text:
School Board analyzes post-retirement program
By Tom Lappas, Citizen Editor 09/23/12
A program that pays retired Henrico school system employees a percentage of their final annual salaries in exchange for their part-time work within the system saves considerable money on substitute teacher expenses but could provide even more value to the system with several adjustments.
That was the conclusion of an in-depth analysis completed by county and school system finance officials, who presented their findings to the School Board Sept. 13.
At the beginning of the current fiscal year in July, the board increased the requirements of retirees who participate in the Post-Retirement Earnings Plan (PREP) program, mandating that they work at least 28 days during the school year in order to receive pay equal to 20 percent of their final annual paychecks. Eligible retirees may participate in the program for a maximum of seven years; 388 participate currently.
It was the third change made in the past three years by the board, which is seeking to squeeze more value from the 32-year-old program while reducing its annual cost. The PREP budget has dropped from its peak of $8.9 million in 2009 to $5.6 million during the current fiscal year. Prior to this year's change, PREP participants received 22 percent of their final paycheck in exchange for working 24 days a year.
The program was created in 1980 as a way to provide a benefit to employees, encourage early retirement and save the school system money. During its budget process this spring, the School Board sought specific data to better determine the effectiveness and value of the program. But last week's work session was proof that categorizing that value is a challenging exercise.
Though it's relatively easy to determine the cost savings that results from using PREP retirees as substitute teachers – since there is a standard rate of pay for substitutes – it's much more difficult to determine the value of administrative retirees who perform a variety of other responsibilities, Henrico Finance Director Gene Walter told the School Board.
Walter and his staff studied 507 PREP participants who entered the program during the past seven years and whose replacements were hired immediately upon their retirement. (The study didn't include nearly 50 other participants whose former positions were eliminated, he said.)
Of those 507, 317 were retired teachers whose combined participation during those seven years saved the system $1.18 for each $1 it spent on the program, Walter said.
But Walter and his analysts could not determine a dollar-to-dollar estimate for the other 190 participants because their roles within the system were less defined and often entailed duties for which the system wouldn't have hired temporary help.
School system officials recommended that the board consider a number of changes to the program that would make it easier to determine a clear value for each dollar spent in the program, including:
• assigning every participant to serve either as a substitute teacher (if qualified) or to fill another capacity with specific and direct calculable benefit to the system (such as SOL remediation);
• capping the maximum allowable salary to a participant at $90,000 annually;
• increasing the number of required years of Henrico service from 10 years to 15 years for eligible retirees and reducing the number of required years of service in the Virginia Retirement System from 16 to 15;
• requiring that interested participants notify the system of their intent by Dec. 1 annually and begin their participation the following July 1 (as opposed to the current system, which permits entry throughout the year – a minimum of 30 days after retirement – and makes budgeting for the program less predictable);
• grandfathering all current participants under the current standards until they have completed their seven years or dropped out of the program.
"We have determined that there's a large responsibility on everyone's part here to develop something that's going to be very beneficial and cost-effective and also value-added to the school system," Superintendent Pat Russo said during the work session. "That's where we want to move this program."
Current guidelines require that participants be at least 50 years old without having attained the age for full, unreduced Social Security benefits. The program initially was designed in part to serve as a bridge between retirement and Social Security, HCPS Finance Director Kevin Smith told the board. Using current standards, 854 current school system employees would be eligible to participate in the PREP program if they retired, HCPS Human Resources Executive Director Howard Banks said.
The board is expected to discuss the recommendations and the PREP program again at a meeting next month.
RVA Polar Plunge raises $40k for Special Olympics
Citizen Staff Reports 02/28/2017 FeaturesNon-Profits
More than 300 participants took the plunge for charity Feb. 25 at The Shops at Willow Lawn, raising $40,000 for the Special Olympics of Virginia as part of the 2017 RVA Polar Plunge Fest. Participants jumped into frigid water as part of the event, having raised money through donations leading up to the event.
"At Special Olympics Virginia, our vision is to inspire the first unified generation; a generation of people who respectfully include each other in the school, in the workplace, in the community," said Rick Jeffrey, Special Olympics Virginia President. "Plunging this past Saturday included people with intellectual disabilities and those without; people of all ages, genders, races and religions; students and teachers; doctors and lawyers; military and law enforcement; one for all; all for one." > Read more.
Fundraiser bags more than $50k
Citizen Staff Reports 02/28/2017 FeaturesNon-Profits
CancerLINC's 11th annual "It's in the Bag" event raised more than $50,000. The event, presented by Virginia Cancer Institute, was held at The Westin Richmond in Henrico Feb. 2 and was attended by more than 200 people.
"It's in the Bag" included handbag designer Thaddeus DuBois and his family from Syracuse, Ind. DuBois brought four handcrafted handbags, which were auctioned off and raised more than $4,000. Three autographed handbags from "Sex and the City" star Sarah Jessica Parker also brought funds. > Read more.
A date with states
Citizen Staff Reports 02/28/2017 Features
Above, Varina's Andre Watkins drives to the basket during the Blue Devils' 52-51 win against Hampton in the Group 5A third-place game at Hermitage High School Feb. 25. Below, Tyrese Jenkins drives to the basket during the game. The Blue Devils (21-6 on the season), who earlier last month defeated Hermitage, 53-34, to earn a spot in the 5A state tournament, next will face Albemarle in that tournament. It is the program's first trip to the state tournament since 2001 and first under fourth-year coach Andrew Lacey, who has turned around a team that was 6-14 during his first season. > Read more.
Future public servants observe lawmaking firsthand
By Mary Lee Clark, Capital News Service 02/28/2017 General AssemblyGeneral Assembly 2017
For the past two months, they showed up every day at the state Capitol, dressed in matching blazers and carrying pen and paper at the ready – the next generation of public servants carefully observing their superiors.
These young adults are known as pages. They are middle school and high school students from around Virginia who assist in everyday tasks at the General Assembly to experience firsthand how the legislative process works.
The program dates as far back as 1850, when the one page who worked was paid $2 a day. > Read more.
CRLC seeks donations for Malvern Hill Farm
Citizen Staff Reports 02/27/2017 Features
The Capital Region Land Conservancy (CRLC) is seeking to raise $100,000 in 30 days to cover due diligence and closing costs associated with the historic Malvern Hill Farm. These include boundary survey, Phase I ESA, title search and insurance, recording fees, taxes, and legal work as well as a Section 106 review.
CRLC is scheduled to close on the purchase of the property May 31, and is asking community members to help support the site's acquisition. All donations will help CRLC leverage $1 million in matching funds. > Read more.
Villa's Flagler Housing wins national NAEH award
St. Joseph's Villa's Flagler Housing & Homeless Services was one of three entities to earn the National Alliance to End Homelessness' Champion of Change Award. The awards were presented Nov. 17 during a ceremony at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.
NAEH annually recognizes proven programs and significant achievements in ending child and family homelessness.
Flagler completed its transition from an on-campus shelter to the community-based model of rapid rehousing in 2013, and it was one of the nation's first rapid re-housing service providers to be certified by NAEH. > Read more.
RIR's Christmas tree lighting rescheduled for Dec. 12
Richmond International Raceway's 13th annual Community Christmas tree lighting has been rescheduled from Dec. 6 to Monday, Dec. 12, at 6:30 p.m., due to inclement weather expected on the original date.
Entertainment Dec. 12 will be provided by the Laburnum Elementary School choir and the Henrico High School Mighty Marching Warriors band. Tree decorations crafted by students from Laburnum Elementary School and L. Douglas Wilder Middle School will be on display. Hot chocolate and cookies will be supplied by the Henrico High School football boosters. > Read more.
Weekend Top 10
Given the warm weather lately, Saturday's RVA Polar Plunge Winter Fest, benefiting Special Olympics Virginia, might actually be enjoyable! Other weekend events you're sure to enjoy include the 14th annual Richmond Kids Expo at the Richmond Raceway Complex, the Richmond Symphony and The Taters in concert at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, and the Richmond Ballet Minds in Motion Team XXL performing at the Henrico Theatre. This is also the last weekend to check out HATTheatre's production of "Bill W. and Dr. Bob." For all our top picks this weekend, click here! > Read more.
CRLC seeks donations for Malvern Hill Farm
Applications for Leadership Metro Richmond Class of 2018 now open
Reynolds CC 4-week, 8-week classes start March 7
Public comment sought for plan to reduce impacts of natural disasters
Democrat VanValkenburg kicks off Gen. Assembly campaign
- More News
Print Edition
Feb. 16, 2017Click here to read the print edition.
Weekend Top 10
Restaurant Watch
Weekend Top 10
American Tap Room at Willow Lawn closes
Weekend Top 10
- More Entertainment
Obituary – Anne Faudree Barker
Obituary – Jonathan "Bryan" Lawler
Obituary – Jean Harless
- More Obituaries
Villa's Flagler Housing wins national NAEH award
RIR's Christmas tree lighting rescheduled for Dec. 12
project:HOMES' 'Renew Crew' helps Henrico citizen
- More Community
Thanksgiving, Part II
Storm woes for e-junkies
'Good old days' were good – for some
- More Opinions
RIR to admit children 12 and younger free next year
Henrico teams win district, state championships
Varina HS to host Basketball Skill Development Academy June 20-23
- More Sports
|March 2017
Place an Ad | More Classifieds
CalendarThe Shops at Willow Lawn's community event Mommy & Me and Daddy Too continues with Jonathan the Juggler from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a morning out with live entertainment, crafts, games and programs designed to enhance parent's interaction with their children. The program continues on the second Wednesday of each month. Admission is free. For details, visit http://www.willowlawn.com. Full text


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Kenny Howell
Managing Editor
Commissioner Art Giles uncovered a mistake that saved the city thousands in the year's to come.
It all started when Giles got a complaint from a constituent that the lights were out at Pleasant Grove Road going through Paddocks. He turned a complaint into the city, and followed up. He found out something peculiar.
"I was told we didn't know who owned the lights," said Giles.
After a little digging, it was found that the City owned the lights and had been paying the bill. They also didn't know where the meter was.
"We should know where every meter is," said Giles. "It's just embarassing."
Giles looked a little further into it and uncovered another mistake in the Paddocks Development. The City of Mt. Juliet owns eight acres of land near Paddocks, and they paid HOA fees to it when it was developed. However, they shouldn't have been as Giles found that municipalities were exempt from the fees.
"I was literally in shock," said Giles.
When alerted to the mistake, the management company, Paddocks Development, LP, sent a check to the City of Mt. Juliet for $5,151.92.
But Giles still wanted to find out why the city was paying for the lights, and what they needed to do to get that bill back to the developer. Giles said that at the time, it was the opinion of the City Attorney that the developer should pay for the lights, but the developer thought the city should pay. He said he doesn't know why and couldn't get an answer why the city ended up paying it. He is just glad the City could come to some type of resolution.
The city initially asked for all the money back for what they had lost on the lights, but they eventually settled on the developer paying half, and taking responsibility in the future. That resulted in getting the city back $2,750, plus whatever it would have cost over the years to keep maintaining the lights.
Giles said he was glad that he came across the mistake, and now they could put it behind them and focus on the more positive things coming up for the city.

subset: commoncrawl


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Skip to comments.Official: Syria moving chemical weapons components
Posted on 12/03/2012 11:12:58 AM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach
WASHINGTON (AP) U.S. and allied intelligence have detected Syrian movement of chemical weapons components in recent days, a senior U.S. defense official said Monday, as the Obama administration strongly warned the Assad regime against using them.
A senior defense official said intelligence officials have detected activity around more than one of Syria's chemical weapons sites in the last week. The defense official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about intelligence matters.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, in Prague for meetings with Czech officials, reiterated President Barack Obama's declaration that Syrian action on chemical weapons was a "red line" for the United States that would prompt action.
"We have made our views very clear: This is a red line for the United States," Clinton told reporters. "I'm not going to telegraph in any specifics what we would do in the event of credible evidence that the Assad regime has resorted to using chemical weapons against their own people. But suffice it to say, we are certainly planning to take action if that eventuality were to occur."
Syria said Monday it would not use chemical weapons against its own people. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Syria "would not use chemical weapons if there are any against its own people under any circumstances."
Syria has been careful never to confirm that it has any chemical weapons.
The use of chemical weapons would be a major escalation in Assad's crackdown on his foes and would draw international condemnation. In addition to causing mass deaths and horrific injuries to survivors, the regime's willingness to use them would alarm much of the region, particularly neighboring states, including Israel.
(Excerpt) Read more at google.com ...
Do these weapons have Iraq stamped on the side?
"Syria moving chemical weapons components"
Impossible, the liberal media said there was none when W was POTUS!
Unusual activity at Syrian chemical weapons sites amid rumors Assad is dead or fled
Debka ^ | December 2, 2012 | Debka
Posted on Sun 02 Dec 2012 02:31:50 PST by tired&retired
Or maybe Russia or Iran. Watch for a 'false flag' chem attack to justify 0bama involvement. This is a messed up, confused proxy war between ????? and ?????? LOL!!
Move along now... nothing to see here...
When they start gassing people, they can count on the White House, via Susan Rice, to cover for them. It'll be reported as the flu. The Obama administration lies and no one cares.
libtards didn't care when saddam gassed his own people or egyptians gassed yemenis. not very Christian of me but as long as it stays in the borders and doesn't hurt any americans or israelis i don't care.
Israel will not wait for them to get buried again.
Report: Israel Requested Jordan's 'Permission' To Attack Syria Chemical Weapons Sites
HAARETZ ^ | December 3, 2012 | By Barak Ravid
Posted on Mon 03 Dec 2012 07:12:55 PST by Strategy
For Opie, that means saying "pretty please."
If the second event happens, Damascus will surely have a burden.
Just How Deadly Is Assad's Arsenal? (Much Worse Than You Can Imagine)
Foeign Policy ^ | July 16, 2012 | John Reed
Posted on Thu 22 Nov 2012 16:54:28 PST by lbryce
Well, well, well, turns out DEBKA was right after all. Imagine that!
Has Hillary wrote as stern letter, all in capitols warning of the dire straits that would be forth coming..thatis her usual mode
Obama could screw up a wet dream....
Thanks for the bump
"Well, well, well, turns out DEBKA was right after all. Imagine that!"
Remember, Debka was quoting the New York Times who was quoting an un-named source.
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then!
There WILL be a mooost unfoooofortunate chem event, and it will come about at the behest of GayMuzzie and his MB/SA buddies.
Really Fast and Really Furious, with a side-order of falafel.
This guy was OK with exporting machine-guns to NarcoKingPins, and stealing a national election.
Basically POTUS is Mombutu, and anyone who doesn't see this is a set-up is an idiot.
In the end this will result in the UN declaring that none of this would have happened if Israel belonged to the Palestinians.
We all know Israel is going to be blamed for this. So they might as well just nuke the entire middle east from outer space and be done with it.
zero will send a strongly worded letter asking them to pretty please not to move the weapons.....
So is the Middle East better off now, then it was 4 years ago ? The Obama/Hillary policy in the Middle East and North Africa has been a complete disaster.
Naw, POTUS is not headed for Vegas. Hawaii is a lot nicer this time of year.
The terrorists know o does not and will not interrupt his vacations for anything. Especially Christmas vacation. Remember the Underwear Bomber? He went underground for at least a week after.
"Tis the Open Season.
Hilda Beast must be swearing, as how things have gotten so out of hand, just before she is ready to step down.
Uh... you mean all those chemical weapons they got from Saddam, which the Liberal press assured us he didn't possess?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


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This is the juiciest thing I have heard in a couple of weeks
. This former A list tweener and this B list celebrity conspired to get the B lister's actor boyfriend drunk and passed out so the former tweener and the girlfriend could hook up.
Miley and?
Or if the tweener is a guy then Bieber and?
Maybe I'm misreading this… But why would your get your boyfriend drunk to get him to have sex with someone else?ReplyCancel
Ok can Enty give us genders in these BI's??? I have no idea if it's two chicks, dudes, etcReplyCancel
They got the bf drunk so they could have sex with each ther while he was passed outReplyCancel
Ok if the former tweener is a chick than I will say Raven or MileyReplyCancel
Miley and Ashley Benson just for kicks and because that'd be hot.ReplyCancel
Ha! Good call… Reread it. Makes more sense! 🙂ReplyCancel
Miley and Kelly Osborne.
Major stab there…ReplyCancel
Selena and. ???ReplyCancel
Took guess outta my mouth sincerely
I always use to think there was something going on with Demi and Selena back before they had their first falling out.ReplyCancel
They have to get him drunk to get it on? What is he attached to her hip?ReplyCancel
If it's Bieber they probably got him drunk so he wouldn't try and join in.ReplyCancel
@Reno, it's not like putting Justin to bed is a chore, right?!ReplyCancel
This cant be Bieber though, enty deoesnt refer to him as an actorReplyCancel
The Jenner girl who is with jaden smith and that's all I gotReplyCancel
)-: but now I put tigether the bf is an actor. I " think KO's current fling is strictly "drug dealer". Lol. But have no idea really. Hopefully "actor"ReplyCancel
In retrospect, probably my cats brought it in.ReplyCancel
Wrong thread, Reno lolReplyCancel
@Sugar – excellent comparison!ReplyCancel
Lol. Oops.ReplyCancel
Selena andReplyCancel
Bieber and Kylie got Jaden drunk so they could hook up is how I read thisReplyCancel
That'd make Jayden just like his daddy too!
@Violet, I think that was the point!
Violet said…
Demi and Nicole Ritchie. Complete stab in the dark.


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In Touch with Prairie Living
The Germans from Russia Heritage Collection (GRHC) at the NDSU
Libraries in Fargo reaches out to prairie families and former Dakotans.
In various ways, it affirms the heritage of the Germans from Russia
as an important part of the northern plains culture.
June, 2005 column for North Dakota and South Dakota


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Showing 1-24 of 32 items found in Outdoors & Play
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Whitewater Junction - Aquatic Park
Whitewater Junction is a railroad-themed aquatic facility. Two water slides, spray toys, zero depth edge and shallow water play area.
CITY:Rock Island
Kids will love this railroad themed aquatic center featuring a spiral slide, tube slide, water geysers and playful water features. Open during the summer months 7 days a week, Whitewater Junction is located inside the lovely Longview Park in Rock Island, Illinois.
CITY:Rock Island
Come join us for a great day of golf, then relax in our lounge and have a cool refreshment and something to eat! Located at 9701 1/2 Illinois Highway 82 in Cambridge, IL. This is a 18 hole golf course.
Built on the site of a former Arabian horse farm, this beautiful 18-hole, par 71 championship golf course stretches along wooded ravines on the Rock River. The course is home of the John Deere Classic, a PGA Tour event that draws top golf talent.
Large mature trees covering 50 acres surrounds a 5 acre lake for you to unwind in nature's glory. Activities for all ages - swim, fish, play horseshoes, volleyball or swing at the playground. 30 and 50 amp sites all with water and electric hookup. Pull through and tent sites are available.
Ski Snowstar Winter Sports Park
Minutes from the Quad Cities. Easy access from I-80, I-74 and I-280. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ski lifts, restaurant and complete ski and board rentals. Skiing available every night. Features 100% snow-making equipment as well. Great winter fun for the entire family!.
Located along the Mississippi River in the downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District, this park offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River, an open-air stage, interactive fountain, observation shelter, waterfront promenade, bike trail and digital playgrounds (the first installation of its kind in the Midwest). The park is also available for rental for weddings, receptions and special events.
CITY:Rock Island
This golf course is a stunning example of a golf course designed from the early part of the 20th century. Saukie was built in 1927 (opened in 1928) and designed by Thomas Bendelow. This public course is considered to be an "executive length" course and is a classic example of a short course that will challenge every golfer. Tee times available 6 a.m to 6 p.m.
CITY:Rock Island
Situated on 140 acres of lakes, trees and grass. Excellent fishing for bass, crappie, catfish (no license required). Rental boats, bicycles, heated pool, water playground.
CITY:Rock Island
Rock Island's Quad City Botanical Center houses exotic tropical flowers, a 14-foot waterfall and reflecting pools with koi. Seasonal attractions include a butterfly garden and the Garden Train Railway exhibit. The Botanical Center also regularly hosts art exhibitions and special events for families.
CITY:Rock Island
Bike rentals through the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau are available at their Visitor Center located at 1601 River Drive, Suite 110 in Moline. Bikes are available in a variety of sizes and come with locks and helmets. They also offer Kiddie Trailers to hook on the back of adult bikes for toddlers and small bikes that can be attached to the adult bike for children still needing training wheels. Rentals are available from Memorial Day through October. Rent by the day or by the hour.
CITY:Rock Island
This zoo located near the Quad Cities houses more than 900 exotic animals. See the animal exhibits on foot or hop aboard the Mel McKay Express, a miniature replica of an old steam engine that takes visitors around the park. Rise and shine with the wild things during Breakfast With the Animals, held on select Saturdays.
CITY:Coal Valley
Navarro Canoe Co. handcrafts canoes that offer the finest in beauty and performance. Each made to order canoe is crafted with a kevlar, fiberglass or a combination of fiberglass and kevlar hull. Hardwoods are used for the ribs and outer structures to add rigidity and distinctiveness. Canoes can be ordered in a variety of styles and colors to be shipped within the continental United States. Our canoes are functional works of art that can be passed on through generations.
CITY:Rock Island
Situated in Sunset Park in Rock Island is the Mississippi River Trail. Listed as a difficult trial, mainly due to its length and many portions not protected by shade, this asphalt trail hugs the bank of the river as you move through parks, industrial sections, downtown business districts and small river towns.
CITY:Rock Island
Maple Bluff Golf Club is Geneseo's only 18 hole golf course and the best kept secret in the Quad Cities area. This par 72 championship layout is open to the public and can be enjoyed by golfers of all levels, from any of the four sets of tees.
This 18-hole championship golf course has a beautiful layout, with mature trees, ravines, huge greens, ponds and natural areas. There's also a driving range, full-service pro shop and a snack bar.
CITY:Rock Island
Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park
The Hennepin Canal State Park, a 104-mile linear park, is a rustic, historic, educational, and recreational jewel spanning five counties and includes the entire width of Henry County with access points in Annawan, Atkinson, Geneseo, and Colona. It offers an up-close look at a fascinating piece of transportation history. It is popular with bicyclists who ride from town to town exploring the history, dining, lodging, and entertainment possibilities as they travel. The canal multi-purpose recreational trail is a portion of the American Discovery Trail, a 6,800-mile coast-to-coast trail devoted to non-motorized use. It is also part of the Grand Illinois Trail, a 535-mile loop through northern Illinois. The tree-lined park is a refuge with prairie restorations and wetlands slicing through corn and soybean farmland. Home to diverse flora and fauna, it has become a favorite for bird watchers and prairie enthusiasts. It offers numerous year-round opportunities to boat, hike, bike, fish, ride horseback, snowmobile, ice skate, and cross-country ski. Explore Henry County's jewel – the Hennepin Canal. In wintertime experience the longest snowmobile trail in the state -- 91 miles on the tow path. You can use the ice at your own risk, but pay heed to the locks, bridges and culverts where the ice likely is thinner than the rest of the canal. Bring your blades, skating along the canal is free! Keep in mind the rule is there must be 4" of snow and 6" of frost on canal for route to be open. Call the Visitor Center for automated message.
The 18-hole Hawthorn Ridge Golf Club in Aledo, IL is a public golf course that opened in 1978. Designed by William J. Spear, Hawthorn Ridge Golf Club measures 6701 yards from the longest tees. The course features 3 sets of tees for different skill levels.
The Great River Trail is a breathtaking journey along 60 miles of the Mississippi River. The route is a mixture of paved rail-trail, small-town sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes on the street and a stretch of road shoulder along the Great River Road. The Great River Trail begins in Savanna and travels south through many small river towns with traditions still steeped in the quintessential culture of the Mississippi River.
CITY:Rock Island
The Grand Illinois Trail (GIT) is a 535-mile loop trail in northern Illinois. It goes from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi along the northern border of Illinois and then loops back across the state along the Illinois River and the Hennepin Canal. 200 miles of the route is on paved township and county roads while the rest is on limestone trails or paths. Hennepin Canal Communities - Annawan, Atkinson, Geneseo and Colona.
Located 4 miles north of I-80 at exit 19 and adjacent to the historic Hennepin Canal. Shady, quiet camping in the midst of nature's wonders. Spend a night in one of our four rustic cabins. Try the Yurt Accommodations. It is 20 foot diameter, and sleeps 8. It has one queen bed and 2 bunk beds with a full on bottom and twin on top Rent a canoe or kayak and relax on historic Hennepin Canal. Bring you own bicycle or simply walk to enjoy the recreational trail along the Hennepin Canal. The town of Geneseo has great Victorian homes with welcoming porches. In additional to the RV camp sites, there are 12 tent sites available. Internet services on site.
This Nicklaus Design championship golf course features fairways that wind through a hardwood forest in a scenic lakefront setting. The public is welcome to tee off at this Quad Cities-area course that offers challenges for golfers of all levels. Brush up your skills with a lesson from the professional teaching staff.
Channel Cat makes stops between five docks in the Quad Cities area. Each boat accommodates 47 people and seven bicycles. The Channel Cat offers a wonderful opportunity to get out on the mighty Mississippi River and see it up close. You can get on and get off at the various docks and enjoy nearby attractions and riverfront bike trails. One fare is good all day!
Hop aboard the family-owned Celebration Belle riverboat that cruises the mighty Mississippi River. Operating April through October, the 800-passenger riverboat offers a variety of cruises, ranging from sightseeing tours to theme cruises such as Big Band and fall foliage, captain's dinner and dance cruises, and overnight excursions.


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Apropos of countries with capital punishment, what do you think the notification looks like which informs you that your relative has been executed? White letters on black paper? Mournful coloration and a red stamp with the national coat of arms? Or it's a telegram? Clear and brief, no condolences. Will it be dated? Will it be personal? Will God be mentioned?
Human life is not the biggest value in the 21st century. So many die daily in car crashes, domestic accidents, street and domestic violence, diseases, hunger. Norms are changing. The Catholics are about to use condoms, conservatives are having a second thought about abortion. But capital punishment could still for many be just a part of normal life.
The politicians made a clever decision to write laws and proclaim the rule of law – all to prevent the irrational and emotional from dominating reason, to defend people from each other. In dubio pro reo – when in doubt, for the accused.
Well, people are still being executed, even though most civilised countries abandoned this measure to show that not just the accused or his family, but that the of whole society failed if he or she committed such a serious crime.
Again, apropos of countries with capital punishment. What do you think it feels like when the judiciary is not independent? When it is in dubio pro rex (when in doubt, for the king)? When you have no trust in the judgment?
Two young people were recently executed in Belarus. They were arrested the next day after a terrifying bombing in Minsk metro in April. The show trial took place in September in the House of Justice, where the accused where put on display in a cage on a big stage. Over five hundred volumes of evidence and hundreds of victims and witnesses' testimonies were rushed through in 10 weeks. The sentence was the harshest: death row both for the terrorist and his friend, who knew about it but didn't try to stop it.
The reaction of society was strange. It provoked discussion about the barbaric notion of state killing exactly because people had their doubts that the terrorists could be identified so quickly, that they confessed several bombings and 14 crimes all together and that their aim was no less than "destabilisation of the society."
The family of the accused even stayed in Minsk with a victim of the bombing. Even the victims were afraid that toll number of casualties will simply go from 15 to 17.
People were not convinced, but not the king. On 14 March President Lukashenka dismissed the pardoning petition. Days later it became known that both convicts have been executed. The fastest capital case in Belarus ever. Now the volumes of evidence can be put in the bin.
What does the note look like? I can tell you. One day you get a short bureaucratic statement. You won't even know the exact date when it was over for your closest family member.
The executed have no grave in Belarus. But those who have their doubts have been bringing flowers to the memorial of the victims who died in the metro bombing, people abroad have been coming to the Belarusian embassy. In memory of victims of the regime who they failed to defend.


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When and if sequestration-driven furloughs come, they could range from two to as many as 22 days if the impasse drags on and on. There is also the danger of a more serious governmentwide shutdown later this month, unless Congress approves spending authority for federal agencies or extends the current continuing resolution another month or two.
Some agencies say they can meet the new targets without resorting to furloughs. The Pentagon says the worst-case scenario would mean up to 22 days (at one day per week) for the duration. Many agencies are playing it straight. Others, one suspects, are putting their very worst foot forward to rattle the public into demanding action.
With a few exceptions, key players on both sides of the political divide seem to be spending more time trying to make sure the other party gets the blame for whatever inconvenience or disaster sequestration brings. By law, the President, key aides and members of the House and Senate cannot have their pay docked. But rank-and-file feds can.
Many people are taking this all in stride. They say they've seen worse (although it is hard to remember when or what it was) out of Washington. Some tell us they plan to use their furlough days to fully enjoy a three-day weekend. A couple have said that they hope their agencies will run any furlough days consecutively so they can have a week or two off.
Federal employee bill tracker: How pending legislation could affect your bottom line
Federal employee bill tracker: How pending legislation could affect your bottom line
But for the paycheck-to-paycheck feds, losing even one day of pay (20 percent for the week) is cutting it way to close. Landlords, mortgage holders, banks and credit-card companies may sympathize. But they will still expect payment on time.
There is at least one place that cash-strapped feds can go for a no-interest loan: The Federal Employees Education and Assistance fund. FEEA is funded by donations from federal and postal workers and retirees. And by some very generous corporate sponsors. It offers scholarships and emergency loans of up to $1,000. Applicants must apply after they've been furloughed and short-checked. They must be able to document that the money is needed for food, rent or a mortgage. FEEA will post details after the furloughs start.
Meantime, if you want to help out your fellow feds you can send donations to:
FEEA 3333.G. Wadsworth Blvd. Suite 300 Lakewood, CO 80227.
Or you can make online credit card donations by clicking here.
Compiled by Jack Moore
Saudi Arabia ranks first in the world in most YouTube views per capita.
(Source: Harpers)
Upsurge in February retirements causes backlog to balloon The number of federal employees filing retirement claims last month spiked to more than 20,000 — nearly four times what the Office of Personnel Management projected, according to data released Tuesday.
Match Game 1500: The first game show for feds! What do you get when you mix feds with a 1970s game show? Match Game 1500! In Depth's Francis Rose channels his inner Gene Rayburn in this zany fed game show.
Committee seizes on ignored IG recommendations Over the past few years, unimplemented agency inspector general recommendations that could potentially save the government billions of dollars have piled up. Now, with $85 billion in automatic budget cuts kicking in, lawmakers on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee are telling agencies there's no excuse for them to further delay implementing the cost-saving measures and best practices identified by their IGs .
Photos of the amazing, moving, important and amusing things happening in the federal community.
A daily update of important moments in the history of the U.S. government.


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Play with words that is. He mentions using a journal as a "Writer's Studio" filling it with words, ideas, quotes, other poet's poems that inspire and clipping from magazines. Whatever stirs your soul and you like, put in your space, I mean journal. He shares an exercise called "Poem sketching" It involves word groups. You can see more of the details here.
The morning-light show by ~jchandersword groups I used: barefoot, words, breath, fingers; pond, waves, queen, dragonfly.
I substituted commands for words and nymphs for dragonflies.
I found this photo after I wrote the poem. It captures the tone of my poem. Later this week I will share another exercise from this book! I was going to add another exercise, on this post, but we have company stopping by!
More later....


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Directions to Hotel MorlacchiAddress: Via Leopoldo Tiberi, 2, Perugia, Italy
Average rating: 0%
Rooms from: US$ 0
Directions to Hotel Morlacchi
Highway A1 Firenze-Roma - Exit Valdichiana (coming from north) then follow directions towards Perugia; exit expressway in 'Perugia San Faustino'. - Exit Orte (coming from south)then take the Expressway E45 following the indications to Perugia. Exit expressway E45 in 'Perugia Piscille Centro' or 'Perugia San Faustino'. By Train: In Perugia arrive to 'Fontivegge Railway Station'. - Take any bus toward the historical center (there is one every 10/15 minutes). Get off the bus in Piazza Italia or Piazza Fortebraccio (Università per Stranieri)There is also Minimetrò next the railway station, get off at Cupa or Pincetto.Alternatively you can take a taxi in front of the railway station By Plane - S. Egidio (Perugia) Airport: is connected with Perugia city by public busses or private taxi. - Leonardo Da Vinci Fiumicino Rome: take a bus from Sulga Company just at the airport. You will arrive directly in Perugia.


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- #424075 000002000 424075000002000
Orange Amplifiers OBC Series OBC115 400W 1x15 Bass Speaker Cabinet
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This 400W Orange Amplifiers OBC115 Bass Speaker cabinet is made from 13-ply high-density 18mm birch plywood. Tough skids on the speaker enclosure's b...Click To Read More About This Product
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Side-ported for optimal bass response, this cabinet is loaded with one Eminence 15" speaker for balanced tone and serious punch.
This 400W Orange Amplifiers OBC115 Bass Speaker cabinet is made from 13-ply high-density 18mm birch plywood. Tough skids on the speaker enclosure's base result in enhanced acoustic connection to the stage.
The hi-tech OBC115 bass cab is side-ported and provides for speaker self-correction. The ports are tuned by Orange to emphasize the low end and get a better response. The Eminence 15" bass speaker delivers full, rounded bass tone.
Internally strutted to avoid cabinet vibration, the Orange OBC115 bass enclosure won't rattle, even under the most demanding conditions. The sound is amazing, extending the bottom-end for deep bass response. With a hefty 400W power handling, the Orange OBC115 bass cabinet's deep sound packs some serious punch.
- Side-ported cabinet design
- 13-ply high-density 18mm birch plywood cabinet
- Tough skids on the base
- Output: 400W (RMS) handling, 8 ohm
- Speaker: heavy-duty 15" Eminence
- Dimensions: (W x H x D) 24-1/2"W x 20"H x 18"D
Reviewed by 2 customers
- Clear Sound
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- Easy To Use
- Versatile
- Bulky/Heavy
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
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Comments about Orange Amplifiers OBC Series OBC115 400W 1x15 Bass Speaker Cabinet:
Comments about Orange Amplifiers OBC Series OBC115 400W 1x15 Bass Speaker Cabinet:
I love this thing. For years I had only been using my GK Microbass with the single 12", unported speaker, in an aluminum box. And sure, that thing is great for portability vs sound, but eventually i got tired of never really hearing what we call, BASS, like the frequencies below 100 hz. So i got the OBC115, and run it from the GK. Wow.Suddenly i remembered why I play bass.I'm not even really driving it that hard... the GK has 150W when you engage a 2nd speaker (100W normal) and realistically I don't know how much more I would need, although this cab is rated for 400W... someday I'lll try out a different setup and probably hurt my internal organs trying.The OBC115 sounds great, warm, solid and responsive to crunch without bailing out. However it's like 60 pounds, where before I gigged with the GK combo that is 25 pounds. I also stack a Fender 105W Twin reverb in between and pair the signal coming from guitars and synths and damn. damn!My neighbours hate it.


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Miu Miu Suede Studded Sneaker
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Item # 267981
With a collection of beautifully crafted footwear, this brand evokes a luxurious sense of freedom and intimacy with attention to detail and high quality. The casual, yet edgy style of this suede sneaker makes it the perfect addition to your shoe collection.
- Suede upper
- Lace-up
- Round metallic cap toe with studs
- Fully lined in leather
- Rubber sole
- Made in Italy
Tell us what you think!
Everyone has an opinion. Here's your chance to share yours! Be the first to write a review of this product and help your fellow shoppers pick the best of the best.


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Top Definition
1. A state of in-completion
2. The act of mediocre tech-ery
2. The act of mediocre tech-ery
He really Ratchisoned that server installation.
by Soneji September 07, 2012
The Urban Dictionary Mug
One side has the word, one side has the definition. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Lotsa space for your liquids.Buy the mug
The Urban Dictionary T-Shirt
Smooth, soft, slim fit American Apparel shirt. Custom printed. 100% fine jersey cotton, except for heather grey (90% cotton).Buy the t-shirt


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A unique log-style candlestick will be a talking point at your next dinner party. Available in three sizes – group different sizes together for a statement piece. Candle is not included.
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By COREY BLUEMELStaff Writer
Blaine Luke retired from the Utah State Parks service after nearly 28 years of service on Dec. 31, 2003. A celebration was held in honor of his service on Dec. 11, 2003 at the John Wesley Powell River History Museum in Green River. State parks employees from across the state participated in the tribute.
Cortland Nelson and Gordon Topham made the first presentation to Luke. Nelson gave a brief history of Luke's work assignments. "Blaine's first assignment was in Goblin Valley. The family would stay out there in the summer then move back into Green River for the winter. After several years, he was moved to Dead Horse Point. He was there for a while then he was moved back to Green River where he has been ever since. Blaine has taken care of Goblin Valley and has overseen the building of the golf course at the state park here in Green River."
"Good luck to you Blaine in whatever you choose to do now," said Topham. Both men presented Luke with a plaque that had pictures of his post class, the badges he wore over the years and the belt buckles that were part of his uniform.
Tim Smith of the Moab office said, "Blaine has been involved in the off highway vehicle program, the Green River and Goblin Valley state parks and the construction of the golf course. He is very community oriented, has had many church jobs, has helped coach the high school basketball team and the golf team. His dad Kean, hired me when he was with the state parks, so I know this family and I have enjoyed knowing and working with these guys." Smith also acknowledged the state park groups from around the state that took part in preparing the luncheon.
Green River Mayor Glen Dale Johnson remarked that, "Only a few times in your life you get the privilege to work with someone you admire. I've had that opportunity for the past six years."
Emery County Commissioner Drew Sitterud said, "Emery County is proud of Blaine. He has given his full service to Emery County. Thank you and congratulations."
Luke himself said, "It's been a wonderful 30 years. I appreciate all my friends and family who have supported me for so many years. The community has been great to us all. Everyone makes me feel like a special person. Thanks for coming. My supervisors over the years have been more like friends, and that's how it's supposed to be."
Luke stated that he will be spending more time at Joe's Valley. The family has interests in the Sportmans Lodge there, and he will be making some improvements. He will be traveling back and forth for a few years as his wife will continue her teaching job at Bookcliff Elementary.


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Miles City Field Office
|Release Date: 11/28/11
BLM Resource Advisory Council Meeting Set
The Bureau of Land Management Eastern Montana Resource Advisory Council will meet Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the BLM office located at 111 Garryowen Road in Miles City.
The meeting is open to the public and will start at 8:00 a.m. in the main conference room. The public comment period will be 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Interested persons may make oral presentations or file written statements for the council to consider. Depending on the number of persons wishing to comment and time available, the time for individual oral comments may be limited.
Topics at the meeting will include council administrative business, Billings and Miles City Field Office updates, councilmember briefings to the BLM on resource management issues.
The purpose of Resource Advisory Councils is to advise the Secretary of the Interior through the BLM on a variety of issues associated with public land management. For more information contact BLM RAC Coordinator Mark Jacobsen at (406)233-2831.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of Americas public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. In Fiscal Year 2015, the BLM generated $4.1 billion in receipts from activities occurring on public lands.
Miles City Field Office 111 Garryowen Road Miles City, MT 59301
|Last updated: 06-28-2012
|USA.GOV | No Fear Act | DOI | Disclaimer | About BLM | Notices | Social Media Policy
|Privacy Policy | FOIA | Kids Policy | Contact Us | Accessibility | Site Map | Home


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Fossil Maddox Platform Pump
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Item # 270330
Keep it simple and stylish in the Fossil Maddox. This platform pump can be dressed up or down for a chic look.
- Distressed faux leather upper
- Also available in a faux leather black & camel
- Oversized buckle overlay at round toe
- ½" platform, 3¼" chunky heel
- Rubber sole
- Imported
By: Nyds
Location: Monterrey, Mexico
June 09, 2013
Stylish and comfortable!
"Fossil is a greaaat brand, always aking care of quality and details. So:Size: fits true to size.Quality: great leather and finishings for a very good price.Comfort:'perfect heel size to keep you balanced, not the most flexible shoe but comfortable enough to keep you happy through your working day and a bit after office fun.Style: look vintage and trendy even with your working outfits.Recommend!!! Good style-comfort balance.Hope this helps :)."
By: atrahan
Location: abbeville, la
December 28, 2012
just so so
"I loved these shoes-until I tried them on. I really wanted them to fit. They are definitely not worth the $. My toes were all scrunched up and there was no cushion."
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Drake, Balotelli, and Football in America
Football is growing in America. The TV ratings are on the rise, and will do more so come NBC's takeover of the English Premier League, but there has been a more recent outburst by a certain Grammy-winning artist. It has boosted soccer's exposure to the eye of the American public.
Last year, the world watched as he struck up a relationship with Mario Balotelli, the troubled Italian youngster, who has since found form with AC Milan. The two seem a bright duo, both members of popular culture who have influence over their respective regions.
Aubrey Graham, otherwise known as 'Drake,' has took the hip-hop, rap, and R&B worlds by storm. His verse off of 'The Motto', a track from his second album 'Take Care' led to the use of the term YOLO (you only live once), which has permeated American society.
Meanwhile, Balotelli's swagger and antics, of which I have been incredibly critical, has brought him to the top of society's charts. One week ago, US-based Time Magazine listed Balotelli as one of the one-hundred most influential people in the wrold. Categorized by Time as an 'Icon,' Balotelli certainly fits that mold. His controversial acts, combined with his ability to, "shrug off things happening around him," that according to an excerpt from the brief feature on the Italian by Gianfranco Zola, make him the quintessential star of the modern popular environment. His listing here, mainly due to his confrontation of European racism, validates his status on one of the magazine's most prestigious lists of the year.
Having a footballer, outside of the populist Messi, Ronaldo, or Beckham on said list is certainly a step in the right direction for US football.
Transitioning to the man known as 'Drizzy', who does not appear on TIME's 100, though he most certainly will soon, his ability to drop #1 hits is sensational. In his recent music, he is either mentioning football or alluding to it.
Drake's latest hit, 'Started from the Bottom' has done extraordinarily well, as would be expected from the man who has put out some of the game's hottest records. While the song does not explicitly mention soccer, the music video certainly does. For reference, the video's official YouTube page has attracted about 46.5 million views. That does not include the other copies of the video floating about the web. The video sits at #19 on iTunes as well.
When one opens up the feature, they are subjected to our game. The opening scene depicts a young Graham driving down the pitch with a team of kids. It is worth noting that Drake's side sports a red uniform, a possible shout-out to Toronto FC, his hometown's team, as they play a team dressed in blue, who may or may not represent the Canadian team's rivals, Montreal Impact, though none of that has been confirmed. Their charge forward begins behind half, presumably representing the bottom, and ends with Drake striking the ball past the keeper, before being lifted by his fellow teammates.
Drizzy does not stop with soccer there, as he throws down a line in his unreleased track '5AM in Toronto,' which must reference Balotelli. After beating his chest for the majority of the freestyle, which he has every right to do, he pauses to ask, "Straight, Y pree? Why is it always me?" Presumably, Drake is speaking of his Italian friend's famous or infamous, depending on how you view it, celebration against Manchester United in that legendary 6-1 victory at Old Trafford.
This is not Drake's first Balotelli line, as he begins his guest verse in Aaliyah's 'Enough Said' with the words, "Went from my [boy] serving it by the tele/to venues in Manchester just swerving with Balotelli." Dropping the UK term, before referencing Balotelli's former city (the song was released before Mario's move home), Drizzy continues to show his love for the game, as he alludes not only to one of its top talents, but also to their personal connection. Drake and Balotelli's first known public appearance was made nearly one year ago. For football's sake, let us hope that artists like Drake continue to refer to the beautiful game in their top records. The popularity of such stars and their relationship with the sport can only aid soccer's status in the States.


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Badgley Mischka Sahara Leather Flat
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Item # dsw12prod3760181
Captivate him in this bedazzled flat. The Badgley Mischka Sahara is the perfect way to compliment your look.
- Metallic leather upper
- Embellished brooch at vamp
- Leather lining
- Leather sole
- Imported
- Online Exclusive!
By: Uchi
Location: Hollywood, FL
November 20, 2012
classy and comfy
"Loving my Badgley Mischka! They are sooo beautiful, run perfect, and since they are high quality they are very comfortable!"
By: Kristiana
Location: Midwest and Toronto
October 03, 2012
Gorgeous flat
"Beautiful flat with beautiful craftsmanship. I bought the pewter; which, you can dress up or dress down with ease. Amazing price for such a nice shoe. It comes with dust bag as well. Do not miss out!"
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Saucony Ride 6 Lightweight Running Shoe - Mens
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Item # 310460
The men's Ride 6 from Saucony is made for runners that need stability and has been updated to be more in tune to the runner's needs than ever.
This men's running shoe is best for the neutral runner. What is pronation?
- Breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlay for structured support
- Lace-up closure
- Padded collar and tongue for comfort
- Breathable HydraMAX™ lining wicks away moisture
- Molded EVA ComfortLite™ insole contours to the shape of your foot
- PowerGrid™ midsole features Grid technology to help center the foot and provides superior sock absorption
- SRC (Super Rebound Cushioning) Impact Zone at heel absorbs impact and sets the foot up for a smooth transition
- XT-900™ carbon rubber heel provides superior durability in this high-wear area
- Triangular iBR+ pads in the forefoot and heel work with flex grooves to provide flexibility and responsiveness
- Flex grooves allow for enhanced flexibility and a smooth stride
- 8 mm drop from heel to toe
- Weight: 9.6 oz. (men's size 9)
- Imported
- View more Saucony
*Your pronation type is determined by the natural motion your feet apply throughout your running gait. When you pronate your foot rolls from either the outer edge, inner edge or not at all. If your foot rolls to the outer edge when you run, you are an underpronator, if it rolls to the inner edge you are a overpronator and if your foot doesn't roll at all you are a neutral or stable runner.
Find the the best running shoe for your pronation type:
By: LyonsZoo
Location: Illinois
June 17, 2014
Husbands Favorite
"This is my husbands third pair ... he keeps going back to this style because of their comfort. Last pair lasted 2 years! Love the yellow color. Great price, fast shipping, what more could I ask for!"
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Universal/Gettyâ Images
A movie's opening lines can make or break the entire film. How much do you know about these famous first lines?
Start Quiz »
You scored
0 out of 30
Question 1 of 30
"The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air."
"I Am Legend"
"The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring"
Galadriel's opening line, featured in "The Lord of The Rings," begins a story that spans three films.
"World War Z"
Question 2 of 30
"Hey! Hey, baby. What's going on here?
"My Fair Lady"
"Breakfast at Tiffany's"
Truman Capote wrote "Breakfast at Tiffany's," which was adapted into a 1961 film starring Audrey Hepburn.
"Roman Holiday"
Question 3 of 30
"What can you say about a 25-year-old girl who died? That she was beautiful and brilliant? That she loved Mozart and Bach, the Beatles, and me?"
"I Never Sang For My Father"
"Love Story"
That's more or less the whole movie plot summed up. Ali MacGraw played "Jenny," who falls for a preppy guy in "Love Story."
Question 4 of 30
"As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster."
Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas" hit theaters in 1990 and received six Oscar nominations.
"The Godfather"
Question 5 of 30
"What's your name again?" "Chrissie." "Where are we going?" "Swimming."
"Jaws" became an instant sensation and sent a shiver down the spines of ocean lovers everywhere.
"Creature From The Black Lagoon"
"The Lake House"
Question 6 of 30
"Citizen Kane"
Orson Welles not only starred in "Citizen Kane," but he directed and co-wrote it, too.
"The Maltese Falcon"
Question 7 of 30
"It was on a side road outside of Los Angeles. I was hitchhiking from San Francisco down to San Diego, I guess. A half-hour earlier, I'd thumbed a ride."
"My Friend Irma"
"Miracle on 34th Street"
"The Postman Always Rings Twice"
Released in 1946, "The Postman Always Rings Twice" garnered great reviews that cemented its place in film lore.
Question 8 of 30
"All right, Charlie. That the joint?"
"The Tingler"
"The Apartment"
"Some Like It Hot"
Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis starred in "Some Like It Hot," a 1959 romantic comedy that still sets audiences roaring with laughter.
Question 9 of 30
"Please, sir, I want some more."
The movie "Oliver" is based on the Charles Dickens book titled "Oliver Twist."
"Curly Top"
Question 10 of 30
"I had the craziest dream last night. I was dancing the white swan."
"Black Swan"
Natalie Portman starred in "Black Swan," an ominous movie featuring an unhinged ballet dancer.
"Snow White"
"The Eagle"
Question 11 of 30
"I was 12 going on 13 the first time I saw a dead human being."
"Stand By Me"
"Stand By Me" was actually based on a Stephen King novella called "The Body."
Question 12 of 30
"Watch this shot now. Shoot man. Go."
"South Pacific"
"West Side Story"
In 1961 "West Side Story" was adapted from a musical and made into a movie.
Question 13 of 30
"All right, so this is the world and there are 5 billion people on it. When I was a kid there were 3. It's hard to keep up."
"Jerry Maguire"
That's right, in 1996, when "Jerry Maguire" hit theaters … there were only 5 billion people on Earth.
"Rain Man"
Question 14 of 30
"I'm 36 years old, I love my family, I love baseball, and I'm about to become a farmer. But until I heard the voice, I'd never done a crazy thing in my whole life."
"A League of Their Own"
"Bull Durham"
"Field of Dreams"
Kevin Costner plows up a field to make a baseball diamond in "Field of Dreams," which was released in 1989.
Question 15 of 30
"I believe in America. America has made my fortune."
"Wall Street"
"The Godfather"
Francis Ford Coppola directed "The Godfather" in 1972.
"Donnie Brasco"
Question 16 of 30
"Show them the courage of Allah!"
"Blackhawk Down"
"Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves"
In "Prince of Thieves," Kevin Costner shoots up a storm with his trusty bow.
"Top Gun"
Question 17 of 30
"I owe everything to George Bailey. Help him, Dear Father."
"Gone With The Wind"
"It's A Wonderful Life"
"It's A Wonderful Life" actually didn't do very well at first but has since become an American classic.
Question 18 of 30
"What came first, the music or the misery?"
"High Fidelity"
Music takes center stage in "High Fidelity," which follows the life of music store owner Rob Gordon.
"Dazed and Confused"
Question 19 of 30
"What are you doing? You don't stop here…"
"Mulholland Drive"
No, seriously, don't stop here … unless you want your mind warped. "Mulholland Drive" showed David Lynch's weird imagination in full bloom.
"Blue Velvet"
Question 20 of 30
"He even took the gramophone on safari."
"Out of Africa"
"Out of Africa," starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, took home an amazing seven Oscar awards.
"Legends of the Fall"
"Empire of the Sun"
Question 21 of 30
"I will tell you of William Wallace. Historians from England will say I am a liar. But history is written by those who have hung heroes."
"Braveheart" stars Mel Gibson looking wild-eyed and crazy and well, like himself.
"King Arthur"
Question 22 of 30
"There's two kinds of people in the world - winners… and losers."
"Mean Streets"
"Little Miss Sunshine"
Two Oscars later, the dark humor of "Little Miss Sunshine" is Hollywood history.
"Talladega Nights"
Question 23 of 30
"Who are you?" "I am Death."
"Night of the Living Dead"
"The Seventh Seal"
This Ingmar Bergman flick, "The Seventh Seal," is all about the Black Death.
"Village of the Damned"
Question 24 of 30
"No matter what they say, it's all about money."
"Pretty Woman"
Garry Marshall directed, "Pretty Woman," which made Julia Roberts into a household name.
"Wall Street"
"Top Gun"
Question 25 of 30
"All right, everyone! This ... is a stick-up. Don't anybody move! Now empty that safe!"
"The Town"
"Toy Story"
Andy's imagination brings his favorite toys to life in "Toy Story."
Question 26 of 30
"In Jailhouse Rock, Elvis was everything rockabilly's about -- living fast, dying young and leaving a good-looking corpse."
"Hard Rain"
"True Romance"
"True Romance" is a 1993 film starring Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette, whose characters fall in love.
"The Big Lebowski"
Question 27 of 30
"When I was lying there in the V.A. hospital, with a big hole blown through the middle of my life, I started having these dreams of flying. I was free. Sooner or later though, you always have to wake up."
Thus begins, "Avatar," which became the first movie ever to gross more than $2 billion at the box office.
"Pearl Harbor"
Question 28 of 30
"People do not give it credence that a young girl could leave home and go off in the wintertime to avenge her father's blood, but it did happen."
"True Grit"
The 2010 Coen Brothers movie, "True Grit," shows a young girl out for revenge.
"High Noon"
"Grey Owl"
Question 29 of 30
"Only ever met one man I wouldn't wanna fight."
"Million Dollar Baby"
Hilary Swank starred in "Million Dollar Baby," all about a female boxer who wins big.
Question 30 of 30
"We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the drugs began to take hold."
"Leaving Las Vegas"
"Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas"
Based on some of Hunter S. Thompson's weird experiences, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" stars a freaked-out Johnny Depp.
"Natural Born Killers"


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Showing 1-10 of 10 items found in Outdoors & Play
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Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area
The Middle Fork State Fish & Wildlife Area consists of 2,700 acres of grass, forest and cropland, and wildlife habitat. The area also includes a portion of the Middle Fork River, a State and National Scenic River, with over 1,000 feet of scenic corridor for canoeing and fishing. The area also allows for hunting, hiking, picnicking, and camping.
The 3000 acre park includes a seven mile backpack trail among its 15 miles of trail system. Boats and canoes are available for rental in season, and seven lakes are available for fishing. Hunting of pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, dove, waterfowl, goose, mushrooms, turkey, and deer is permitted (Illinois and Vermilion County Conservation District regulations apply).
Heron County Park Wetlands Boardwalk
950 foot floating boardwalk. Songbirds, season migratory birds, and waterfowl such as Canadian geese, mallards, wood ducks, kingfishers, green herons, and American egret all flock to the area. Also includes an observation tower to take in the "wide-angle" view.
Lake Vermilion County Park includes a boat ramp, dock complex, concession building, playground, and an open shelter. The park is open year round and considered 'high-use' during summer weekends with power boating (unlimited HP), jet skiing, water skiing, and fishing tournaments. Wildlife observation includes herons, river otters, and eagles. Lake Vermilion, 1,000 acres in size, is one of Illinois' most heavily stocked fishing lakes with bass, tiger muskies, catfish, crappie, and walleye being frequently fished.
Guests have the opportunity to rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats to explore the rivers and lakes at Kickapoo State Park. Canoe and kayak trips (8 or 13 mile) are offered or rentals can be done by the hour. Following your adventure, guests can grab a bite to eat at the on-site Dockside Cafe which offers live music throughout the summer.
Whether you have been golfing your entire life, or have just begun to appreciate the game, Harrison Park Golf Course offers a membership option that suits you and your family. Our challenging Par 71 golf course and friendly staff ensures our members will enjoy bringing guests out for a drink, as well as perfecting their game. Our prices are as competitive as any course in the area, and course conditions and aesthetics parallel or exceed any other golf course around.
Turtle Run Golf Club offers a par 72 championship golf course, designed by Jim Spears and opened in 1970, with four sets of tee lengths to fit players of all skill and experience levels. In addition to the golf course, Turtle Run offers a fully stocked golf shop, public swimming pool, bar and grill, and banquet center.
Wolf Creek Golf Club - Danville
This nine-hole course is open to the public seven days a week. Its two sets of tees both have a par of 36.
Middle Fork Canoe at Forest Glen
Scenic canoeing and kayaking on the Middle Fork National Scenic River, Big Vermilion River, and Salt Fork River.
Forest Hills Christmas Tree Farm
Owned and Operated by Greg and Jennifer Martindill and Family. Open Weekends, Saturday and Sunday starting the weekend after Thanksgiving to Christmas, 10 a.m. to dark. Pick and cut down your own - Saws provided. Scotch Pine Christmas Trees ~ $35 Any size - Table top, Family or Grand Entry.
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Ippolita silver necklace from If I Stay seen with Mireille Enos (Kat Hall)
As Seen on Kat Hall (Mireille Enos) in If I Stay
SUPER COOL MOM: In the teen drama If I Stay, Kat (Mireille Enos) is a super laid-back parent. She even encourages her daughter to stay out late. Her eclectic style of leopard prints and knit sweaters is a small remnant of or glorious ex-punk days that blur the lines between parent and child.
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The Evolving International Judiciary
Karen J. Alter
Northwestern University - Department of Political Science; University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Law - iCourts Center of Excellence
June 6, 2011
Annual Review of Law & Social Science, Forthcoming
Northwestern Law & Econ Research Paper No. 11-16
Northwestern Public Law Research Paper No. 11-50
Buffett Center for International and Comparative Studies Working Paper Series No. 11/002
This article explains the rapid proliferation in international courts first in the post WWII and then the post Cold War era. It examines the larger international judicial complex, showing how developments in one region and domain affect developments in similar and distant regimes. Situating individual developments into their larger context, and showing how change occurs incrementally and slowly over time, allows one to see developments in economic, human rights and war crimes systems as part of a longer term evolutionary process of the creation of international judicial authority. Evolution is not the same as teleology; we see that some international courts develop and change while others stay at in their same role and with the same low level of activity for long periods of time. The evolutionary approach of this article suggests that building judicial authority evolves through practice and takes time, and that the overall international judicial context and developments in parallel institutions shape the development of individual ICs.
Number of Pages in PDF File: 43
Keywords: International Courts & Tribunals, International Regime Complexity, Cold War, Historical Institutionalism
JEL Classification: K30, K33
Date posted: June 8, 2011 ; Last revised: September 1, 2015
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Feb. 12, 2014
GALESBURG—An impressive shooting night from long range powered the Carl Sandburg College men's basketball team to a 100-66 Arrowhead Conference victory over Illinois Valley on Tuesday night at John M. Lewis Gymnasium.
The Chargers (14-10, 4-4) picked up their second straight victory on the strength of a 14-for-28 effort from 3-point range. Freshman guard Vince Gooden (Markham, Ill./Tinley Park) led the way with a game-high 25 points, highlighted by 6-of-12 shooting from beyond arc.
Sophomore forward Aaron Powers (Springfield, Ill./Lanphier) added 22 points, and sophomore forward Jeremy Brown (Chillicothe, Ill./Illinois Valley Central) scored 20 off the bench. Sandburg drained nine 3s in the first half to lead 53-34 at the break.
"We shot the ball well, but I really liked the way we moved the ball tonight," Chargers coach Ryan Twaddle said. "We had good passing, but we also made the extra pass a lot, which led to some really quality shots."
Drake O'Donnell and Torrance Johnson each scored 12 to lead the Eagles. Ross Arteaga and Mike McCray also had 10 apiece for IVCC.
The Chargers will look to push their winning streak to three games when they play at Black Hawk at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
Vince Gooden


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The next time you take an exotic cruise with the buddies, make sure you bring comfortable and reliable sandals! You won't have to worry about your sandals breaking with these La Costa sandals from Vans. They feature a waffle pattern grip on both the sole and footbed for a grip that'll make you never want to take them off! Not to mention you will be the most stylin' person on the cruise.
- Imported
- Foam-lined upper
- Sandalsiders line
- Classic Vans rubber outsole
- Padded insole
- Woven branding tag
- Made in the USA
- Brand: Vans
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[Please note that the webcast will begin at approx 12:30 PM.]
The Internet sector frequently finds itself at the intersection of global business and human rights. Please join us for this luncheon workshop at the Carnegie Council, in which we'll ask: How can companies respond responsibly to new human rights challengeswithout undermining their profits?
To help discover answers, Ebele Okobi-Harris, director of Yahoo's Business and Human Rights program, will share Yahoo's experience in the Taiwan market and how it informs the company's approach to human rights. Abbi Tatton, former CNN reporter and current YouTube manager of Global Communications, will discuss YouTube's human rights policies regarding videos posted to the site.
Both corporations work closely with non-governmental organizations to develop their human rights responses. Rachel Davis, advisor on the UN project to write Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, is now working to help corporations put the principles in practice. Susan Morgan, executive director of Global Network Initiative, uses the Guiding Principles to inform a set of principles geared directly at technology companies.
Workshops for Ethics in Business is a monthly interactive series to promote best standards in business ethics.
Julia Taylor Kennedy will moderate this event.
Speakers: Ebele Okobi-Harris, Abbi Tatton, Rachel Davis, Susan Morgan
Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs
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New York, NY 10065-7478
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Betsey Johnson Trimm Pump
Sorry, this item is sold out!
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Looks like you've got more shoe shopping to do - have fun!
Item # 242637
Turn up the heat in the Betsey Johnson Trimm. This patent pump is sassy, unique, and trendy enough to complement your style.
- Faux patent leather upper
- Cutout butterfly design at pointed toe
- 4½" covered heel
- Synthetic sole
- Imported
By: jlhoover123
Location: Woodbridge, VA
February 04, 2013
Too small and uncomfortable
"I read the reviews and most people said they run narrow. I have an extremely narrow foot, so I thought I'd be able to fit these shoes. Not so! The shoes are also short. I'm a standard 7.5, but I would need an 8...if I chose to keep them. They are very tall, which is normally fine for me, but these have no support or cushion at the ball of the foot, which is where there is the most pressure. Overall, these shoes are small, narrow, and uncomfortable. The color is great, though."
By: shoejunkee
Location: Atlanta
January 19, 2013
"These are hot! I bought them in the teal color too. They are so sexy and color is true to picture. Order up! Very narrow shoe. They are not comfortable at all but that's the price we pay for a hot shoe. They are S E X Y !"
By: Jbronk
Location: Nigeria
January 09, 2013
Not satisfied at all
"I bought this shoe at $59.95 and i wear a size 7 and on readin the review, i decided to stick with the flow cos the shoe is very attractive so i decided to buy a 7.5. I recevied the shoe and my foot couldnt fit at all. I cant even force myself through. its sad. I cant return cause i got the shoe after 28days. To cap it, the price has also dropped. i love shoes! i love DSW! not this one."
By: snows
Location: Salt Lake City, utah
January 06, 2013
Super cute
"Shoe is very cute but runs small. Go up a size or two."
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Good morning, beloved,
I woke to find this prayer on my Kindle today from St. Francis of Assisi. Let's begin with this:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
Remember the power of your actions, your responses. Can you think past your political views to see the need for prayer?
1 Timothy 2: First of all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men,
2 For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way.
3 For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior…
When we look to outward circumstances as our source for hope, we forget.
Jeremiah 32: 27 Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for Me?
The Lord Jehovah, the Existing One! Not only does He name Himself as the Jehovah but He also says God..'elohiym..the One True God, over all flesh. Is anything too hard? This word, hard, actually means: to be marvelous be wonderful, be surpassing, be extraordinary, separate by distinguishing action.
13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].
19 And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Read it again. 😉 Be careful in how you use these verses. Francis Chan comments in this short video:
You have everything you need in Christ. I have everything I need in Christ. Your needs? (Careful you don't stick in wants.) He's handling it. His riches? Not as the world sees. Don't look at these verses with the eyes of our society. God is not our McDonald's order window. He is God and there is no other.
Pray on. Pray on.


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- 23" Outseam
- 70% Polyester/30% Viscose
- Custom square Rusty button & zip fly
- Embroidered Rusty logo
- Imported
- Rusty tailored walkshorts
- Two back welt pockets
- Two front slash pockets
- Woven Rusty tags
- Yarn dye plaid
- Made in the USA
- Brand: Rusty
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John J. Castellani
President & CEO
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
Annual Meeting Address
Boston, Massachusetts
April 12, 2012
In our industry today, everyone uses familiar words to describe what we do: Innovation, progress, technology, value, science, partnership, solutions, jobs and so many more.
But to resonate, these words must do more than just describe – they must tell our story.
One way we are bringing this narrative to life is through video libraries at PhRMA's website and Facebook page, containing some of the amazing stories to which we in the biopharmaceutical research industry must always return.
They include explanations of how medicines are developed and interviews with researchers talking about the impact and promise of their exciting work.
But most importantly there are patient stories. The stories of the men, women and children whose lives are better and whose hope for the future is strong in part because of the medicines developed by PhRMA member companies.
One story, called "A recipe for hope" belongs to Melinda Winner.
When you see her story, you'll realize how appropriate her name is.
Melinda has painful, acute arthritis. In spite of her constant pain, she moved to the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina hoping to use her talent and passion for cooking to help the region rebuild.
She and a partner run a small restaurant and catering business serving home-cooked meals to construction workers. Getting up every day and going to work, preparing meals and getting them out to her customers is a constant struggle.
She relies on special tools and kitchen techniques to get her through her day. She also relies on innovative medicines. She says: "without biologic drugs, I don't think I'd be here today. I was headed down that dark road."
And she says that these medicines "give me the freedom to dream and the freedom to live that dream."
Melinda's story is moving and inspiring but it's not unique.
Whether we're talking about arthritis, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, rare or chronic diseases, there are literally hundreds of thousands – if not millions – of Melinda Winners. People living their lives, fulfilling their dreams and contributing to their communities and families – all helped by medicines pioneered by a PhRMA member company.
Millions more wait for the next medical advancement to help prevent, treat or finally cure painful, debilitating and even deadly conditions.
Melinda's story brings home the fact that all of us in this room share something with her. We – you, me, all of us – will one day, for one reason or another, be a patient.
This truth leads to questions we must ask ourselves – as well as our allies, policymakers and, yes, our critics.
Knowing you were or will again be a patient, how do we – as an industry and a society – ensure that innovative medicines are available in your time of need?
How do we support the R&D necessary to keep the medicine pipeline flowing for every American and for patients around the globe?
This truth also reminds me of how fortunate I am.
My 96-year-old father is active, spry and healthy – hopefully for many years to come. But one day he will again be a patient.
Also, maybe not today, but I, my wife, my sons, my daughters-in-law and even my 15-month-old grandson – that brilliant toddler that too many of you have heard me bragging on – will one day be patients too.
My hope – especially for my grandson – is that we will have innovative medicines and yet unimagined medical options available to help treat what ails us, ease our pain, manage and cure our diseases.
I know you share that hope for yourself and those you love.
That is why this industry exists.
That is why we must make sure that the innovation pipeline keeps flowing, that new treatments and cures keep coming and that America – patients, policymakers, healthcare professionals, everyone – understand that this industry is dedicated to finding solutions to our healthcare challenges.
While thinking about a bold pro-patient, pro-innovation, pro-economic growth agenda for PhRMA, I came upon something the science fiction writer and futurist, Arthur C. Clark, said about technology and innovation.
Clark, as some of you may know, wrote 2001: A Space Odyssey and other novels and screenplays.
He was a visionary. He is credited in the late 1940s with proposing use of geostationary communications satellites to revolutionize global communications.
His vision is today's reality.
Clark was also famous for his three laws:
- When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong.
- The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.
- Any sufficiently advanced science is indistinguishable from magic.
These laws seem particularly relevant to our industry, but I want to reverse the order.
We know what we do is not magic.
Yet, not so long ago, our accomplishments and the scope of our medical capabilities would certainly seem like magic to physicians and patients.
For nearly 1800 years, the Greco-Roman idea of the proper balancing of the four humors – blood, yellow bile, phlegm and, my favorite, black bile – governed western medicine.
But bold, innovative, counter-intuitive and risky experimentation – much of it pioneered by chemists and pharmacists – revolutionized medicine. The results are that people today are living longer, healthier lives than ever before.
Now, once deadly diseases like small pox and polio have been nearly eradicated. And, people today live with chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease that once killed our not-so-distant ancestors.
In fact, life expectancy in the U.S. and in other developed countries has increased so greatly that we begin to face an emerging policy challenge of how to support a growing and increasingly healthy population of senior citizens.
This "magic" resulted from difficult, innovative, sometimes brilliant and often failed scientific research.
In short, Clark's 2nd law: discovering the limits of the possible by venturing a little way past into the seemingly impossible.
For example, anyone who knows the story of cancer – brilliantly detailed, by the way, in the book The Emperor of All Maladies – understands how researchers and patients risked everything to do the impossible:
That is, buy a patient and their family a few months more here and a year or two there.
In the book, Siddhartha Mukherjee recounts how the staff of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute here in Boston were reunited with Einar (Eye-nar) Gustafson, otherwise known as "Jimmy," a truck driver from upstate Maine.
Jimmy – the namesake of the nationally-known Jimmy Fund – came to Farber's clinic as a boy in the 1950s with intestinal lymphoma. He was presumed long dead. But this was not so.
Mukherjee touchingly described the 1998 reunion:
"Everything has changed … The rooms, the patients, the drugs. But more than anything, survivorship had changed."
In a nutshell, this captures our industry's contributions to health and humanity.
Today, we can beat some cancers. We can manage others as chronic conditions.
We've real hope of new treatments for many more – nearly 900 new cancer medicines are in the pipeline.
We can and should be proud of our contribution in the war on cancer and other diseases – both for what it does for patients as well as how it is transforming the way medicine is practiced.
Think about diabetes, stomach ulcers and heart disease. Once, very costly hospitalizations and surgery were the standard of care. Today, we can better treat these conditions with medicines and, as a result, we have improved the quality of patients' lives and reduced costs for both patients and our healthcare system.
In this context, also think about ongoing challenges like HIV/AIDS.
Just thirty years ago there were no treatments. If you got HIV/AIDS, you went to the hospital, required massive medical intervention and you died.
But pharmaceutical companies, academic and government researchers, patients, their families and healthcare professionals rallied together to push HIV/AIDS research forward.
Today, HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence. It is a disease that for many can be treated as a chronic condition.
Patients are living with it and enjoying longer, more productive lives.
And this brings me to Clark's first law: brilliant researchers and scientists believe that a final HIV/AIDS cure is possible – maybe soon, maybe not, but possible.
They say the same about a growing number of cancers, rare diseases and many of today's chronic conditions.
Realizing these possibilities will take hard work, perseverance and huge investment.
It will require pushing back the boundary of what is possible today.
To get there, we must plan for success. We must foster an innovative eco-system that inspires science, rewards investment, promotes regulatory consistency and transparency, and values how innovative medicines improve health.
We've made great strides towards this goal. Our work on patent reform, ensuring appropriate data protection for innovative biologics and, soon, reauthorizing PDUFA to help ensure FDA has the resources and skill set necessary to keep up with our science, are strong steps forward.
So, when the public and policymakers say: "Don't tell us about yesterday, what are you doing for me today and tomorrow?" we can respond with authority.
We can point with pride to FDA's approval of 36 new molecular entities last year– one of the highest totals in the last decade – including: 11 for rare diseases; two new personalized medicines for lung cancer and melanoma; two first-in-class for Hepatitis C; and the first new treatment for Lupus since 1955.
We can point to our pipelines – the source of future solutions.
And, to those obsessed with the so-called patent cliff, consider this:
Today, there are more than 3,200 medicines in clinical trials or under FDA review in the U.S. – up from 2,400 six years ago. These are numbers to celebrate.
We can also take pride that our industry continues to make critical investments in the future even in the midst of economic uncertainty.
In 2011, PhRMA members invested an estimated $50 billion in R&D – just a fraction below the previous year's investment in a difficult economic environment to say the least.
Impressively, according to the National Science Foundation, our sector accounts for nearly 20 percent of all R&D funded and performed by U.S. businesses – the single largest share of all U.S. business R&D.
I repeat: our sector accounts for 20 percent of all R&D funded and performed by U.S. businesses. This is a staggering, underappreciated fact and we must shout it from the mountaintops.
There are two messages here for policymakers:
- To continue creating the healthcare solutions today and into the future, we need a strong, dynamic U.S. biopharmaceutical sector.
- To build our economy, create 21st Century jobs and stay globally competitive, we need a strong, dynamic U.S. biopharmaceutical sector.
Historically, America has welcomed medical innovation. It's why America leads the world in the field.
But you know as well as I that the R&D you do need not be based here.
Our global competitors understand this.
If we cannot make a clear, inescapable case for policies that inspire and reward medical advancement, if we only focus on today and what has been accomplished last month, last year or a decade ago, America will not remain a globally dominant force in biopharmaceuticals.
China, India, Russia, Singapore and other countries that understand the human and economic value of an innovative biopharmaceutical industry will reap the rewards, not American patients or the U.S. economy.
To our policymakers, we must demonstrate how this industry is nimbly evolving to meet new challenges. This includes:
- Shifting areas of research to target the greatest unmet needs – like Alzheimer's, cancers and Parkinson's;
- Identifying and implementing technological advances in the drug discovery process, with the goal of improving R&D productivity and efficiency; and,
- Embracing a wide range of partnerships and collaborations.
The Tufts report on partnerships unveiled this week underscores the power and importance of collaboration in today's medical ecosystem.
Since taking PhRMA's helm, I've asked you along with legislators, regulators, allies and other healthcare stakeholders: Let us find new ways to work together.
Only through new and stronger partnerships among business, academia, government, patients and healthcare professionals will we meet the challenges ahead.
Let's also demand policymakers be consistent.
For instance, we meet today in Massachusetts.
The state's $1 billion life sciences initiative is a perfect example of the kind of enterprise eco-system I've mentioned.
They've had impressive success leveraging technology, building local economies, creating new healthcare solutions and bringing those solutions to patients.
Massachusetts rightfully takes pride in these efforts.
Yet, Massachusetts – like so many states and the Federal government – sends mixed messages when it comes to our industry.
In addition to the positive initiatives I've mentioned, the state has adopted unprecedented restrictions on marketing and education by our companies, and some legislators continue pushing for policies that would restrict Bay Staters' access to innovative new medicines. Such inconsistencies are counterproductive.
Remember Melinda Winner the Arthritis patient. Under these policies, her doctors may not get the information they need to stay current with relevant treatment advances and her access to some medicines could be limited to yesterday's medical technology – generics versus the latest, best treatments for her needs.
Policymakers and the public have understandable concerns about access to and the cost of medicines. Concerns we share – both as men and women in the biopharmaceutical research business and as future patients.
But there is a bigger picture to consider – one of changing patient and health system needs; risky and costly R&D; increased global competition; and regulatory and oversight processes in need of modernization and improvement.
To understand and address this broader framework, we must remember three important challenges that shape every decision we make.
First, the science is hard and with every breakthrough and step forward, it gets harder.
Second, the fiscal environment remains daunting. Payers at all levels struggle to control costs. We must better make the case that medicines are part of the solution to rising costs.
Finally, every company here confronts the skepticism of investors weary of the risky, lengthy and often unsuccessful process of developing drugs.
When I think on these challenges and our accomplishments, I hear our critics and their often one-dimensional focus on cost, and I say: "How dare they?"
How dare they view the millions of lives extended, improved and saved and not see the contribution of the medicines we develop?
How dare they ignore our investment in communities, states and our national economic health through the millions of people directly and indirectly employed by PhRMA member companies?
How dare they fail to see the hurdles ahead – the cost of untreated Alzheimer's and preventable chronic diseases – or understand the national healthcare and economic disasters likely to result from inaction?
How dare they focus on the short-term budgetary gain at the expense of long-term societal health, productivity and savings?
And, how dare they question our commitment to responsible science and the patients we serve?
But such thoughts are overtaken by the inspiring stories of patients – like
Melinda Winner – whose lives are transformed in part because of innovative medicines created by this industry.
They are overtaken by the hope that my grandson may live to see a world where Alzheimer's, cystic fibrosis, cancers and Parkinson's may be prevented, managed and even cured.
And, they are overtaken by the knowledge that the development of new medicines helps both patients and contributes to a stronger, more flexible, and smarter American economy – one that can continue leading the medical revolution and compete globally.
So, let me close with this thought.
As our industry strives to make the impossible possible, the questions we pose to patients, to policymakers and to our critics are simple.
They are the questions I ask when I look at my grandson and my father:
How do we dare not go forward?
How do we dare not take on and beat cancer, Alzheimer's, HIV/AIDS and diabetes?
For our children, grandchildren and the great grandchildren we will hopefully live to know: how do we dare not see the progress of the last 100 years as a mere prologue to the magic that can be had over the next 100?
We know the answer. We are daring to do just that.