years. With higher LGA coming, city officials plan to return to the old purchase schedule to try to prevent equipment problems.
Even if property taxes rise, Gary Carlson of the League of Minnesota Cities and those representing other forms of local government say that new money is needed after 10 years during which state aid often fell, or at least did not keep up with inflation.
The levies announced this month, at less than a 2 percent increase, easily could have been 6 percent or 7 percent hikes without the additional state aid, Carlson said.
Salary freezes, hiring caps and other cuts have hampered local governments, Carlson said. "At some point, and maybe it already has started, there is some pressure to fill some of those jobs, to undertake some of those projects, to kind of get back to the traditional flow of services."
Local governments have held down property taxes for years, said Beau Berentson of the Association of Minnesota Counties. "We are still dealing with a decade of underinvestment, under funding."
Skoe said his area is a good example of county-to-county differences.
Beltrami County's preliminary 2014 levy is the same as the current one. But next door in Clearwater County, officials decided to sell a hospital and have related debt that needs to be paid, leading to a preliminary 14 percent levy increase.
One factor influencing higher taxes is that unexpected local aid cuts over the years have made local officials leery about trusting state government to come through with money that was promised.
"I have had that specific conversation on many occasions," Frans said.
Given that lack of trust, some local budgets are built without counting on full state aid, possibly triggering larger-than-needed levy increases.
With increases looming, some say, there could be a fight to keep Local Government Aid and County Program Aid as is.
"I do think it makes it harder for local governments to make the argument that LGA is about property tax relief," House Speaker Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis, said.
Local Government Aid was created in 1971 to give cities without much property wealth (and, thus, a harder time collecting property taxes) the ability to provide fundamental services such as police and fire protection. It has become critical for many cities, such as Minneapolis, St. Paul and Greater Minnesota communities.
A formula designed to determine financial need means most Twin Cities suburbs receive little, if any, LGA. Suburbs generally have more property wealth than communities that receive LGA, so they can collect more property taxes.
"A lot of suburban legislators are going to have doubt," Marquart said. "'Is that the right investment to make?' I'm going to be honest, that is a fair question."
If the final levies next month show increases, Marquart said, the news will "send a very clear message and determine the future of Local Government Aid."
"The state of Minnesota is watching," Marquart warned.
Democrats "came through" for local governments, said Larry Jacobs from the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs, "and the taxes still go up. I think this was an overreach on the part of local governments. I think they might have lost an ally in the Capitol."
Most importantly for local governments, Jacobs added, "this could be an end to what had been a pretty nice gravy train."
By the numbers
New money the governor and Legislature approved sending to local Minnesota governments next year:
$140 million in homestead credit refunds and renters' credits, which goes directly to Minnesotans
$129 million in sales tax exemptions for cities and counties (a figure cities and counties say actually will be half that size)
$80 million increase in Local Government Aid, raising the total to $507 million in 2014
$40 million increase County Program Aid, raising the total to $105 million next year
$10 million in township aid, a new program
Property taxes, mostly levied by local governments, increased from $4.4 billion in 2002 to $8.3 billion this year.


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Around This Blog:
This week on Co-Tee TV I featured Teezeria, a made-to-order T-Shirt company based out of Chicago, Illinois. Check out the full review and the photo gallery.
Lance Armstrong made a big fuss out of this Photoshopped BFD T-Shirt on the latest cover of Outside magazine.
I really dug the latest tee from Random Objects. It's called Vision Test and it is Nice!!! Tip: Use the code "RANDOMOBJ†at checkout to score 10% off your entire order.
Well, the NBA finals ended in dramatic fashion, but not in the way that I had wished. This list of 30 T-Shirts chronicles every NBA Championship tee from the 1980's up until 2010.
T-Shirt Blogging Friends:
Have you voted for CotyGonzales.com yet over at T-ShirtBlo.gs? I'm currently ranked #4 so please help me out by giving a vote of 5 stars! Virtual hugs, kisses and high fives will be dispersed appropriately!
Our good buddy Glenn from Glennz Tees announced the Weekly Bonus Tee. For $9, you get a random Glennz tee shipped to you. The shirt changes every Monday. Via Glennz Tees.
David Murray of Seibei has been updating his blog with his personal sketches. His latest one had me at hello! Via Seibei.
In My Short Sleeve spotted this uber cool Sharpie Collection by TRUE. Via In My Short Sleeve.
And did you know, I frreakin' hate Kobe Bryant! Via It Goes To 11.
Other Coty Links:
The iPad is undoubtedly the ultimate piece of "now†technology. So what happens when you take the crème de la crème of Apple touch technology and merge it with old school Apple tech? Via SwipeTap.
Kevin Rose had some very interesting ideas (5 to be exact) for eBooks. Click the link to find out what they were. Via SwipeTap.
Say hello to the incredible farting-hiccup cat! I spent a good 10 minutes the day I found this just playing the clip over and over again. Via TumblrTrends.
This kid is insane. Watch him pull out his teeth with a rocket. Via TumblrTrends.
Perfect shirt for this fellow, don't you think? Via FailShirt and Macho Slut of Found Item Clothing.
Threadless News:
This weeks Threadless Pick of The Week goes to the winner of the Threadless Loves Lilith competition, Jeremy Bingham and his design titled Lilith's Affair.

subset: commoncrawl


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|« A Very Personal Journey, Type B ~~ Cooking Oils? ~~ and... the sincerest form of flattery? ;-D
|Time for an OTD Potpourri »
Type A with No More Anemia ~ O with Restless Leg Syndrome ..And More!
Comment on A with anaemia...
I am an A and I used to get turned away from blood donors with low iron levels. Since I went on BTD (3 years) - no problem!!! but not eating any red meat (well a bit of lamb sometimes) How would conventional docs explain that!?
Keep up the good work, love the colimn K
Thanks, K! Nice work there, and if you're an A nonsecretor, lamb is neutral for you! I appreciate the happy report! :-)
Hi, I am O+ and have been following the diet since Jan. I have the restless leg thing off and on and was hoping the diet would take care of it. But it's back for the last 3 or 4 days. Do you have any advice? Help! Pam.
Greetings, Pam! Welcome!!
I'd like to help! In order to do so, could you tell me what your exercise schedule is like? and whether you do any form of meditation or yoga? Write again, and I'll do my best to help you! :-)
Cyperus Esculentus (Tiger Nut) Could you kindly advise me on the nutritional value of the tiger nut or can you refer me to a reliable source? I eat it a lot as a roughage/fibre but I would like to know its other value and what it combines well with and also if it could be harmful in anyway. I would appreciate any information. Regards, Addai
Hello, Addai ~ We have no rating for tiger nut, so it properly may be considered an "unknown" and used as a "neutral" by healthy, average-weight people.
Tiger nut is actually a grass tuber. It sounds like an interesting plant, and I'd never heard of it before. Apparently it's one of the 'weeds' traded for food, animal feed and construction materials in Niger. For a time, there was a program in Florida, USA raising tiger nut for hog feed. Wonder what it tastes like? ;-)
Anyway, thank you for bringing it to my attention. I did a little Net reading, and it appears that a Catalan research group is looking for a manufacturer for their beverage product made from tiger nut, quinoa extract and alpha-amylase type enzymes. The maltodextrin component resulting from that process may put it in an 'avoid' category for virtually all BTD'ers, but the idea is provocative.
Best wishes, and welcome! do write again! :-)
OOOOOOOOOO HEIDI -- I AM SOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!! Thanks, first of all, for the response yesterday.
WHAT a difference a day makes.....I answered the phone this morning (it was a lady with an Avon order - yep, I sell Avon in my "spare" LOL time) and during the conversation - don't ask me why -- she asked if I would be interested in buying ORGANIC GROUND BEEF!!! Apparently, the farmer is in a little town just an hour from us!! and, it gets better, she and another couple of ladies are trying to get a CO-OP going in our town!! INTERESTED, I nearly gave her the whole Avon product line free - LOL!!
Anyway, I am going to see her today and find out if we will be able to get other cuts of beef as well. Apparently one of the stores here is already selling the farmer's organic eggs - breakfast will be pure!! YES!! can you see I'm excited -
OH, and guess what? THIS will make everyone green eyed - the price? I think she must have made a mistake -- $1.35 a lb. (and THAT's Canadian dollars). I think it is probably right though, because this is a small town with 45% retired people and the rest make very low wages, so the price would have to be really reasonable to be able to sell it. I feel great even though I am fighting off another cold!!
Even Ron is happy about it (hubby) - he (sort of) follows the diet now too! Well gotta go - YAHOOOOOOOO will keep you posted. love sue P.S. - thanks for the website on Magnesium - tried that one too about 3 years ago, sorry to say it didn't work. 5HTP and Catechol also failed for me. sue (O-neg)
Hey there! See, organic beef was only one town away, and clean eggs are coming almost straight to your door. Rejoice! :-D
That price is very nice, and I congratulate you on drawing that wonderful knowledge to yourself. HOO-rah!
Yeah, you know what? I think we talked about that magnesium/depression site three years ago, because it looked so familiar when I came upon it. Probably because of you!
Keep exercising that great energy, and enjoy your newfound farmer. ;-) blessings, dear!


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Add card image
A Glimpse of the Soul's Shadow:
Fear Kiho
Battle: Bow your performing Shugenja: Fear with strength equal to his Chi.
"Samurai, you anger me. I warn you not to do so again, lest the kami alter your place in the Celestial Pattern." - Toturi Sezaru
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I am a massive Twilight fan. I have been for ages. AND THEN I DISCOVERED THIS WIKI! I feel quite pleased with myself.
Anyway, here are a few things you should know about me:
I am total Team Jacob.
I think that Renesmee is possibly the weirdest name I've ever heard.
I believe that Bella should've stayed with Jacob.
I think that Aro is a total jerk.
Ditto Irina.
I imagine Garret with a hippie ponytail. Don't ask why.
One of my friends looks like Alice Cullen
Apparently, the character I'm most like is Alice
I would like to imagine my future boyfriend as Taylor Lautner (never gonna happen but a gu=irl can hope!)
I have a really weird username....But anyway, hi!
I hope that I can make some friends here, because I totally love this place.
I think I covered i…Read more >


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Items:, Value:
AKW 25106 Tuff Form TF75 Gravity Waste OUR PRICE £24.00!!
Can be specified with any Tuff Form® wet floor former and for any screeded floor installation in a breachable floor
Opens for easy cleaning and rodding
125mm deep below mounting surface
75mm water trap depth (seal)
Adjustable elbow for waste pipe exit
NC P 6882441 Phleximax 50 - Horizontal OUR PRICE £45.48
This multi-purpose system is suitable for concrete and wooden installation as well as for the Premier Shower Deck. Visible diameter 120mm, 200mm overall (unseen if tiled) an overall height of 76mm with an outlet of 50mm it has a push fit solvent weld fitting. When using with tiles simply place the tile grating over the central area and tile off from there.
Flow rate 48 litres per minute.
Products > Bathroom and Shower Products > Carer Screens
Products > Bathroom and Shower Products > Carer Screens


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May 4, 2012 > Soccer MVP signs with CSUEB
Congratulations to Ohlone Renegade, State-Ranked and Coast Conference South 2009 Soccer MVP, George Mayer (class of 2010) who recently signed with Cal State University East Bay. Mayer was ranked number seven in the state his first year at Ohone. In his second year, he was state-ranked number 16 and was awarded All Conference First Team. The Tri-City Voice also named him athlete of the month in November 2009.Renegade Head Soccer Coach Jan Eric Nordmo, "We are very proud of George and what he achieved at Ohlone College. His presence was of paramount importance in helping turn around the Ohlone soccer program. We wish George the best and expect him to be a major impact player for CSUEB."


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|Episode Description
|Sunday, Sep 16, 2012 - 11:30 PM
"Costa Rica"
Host Darley Newman discovers Pacific Coast beaches and the fertile farmland and lush forests of the San Carlos Valley, mixing horseback riding with tree climbing and hot air ballooning. Then on gaited Paso Fino and Peruvian horses, Darley makes a trek to Arenal Volcano. G
Mountain Time
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Family medical history can be a major indicator of whether or not you will develop heart disease. In other words, if one of your family members has heart disease (or has died from heart disease), you are at increased risk of also developing heart disease. The same is true of other diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and stroke. That is why it's important to know your family medical history.
The best way to get information about your family medical history is to talk to your close relatives (parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.). Ask about any family history of heart disease, cancer, diabetes or stroke. If possible, also look at family death certificates.
If you are adopted, contact your state's health and social service agency for help.
Record the information you collect, and share it with your doctor, your siblings and your children.
How Knowing Your Family History Can Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
If you have a family history of heart disease, there are some things you can do to help lower your risk of developing heart disease. For example, if you are a smoker, you should stop smoking. Eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising regularly are other ways to decrease your heart disease risk.
Eating a Heart-Healthy Diet
A heart-healthy diet is one that is low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium (salt). Your diet should include lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and whole grain breads, cereals, pasta and rice.
Starting an Exercise Program
Your exercise program should include 2 ½ hours of aerobic exercise each week (spread throughout the week in increments of at least 10 minutes). You should also do strength training 2 times each week. Consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Help with Lifestyle Changes
If you need help with lifestyle changes that can help to reduce your risk of heart disease, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you to quit smoking. Your doctor will also have access to a team of health care professionals at Wake Forest Baptist Health that can help develop a diet and exercise program that's right for you. The team may include heart and vascular specialists, nurse specialists, nutritionists, exercise therapists and others.
Request an Appointment with a Heart & Vascular Center physician today.
Local 336-716-WAKEToll-free 888-716-WAKE
Vascular 336-716-4151Heart 336-716-6674
We are happy to take your appointment request over the phone, or, you may fill out an online request form.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.


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A Clifton man was arrested Thursday night on kidnapping and domestic abuse charges.
Aaccording to the Mesa County Sheriff's Department, it started out early Friday with a domestic abuse situation between the male suspect, Robert Michael Dattage and two female victims.
According to Susan Redmond from the sheriff's office, Dattage physically attacked both women, one of which is said to be his girlfriend, at the Candlewood Trailer Park in Clifton.
Later that evening, about 5 o'clock, a 911 call was made with reports saying that Dattage physically forced one of the females into a car at the Racquet Club Apartments.
Authorities were able to find Dattage with a vehicle description about fifteen minutes later at the New Life Tabernacal Church on 29 Road,
where Dattage was found hiding in his car with a gun. The female victim was able to escape from the car and run to authorities.
Dattage was arrested and taken into custody. He is being held at the Mesa County Detention Facility without bond because of the domestic violence charge. He is also being charged with second degree kidnapping, two counts of third degree assault, and one felony menacing charge.
thanks allison...dattage.. who is thirty–four years old.. will be arraigned tommorow.. and authorities will continue to investigate the incident...


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Fernandez has had an extensive career in the public transportation industry, most recently serving as the chief operating officer for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) where she is responsible for the overall security of the MTA system, development of its capital and environmental sustainability programs, federal and state government affairs and management oversight of the five operating agencies and its capital construction.
"When General Manager Michael Burns announced his retirement late last year, we knew we were going to have a significant challenge to find his successor," said Joe Pirzynski, SCVTA board chair. "The primary concern in our search was to find a candidate possessing the qualities that would continue the forward progress that SCVTA experienced in the eight-plus years Michael dedicated to the organization. We have concluded our search and are very pleased with our selection of Nuria Fernandez. She is an individual who possesses the personal and professional characteristics that we know will move SCVTA forward. We are excited to have Nuria take this leadership position."
Fernandez has more than 30 years of experience in the transportation field and a professional career that includes, planning, design and construction of mass transit systems, airport operations and policy development of federal transportation programs.
"I am excited about this new opportunity to lead an organization that is on track to change the public transportation landscape in Silicon Valley forever and my experience working in the industry, both public and private, has positioned me for the challenges that come with this great responsibility," stated Fernandez.


text: OAKRIDGE Eva Gregory, 88, passed away Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012. She was born, Jan. 29, 1924 in Dayton, Tenn., to Charles Wesley and Eva Attridge Hicks. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, John F. Gregory, Jr. (Dec 3, 1924-July 28, 2003). She is survived by son, John F. Gregory, III, of Nashville, Tenn. Private family services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Anderson County Democratic Party, c/o Ann Mostoller chairman, 115 Indian Lane, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865)6WE-CARE (693-2273)www.cremationoptionsinc.com


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parrot smuggling
Living the Scientific Life (Scientist, Interrupted)
Tag archives for parrot smuggling
tags: smuggling parrots, poaching parrots, ProFauna Indonesia, endangered species, conservation, politics Indonesians protest the illegal wildlife trade. Image: ProFauna Indonesia. You know that I am passionate about the parrots of the south Pacific Ocean — I devoted my life to researching them, in fact. So it is my responsibility to bring a very important and…


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This was requested by joeyb in the comments of today's gif post. I'm here to serve (language NSFW):
Such language, young man!
JR is a BA though... nice gif.
And by BA, I can only assume that you meant Bachelor of the Arts, right?
"He is the holder of a PhD, an M.A,, a B.A. and is a BMF besides..."
thing that would make this gif better is some music. May I suggest the "epic manuever" theme?
more like it.
Jake MF Ryan and coach Mattison preparing for the game
Meanwhile the Gophers also getting ready....
I think you are confused, Spike plays on the basketball team.
Thanks for that, Ace. I feel like I have now contributed to the blog.
I just have to add that it is soooooo beautiful. I can't stop watching it.
Mutual of Omaha's *Wild Kingdom* - just need Marlin Perkins narrating it as the words appear...
...flash to a scene of a great white shark or killer whale playfully tossing a helpless seal into the air before devouring it in a fine red mist of gore.
It was extremely nice of JMFR to give the running back a soft landing at the end of the play. I think that he was trying to show a softer, more sympathetic side of himself to the All-B1G Team voters.
I thought this was a great, innovative tackle, and really, that's a nice way to take the offense out of the game - use the offense to try and knock down the offense. Awesome stuff.
This is better than the .gif that was attempted yesterday for this same play.
JMFR's thought process:
That's actually the WR on a reverse, which is what makes the play even more impressive.
but come on man, thats a Fr. QB trying to block him
You know you're absolutely right. Had it been a Jr QB attempting to block him the results would've been TOTALLY different.
the burst with which he gets off the block and to the ballcarrier is damn impressive.
Rated as Flamebait. Not sure why, but since it was I am embarrassed to keep it up.
I think Jake set the tone for his career with his first play against WMU, when busted through the line and hit Carder's pass which Herron returned for the TD. What impressed me most about the play, was that Jake was right behind Herron as he scored. Kids got a passion for the game.
this was an awesome play and all, but that was the Fr QB trying to block him. I mean, you might as well have me try to block JMFR - the result would be the same.
I was confused when Brian tweeted "JMFR" as I couldn't stop thinking, "Jerald Mother Fucking Robinson? Jerald Mother Fucking Robinson."
I can watch this all day, who needs to work.
You can run....but you can't hide.
Was hoping for real NSFW
I would recommend you to the Internets (invented by Al Gore). Please check them out, plenty of NSFW there.
Not of JMFR
Al Gore also invented green house gasses.
Are probably of the age that you can appreciate this. My kids do.


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County schools lauded for college efforts
COLUMBIA CITY — Whitley County was one of just 26 in Indiana to be recognized for working to increase college success.This honhor came from Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education, Teresa Lubbers. Counties recognized were all members of Indiana's College Success Coalition.Columbia City High School Principal Jennifer Reiff, who wrote a grant proposal to assist her district in this area said at first, the focus was on her building, but the gaze soon widened."We focused to see what activities we were doing to help students get to college," she said. "If it was money (the students needed), or helping them get a diploma, we were helping."Reiff mentioned the web site, learnmoreindiana.org, which says its mission is to help students plan, prepare and pay for college.To read the rest of this story, see the June 8-9 issue of The Post and Mail. Don't have a subscription? Call (260) 244-5153 or subscribe to our e-edition. For breaking news, sports updates and additional coverage, bookmark the homepage and find us on facebook and twitter.


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Past Event
Improving the Assessment of Proliferation Risk of Nuclear Fuel Cycles: A WorkshopNuclear and Radiation Studies Board
Keck Center of the National Academies
500 Fifth St. NW Washington DC 20001
This workshop seeks to identify key proliferation policy questions capable of being answered by a technical assessment of the host state proliferation risk posed by a given nuclear fuel cycle, and discuss the utility of these questions for informing international nonproliferation policy decisions
Workshop Summaries Resulting from this Event
In recent years, there has been a worldwide resurgence in interest in nuclear energy -- and this expansion has spurred concerns about nuclear weapons proliferation. The concerns stem from that fact that fuel will be required for new power plants and that those plants will produce spent-fuel waste. As a result some nations may be interested in constructing nuclear fuel cycle facilities, particularly enrichment or reprocessing facilities. Metric... More >>


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Edited to add - The child was rather cheeky to try to get her grandma to make you bend to her will. I hope that she is not any older than 4.
Agreeing you have nothing to apologize for. I'd ignore her coolness and just keep acting like nothings wrong. As LadyL said, she's feeling defensive, especially since her DH is already nagging her about the habit. And the habit could have been born out of the need to be constantly busy. She may be one of those people who is uncomfortable sitting down and having a chat for 20 minutes. I'm like that sometimes with my family. I'd much rather be up piddling around the kitchen doing something mindless and chatting with you then just sitting at the table having a long conversation. But I know my SIL thinks the habit is disrespectful if I'm not giving her my complete attention so I try not to do it with her. My sisters on the other hand are completely content to try to carrying on an in depth conversation while I'm baking cookies or cleaning shrimp.
You didn't do anything wrong. Your house/your rules.
I left her two voice messages she hasn't returned either call. Any ideas? I am not inclined to apologize, I don't feel like I did anything wrong. And if she is mad at Bro she needs to address with with him. I don't want our friendship sunk but she is obviously angry and avoiding me. Should I be prepared to apologize?
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August 26, 2011 > Theatre Auditions
Announcing open auditions for 12 roles (8 male, 4 female, 2 either) for the new and exciting production of "Servant of Two Masters", the Ohlone College Theatre Department's Fall Production.Auditions take place September 6-7 from 6-10 p.m. Prepare a memorized 1 - 2 minute monologue. Dress comfortably; running-type shoes are encouraged. Callbacks are by invitation on September 8 at 6 p.m.Rehearsals take place 6 to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday evenings beginning September 12. "Servant of Two Masters" runs November 3-5, 10-12, and 17-19, with 10 a.m. matinees on November 8-9 and 15-16.For more information or to schedule an audition time (optional), contact Dor Cosby Atkinson at email@example.com or visit www.ohlone.edu/go/audition.Auditions for Servant of Two MastersTuesday, Sept 6 - Wednesday, Sept 76 p.m. - 10 p.m.Smith Center at Ohlone CollegeNUMMI Studio Theatre43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont


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American Legion leader to address press about government shutdown
The leader of the nation's largest wartime veterans' service organization will conduct a high profile press conference in Washington, D.C., on Friday, Oct. 4. With the National World War II Memorial as a backdrop, Daniel M. Dellinger, national commander of the 2.4-million member American Legion, is to present his organization's views on the current partial shutdown of the federal government and how the suspension of services affects military veterans and their families.
Topics to be addressed include the current state and possible future of veterans benefits payments, how the much publicized Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits application processing backlog could be exacerbated by the government shutdown, the effects of the shutdown on VA medical facilities and the delivery of healthcare to veterans among other matters.
While at the World War II Memorial, Commander Dellinger will be flanked by Peter Gaytan, executive director of the Legion's Washington, D.C. headquarters, and numerous Legionnaires. Joining them, it is hoped, will be a contingent of World War II veterans hosted by the Honor Flight Network, a national, non-profit organization that transports "Greatest Generation" soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines to Washington as a tribute to their service. Despite the government shutdown and the resultant temporary barricading of such sites as the World War II, Korean and Vietnam War memorials, veterans and their loved ones continue to visit these places of honor.
The news conference is set for 10:00 a.m. ET, Fri. Oct. 4 at the National World War II Memorial, 17th St., SW, Washington, D.C.


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EVANS CITY — Somebodys Riata is somebody, indeed.
The 9-year-old bay mare, owned by Bob and Katie Jamison of Evans City, recently won her second world title in as many years at the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) World Championship Show in Oklahoma City.
The horse won the open team penning championship last year. This year, she won in the open ranch sorting division.
Both years, Somebodys Riata teamed with Swinglo, a 2004 sorrel mare shown by owner Justin Underwood of New Summerfield, Texas.
"There were 81 two-horse teams in this competition," Katie Jamison said. "To win a world championship two years in a row. ... It's thrilling."
The Jamisons had been in the horse business for 35 years before having a horse win a world championship.
Louis Saggione III of Jacksonville, Texas — who the Jamisons bought Somebodys Riata from — showed the horse during the competition.
Team penning is about horses rounding up cattle in a pen 50 feet long and getting them "penned" into another pen — through a 12- to 16-foot gate — within a timed period. Ranch sorting is a similar process, only getting the cattle penned in numerical order.
"The cattle are numbered and you don't know what number you're starting with until they call it out to you," Bob Jamison said.
Somebodys Riata and Swinglo wound up penning 18 cattle — 10 in the first round, eight in the second — to beat out the second-place duo by one second.
The horses competed in ranch sorting last year and placed sixth. This year, they "trashed out" in team penning.
"We had a bad cow that wasn't cooperating, so we had no time," Jamison said. "A lot of time, it's luck of the draw, what head of cattle you're dealing with."
By winning the team penning title last year, Somebodys Riata and Swinglo automatically qualified for the world championships in that division this year.
They qualified for ranch sorting by accumulating points at AQHA shows during the year.
"It's a process," Jamison said. "You have to invest a lot of time and travel."
The Jamisons take horses to Illinois, Indiana and Texas to compete during the year. The first show in 2013 is in Denver, Colo., in January. Jamison said plans are in the works to make that show "if the weather isn't too bad."
The Jamisons own six horses and all but one compete.
Entry fee for a show is $500 and total fees, including use of a stall, can exceed $1,000.
Total prize purse for the ranch sorting competition in Oklahoma City exceeded $88,000. The first-place prize pool was $18,000.
The overall AQHA World Championship Show featured 3,593 entries from 49 states, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. There were 97 world championships awarded.
The show took place Nov. 2-17.
"It's a true world event," Jamison said. "It's a real grind and sense of accomplishment to win it."


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Troubleshooting Printer Problemsby Mitch Tulloch, author of Windows Server Hacks
Probably nothing annoys users more than when they can't print. And probably nothing annoys administrators more than when users complain they can't print. As a result, being able to quickly troubleshoot printing problems is an essential skill if administrators are to keep their users happy, or at least placated.
Before we look at some printer troubleshooting techniques, however, let's briefly look at the improvements to printing in Windows Server 2003. One such improvement is that the Print Spooler service is now configured for automatic recovery should the service fail for some reason (see Figure 1).
Configuring is different than in Windows Server 2000, where no recovery options are configured for this service. The result of the new setting is that transient printing problems tend to fix themselves when the spooler restarts. This reduces the need for troubleshooting problems that cause the spooler to fail more than twice in a row.
Figure 1. Automatic recovery settings for the Print Spooler service in Windows Server 2003.
Other improvements in Windows Server 2003 include
- kernel mode blocking for print drivers, which uses Group Policy to prevent installation of additional older NT-style print drivers that run in the kernel context (existing kernel mode drivers are unaffected, however);
- enhanced printer redirection when using Terminal services; and
- easier configuration and management of print clusters.
Yet despite these enhancements, printing can still break down due to a variety of reasons. Let's explore ways to troubleshoot printing problems from two angles: how and who.
How Can Printing Fail?
Printing problems basically have four possible sources, and a big part of the art of printer troubleshooting involves narrowing down those choices until the guilty culprit is found. They are:
The problem could be with the client computer. This could mean a problem with the printer driver, a misconfiguration of the application trying to print, misconfigured printer settings, a spooler being out of space, and so on.
The problem could be with the print server. This could mean a problem with the printer driver, a bad network card, the wrong IP address, a spooler being out of space, and so on.
The problem could be with the print device itself. This could mean a paper jam, the printer being out of toner, its plug being kicked out of the wall, and so on.
The problem could be with the network. This could mean a switch or router problem, a cable being kicked out of the wall, the lack of a DHCP reservation for the printer network card, and so on.
The best place to start is usually your own administrator workstation. Log on with your ordinary user account (not your administrator account, as it may have more privileges than the user account with regard to printing) and try printing. If this works, then the problem is probably with the user's machine, so go there next and try to troubleshoot the problem, or use Remote Assistance or Remote Desktop if they are enabled. If you can't print from your own workstation, try pinging the printer's IP address to see whether the network may be down. If pinging works, open the status page for the printer on your print server and look for clues about what's gone wrong. Checking the event logs on the print server can also be useful. If everything seems fine with the print server and the network, check the printer itself to see whether a yellow light is blinking or something similar indicating a problem.
Related Reading
Windows Server Hacks
Who Is Unable to Print?
Another helpful question to ask at the start of your troubleshooting is who is unable to print to the affected printer. Typically there are three possible answers:
If no one can print to the affected printer, you can skip the client portion of troubleshooting and focus on the network, the print server, and the print device itself. Sometimes the print queue can get clogged with bad .spl or .shd files that have to be cleared. To clear such files manually, first try restarting the Print Spooler service. If that fails, stop the service, delete the files, and restart the service. Also check to make sure the print queue hasn't been paused, and if you find any documents in the queue that display "Error--Printing" as their status, cancel those documents. Then check all the other things: network connectivity, available disk space for the spooler, and so on. Also check the time the print server was last reconfigured, in case an administrator error caused the problem.
Certain users
Ask what these users have in common. For example, if they are all on the same subnet or in the same work area, the network might have a routing or switch problem. If they all belong to the same security group, it could be a permissions issue for that group; in that case, check both the printer permissions and the spool folder permissions for the group. And if they are all using the same desktop application for printing, the problem could be with the application settings.
One user
Check whether the user has accidentally kicked his network cable out of its socket. Check whether he has recently reconfigured his application settings or printer settings. Check whether his computer has sufficient free disk space for spooling. And look at any error messages generated on the user's screen when he tries to print.
Have a Recovery Plan
Finally, if printer problems are widespread and can't be resolved immediately, consider implementing your recovery plan for printing problems. At the conclusion of a previous article, Upgrading and Migrating Print Servers, I mention how administrators can use Print Migrator, a free tool from Microsoft, to save the configuration of their printers for easy recovery when a disaster occurs. In that case, if your print server fails you can simply restore your print server configuration to an alternate server, reassign the new print server to the same IP address as your old print server, and let users go on printing as usual with everyone happy--especially you, the administrator!
Mitch Tulloch is the author of Windows 2000 Administration in a Nutshell, Windows Server 2003 in a Nutshell, and Windows Server Hacks.
Return to WindowsDevCenter.com.
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1. Eleven players and twenty-two selectors. Typical of football!!
2. Doncaster Rovers beat Bristol Rovers and then, a short time later at Wembley, was again getting the break. (Note this is ungrammatical and I don't know what he meant).
3. You'll all know Bill Shankley's name, you'll all know Jim ????????'s name, you'll all know the late, great arrogant Raich Carter. (Sorry, the middle one is an Irish surname that I can't make out without knowing anything about football!)
4. Stronger willed than I was. People like that, I remember.
5. I'm six foot two and thirteen and a half stone, and I said "Boss, do I get anything out of it?" (Note: Six foot two = height; thirteen and a half stone = weight)
Student or Learner


text:
Months after Gina DeJesus, Amanda Berry, and Michelle Knight were freed from Ariel Castro, his Seymour Avenue home came crashing down, and now so will the vacant neighboring houses.
But even though much time has passed, passersby still stop and gawk on the residential street.
"We still got people stopping and taking pictures," said neighbor, Erwin Owens.
Once Independence Excavation brings down the vacant properties, they'll be part of Cuyahoga County's Land Bank until a community use is agreed upon.
Some grass and flowers may be planted initially, and there's talk of a park. But some neighbors aren't on board.
"Definitely no park…nothing with a basketball hoop or anything. It's just going to bring more people. People that said that's what they wanted don't even live around here," said Seymour Avenue resident, Javier Marti.
They say they don't want anything that will draw additional attention and traffic to their previously quiet block.
"I want to see positive not negative, that's about it," said Owens.
Others say they would support a park or a memorial.
The one tenth of an acre that was cleared as a result of Castro's house coming down isn't too much to work with, so the two lots plus the vacant adjacent one will give the neighborhood a lot more acreage no matter what they decide to do with it.
"I think it should be for the people that live here. They're the one who should decide what should be there," said Marti.
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Campus Happenings
NDUS Blog
NDUS Home
Campus Happenings
UND's Red River Trio spends spring break touring the Midwest
Posted on 3/26/2013
(left to right) Vinicius San'tAnna (violin), Keith Teepen (piano) and Fernando Vargas (cello) play recently in the Great Hall of the North Dakota Capitol in Bismarck. (Photo by Nariaki Sugiura)
The University of North Dakota s Red River Trio, a violin-cello-piano ensemble, spent their spring break sharing the gift of music with others across the country.
The trio, comprising Vinicius Sant'Anna (violin), Fernando Vargas (cello), and Keith Teepen (piano), traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio, and performed at New Hope Community Church on March 10, and then headed to Greencastle, Ind., for a March 12 performance at DePauw University at the Gobin United Methodist Church. The next day they drove back to Cincinnati to perform at Deupree House (a retirement community).
"It was a lot of driving, but the performances and the experiences made it all worth it!" Teepen said. "It was a great opportunity to share music with people in different parts of the country, and really special for me because a lot of my family and friends are from Ohio and Indiana."
They finished their tour back in North Dakota, in Bismarck, where they performed at the Belle Mehus Auditorium as guest artists for a Bismarck/Mandan Symphony Orchestra concert.
The trio started performing together in August of 2012 under the direction of UND Music Assistant Professor Nariaki Sugiura.
In May, the trio plans to embark on another exciting adventure to perform in China and Japan.
Teepen said their performances over spring break were a great way to prepare for their international concerts.
Teepen said the trio is very appreciate of the support they've received from Sugiura, Jerry Gaul, and the music faculty and staff who make it all possible.
Background on Artists:
Vinicius Sant'Anna, a native of Brazil, began his studies at Grupo Pao de Acucar Music institute, where he quickly became concertmaster of the Pao de Acucar Orchestra. In 2008, he began his college studies at the Pensacola Christian College in Florida. Sant'Anna is currently pursuing a bachelor of music degree in violin performance with UND Assistant Professor Alejandro Drago.
Fernando Vargas, a native of Venezuela, started studying music at the age of five. He studied cello at the Geneva Conservatoire in Switzerland and finished his undergraduate degree at the University of Southern Mississippi. Vargas is currently pursuing a master's degree in cello performance, studying with UND's Brugum Endowed Chair of Cello Assistant Professor Simona Barbu.
Keith Teepen, Cincinnati, earned his bachelor of music degree in piano performance from DePauw University. He received a scholarship to study in Vienna, Austria, and has held collaborative piano positions at DePauw University School of Music and Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Teepen is currently working as a graduate teaching assistant and pursuing a master's degree in piano performance under Sugiura.
Marti Elshaug
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Difference between revisions of "Manchester"
Revision as of 21:32, 13 June 2013
Manchester [20] lies at the heart of Greater Manchester, in the north west of England. The city proper has a population of around half a million, while the larger conurbation, referred to as either Greater Manchester or Manchester City Region, has over 2.6 million inhabitants. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority was created on 1st April 2011 to administer Greater Manchester, whilst Manchester City Council is the local goverment body for the city of Manchester
Manchester is known by some for its influence on the histories of industry and music, and for its sporting connections. It has a large number of students. It is seen by many as the "capital" of the north of England, the second city of the United Kingdom and is home to the UK's largest airport outside London, which is owned by the ten local authorities of Greater Manchester. Others view Birmingham as the second city, but it is not an official sanction and opinion is very much divided.
Towns within the Greater Manchester Conurbation
The following towns are all within Greater Manchester but not covered by the scope of this article:
City information
Manchester is in the northwest region of England, about equidistant between Liverpool and Leeds. Although it has the image of being very wet the rainfall and number of rainy days in Manchester are less than the UK average.
Manchester once had a negative reputation derived from its industrial past. Things have dramatically changed in the last decade and now the city has a vibrant, exciting air. Investment in the city's regeneration following the 1996 IRA bomb and 2002 Commonwealth Games has paid off and Manchester is well worth a visit, even if just for a couple of days, or for longer, if you plan to use it as a base to explore northern England and North Wales.
Manchester is becoming more and more a city where people are choosing to settle. It is seen by many as young, vibrant and cutting edge city, where there is always something happening. Many see their city as a rival to London, albeit on a more human scale; nevermind the ongoing battle with Birmingham for "The Second City" title. This feud seems to go on and on and hinges, at least in population size, on how you add up the numbers. If you compare Greater Manchester's population to Birmingham's and its neighbouring towns and districts, Birmingham pips Manchester to the post by less than 100 000 or so. However if you look at the actual population of the city of Birmingham, which is more than 1 million, it is more than twice as big, in terms of population, as the actual city of Manchester which has a population of around 500,000 people. But the city argues that population is just one aspect and that history and contributions to the world should also be considered. The "Manchester brand" is seen to extend well beyond the city's boundaries (covering all of neighbouring Salford & Trafford, as well as districts of other boroughs) and even beyond those of Greater Manchester. This serves to reflect the influence it has on the wider region as a whole.
Over the years, many have moved to Manchester from London. These people are by no means all returning to their northern roots. Some are from overseas, who stopped off down south on their way north in search of a more affordable urban existence. Manchester is a friendly city as well. Northerners do talk to each other and to strangers. Just compare asking for directions in London and Manchester and the difference is often clear. Of late, locals seem more proud than ever of Manchester and all it offers. Some outsiders may find this fierce pride in their city somewhat "un-British," but it is very similar to that of Australians in their country. Positive comments and praise go down a treat with the locals, and with all that has happened in recent years, such is often due.
The adjective associated with Manchester is Mancunian or simply Manc. The distinctive linguistic accent of the city's indigenous inhabitants is much more closely related to that of Liverpool with its strong north-Waleian (Welsh) roots than it is to the Lancastrian or Cestrian of the neighbouring cotton towns.
Manchester was the site of the Roman Fort Mamucium (breast-shaped) in AD 79 but a town was not built until the 13th Century. The old Roman road that ran to the nearby fort of Coccium (Wigan) is mirrored today by the route through Atherton & Tyldesley. A priests' college and church (now Chetham's School and Library and the Cathedral) were established in Manchester in 1421. Early evidence of its tendency towards political radicalism was its support for Parliament during the Civil War and in 1745 for the Jacobite forces of the Young Pretender.
It was not until the start of the Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th Centuries that this small mediaeval town would build its fortune. The presence of an existing cloth trade, coupled with the mechanisation of spinning in nearby Bolton, created a thriving cotton industry in Manchester. The damp, humid atmosphere was good for cotton spinning since it meant less broken threads and cut down on the risk of explosions from cotton dust. Water power rapidly gave way here to steam invented by Boulton and Watt and a steam-driven factory was built in the Ancoats Northern Quarter section of the city. By the end of the 19th Century, Manchester was one of the 10 biggest urban centres on earth (even before counting the wider population, within 50 miles of the Northern England region, such as Liverpool, Sheffield, Bradford, Leeds, and Central Lancashire ).
Whitworth, inventor of the eponymous mass-cut screw thread, also manufactured his equally revolutionary rifled guns in huge quantities at his factory on Sackville Street. After their initial meeting at the Midland Hotel, still one of the city's most luxurious, Rolls and Royce began manufacture of their luxury motor cars in Hulme.
Trafford Park, in Trafford, was to become the first industrial estate in the world, housing the Ford Motor Company and much of the pre-wartime aircraft industry, notably the 'Lancaster' Bombers of the AVRO Co.
Manchester's success during the Victorian era and before is evident everywhere you look. Great Ancoats Street was a source of wonder to Schinkel, the neo-classical architect from Berlin. Equally grandiose neo-Gothic buildings line the old Financial District around King Street, and public institutions such as the University and the many libraries are dotted around everywhere. There is even a statue of Abraham Lincoln in Lincoln Square (Brazennose Street, straight across Albert Square from the Town Hall main entrance) commemorating his personal thanks for Manchester's support during a cotton famine created by Britain's refusal to run the Federal blockade of the slave-owning Confederacy during the American Civil War.
Continuing its radical political tradition, Manchester was the home of opposition to the Corn Laws and espoused Free Trade, as well as Chartism and the Great Reform Act. It was instrumental in the establishment of socialism in the UK. Both Engels and Marx frequented the city; the former was himself an industrialist, thanks to his being a partner in a German family firm that owned a cotton factory in Manchester, and on the basis of his experiences conducted his famous inquiry into the condition of the working class. The latter drew heavily on his friend's experience in order to develop his celebrated critique of political economy, an incisive and original analysis of the capitalist mode of production which retains great relevance today, despite its being shoehorned into the traditions of Russian authoritarianism by the Soviet revolutionaries, with generally disastrous consequences. Cleaving to a more gently pragmatic English tradition Manchester was the birthplace of the Trades Union Congress which led to the creation of the Labour Party, as well as of the Co-operative Wholesale Society, now part of the Co-operative Group, the world's largest consumer co-operative still headquartered in the city. It was also home to a number of philanthropists of the industrial age, such as John Owens and John Dalton, who bequeathed large parts of their fortunes to improving the city.
In more recent times, Manchester has been famous for its influence on the UK music scene. The Madchester movement of the early 1980s, started by Factory Records and Joy Division, led to the creation of the Haçienda nightclub (now unfortunately demolished after standing empty for many years) and the birth of modern club culture. Manchester has given life to many hugely successful musicians, among them The Stone Roses, The Smiths, The Fall, Joy Division/New Order, The Happy Mondays, Oasis, James, and Badly Drawn Boy.
At 11:20, on Saturday, 15 June 1996, Manchester's city centre was rocked by a huge 1500 kg IRA bomb blast. Although preliminary intelligence managed to clear people from the scene enough for there to be no fatalities, the very heart of the city was ripped to shreds. A huge amount of money and effort was put into regenerating this bomb damaged part of the centre, redubbed the Millennium Quarter. The area has renewed interest in the centre and contains the entertainment and shopping heart of the city.
Student life
Central Manchester is home to two of the largest universities in the UK. The University of Manchester (formed from a merger of Manchester University and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST)) [22] and Manchester Metropolitan University (aka 'Man Met', formerly the Polytechnic, itself a conglomeration of municipal colleges), as well as the Royal Northern College of Music. There is also a university in Salford, within one mile of the city centre, which is renowned as a European Centre of excellence in Media. Together they create a body of over 86 000 students living full-time in the city.
Manchester is often named 'best student city'. It is very welcoming to the student lifestyle and many establishments in the centre and South Manchester are geared towards students; eating and drinking in Manchester can be very inexpensive due to the high competition that goes on between these establishments.
However, if you want to be far from students, there are many places that are not frequented by students although you may have to be prepared to pay a little extra. Also, a few places have a strictly 21+ policy so take identification with you. But those places are quite rare. In the student areas of Fallowfield and Withington, some venues operate a student-only policy so production of a student card (or something resembling a student card) is necessary.
Manchester is famous all over the world thanks to its football clubs, including Manchester United (Old Trafford) and Manchester City (Etihad Stadium, Sportcity).
Old Trafford is also home to the Lancashire County Cricket Club. despite no longer being a part of the county of Lancashire.
In 2002, Manchester was the host to the Commonwealth Games and a large area of East Manchester was converted into a new Sportcity, the centre-piece of which is the new athletics and football stadium.
The Manchester Velodrome started off the whole regeneration of East Manchester and formed part of the bid for the 2002 Commonwealth Games (and for Manchester's failed bid for the 2000 Olympics). Britain's great success in the cycling events in the 2008 Olympics is very much due this venue and most of the medal winners are based in and around the city. However the London-centric authorities, preparing for the 2012 London Olympics, plan to build a venue in the capital and are not willing to share events around the country. Some still fear that Manchester may be sidelined furthermore in the future. The UK authorities have always been lukewarm to any Olympic bid that was not based on London, claiming that only a capital can host such a large event. Many cities who have hosted the games are not capitals, and this fact reinforces what a centralised country the UK is. Some reports in the press did suggest that the team wishes to keep their base in the city as they are also supported by a large administrative team.
In July 2009, it has been reported that the world's first purpose-built BMX Centre is also to be built on the site. Work on this addition to Sportcity is expected to start in January 2010 and is said to remove any lingering doubts that Manchester will be replaced by London as British Cycling's headquarters after the 2012 Olymipic Games. The centre will be used by athletes preparing for London 2012 and help bring major national and international events to the city. It will also be open to schools,clubs and the local community.
In the Queen's New Year's Honours list in January 2009, some of the locally based cycling heroes were given awards, including a knighthood to Chris Hoy.
Manchester is a very mixed city. Many races and religions have communities in the city and it has a long history of being more tolerant than most cities to people of any background. The very large number of British Citizenship ceremonies, held in Heron House by the Town Hall each year, are testament to this.
Manchester is also extremely gay-friendly and very liberal-minded. It is very well known as being one of "The Big 3" in terms of sexual diversity along with Brighton and London. The Village is an area concentrated around Canal Street and is very popular with people of all sexualities. It is also home to an annual 12 day Pride festival with the involvement of people of all types; attracting all kinds of people: not just from Manchester but from the entire country and abroad ;further reflecting Manchester's unique approach to tolerance and acceptance. Expect to see amongst others the likes of gay police officers, fire fighters and health workers in the good natured parade.
The atmosphere of the village area is very friendly and welcoming; as is Manchester's very large LGBT community; known to be one of the most accepting in the country. It is certainly the most gay friendly major city by far and has the most visible LGBT community of any major city outside London; as well as the highest percentage. Most Mancunians have grown up with a tolerant attitude towards sexuality and it is extremely rare to come across homophobia making Manchester a very welcoming city for LGBT people.
Manchester has a temperate maritime climate and rarely gets too warm or too cold. The city receives below average rainfall for the UK. It is not significantly far behind London in terms of the average number of hours of sunlight per day (within nine minutes per day, based on the last 100 years data from Met office) though it does have a few more days with rain. However, as a result of relatively mild winter conditions, there is never a period that one should avoid visiting due to extreme weather conditions.
As with any city it puts on a good show when the weather is fine in spring and summer and there is a lot of al fresco drinking and eating. It does have its fair share of dull, grey days, which can strangely add to its charm for the visitor.
Get in
By plane
Manchester Airport (IATA: MAN) (ICAO: EGCC). [23] in the south of the city is the largest airport in the UK outside of London and is amongst the 50 largest airports in the world. Nearly 100 operators fly to and from hundreds of locations worldwide, including most major cities in Europe, along with services from the Americas, Africa, and Asia. It is owned by the 10 Greater Manchester Councils with Manchester City council having the largest share (55%) and the other councils 5% each.
Notable services include:
Car parks serving Manchester Airport
Revolution on Oxford Road has a policy where your food is either ready within a 15 minutes wait or it's free. Worth going at busy times of the day!
There are hundreds of kebab and pizza shops on Oxford Road and in Fallowfield and Rusholme. In Rusholme, in particular, locals speak of the £10 curry, where if you bring your own drinks into the curry house, you should leave with change from a ten-pound note.
Some of the cheapest, long-established curry cafes, though, are still to be found in the back streets of the Northern Quarter. The Little Aladdin cafe at 72 High St (on the corner of Turner St, near Arndale centre) is a tiny little curry house with real charm. They serve a range of delicious curries and kebabs for £3-£4. Here's the menu: [52].
On John Dalton Street, on the left, just up from Deansgate, going to Albert Square, is a gem of a cafe,Essy's, (imagine a cross between an American diner and an old style British "café"). It is run by a group of Iranians, for whom nothing is too much trouble. You can be satisfied there for under £5 with clean, welcoming table service. There are a couple of other similar places around town; in the Northern Quarter and one just behind Kendals, on King Street West.
On the opposite of Manchester Metropolitan University at 121 Oxford Road, there is a small fast food restaurant called "Pizza Co". Try their spicy chicken wings with fries, which are a hit among students in Manchester, for under £3. The spicy wings are very flavourful and are really not very spicy.
There are plenty of all-you-can-eat buffets in Chinatown for less than £10.00 (€ 13.00). Prices tend to change with the time of day and likely demand. If you eat earlier in the day, you can have a full all-you-can-eat meal, including soup, starter, and desert for around £5. Really cheap Chinese buffets include Number 1's at 48 Whitworth Street (between Oxford Road Station and the Gay Village) Tai Wu at 44 Oxford Street next to McDonalds.
Wing's Dai Pai Dong in the Arndale Market and Food court city centre is set around a sushi counter. It serves a variety of mainstream Cantonese (Hong Kong), Thai, and Japanese dishes. The Hong Kong style roasting dishes are particularly good value and well-made. Typically any mixture of Char Sui, Duck, Pork Belly, Jelly Fish, and Cold Cuts can be paired with Rice, Soup Noodle, or other fried noodles, typically for around £4.50 for a very large and filling bowl/plate. Teamed with a bottle of Asahi Beer, the bill per person will be well under £10.
There is a Chinese buffet near Piccadilly Gardens called 'Buffet Metro' which, if you eat there during Happy Hour (15:00-18:00 on weekdays), only costs £4.95 for unlimited food. A real cheap deal if you want to eat out, but on a budget.
Mid range
Amongst the enormous range of Cantonese restaurants in Chinatown, the Great Wall at 52 Faulkner Street offers authentic, reasonably priced food, including many one bowl/plate dishes (Roast Pork and Roast Duck in soup noodle is particularly popular). The only downside is that the service charge increases the bill.
Outside Chinatown, the increasingly esteemed Tai Pan on Upper Brook Street and Brunswick Street. Visit the huge, Hong Kong style restaurant from Mon-Fri after 12:00 for half price dim sum.
Rusholme's Curry Mile, as the name suggests, was home to a lot of Indian, Pakistani and Bengali restaurants. The area has gone under something of a transition over the last five years and you're as likely to find shisha bars and Middle-Eastern cafes as you are curry houses. The quality of the remaining Indian restaurants is somewhat variable and you may be better off heading into the city centre for a decent eat.
In the centre is Akbar's on Liverpool Road and they claim, on the side of buses, to be "probably the best Indian restaurant in the North of England". Also popular in town are the two EastZEast; the original is under the Ibis Hotel, behind the old BBC building (now demolished), and the new, very luxurious one is on Bridge Street, opposite The Manchester Central Travelodge, off Deansgate. Look out for the doorman at the riverside location. There they also offer free valet parking to all guests. These two are classy but not overpriced. Some have claimed the menu could be a little more adventurous, in view of all they seem to have invested. The riverside branch seems popular for Asian weddings, lately, which must say something about the quality of the venue.
Also just off Oxford Road on Chester Street is a new indian restaurant which has won lots of awards Zouk Tea Bar & Grill. They have a good mix of people dining there and it is open for lunch as well as evenings. This is in the top 10 restaurants in Manchester. Contact them at http://www.zoukteabar.co.uk
Further out, Moon in Withington and Third Eye in Didsbury, both in south Manchester, are excellent. Individual takes on traditional dishes are served alongside local specialities, and cost about £6 a dish.
In Chorlton, you should be able to find Coriander Restaurant, Azid Manzil and Asian Fusion. They are all on Barlow Moor Road.
During the period leading up to Christmas from November, there is a Christmas Market stretching from the Town Hall towards St Ann's Square and New Cathedral Street. By the Town Hall section there is a spectacular range of international cuisine. Those not to be missed are the crepes (£3.50-4.50 each, but they are really large) which are some of the best in Europe and the paella (£4.50 a box) which is genuinely Spanish. Other popular stalls include German hotdogs and Dutch pancakes. There is also a stall selling German salamis. If you go there nearer Christmas, you may be able to get a bargain packet of 7-8 salamis for just £10.
Harvey Nichols is a traditional style restaurant and cocktail bar at 21 New Cathedral Street, with views onto Exchange Square, and is hard to beat if you like rubbing shoulders with Manchester's wealthy set. When the store is closed there is a dedicated entrance and lift at the side of the building. Their afternoon tea is worth a try, but you may prefer the older style version at The Midland Hotel or a new take on the theme at The Lowry Hotel.
At the top of King Street, in what was once Karim's Indian restaurant, the footballer Rio Ferdinand has recently pumped a load of money into Rosso an upmarket "Italian", which has so far had good, if not excellent, revues in the local press which praised the decor and very professional waiters more than the food.
The Armenian restaurant, very long established, hidden in a basement on Albert Square (by the Town Hall) is good, and full of atmosphere. It's to the left with the Town Hall facing you.
There are the usual chains to be had on Deansgate, but try to search out El Rincón de Rafa, hidden away behind Deansgate, near St. John's Gardens. This is an authentic Spanish restaurant, established for many years, and popular with Filipinos, Spanish and people from the Americas, based in the city. It is a stone´s throw from The Instituto Cervantes.
On Deansgate, opposite The Cervantes Centre at number 279, is Evuna another Spanish tapas´ establishment. This newish venture has had very good review.
Patisserie and Tearooms
In common with a number of provincial towns/cities, Manchester now has its own branch of "Pâtisserie Valérie"; that of Soho fame! It is on Deansgate, opposite House of Fraser, on the corner of St Ann's Street. Gets very busy, but well worth the wait for a table. Service is attentive and the choice is exceptional.
Leckenby's, on King Street, near the House of Fraser (Kendal's) car park entrance, is a welcome addition to the Manchester cafe scene. This more traditional cafe/tea room is open even quite late into the evening and offers a pleasant,upmarket alternative to meeting up in a pub.
There are other tearooms, in the Northern Quarter, and even one on Richmond Street in the Gay Village.
Manchester has a diverse nightlife and can offer a wide range of night-time activities. It has a vibrant and varied nightlife scene, including numerous clubs as well as a huge range of drinking establishments from traditional pubs to ultra-chic concept bars. Very high-profile, of late, is the Cloud 23 bar on the 23rd floor of The Hilton, Deansgate. A bit pricey, but with attentive table service, and worth it for the views alone. By the way the personnel is very friendly and won't kick you out if you just want to have a look - you can go up for free. To avoid the sometimes 2-hour long queues, try it during the week. The bars in The SAS Radisson and The Aurora Hotel are also upmarket. For other upmarket venues (there are some very discrete ones catering for the most privileged in town ), your hotel concierge should be of help in pointing you in the right direction.
For a slightly more querky place to have a drink, The Temple of Convenience is aptly named as it is a converted underground public toilet in the city centre. The bar receives many high reviews although it's quite small and may be crowded.
Famed for its musical past, the University of Manchester Student's Union on Oxford Road hosts almost nightly gigs in its three venues on Oxford road ranging from local unsigned bands to international superstars. The Manchester Apollo in Ardwick is a slightly bigger venue having boasted appearances from Blondie to new-comers like Kasabian. Smaller bands can also be seen at a range of excellent venues in the city including the Roadhouse, Night and Day, both in the Northern Quarter, and Jabez Clegg, a pub/club off Oxford Road.
The club scene in Manchester is varied with the dance-orientated clubs you'd expect from a city setting alongside indie, rock, and gay clubs. For the commercial dance music fan, the "place to be" would be Deansgate Locks (four bars and a comedy club in a converted railway complex) in Peter's Fields where the clubs and bars can be expensive, but are always full of fashionable types and members of the local student population. More eclectic dance music styles are played at the Music Box and The Phoenix, both on Oxford Road.
For fans of rock music, Jillys on Oxford Road is something of an institution. On a Thursday, it costs just £1 to get in, while Fridays see them open until 06:00 or 07:00. It has three rooms incorporating punk, ska, metal, goth, and everything in between. Next door to Jilly's is Music Box, home to the very good (and increasingly famous) Mr. Scruff. Come here once a month to have a good dance and a cup of tea! Also check out Rock Kitchen on a Saturday night for cheap drinks at the Manchester Metropolitan University Student's Union, again on Oxford Road. If you are interested in Rock and Metal paired with cage dancers and a lapdancing lounge, try the monthly Caged Asylum night at the Ruby Lounge, the self proclaimed craziest place to be in Manchester at 28-34 High Street.
For fans of indie and alternative music, there are a whole host of new exciting clubs opening. Any late evening walk up Oxford Road should enable you to collect a variety of fliers for club nights. The Friday edition of The Manchester Evening News has a good listings section, which is handy for the weekend. Papers are handed out free of charge Mon-Fri, at various points in the centre and at some newsagents.
The Retro Bar on Sackville Street, hosts live acts upstairs and a club downstairs with play lists that include Blondie, The Ramones, and Le Tigre. Joshua Brooks on Charles Street is also another club where you can expect a mix of indie, electro, punk, and rock in a budget-friendly, student atmosphere. Weekly, Smile at the Star and Garter [54] in East Manchester is something of a local indie institution with a great playlist. Be warned, it sells out very early and can often be unbearably busy as a result of this. Saturdays also play host to Tiger Lounge near the Town Hall. This plays more in the way of lounge alongside experimental and indie sounds.
If you want to hear music by Manchester bands like The Stone Roses, visit Fifth Avenue on Princess Street, often brimming with students — unsurprising when you see the cheap drinks prices! They also feature themes such as toga and foam parties. The other, rival centre club for indie music is 42nd Street, just off Deansgate. It plays a mixture of classic and modern indie, 60's pop, and 70's funk and soul.
To enjoy Gay Manchester, it is probably best to visit Canal Street with its concentration of bars and clubs and visit places that appeal along the way. Just off Canal Street, the most popular gay clubs are Essential, a multi-floor super-club open until the early hours (sometimes as late as 08:00), Cruz 101 (Manchester's longest running gay club) and Poptastic, a two-room pop and indie club held at Alter Ego every Tuesday and Saturday night. Although entry can be expensive, this is usually reflected in a reduced price bar inside the club.
For bars, try the cocktail lounge Socio Rehab in the Northern Quarter (ask a taxi driver where it is) and Tribeca on Sackville Street (in the popular Gay Village). Trof, a funky student bar in Fallowfield, has recently opened a second venture, Trof North, on Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter.
Comedy wise, Manchester has a fair number of offerings: The Frog and Bucket at 96 Oldham Street offers student friendly prices and The Comedy Store at 1a-3 Deansgate Locks is the largest comedy venue in town. XS Malarkey at 341-343 Wilmslow Road in Fallowfield is cheap but good.
Mid Range
There are thousands of hotel beds in the city ranging from 5 star establishments to bed and breakfast. If in doubt consult the tourist office, behind the Town Hall on St Peter's Square. See City Information section for contact details and address.
Self-catering apartments in Manchester are now becoming popular alternatives to 'traditional' hotel stays. There are thousands of self catering apartments available throughout the city centre and outskirts - providing accommodation for up to 8 people at a time, for stays of anything from one night to 1 year. You can expect noisy neighbours at weekends! Light in The Northern Quarter seems to be THE place to stay, of this kind, of late. Do also take care of the place you are staying in as, according to the local press, there have been some horror stories of people being charged for breakages etc for which they were not responsible.
Although you will find a whole bunch of available wi-fi hot spots in central Manchester, they can be very expensive. Until the free municipal wi-fi network comes live in a few years, make best use of the free wi-fi available at:
The Post Code for Manchester is 'M'. The Dialling Code is '0161'.
Stay safe
If you're uncomfortable around thousands of intoxicated young people, then you should probably avoid Friday and Saturday nights in the city centre. You should also avoid any conflict with door staff at bars, clubs and pubs.
All pubs, bars and clubs are best avoided on days where the Manchester derby football match is taking place. Relations between the two sets of supporters have never been amicable, to say the least, but things seem to have deteriorated recently. What starts out as "banter" quite commonly gets out of hand.
Persistent begging is an irritation in Piccadilly. There is also a problem with people walking up to you with a story like "I've lost my wallet and need 50p for the bus home". These people often say the same story for years. This is usually a ruse to get money from you or, in some cases, in the hope that you will get a wallet/purse out of your pocket so it can be stolen. Pickpockets are a major problem so remain alert to them at all times.
Sellers of "The Big Issue" magazine, are not usually regarded as beggars. The Magazine is pubished by the Big Issue in The North, a social enterprise and sold to the homeless for resale on the streets. All of the vendors are genuinely homeless and are forbidden from begging whilst selling the magazine (though it is not uncommon to hear pleas for "spare change" from a Big Issue vendor). Vendors can be found around the city and visitors may want to buy a £2 copy. Please do only buy from badged, official vendors.
To stay safe in Manchester stick to the commercialised areas. If you wander into a less desirable area you should be very wary of street gangs hanging around. Muggings can happen if you stray away from the busiest areas.
Should you encounter a group which looks suspicious, either avoid them all together and walk the other way, or try to walk past them quickly (at a distance if possible) and behave in a way that they do not perceive as disrespectful or confrontational. This can include eye contact or accidently brushing past them with your shoulder.
Unfortunately Manchester has the highest car crime rate in the UK, and one of the highest rates for car theft and break-ins in Europe. If you bring your car into Manchester be careful to park it in a well lit area, and hide away any belongings in the boot.
Most of the areas in Manchester where tourists venture are usually safe. The following areas are very much "off the beaten path", with little to tempt the average visitor. Nonetheless, should you choose to go, then caution would be advised:
The Raphaels´ Bank ATM at the Airport offers such an applalling conversion rate that, far from being "free of charge" as claimed, you pay exorbitant charges to use it.
Many countries have consulates and commissions in Manchester, the most in the UK outside London. For others, you may have to travel to London.
Get out
Manchester is well placed at the heart of Northern England. Everything is within an hour or so of Manchester's Piccadilly and Victoria stations; major cities, National Parks, picturesque scenery, seaside resorts and swanky suburbs can all be reached by train.
Suburban and beyond
If you are in a hurry to get to outlying places by train and are unsure where to buy your ticket, as long as you board the correct one, these can be bought on the train from the guard who will walk through the carriages. Piccadilly in particular can be quite confusing to the visitor. There are some ticket machines if the queues are too long.


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For many, Thursday's 6 p.m. West End 3K signals the beginning to the Downtown Boulder Running Series that offers a little something for everyone.
For race director Barry Siff, it marks his return to the Boulder running scene for which he deeply cares about.
Siff and his wife Jodee hosted the West End 3K and other races in the series from 2007-09 through their athletic company, 5430 Sports. They sold the company to Ironman, which continued the races through 2011. But something drew Siff back.
"The love of the races," he said. "We love the running community here in Boulder."
Siff re-acquired 5430 Sports and the races in the Downtown Boulder Running Series earlier this year and is excited to be involved in the West End 3K again, which he said will look similar to the race of recent years.
"We basically bill it as a truly Boulder event," he said.
That means races will be held for all types of runners, including children, friends and families, as well as elite runners.
Siff said he wanted the West End 3K, which runs down Pearl Street between 11th and 4th streets, to retain the festive atmosphere from the past that attracts people who want to participate without pressure, as well as the serious competitors.
Children ages 11-under will get the race underway, running one loop for 1.5K, and then the non-competitive adult wave will run two loops after them. Siff said this part of the race is just a lot of fun with lots of prizes.
"These kids cross the finish line and get their names announced," he said.
The final wave will see the competitive runners take to the course, and Siff said he expects to see notable names in the running community there, including members of the Japanese national running team.
For anyone interested in participating but not yet registered for the West End 3K, there is still time.
People can sign up from 4-5:30 p.m. today at the race site or find out more information at 5430sports.com. Children 11-under cost $20 to register and adults are $25.
The next race in the series will be the Pearl Street Mile on Aug. 9.


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A 5k with a mission
3rd Annual 'Run for Water' Saturday
September 18, 2012
It is a 5k race with a mission, said Glenda Swager, event manager at Cape Harbour. The 3rd Annual GROW Africa "Run for Water" 5k will be held this Saturday, Sept....
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"Today represents a historic step toward delivering the 36 miles of light-rail extensions that voters approved in 2008," said Sound Transit Board Chair and Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy. "The start of construction not only offers good news for commuters, but also for our entire region's economy, with our projected creation of more than 20,000 direct and indirect jobs."
A groundbreaking ceremony and celebration at the site of the future Roosevelt Station offered a chance for community members to hear about the project's strong partnerships and collaboration with the Federal Transit Administration, City of Seattle, King County Metro, University of Washington, Puget Sound Regional Council, labor unions, contractors, businesses and community organizations.
"Expanding rail transit in Seattle is critical to our future. It gives people a better choice for getting around town. It will help us move away from our dependency on oil. And it creates opportunities to build the kind of vibrant communities that make city living so special," said Sound Transit Board Member and Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn. "Today's groundbreaking is the latest milestone in an effort to expand transit that is made possible by strong and successful relationships with regional partners. I look forward to continuing to work to expand transit in Seattle."
The $2.1 billion Northgate Link Extension will run mostly underground through one of the most congested travel corridors in the region. When the project opens in 2021, it will offer fast, frequent and congestion-free service 20 hours a day that connects North Seattle destinations with the University of Washington, Capitol Hill, downtown Seattle, South Seattle, Tukwila and SeaTac airport. A trip from Northgate to downtown will take 14 minutes. Northgate to UW Station will take eight minutes.
Northgate Link construction will get underway with demolition activities in the Roosevelt area. Next year, Sound Transit will select a contractor that will excavate the underground stations and use tunnel boring machines to construct twin 3.7-mile tunnels from north of the Roosevelt neighborhood to the University of Washington Station. Tunneling will begin in late 2014. Other future construction contracts will cover construction of Northgate Station and the elevated guideway to the tunnel portal; finishes at the U District Station; finishes at the Roosevelt Station; utility work and systems and track work.
Construction continues to move forward toward a 2016 opening of the University Link light-rail extension between downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill and Husky Stadium. Tunnel boring activities are now complete. Sound Transit is also preparing to move forward with an expedited extension of light rail southward from the airport to South 200th Street that will also open in 2016.
In 2023, further Link extensions to the north, east and south will stretch the Link system to more than 50 miles, with service to Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Mercer Island, Bellevue, Redmond's Overlake area and South King County. Sound Transit has adopted a route for extending light rail east and has launched planning and environmental work to establish the alignment for extending light rail from Northgate to Lynnwood. This fall, the agency will hold the first open houses on options for extending service from South 200th Street to Federal Way. Current financial projections reflect sufficient Sound Transit funding to reach the Kent/Des Moines area by 2023.
By 2030, Link trains are projected to carry more than 300,000 riders each weekday. In all, construction of Sound Transit 2 projects through 2023 is projected to create more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.


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USEC Inc. (NYSE:USU), a leading supplier of enriched uranium fuel, announced today that it has entered into a stock purchase agreement to sell NAC International Inc. to Hitz Holdings U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Hitachi Zosen Corporation, for $45 million in cash following a competitive sale process. USEC acquired NAC in 2004 as NAC was adding to its diverse suite of spent fuel management technologies with the development and licensing of its ground-breaking MAGNASTOR® technology. In addition to specializing in technologies for the safe interim storage of spent nuclear fuel, NAC also provides transportation services for radioactive material and nuclear industry and government consulting services. Hitachi Zosen has a long-standing business relationship with NAC as a fabricator of NAC's dry cask storage and transportation systems and is a leading supplier of such systems in Japan. "We are proud of the accomplishments of the NAC staff in recent years as they developed, licensed and started selling and delivering the industry-leading MAGNASTOR technology for storing spent fuel. NAC expects to deliver more than 100 dry storage systems in 2013," said John K. Welch, president and CEO of USEC. "In the aftermath of events at Fukushima, there is a greater focus on spent fuel storage. Hitachi Zosen has been actively involved in NAC activities through fabrication work and is well positioned to further develop market opportunities for NAC's innovative systems." Welch said the sale of NAC is part of USEC's strategic focus on its core uranium enrichment business and the deployment of the American Centrifuge technology over the next several years. At closing, Hitz Holdings U.S.A. will acquire all outstanding shares of NAC for $45 million in cash, subject to a net working capital adjustment. The sale will also benefit USEC's near-term balance sheet improvement efforts. USEC purchased NAC for $16 million in 2004.
Hitachi Zosen commented that "through the acquisition of NAC, Hitachi Zosen will be able to offer a 'one stop' solution from engineering/consulting to manufacturing/transportation for spent nuclear fuel storage and transportation and to develop this business globally." In addition, Minoru Furukawa, president of Hitachi Zosen, said, "We have a strong aspiration to seek further development in spent nuclear fuel business in partnership of NAC."Hitachi Zosen, a Japanese corporation, has guaranteed the performance and payment obligations of Hitz Holdings U.S.A. under the stock purchase agreement. USEC will agree to certain non-competition and non-solicitation covenants that restrict USEC from engaging in competition with NAC for a period of three years following the closing. "We are very excited about becoming part of Hitachi Zosen," said NAC President Kent Cole. "We have a long-standing relationship with Hitachi Zosen and have a deep respect for its excellent operations. We view this acquisition as a strategic move that has great promise for our customers and our employees. "During this period of transition, I expect NAC will operate as usual, serving its customers with a high level of performance and professionalism. I expect the NAC organization to remain intact as we develop and implement a transition plan that will leverage the synergies and strengths of the combined organization," Cole said. The transaction closing is subject to customary conditions, notices and approvals including lender approval under USEC's credit facility and will be submitted to the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States ("CFIUS") for review. Subject to completion of CFIUS's review, USEC expects the transaction to close in 60 to 90 days after signing. Additional information about the transaction is contained in a current report on Form 8-K filed by USEC today with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Lazard served as the financial advisor for USEC on the transaction and legal counsel was provided by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co. Ltd and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. served as financial advisors to Hitachi Zosen and legal counsel was provided by Kelley Drye & Warren LLP and City-Yuwa Partners.
About NACFounded in 1968, NAC employs approximately 70 people and is headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, with a branch office in London. The company has more than 40 years of experience in providing a wide range of services and equipment to the nuclear industry that includes designing, engineering, licensing, operating, and maintaining spent fuel management systems for storage and transport. NAC also has more than four decades of experience transporting nuclear materials using the company's NRC-certified cask fleet. NAC has successfully completed transportation projects for the U.S. Department of Energy, the International Atomic Energy Agency, other governmental agencies and private entities from around the world. NAC's consulting group includes internationally recognized experts in the nuclear power industry. About Hitachi Zosen Hitachi Zosen was founded in 1881 and has celebrated the 130th anniversary of its founding in April 2011. As of the fiscal year ended March 2012, Hitachi Zosen had sales of approximately $3,367 million and employed 8,846 people on a consolidated basis. Hitachi Zosen is headquartered in Osaka and Tokyo and has 20 offices and works in Japan, including seven manufacturing facilities, eight branches in overseas and 67 consolidated subsidiaries in the world. Hitachi Zosen engages in engineering and manufacturing of environmental systems, industrial plants, industrial machinery, process equipment, precision machinery, steel structure, construction machinery and disaster prevention systems. Under its corporate philosophy - We create value useful to society with technology and sincerity to contribute to a prosperous future - Hitachi Zosen especially focuses on energy-from-waste business and positions green energy field and social infrastructure and disaster prevention field as their business domains. USEC Inc., a global energy company, is a leading supplier of enriched uranium fuel and nuclear industry related services for commercial nuclear power plants. Forward Looking Statements: The information provided in this news release contains "forward-looking statements" – that is, statements related to future events. In this context, forward-looking statements may address USEC's expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "will" and other words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. For USEC, factors that could cause its actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in its forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the likelihood and timing of fulfilling the closing conditions in the stock purchase agreement governing the transaction with Hitachi Zosen, including conditions related to USEC's obtaining lender approval under its credit facility and CFIUS review; risks related to the performance of NAC and the market for dry cask storage; risks related to USEC's ability to continue enriching uranium and to deploy the American Centrifuge project; risks related to USEC's ability to successfully restructure its balance sheet and the impact of USEC's potential balance sheet restructuring efforts on its stock and convertible notes; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in USEC's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, which are available on USEC's website at www.usec.com. USEC does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements except as required by law.