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OPERATOR: I would now like to turn the conference over to Mr. Robert McMahon. Sir, please begin.
ROBERT MCMAHON: Well, good morning, everyone. And welcome to this Council on Foreign Relations on-the-record media call. I am Robert McMahon, editor of CFR.org and I'll be moderating today's call on border security and U.S. immigration policy.
We are extremely well-equipped to dig into this topic by having on hand Senior Fellow Edward Alden, who is co-author of a just-released CFR report titled "Managing Illegal Immigration to the United States: How Effective is Enforcement?" And also Senior Fellow Shannon O'Neil, who's author of a new book, "Two Nations Indivisible: Mexico, the United States, and the Road Ahead."
I will talk to Shannon and Ted for a few minutes before opening up this call for questions. And I wanted to have them both start off with their perspectives on the immigration issue from each side of the border. Shannon, how is this situation different from 2007, especially from the perspective of Mexico, which you have been assessing in your new book?
SHANNON O'NEIL: You know, we see a lot of changes from Mexico over the last six or seven years. And that I do think will play into the immigration debates that we're just starting up, but also how we see and think about flows from Mexico going forward into the future.
And what's happened is, when you look back at the late 1990s or the early 2000s, which was really the peak of migration flows into the United States, they have dropped dramatically. And so for the last two years, the flows have been what demographers are calling a net zero, so a very similar number coming in every year as going out.
And there are a lot of reasons for this. One of the biggest reasons is economic. So obviously we've hit a rough patch the last few years here in the United States. And particularly over the last couple, Mexico has been doing much, much better. So there are more opportunities at home for Mexicans to stay at home.
Another reason, and Ted'll talk obviously about this more in detail, is the border buildup. And so that has made it much harder for Mexicans to come and go across the border, so discouraging some from traveling but also discouraging what had been for many, many years the modus operandi, which is that people would come for several months and then go back to Mexico. And so we're seeing much less movement back and forth during the year, over a couple years, that we did in the past from Mexico.
But the other really big change is demographic in Mexico. And you look at the average family size in, say, the late 1970s, and there were on average seven kids per family. You look forward to today, and there's just over two kids per family -- about the exact same number that we have here in the United States. And so as those numbers have changed, as family dynamics and family makeup has changed, you just each year have fewer and fewer Mexican kids coming of age, turning 18 every year. x x x year.
And that will continue into the future.
And then the final thing I would add to this is, as we've seen changing demographics, we've also seen changes in what people expect from family life. We've seen the rise of a middle class in Mexico. And one of the things that that middle class has cared about and used their disposable income to invest in is education. So over the last 25 years, the average number of years Mexicans stay in school has doubled. So when you're 15 years old in Mexico, perhaps 20 years ago you would have thought, I'm going to head north of the border and go look for a job, and now you're staying in school, you're going to finish high school and a third of Mexicans now go on to some sort of college education. So you're seeing a change in what the expectations are there.
So in looking forward for migration from the United States, we are going to see continued migration, whether it's because of differences in wages and the draw that you have here from the United States, particularly if our economy picks back up. You're going to see the draw of very close family links because so many people live on both sides of the border, have family and both sides of the border. But it's hard to imagine that we would ever again see the flows coming from Mexico that we did just 10 years ago.
MCMAHON: So the flow trends have clearly slowed, as you spell out, but we now have what's widely cited as this figure of 11 million or so of illegal immigrants. Many of them are Mexicans, as you say. There are family ties that are now almost a generation old. So -- and you say in your book, you know, the two sides need to be -- or the United States needs to be rethinking immigration border policies to, as you say, to encourage, not hinder, the legal movement of Mexican workers and their families. Do you -- do you see this as something that can emerge from the current debate?
O'NEIL: Yeah, I'm cautiously optimistic that we can -- that something will come out of this. And one is, because of these changes in Mexico, that some of the very heightened rhetoric and at times quite ugly rhetoric that we've seen over the last decade or so, if we -- if the flow is lower, if it flows less, then perhaps it takes a little bit of the heat out of this. So that's one change that I think is important.
The other change that we've seen that's really been quite dramatic just over the last six months or so is that the potential for the Latino vote -- which people talked about for many, many years -- it actually became a reality last November, and by most accounts, Hispanics, the majority of whom are Mexican of origin or their families are Mexican of origin, were quite influential in many swing states and pushed Obama and other senators and representatives and the like over the edge in terms of winning and get back to Washington or getting to Washington for the first time. So we see both parties, both the Democrats that have obviously the edge with Hispanic voters today, but also Republicans -- both of them are searching for a space to appeal to these voters, because this is the future of America -- a big part of the future of America. And so that, I think, is opening up the space for a broader discussion and some of the comprehensive reforms that we've seen.
And then finally, the other thing that I see quite different from 2007 in these immigration debates is the role of business. You look back in 2007, and to me they were almost absent from the negotiating table. And what we've seen over the last several months is that they are fully there. You have the high-tech sectors, the Facebooks and others who have made a big push to get a part of this discussion and make sure that guest worker programs and things are on the table.
But you've also seen traditional business, whether the U.S. Chamber of Commerce or others, also at the table, and this time reaching compromises with the labor unions and others in ways that they weren't able to, you know, six-plus years ago. So in there I see all of these factors coming together, what's changed in Mexico but then also what's changed here with the Latino voting demographic and others making a difference. So I'm cautiously optimistic that this grand bargain could come together.
MCMAHON: Thanks, Shannon. So huge changes in the last six years. And your recent report that you co-authored cites the fact that there's been this substantial decrease in the flow of undocumented migrants. It mentions that in terms of enforcement it could possibly explain about a third of the recent reduction in the flow.
But the report raises serious questions about how measurements are taken both at the border as well as the interior of the United States. Can you talk a little bit about that, some of the -- some of the main points the report is making?
EDWARD ALDEN: Yeah, thanks very much, Bob. And just want to quickly congratulate Shannon on her new book, which is wonderful, very readable. I highly encourage all of you to take a look at it.
And I would like to mention my co-authors on this paper. This was a big effort that involved two fine economists, Bryan Roberts and John Whitley, who for a number of years worked in the program analysis and evaluation branch at the Department of Homeland Security. John ran that organization for DHS. So these are two individuals who have spent a lot of time thinking about how to measure the performance of organizations, and particularly here in the border security context. So we really make four big points in the report that I will just run through quickly.
I mean, Shannon's point is absolutely accurate, that I -- there's no reason to believe, based on the demographics, on the economics, that we are going to see a large-scale resurgence of illegal migration from Mexico or from farther south in Central America.
But clearly, border enforcement is going to continue to be a real challenge -- obviously important politically in the current immigration reform debate. By all the metrics we used in our new paper -- and there are a number there that really haven't been talked about in public before. By all these metrics, there's been tremendous progress over the last decade -- the border patrol catching a significantly high percentage of those who try to enter illegally than it was able to do a decade ago, and there are dramatically fewer successful illegal entries. So the story on the enforcement side is one of significant continued progress.
The second point is that the Department of Homeland Security needs to do far more to measure outcomes and to report to Congress and the public on where things are working and not working in terms of border enforcement. And we spend billions of dollars every year on border enforcement. The overall figure for immigration enforcement is about $18 billion a year. And there's really no serious assessment going on in the government of what works and what doesn't work, and that's, at some levels, irresponsible with taxpayer dollars.
The department, for some sound reasons, rejected the standard that they'd used for many years, which was called operational control. And we can talk about that more in the questions if people are interested. I think there were good reasons for the department to get rid of that standard, but they've been promising, for the past two years, to come up with a new metric to assess progress on the border, and have failed to do that. And it's a real lack in the current debate that DHS hasn't come forward with that.
The third point that I want to make is that the numbers -- the analysis that we offer in this study -- and I would mention other tremendous work recently by the GAO in a December report and a brand new report that's out from the Congressional Research Service. If you look at these reports in tandem, there's a real opportunity here to shift the debate over border enforcement.
The right question is not the one that we've been asking for two decades and was clearly the question in the 2007 debate, you know, which is how many border patrol agents do we have on the border? How many miles of fencing do we have? How many cameras do we have? All kind of measures of input and effort. The right question is, what level of law enforcement success do we want as a country, and what are we willing to pay for it? What percentage of the people trying to enter illegally do we want to apprehend? How much do we want to drive those numbers down?
So is a 50 percent apprehension rate -- if we're catching one of two people who tries to enter illegally between the ports of entry -- is that good enough? And that's roughly the number we come up with in this report. And if not, what would it take to get to a 60 percent or a 70 percent or an 80 percent? There's a -- there's a little appendix at the end that looks at the Cold War border between East and West Germany, which is one of the most secure borders in modern history, and the Germans were very good at gathering data on outcomes at that border.
And what they discovered that about 5 percent of the people who tried to escape from East Germany to West Germany succeeded. So the apprehension rate on the inter-German border in the Cold War was 95 percent, and that was a border with, you know, no-man's land, barbed wire, floodlights, shoot to kill orders -- all sorts of things that we would never do on the border with Mexico.
MCMAHON: And a wall -- and a wall, should we say.
ALDEN: And a wall -- and a wall. So we need to -- we need to have a real debate over what it is -- what sort of goals we're trying to reach in terms of border enforcement.
And then, just quickly, one final point. Obviously, border enforcement can't be treated in isolation. I mean, we talk a little bit in the report about workplace and interior enforcement. If there's little good analysis of the effectiveness of border enforcement, there's basically none at all on workplace and interior enforcement.
I mean, the Department of Homeland Security could not give you a sensible answer to the question of, does it make more sense to hire an additional workplace inspector and to beef up worksite enforcement, because that will deter illegal immigration to the United States -- does it make more sense to do that or to hire additional border patrol agents? They've done no sort of analytical work to help answer that question. So that's a huge lack.
And then, finally -- which gets to the point you asked Shannon about at the end -- obviously, there's a balance here between enforcement and new legal options. We talk a little bit about the experience of the 1950s, when the U.S. had a very large temporary worker program called Bracero, and there were, of course, all sorts of problems with Bracero. And there were of course all sorts of problems with Bracero, we're not talking for -- about reviving Bracero. But if you look at the 1950s, you had pretty tough border enforcement and a big temporary worker program. And there was very little illegal migration from Mexico to the United States in the 1950s. So you have to -- looking at that experience, what we conclude is the combination of tough enforcement that discourages people from coming illegally and reasonable, legal options, either for temporary work or permit work in the United States, really would go a long way to maintaining control over that border going forward.
MCMAHON: And we should also mention obviously the -- this immigration reform effort is a sweeping one that involves skilled workers as well and also some other things that you've focused on quite a bit as part of the Renewing America Initiative, Ted. But we'll stick with this considerable focus on the -- on the border for now and see if it opens up in the questions.
I want to remind everybody on the call, this is a CFR on-the-record media conference call with Senior Fellows Shannon O'Neil and Edward Alden on border enforcement and immigration. And, Operator, at this point, I'd like to open up for questions, if we can.
OPERATOR: Yes, sir. (Gives queuing instructions.)
Our first question comes from Joel Millman with The Wall Street Journal.
MCMAHON: Yes, please go ahead.
OPERATOR: It looks like Mr. Millman has removed himself from the queue. (Gives queuing instructions.)
We have -- we have a question from Elisa Weirsma (ph) from ABC News.
QUESTIONER: I just wanted to ask, I haven't -- I haven't read the reports yet, but I was just wondering: So your studies are focused more on Mexico and immigrants coming from Mexico? What about illegal immigration from elsewhere? Have -- has there been any kind of -- has there been there any kind of data done on that, you know, people that maybe come from other countries and end up staying or anything like that? Is there any kind of records of other --
MCMAHON: Ted, you want -- Ted, you want to take that?
ALDEN: Well -- Shannon, do you want to talk a little bit about Central America? And then I'll talk about the issue of visa overstay, which is people coming from other places.
O'NEIL: Sure, so what we have seen is one of the big areas where people come from as well is from Central America. I mean, Mexico was always the biggest flows-in and about a third of the immigrants in the United States, so one of the biggest areas. And it, as I was mentioning before, has decreased substantially in the last several years.
Central American flows have not decreased, so those continue to come. I mean, one thing though is in terms of just absolute number of people from Central America, there's just fewer people, that Mexico is, you know, a country of 117 (million), 120 million people; Central America altogether is, you know, somewhere between 40 (million), 50 million people. So the numbers that are coming from Central America are lower. And the hurdles are greater, just because of the distance that individuals need to come.
But there are quite strong ties, both in terms of labor market movement and so networks for people who do make it here from Central America to easily or quite -- or fairly easily insert themselves into the U.S. labor force.
And there are increasingly very strong familial ties, so generations that have been here from -- whether it's El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and other places, so communities. And people are coming for both of those reasons, for family reasons as well as work reasons. And on that front, we have yet to see the declines that we've seen in Mexico.
Some of the demographic trends that I talked about in Mexico, they are also happening in Central America. But they aren't as far along as they are. But the trends are there. So you can imagine that we'll see some of the changes there. But what we haven't yet seen in Central America is a very steep decline in overall fertility rates, so that the number of kids per family, they're still a bit higher. And we haven't yet seen really the growth of a middle class, of this increasing prosperity, at least in some segments of the population that have been a big benefit in Mexico and that'll also help to reduce the migration north.
QUESTIONER: Thank you.
ALDEN: Yeah, so Mexico is by far the largest source country for unauthorized immigrants; Central America -- (inaudible) -- to Central America next. So the rest of the world, much smaller, so you know, we're talking some from Pakistan, some from India, some from South America, so the numbers here are much smaller now. But the main way people from other countries come and remain in the United States illegally is they travel on a legal visa and then they overstay their visa. They just don't go home. They fly here and they're legal when they come, but the six months or whatever term their visa is for expires, and they don't go home.
We discuss in the report the -- there has been significant progress -- more needs to be made, clearly -- but there's been significant progress in trying to assess and track the problem of visa overstays. So everybody who comes to the United States now, post 9/11, is fingerprinted. If you're coming by air into the United States you're fingerprinted so we know when you arrive.
There's a much better system now for matching that up with departure records. So we have a pretty -- the Department of Homeland Security has a pretty good sense of whether people are leaving on time. There are some holes in the system, but it's a much, much better system.
Again, it's frustrating because the department has promised for several years now to report to the Congress an overstay rate for each country -- a visa overstay rate. And they have pretty good data on this, but are still not reporting this number. And it would really help in the analysis.
A very good recent study by the demographer Robert Warren, looking at visa overstays in the decade of the 2000s, and the numbers are down quite dramatically. The evidence is that there are 80 percent fewer people overstaying visas than there were a decade ago. So the story on visa overstays in some ways is an even better story from the perspective of trying to control illegal migration than the -- than the border story.
MCMAHON: Thank you for that question. Operator, is there another question, please?
OPERATOR: Oh, yes. (Gives queuing instructions). Sir, at the time, we have no questions in the queue.
MCMAHON: OK. So I'd like to just step in with what some other countries have done. And, Ted, you recently wrote an op-ed about how Canada has approached it -- specifically how Canada's conservatives have approached immigration reform. And that they're seeing, not surprisingly, a great deal of success. Could you talk a little bit about that because I think there are parallels for what the situation is in the United States at this point?
ALDEN: Well, I think the political lessons, which is what I wrote about in that piece, are very interesting for the Republican Party because in Canada you had a similar sort of situation to what the Republicans find themselves in now, which is you had one party -- in the -- in the Canadian case the Liberal Party -- which basically took most of the vote from recent immigrants to Canada. And overall immigration levels to Canada on a -- on a per capita basis are actually higher than they are to the United States.
So that was a very important factor in the Liberals winning majority government after majority government in Canada, because they swept the immigrant vote. There were other factors as well, but that was a big one. And so the Conservative Party, about 10 years ago, woke up to the -- to this fact and decided to be much more aggressive in its outreach to immigrant communities.
So it just was -- party -- senior officials of the party, particularly Jason Kenney who's their immigration minister now, spent a lot of time going out and talking to people in the immigrant communities. Canada's pool of immigrants is incredibly diverse, from more than a hundred different countries, talking to people in these communities, finding out what their goals were, meeting them, pressing the flesh.
There were some important symbolic gestures that the Conservatives made when they won a minority government, for instance apologizing for what's called the Chinese head tax, which was sort of Canada's equivalent of the U.S. effort to exclude Chinese immigration in the late 19th century. So good politicking, some important symbolic acts.
And the Conservatives tried to come up with a platform in terms of tax and spending policy that would also be appealing to immigrant voters. In the 2011 election, the Tories in Canada took a majority of the immigrant vote and won a majority government. So it does show that there are political openings here.
I mean, it's hard to -- you can't necessarily draw a direct analogy to the United States, but if the Republicans were to do here what the Conservatives did in Canada, it certainly looks like there is the potential for significant electoral gain there from a serious outreach to immigrant communities, which the party's just never done.
MCMAHON: Right. At this point, it's -- it appears like there is a political battle in store. There's a bipartisan effort in the Senate, obviously, to get through a reform package. There is a number of amendments being attached already. There's certainly going to be a fierce debate in the House if it gets out of the Senate.
Shannon O'Neil, could you talk a little bit about what you -- what you touched on before, which is the changing -- the changing landscape politically of immigration reform and maybe a little bit more about the way business and maybe -- you know, I think you have everything from business to evangelical Christians and others who are part of this movement that maybe weren't as outspoken as they were in 2007?
O'NEIL: I mean, I think this is a very different environment for those reasons is -- I mean, one is, is this role of business. So we've seen, you know, Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg come out. We've seen Laurene Powell-Jobs, you know, Steve Jobs' widow. She started a group that focuses particular on Dreamers. So, I mean, some of these businesses groups have obviously their own interests. They're trying to push those on the agenda, but what is different is that they weren't there the last time or they didn't feel comfortable speaking up in the way that they do now and reaching out to not just Washington but reaching out to a broader public through, you know, many of these avenues, social media avenues and the like. And so I see that as quite different.
What you also see, as I mentioned before, is it's not just high-tech industries, which obviously care about the ability to expand the number of visas for those in the high-tech sector systems, sectors and the like -- you see it also on the traditional side. So the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has been very involved. They've been negotiating with the AFL-CIO and this time have actually come to at least some agreement, something that they were unable to do the last time around, and some people think was what last sunk the last time around. And while it didn't pass and really what it matters is whether it passes or not, in 2007, it got very close; it was just a few votes away from a comprehensive reform passing at that time. So in looking at it now/forward, you see some of these groups that really want reform actually using some of their political muscle on the table.
And then the other factor I mentioned, which I'll just reiterate, is that we've seen a change in the voting landscape here. And where -- how do you capture the Latino vote? And, you know, I mean, I think this will be something not just for this particular issue but for many issues in American society and American politics: How do you incorporate these groups into our, you know, political party system, and where will they go? I mean, historically -- and recently we saw that the vast majority are voting Democratic. But it's not necessarily a done deal that they stay Democratic, and so I think both Democrats and Republicans are searching around for ways to appeal to this group.
Right now, immigration issues are a big way to do that, and in part I would argue is because of the heated rhetoric we've seen over the last decade or so. It's -- of course, some of these groups felt that it's sort of broadly painted everyone who's of Mexican origin or Central American origin, and that's why I think there's a lot of concern about these issues. But you look at polls of Latino voters, and they care about what most Americans care about: They care about education, they care about security, they care about economic opportunity, they care about access to health care. These are the things that they think about. And so in that sense, if and when we get beyond the immigration reform, which is obviously front and center now for this group as well as other groups, so the Latino voting demographic, there are lots of issues that different candidates from whatever side of the aisle could be appealing to this group.
But it's also an evolving group. Because as much as today we're focused on immigrants that are coming here to the United States, you know, these flows are slowing down. And so in terms of voting, it's those that are second and third, fourth, fifth generation are the ones that politicians should be, and are, focusing on.
MCMAHON: I just want to follow up on that, Shannon, which gets into some of the key points in your book, which is that Mexico continues to be this little-understood story in that there are -- there is certainly a very nasty drug war continuing, but it's also -- there's an economic success story that the U.S. stands to benefit, you know, widely from. And I wish -- I would like if you could actually go in that a little bit more about how the U.S. could, through informed policy and through perhaps more -- shedding more light on what's going on in Mexico, could perhaps benefit from an enlightened reform of immigration and benefit from Mexico's upswing?
O'NEIL: Well, one of the tensions in the U.S.-Mexico relationship over the last several years has been immigration reform. And this government and the one before this government in Mexico, it's not that they are entering into the debate in the United States. We saw -- if you go back to the early 2000-2001, when George Bush had just come in and Vicente Fox was his counterpart in Mexico, and newly elected as well, that administration really did enter into the immigration debate, and they came up here and they were pushing for immigration reform. And his foreign minister, the Mexican foreign minister, dubbed this term, you know, we want the whole enchilada, which was, you know, we want a big comprehensive immigration reform. And as we all know, it didn't work out for many reasons -- 9/11 being one of them.
Now you look at the Mexican presidents, and they're not entering into this. They see it, and -- we recently had a visit of Obama to Mexico, and the president down there, Pena Nieto, was asked about immigration reform, and he said, basically, that, you know, we wish the American president well; we know he has a bigger agenda, and we're not entering into this debate, because they see it as a domestic policy issue in the United States and one that they don't want to enter into.
But that said, if there was some resolution on this, in particular that took out some of the heated rhetoric that's surrounded immigration reform and often focused on Mexican immigrants and others, I think it would change a bit U.S.-Mexico relations, because it would take some of the tensions out and then let the two governments focus on other issues that are incredibly important.
And one is obviously security, and we've been working very closely with the Mexican government on security issues for the last five or six years, and that cooperation is evolving now under the new government in Mexico and the new term here in the United States for Obama. But there will be continuing cooperation there on how you improve security in Mexico that also then matters for the United States, given so much of the security threat comes from organized crime that spans the border.
But the other issue, which is the more positive issue, is, how do we grow together? And what we've seen over the last 20 years since NAFTA came into effect is, one, an explosion of trade between the two countries. So now it's half a trillion dollar worth of goods that goes back and forth across the U.S.-Mexico border every year. But more important than just the amount, which is sizeable and makes each country one of the other country's biggest trading partners -- more important than even that is what is now traded. And so, what comes across the U.S.-Mexican border now is not really finished goods, but it's pieces and parts.
And so, for something coming in from Mexico -- so quote, unquote "made in Mexico" -- almost 40 percent of that product, on average, was actually made in the United States. So we see today this dependency between U.S. workers and Mexican workers for their jobs, for their livelihoods and companies that now span the border.
And so as we look forward and we think about how the United States faces the world and globalization and competes with the likes of China and everyone else around the world, it's this regional economic platform that we've already deepened with our NAFTA partners, both Canada and Mexico. That is the path forward. And so if we can resolve the immigration issues, we can get to some of these as-important issues, particularly the economic side and how we work together to ensure the livelihoods of people on both sides of the border, because whether we like it or not, today, they are very tied to each other.
MCMAHON: Thanks, Shannon. Just a reminder to all on the line, this is a CFR media conference call on U.S. immigration and border enforcement. I'm speaking with senior fellows Shannon O'Neil and Edward Alden on the issue. And operator, I'd like to open up the call for any questions at this point.
OPERATOR: (Gives queueing instructions.)
At this time, we have no questions in the queue.
MCMAHON: I think it's also maybe worth mentioning there's a markup going on right at this moment in the -- in the Senate Judiciary Committee, I believe, on the immigration reform bill. So it's a -- it's a relevant discussion to be having.
I guess I'd like to add -- have Ted sort of -- maybe wrap up what his initial comments were on this call and then to Shannon as well. Ted, do you want to step in?
ALDEN: Well, I mean, just to conclude, I think we've covered a lot of the key points here, and I certainly agree with Shannon's summary on the importance of trying to move past the immigration issue so that the U.S. and Mexico can start talking about some other things. I think -- you know, obviously, the border enforcement piece that I've been working on is key in trying to satisfy a lot of lawmakers who are skeptical, worried that what we're going to see is a rerun of the 1986 experience when the U.S. passed a big legalization bill with the promise that the problem of unauthorized immigration would be resolved, and then the problem got much bigger.
So I think there are lots of reasons to believe this time around that the facts on the ground are very different for all the reasons we went over in this call. So I think there's every reason to believe that the United States can do a big immigration reform bill with an outcome that's much more positive than the experience was in the aftermath of 1986.
MCMAHON: Thanks, Ted.
Shannon, a concluding comment on this?
O'NEIL: You know, I would just add this: it's -- a lot of the debate that we've heard so far -- and I know it's just been the opening days in the Congress, but I -- undoubtedly, we will hear going forward is this idea that we need to secure the border before we start talking about many of the other issues within this big comprehensive reform, particularly the path to citizenship and those sorts of things, that you need border security before you get these other parts of the reform.
And I would say in some ways, we should be thinking about it in the reverse way. And particularly for Mexico, which I'll touch on, just because it is the biggest immigrant group and the biggest group of those that have come here illegally in the last several years -- if you look at Mexico today and you have a very close relative here in the United States, you will likely wait years and in many cases, over a decade, to come here legally. So you're asking families who want to bring a young child or a spouse or the like -- you know, bringing a 5-year-old kid, you might be asking them then to wait -- have that child wait in line until they were 15 to come and join the family in order to come here legally.
And if you don't have a close relative here and you're from Mexico, for many Mexicans, there's no line to get into. And so in that sense, if we would change some of these immigration laws and make it a reasonable amount of time to come or even have a line that someone can actually get into so they can come in a legal manner, then you would at the same time be improving the border security that so many people are worried about.
MCMAHON: And on that note, we will conclude this call. I want to thank Senior Fellows Shannon O'Neil and Edward Alden for taking part in this media conference call and to all you on the line. This concludes this CFR media conference call on border enforcement and immigration.


text: I was not trying to discredit the need for the right answer nor was the speaker. What I got from her speech was that teachers should not just give full credit or no credit on math problems, but partial credit for the work that was correct and then explain where the error occurred. This is the teaching part of math. Just like when we train our dogs, first teach the concepts. Reward the dog for the things it does right, but correct the mistakes. School is not the real world, but a training ground. As the trainer all you can do is teach at the best of your ability and to always be fair to the dog. I was told once by a very good trainer that people are always fast to make harsh corrections, but slow to give praise. Kids are not much different than dogs when it comes to praise and harsh treatment. If we want our dogs to make it to their full potential we need to keep that drive alive. Kids also need to be encouraged to keep up their drive for higher learning. Most kids start hating math very early in their education. Why? Teachers kill the drive. Just like not all dogs will be field champions, not all students will be doctors, that is just a fact. How many dogs could have been FC, but due to the fact that they had a poor trainer. I read that hear all the time. So how many kids could have been doctors, but because of a poor teacher never took advanced math and science classes, but majored in English instead?

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Web Stories
Reichl to speak on food's role in history, March 6
Posted February 28, 2007; 05:15 p.m.
Noted restaurant critic and author Ruth Reichl will present a talk titled "Watch What You Eat" at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, in McCosh 50.
Reichl's talk will survey the role of food throughout history, what it has looked like, how it has been marketed and what its appearance tells us about society and human nature.
Reichl is the editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine and a former restaurant critic for The New York Times. Her best-selling "culinary memoirs" include "Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table," "Comfort Me With Apples: More Adventures at the Table" and "Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise." Reichl also served as restaurant critic and food editor for the Los Angeles Times. Before turning to writing, she was a chef and co-owner of the Swallow Restaurant in Berkeley, Calif.
The talk is designated as the J. Edward Farnum lecture and is sponsored by the University Public Lecture Series. It will be simulcast in McCosh 10.


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Hornady A-Max Bullets, .30, .308" dia., 168-gr., BTHP
Prices, promotions, styles and availability may vary by store and online.
- You must be at least 18 years old to purchase this item.
Ultra-low drag tip
Controls penetration and disrupts more tissue
Best ballistic coefficient possible
Unmatched accuracy at long distances
Jacket precision drawn for unequaled consistency
The Hornady A-Max Bullet is equipped with an ultra-low drag tip and aerodynamic secant ogive that delivers flat trajectories and excellent uniformity, concentricity, and accuracy at all ranges. Hornady's A-Max bullet has the best ballistic coefficient possible and is designed to expand upon entering the target in order to control penetration and disrupt more tissue. Bullet Diameter: .308".


text: Hi all,i'm new here to the site and seeking info on a figure i picked up the other day.It's a General Grievous Clone Wars #6 figure but on the back of the package it has the backing for Captain Rex #4 picture. Anyone ever heard of this misprint or how RARE they are to come by? I'm not a collector,just an admirer of all things Star Wars and realized it was a mistake on the package so i decided to pick it up in case it was worth anything.Thanks!


text:
|GTA V Latest News | #GTAV | #GTAOnline
2009 IGN interviews Rockstar Leeds about Chinatown Wars
GTA: Chinatown Wars - General News | @ 07:09 PM MDT | By Neil
An interview between Rockstar Leeds President Gordon Hall and IGN's Craig Harris has just been posted online, revealing some of the challenges and triumphs of the Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars' development.
"Even before we wrote one line of code we had laid in stone that the game MUST run at 30 frames per second. What we did do many, many times is go over the code, hand optimising every line we could. The amount of raw machine code in this game is just unheard of nowadays. We were busy throwing away page after page of traditional code in favour of the machine's raw assembly language."There are also some pretty amazing looking renders of what it's easy to forget is a Nintendo DS game.
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text:
By Adam Armour/The Itawamba County Times
The Mantachie Board of Aldermen may be pressing forward with litigation against a property owner in violation of one of the town's ordinances.
During last week's regular monthly meeting, the board voted unanimously for town attorney Greg Keenum to send an official letter to Mantachie resident Tina Harris threatening litigation if she fails to remove a chain link fence running along the property line of the former location of Playhouse Daycare and current home of Los Cabos Mexican Restaurant … property that she owns.
If she fails to respond to that letter within 10 days, Keenum is to begin the process of filing suit against her.
According to the board, the fence in question, which was erected mid-2012, violates the town's guidelines for installing a fence between a commercial property and a residential property.
The board has sent three official letters to Harris requesting she take down the fence. Harris hasn't responded to any of these letters.
"That's what our ordinances are for," Mantachie Mayor Jeff Butler told the board. "I don't want to do this; we shouldn't have to do this. But we're going to have to force her hand."
According to the board, Harris' fence is in violation of Section 1303.04 of the town's ordinances, which was adopted in 1997. Part three of the section states that a fence in a commercial zone that abuts a residential zone shall "be a minimum of six feet in height and shall be constructed of brick or solid (plank-to-plank) wood."
Harris' fence meets neither the stated height nor material requirements. Harris also failed to apply for a building permit before constructing the fence.
The Times attempted to contact Harris for comment, but was unable to reach her. In a previous newspaper article, Harris commented that, "When the entire town is in compliance, I'll be in compliance."
That's actually an issue the board discussed: Whether or not it has the right to strong-arm one resident into compliance when there are other violations scattered throughout the town. Aldermen agreed that if they are going to truly enforce the town's numerous ordinances, they need to do it consistently.
"You've got to treat everybody alike," said alderman Timmy "Red" Spradlin.
It was a sentiment with which alderman Mike Horton agreed. He told the board that he knew of other ordinance violations that needed to be handled as well.
Butler said that, as various ordinance violations were brought to the board's attention, they would be handled.
"As we hear about stuff that's happening, we'll deal with it," he told the board.
As for Harris' fence, the board implied the situation had reached its breaking point. Still, none among them was eager to jump into litigation over the issue.
"Is there no way to come to an agreement without a lawsuit," alderman Tim Jones asked the board.
The mayor seemed adamant, suggesting that Harris had been completely uncooperative.
"She won't even talk to us," he told Jones, his voice rising. "What else can we do?"
Keenum said if the board didn't see the issue through to its conclusion, it would lose its footing in all future battles over town ordinances.
"If you don't enforce it this time, then you can't enforce it next time," he said. "We need to decide what we're going to do. The next step is to file suit to compel her to [take the fence down] … It will create some unhappy folks, I'm sure. But it is what it is."
For now, the cost to file the lawsuit is $125. Keenum told the board that if the matter made it to the courtroom, a judge would likely side with the town.
"It's a tough call," commented alderman Matt Fennell. "This will open some things up … [But] I don't think we have a choice."
Fennell motioned for Keenum to send Harris a final letter that stated they would begin litigation soon. Prior to a vote, however, Horton called for the board to enter into a private, executive session to discuss something pertaining to the issue. The board complied, rescinding the initial motion and voting to enter into executive session. The small crowd was ushered out of the board room.
Approximately five minutes later, the board exited its executive session and voted unanimously for Keenum to send a fourth letter to Harris threatening litigation if she fails to contact Keenum within 10 days.
"She doesn't have to take the fence down within 10 days, just contact us," Butler said. "Maybe it will be taken care of before this goes any further."
As of Tuesday at press time, Harris still hadn't responded to the board's letter.


text:
Have you tried testing the circuit in a breadboard? When I first built the circuit on a breadboard I didn't have a problem because of it's inherent capacitance.
Its hard to say from that photo but I can't make out any decoupling on the RS485 driver, nor any twisted pair connected to it...
What rs485 chip are you using?
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Who doesn't love fried chicken? An all-time favorite, this chicken gets extra flavor from ranch dressing mix.
Bake it the night before, then pack it up for a picnic in the park the next day!
Create a new recipe just by cutting up the chicken! For Oven-Fried Chicken Fingers, cut chicken breast halves crosswise into 1 1/2-inch strips before coating with buttermilk. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Turn strips; bake about 20 minutes longer or until chicken is no longer pink in center.
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text:
ISBA Announces Date for 2007 Annual Fall Meeting ~ November 17, 2007
The ISBA Board of Directors has approved the date of Saturday, November 17, 2007 for its 2007 Annual Fall Meeting. Please save the date on your calendar and plan on joining us for this informative, all day, meeting. The meeting will once again be located at the Department of Agriculture headquarters building, located on the State Fair grounds in Springfield, IL. This year, we will be featuring Keynote Speaker, Dr. Jamie Ellis. Dr. Ellis is a Professor and Entomologist for the University of Florida.
§ The address of the Department of Agriculture facility is: 801 East Sangamon Avenue - Springfield, IL 62706
§ For a map to the Department of Agriculture facility, click here
§ To download the latest PDF agenda, click here
§ Registration will be $5 and will run from 8-9am with the meeting in session from 9am-4pm
§ Lunch will be available for approximately $8 or you may decide to visit a local restaurant
§ No pre-registration is needed simply register upon your arrival!
Hope to see you there.


text:
La GRANDE, Ore.– Seven Oregon Tech athletes earned postseason honors, led by four from
the women's soccer team and three on the men's soccer side, the league
office announced.
First-team all-conference honors went to Rebekah Matteri (Arcata, Calif.) and Rebekah Nisbet (Medford, Ore.), while sophomore defender Bailey Tehan (Eureka, Calif.) and freshman midfielder Jackie Gardner (Klamath Fall, Ore.) earned honorable mention accolades in women's soccer. Matteri and Nisbet received back-to-back first-team honors, while Tehan also earned HM accolades in back-to-back seasons.
Matteri, a junior goal keeper, ranked 1st in the Cascade Collegiate Conference in saves and save percentage, while ranking 5th in shutouts. Nisbet, a senior midfielder, led Tech in goals (8) and assists (5), while ranking 1st in the CCC in shots on goal (52) 3rd in goals and 9th in assists.
Ashton Betts (Portland, Ore.), a forward on the men's soccer squad, finished out the year second on the team in goals (3) and first in assists (4). Betts had 16 shots on goal for Tech and was the lone Owl earning second-team all-conference honors on the men's team. Senior Loren Jessen (Springfield, Ore.) and freshman Brady Ulen (Post Falls, Idaho) received honorable mention honors.


text: If you're looking for giveaway candy look no further! Our hard candies include: Starlight Fruit Discs, Butterscotch Discs, Cinnamon Discs, Life Savers Hard Candy, Jolly Ranchers, and many more. Great for all types of businesses, these flavorful hard candies are the perfect complimentary candy to thank your customers for doing business with you.


text:
ROCHELLE – Kaneland wrestling coach Monty Jahns could tell early in the season that Dan Goress came back for his senior year more focused after crashing out in the preliminary round of the IHSA State Meet last year. After a summer of work, it was clear that his work ethic had taken a step up and that he had improved in every facet.
But perhaps the clearest indication of Goress' improvement was that Jahns didn't want to get in the ring with him.
"He's that mean," Jahns said with a smile. "I still did every once in awhile. It just takes longer to heal."
Goress swept through the 145-pound weight division at the Class 2A Rochelle Sectional on Saturday, securing a return trip to Champaign for the state meet.
He led a strong senior class that sent seven wrestlers to the sectional meet, with Esai Ponce and Zach Theis finishing in the top four on Saturday to also qualify for the state meet. After wrestling together for the last six years, Jahns said all the senior wrestlers needed was Goress' extra push to step up to the next level.
"He's got that intensity about him, and it just carries over to all of these kids," Jahns said. "You just need one to get going and then they feed off of each other."
Theis certainly benefited from that boost. He didn't qualify for the state meet last year after finishing sixth in the sectional. But he won Saturday's meet, beating the third-ranked 285-pounder in the state according to llinoismatmen.com, Sterling's Curtis Lilly, in the final.
Just two weeks earlier, Theis lost to Lilly in the Northern Illinois Big 12 title match.
"I was coming in hoping for state, hoping I could make the top four," Theis said. "I didn't think it'd be like this."
Ponce finished third in the 132-pound division, and he'll head to the state championship for the second year in a row. After nerves forced him into an off day on Saturday, he hopes to keep calm at state.
"[I'll have] no nerves anymore," Ponce said. "It's my last year, I need to just go out there and have fun."
Goress heads back to Champaign with a different attitude from last year's trip. Last season, he looked ahead before losing on the first day.
This year, he knows that he has to have singular focus on each match.
"I was very disappointed with the way my state tournament tournament turned out [last year]," Goress said. "It's anyone's game. It's zero-zero, and that's the truth ... That's what I learned from last year. This year, I'm ready. Last year, I wasn't."


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To apply for a Volunteer Position, click here for the on-line Volunteer Application Form
The mission of the volunteer program is to enhance city services and programs by matching the varied talents of concerned individuals and groups of all ages, interests and skills, with a variety of interesting and challenging projects and endeavors.
Volunteers assist with nearly every aspect of our city's government. Whether a volunteer is involved in an ongoing position or a single event, volunteer daily, weekly or monthly, the city of Rio Rancho appreciates the support.
Volunteering for the city is one of the best examples of government and citizens working together for the good of the community. Volunteers get an insider's look at how our local government works, and an opportunity to share talents and skills. Many volunteers are in a position to see firsthand where changes are needed and give productive critique on how to better serve our customers. Volunteers may also gain new skills, friends and a sense of accomplishment through volunteering.
Volunteers play an important role in how things get done in our society. Many services would not happen without the services of volunteers. We consider our volunteers as one of the most diverse and richest resources in our community. Volunteers make a huge difference in peoples' lives; we are happy to have you join us.
Staff will be available to offer support, motivation, and encouragement as well as champion new ideas that propose improvement to our current volunteer structure.
What is a Volunteer?
Very generally – a volunteer is someone who performs activities intended to help others and/or improve themselves. Volunteering is not done for monetary compensation or material gain and is not based on obligation. Volunteering is the act of giving or donating one's time and skills.
Understanding a person's motivation for volunteering is key to placing him/her in the right volunteer position. Listed are some of the needs that stimulate people through volunteering:
Meet new people
Improve their community
Gain new skills
Make a difference
Donate professional skills
Have fun
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Constructive use of time
Your motivation for volunteering for the city of Rio Rancho might be different, but the end result is the same, you make a positive impact on others.
The development of volunteer programs has substantially increased the opportunity for individuals to use their time and skills for the betterment of themselves and others. Many programs may not be in existence today if not for volunteers.
Volunteers also can:
Act as liaisons with our community to gain support of programs
Provide a direct line to private resources in our community
Facilitate networking
Increase public awareness and program visibility
The Library and Information Services Department has the "Friends of the Library," which is a volunteer group that assists in several ways. They raise funds to be used for the library, donate time in sorting and shelving books, and take part in many other library duties.
Senior services volunteers not only assist in the Meadowlark Senior Center, they also instruct classes to the senior membership in computer, art, exercise classes…...and the list goes on.
These are just to name a few. We have wonderful volunteers all over the city.
Volunteers also serve on boards, committees and commissions, which are advisory groups who report to the Governing Body. We also have volunteers on task forces that report to the mayor.
Listed below are the primary departments or divisions that utilize volunteers within the city. However, this does not mean that other departments or divisions do not utilize volunteers as well. For more information on volunteer opportunities within these areas, please call for more information.
Administration (505) 891-5002
Emergency Management (505) 891-5855
Keep Rio Rancho Beautiful (505) 896-8728
Library and Information Services (505) 891-5013
Parks and Recreation (505) 891-5015
Police Deparment (505) 891-5900
Senior Services (505) 891-5018
To apply for a Volunteer Position, click here for the on-line Volunteer Application Form
3200 Civic Center Circle NE
Rio Rancho, NM 87144
Ph: 505-891-5000
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Lets get ready to rumble. Oprah versus Lance Armstrong is shaping up as the first big sporting battle of the year. Yeah right.
The infotainment conglomerate queen's already recorded interview with the fallen cyclist, shamed by drug cheat allegations that have finally stuck, will air on Friday and the build-up has been terrific.
Oprah Winfrey is so famous that she is known worldwide as Oprah, although having an unusual name like Oprah helps. Oprah is more than just a television figure. She is an industry, a mighty big one. She also has an army of fans, a big one, that will carry her aloft through any battle. She is always okay.
Oprah is loved and welcome in many homes, and Lance Armstrong has done his homework. What happens next in Lance's life will be a lesson in control, the same control he exerted over his cycling career.
Cancer is Armstrong's most famous condition, but the obsessive gene is probably his most influential one. Most cyclists might have that addictive bent, given that their sport involves piling pain upon pain, up hill upon hill. People who train now and then don't tend to make good cyclists.
Lance's grooming for the interview will have gone a long way beyond hair and makeup, PR and legal eagles at his side. He might have prepared on a couch with an Oprah stand-in. The revelation of Armstrong's "apology" to staff at Livestrong - the slightly mysterious cancer patient lobby/support outfit he started - fits nicely as an early step in a long game strategy to restore his image.
How will Lance climb this hill? A lot of famous American people who get in trouble discover or rediscover their religious side (although this tends to work better for Christians than Muslims). Good causes might be more Lance's style, and he could cycle across America to such ends.
What are his chances of redemption? Quite good, and America loves a good story. Even President/crook Richard Nixon managed a comeback of sorts, although his loner personality meant a partial restoration took some time. But he still kind of got there, considering the magnitude of his crimes. One of his famous henchmen, Chuck Colson, flourished using the Christianity technique. Bill Clinton roared back as only Bill Clinton can do. Martha Stewart is out of the clink and back on screen. Tiger is just about out of the woods. Charlie Sheen can't stop giving money away to needy people and every time he opens his wallet, the word gets out. The bottom line is that Lance Armstrong has a lot of other comeback cases to base his comeback on.
But will Oprah survive? Of course she will.
I found an old picture of Her TV Holiness smooching up to Lance before a previous interview. She is nestling into him like a proud mum. This photo did not bode well for a hard-hitting interview.
But Oprah has already got The Get, which is what celebrity journalism is all about. A mere interview has become a worldwide event, in which the cheating will be overwhelmed by analysis of how Lance sat in his chair, or dressed, or smiled. In some ways, it doesn't matter what Lance says, because a huge audience will be tuned in anyway. Ratings are assured but Oprah is leaving no stone unturned, tweeting away and being the subject of a network interview about her interview.
Oprah doesn't have a reputation as a hard-nosed interviewer anyway. A couple of tricky questions or asking the same tricky question twice when he doesn't give a straight answer will do the job. Then she can get on with the questions that reveal how much Lance Armstrong loves his family, pets and America.
The job is already done, and the substance of the interview incidental. Oprah has The Get, and Lance knows that millions will see him sitting in the same room as their TV Grand Diva. This is a victory in itself because Oprah is America's best friend, she interviews people on a subconscious basis that they are somehow her friends, and Oprah's friends can't be bad. Hers is the friendliest and most public of confessionals where some level of forgiveness is assured.
As for the critics, we'll say that the lying little so-and-so Lance Armstrong shied away from the full truth and Oprah didn't get close to extracting it. Any apologies or confessions are part of a PR strategy, and have only come when he had no other place to turn. We've taken that position already, and it will take something monumental to persuade us otherwise.


text:
Ancient Rome, the state centred on the city of Rome. This article discusses the period from the founding of the city and the regal period, which began in 753 bc, through the events leading to the founding of the republic in 509 bc, the establishment of the empire in 27 bc, and the final eclipse of the Empire of the West in the 5th century ad. For later events of the Empire of the East, see Byzantine Empire.
Rome must be considered one of the most successful imperial powers in history. In the course of centuries Rome grew from a ... (100 of 76,915 words)


text:
Casual gathering at your place? Invite guests to grab a bowl of hearty stew chock full of veggies and lentils.
Cooking the spices together before they are added to the wonderful ingredients gives this curry its wonderful flavor.
Lentil stew keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Place the green beans in the refrigerator when beginning the recipe, and they will be thawed just in time to stir into the stew.
© 2017 ®/TM General Mills All Rights Reserved


text:
2 PAIR for Apple iPod NEW 2nd Gen HEADPHONES EAR BUDS
Compatible With Apple: iPhone 1st Gen. 16GB / 4GB / 8GB,iPhone 3G 16GB / 8GB,iPhone 3GS 16GB / 32GB,iPod 1st Gen. 10GB / 5GB,iPod 2nd Gen. 20GB,iPod 3rd Gen. 10GB / 15GB / 20GB / 30GB / 40GB,iPod 4th Gen. 20GB (Color Display) / 30GB (Color Display) / 40GB (Photo) / 60GB (Color Display) / U2 Special Edition,iPod Classic 120GB / 160GB / 80GB,iPod Mini 4GB / 6GB,iPod Nano 1st Gen. 1GB / 2GB /...
Kuromi Glam Earphones
Enjoy your favorite music the super stylish way with this neat Kuromi glam earphone. The ideal accessory for your iPod or other audio players. The cute design features Kuromi with shimmery pink metallic highlights. Digital stereo sound. Super lightweight.
Universal In-Ear Stereo Headset, White
Apple: iPad 16GB / 32GB / 64GB ;iPhone 1st Gen. 16GB / 4GB / 8GB ;iPhone 3G 16GB / 8GB ;iPhone 3GS 16GB / 32GB ;iPod 1st Gen. 10GB / 5GB ;iPod 2nd Gen. 20GB ;iPod 3rd Gen. 10GB / 15GB / 20GB / 30GB / 40GB ;iPod 4th Gen. 20GB (Color Display) / 30GB (Color Display) / 40GB (Photo) / 60GB (Color Display) / U2 Special Edition ;iPod Classic 120GB / 160GB / 80GB ;iPod Mini 4GB / 6GB ;iPod Nano 1st...
White Earphones Earbuds With Microphone for iPod iPhone
Generic hands-free stereo headset w/ On Off switch. Enjoy Hands-free conversations. Includes integrated earpieces and microphone. Cord mounted ON/OFF button which lets you take calls and hang up easily. Excellent sound quality and super clear sound. Keep your hands free and on the wheel. Color: Black. Includes: 2 additional sets of ear bud cushions - Black. Accessory ONLY. Phone not included....


text:
Business owners in Easton have concerns about parking meter fees
EASTON, Pa. - Local business owners of Easton voiced their concerns with an increase to parking meter fees in the city at City Council's conference meeting Tuesday night.
Currently the meters are active from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday with Sunday as a free parking day.
The proposal would change the hours to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and possibly take away free parking Sundays.
"Parking meters are a huge hurt to small businesses," stated Anthony Burks, a business owner who recently moved to Easton. Burks said people come downtown to shop, look around and enjoy themselves. "If you do make any changes, consider the small businesses that depend on people that walk around," he said.
"We're trying to drive traffic to the garage where there is a demand for parking on the street," said council member Michael Fleck.
The City is considering lowering the parking deck to .50 cents an hour at night, and possibly free after 4 p.m. due to it's low usage.
"The vast majority of our people who visit downtown stay less than an hour," stated Easton Mayor Sal Panto, explaining the results from the city's $35,000 parking study. Parking spots used during the city's free weekend days had around 40% of the spots filled by business owners and employees, the Mayor said.
The city is planning on updating its meters to accept credit card payments but this would increase the parking fees to $1 per hour, which is the minimum of a credit card meter.
"We know everyone else is going to a dollar an hour," stated the Mayor, referencing Bethlehem's credit card parking meters.
Marie Steltz, owner of Marie's Dance Center, 345 Northampton St., also voiced her opinion with concerns of the parking. "Raising it to a dollar will drive some of the businesses away."
The Mayor stated the City does not know where to get the money and believes it should take the advice from the parking consultant since it already spent the money.
The city is having problems funding the pension fund for city employees. A commuter tax will be implemented January 1, 2013 which should see $1.3 million in revenue.
The 2013 budget still needs to be fully approved by council before the end of the year. The budget draft includes raising over 70 fees for permits and licenses.
The budget will be introduced at the Regular meeting of the Easton City Council scheduled for 6 p.m. November 28 in City Council Chambers in City Hall, One South Third Street.
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Sound Off for February 4th: Oregon baker refuses service to gay couple. Discrimination or freedom of religion?
A Gresham, Oregon baker is the subject of a state investigation after he refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple.
Did Sweet Cakes owner Aaron Klein violate the law when he told the couple that he couldn't sell them a cake because "they were abominations to the Lord?"
That's what Oregon Attorney General's civil enforcement officers are looking into after one of the brides-to-be filed a complaint on Jan. 28.
Aaron Klein says he refused service to a same sex couple last month, "I said unfortunately I believe in what the bible says and that's how I feel about it"
Last week, he received a letter from the state asking for his side of the story after the couple complained.
Under state statute, "any place or service offering to the public accommodations must provide "full and equal accommodations... without any distinction on account of race, color, religion, sex, *or *sexual *orientation.
Portland attorney Paula Barran says while this case might violate state law, Klein could argue he's protected under the constitution's First Amendment, freedom to practice religion. "You want to have a society that is accepting of all people, but also want a society that understands that people's faith matters to them as well. I don't think in a situation like this there is a perfect solution- I think this is a very very difficult case."
And it could help set a precedent for the future.
The couple who complained about the business has hired a lawyer and aren't commenting.
The Attorney General's office is investigating this case now and the Bureau of Labor and Industries may get involved in the future.
What do you think about this case? Did he violate the law or was he within his rights under the First Amendment?
Comment below or e-mail us at email@example.com.


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Trailhead Resort and Charters offers full-service halibut and salmon sports fishing packages, as well as accommodations in Port Renfrew, Vancouver Island, BC. Discover the best BC Fishing and unwind at our Vancouver Island resort.
Owners Rod and Annette Hebert invite you to an ocean-sized adventure with Aquatic Ventures of Vancouver! We offer sport fishing, sightseeing, crabbing, paddle boarding, stag and stagette parties, as well as corporate outings and other special events.
Bon Chovy Fishing Charters offers fully guided salmon fishing charters departing within minutes of downtown Vancouver. We are owner operated ensuring the best product. We fish 365 days of the year for all 5 species of Pacific Salmon!
Wilderness Fishing and Luxury Cruising on the beautiful Inside Passage of British Columbia on board a classic 1941 Tugboat.. Trophy Salmon and Halibut. Spectacular Scenery, whales, bears and eagles, only 12 guests. Individual Skiffs and fine dining.
World Class Salmon and Halibut Fishing Charters in a 30ft Grady White Marlin on The Rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island in Beautiful British Columbia.
Ocean Adventure Center at the Westin Bayshore dock in Coal Harbour Come experience quality angling with our professional crew
Nootka Island Lodge offers world-class fishing for Chinook (King) Salmon, Coho (Silver) Salmon, Halibut, Ling Cod and Rockfish in the rich fishing grounds of scenic, historic Nootka Sound, British Columbia.
We offer 22 years guiding experience on the Fraser river for white sturgeon to 800lbs, and 5 species of pacific salmon. Cascade has earned an excellent international reputation for providing the best in sturgeon and salmon fishing adventures!
Vancouver Sport Fishing Center offers the finest guided fishing trips in the city. Located minutes from downtown Vancouver, we have a fishing adventure for every angler. Sturgeon Fishing, Salmon Fishing, Fly Fishing.
Our kayak operation offers guided kayak fishing trips and kayak fishing courses. Our location in Garden Bay allows our clients to experience the best of both fresh or saltwater kayak fishing opportunities.
Go fishing on your vacation! Our fishing charters in Sooke British Columbia will take you to some of the best fishing spots around. Catch a colossal river monster while river fishing or catch trout and salmon while fly fishing. Catch tuna, sharks and marlin on our deep sea fishing trips. Sport fishing is a great recreational activity for people of all ages. Relax and forget about your troubles on our fishing trips. Our fishing guides in Sooke British Columbia have many years of fishing experience under their belts and know the area very well. Go saltwater fishing and have a great day of fishing off the coast. Whether you are an experienced angler or looking to catch your first fish our fishing tours are the perfect excursion. Top the fish that got away on our freshwater fishing trips. Stay at one of our fishing lodges and turn your fishing trip into a fishing vacation. Go ocean fishing with knowledgeable captains on our deep sea fishing charters. Our fishing vacations are great for couples, singles and families. Browse our fishing trips in Sooke British Columbia and plan your vacation today!


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Tremayne McKenith
Are you here to participate in one of our current school-based festivals? If so, choose your school and follow the instructions:
A cartoon story of a romantic encounter between two college students after their future child asks them how they met.
date posted: 2013-04-02 | views: 174 | type: Movie
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Yesterday was our annual family Christmas Party. It was a nice gathering, but this year it took on a little bit more meaning for me.
As I caught up with cousins and relatives that I have not seen since last Christmas I began to listen to the stories about days gone by, about Uncle's that have long since past and the Grandparents that my children will never meet. As we reminisced about Christmas parties past and the funny things that have happened over our relatively short life times I thought we need to write this stuff down, or better yet… get it on video. And we had an AH HA moment.
So next time we gather at a family event, I will have the Digital Video camera set up in what my cousin called the "Confessional Room" and we will invite everyone to tell a story to the camera.
This way we will capture our family as they are and for generations to come they will be able to see Uncles and Aunts, and Grandparents sharing life as they knew it.
Ok..so this is not an original thought, and I am sure that many of you already are doing this…but it's my blog…so humor me…
But this is a Call to action. I was overwhelmed with the idea that my kids have never and will never met my Grandparents. I want their kids to at least get to know my parents, but if they can never meet them in person, at least we can say…this is your Great Granddad.. he was a heck of guy. Or… you remember that story I told you about….. well this is him.
Families are precious, no matter what economic status, what part of the country, or what ethnic background… families are all we have in the end and we need to preserve their traditions, their heritage, and their stories.
I think we all need to look at our families and enjoy what they bring, what they have given, and where they are going. But take the time this year…don't wait. Write down the stories or video tape those that may not be around in the future.
Over Thanksgiving my parents converted some old 8mm tape to DVD. We watched some old footage of my sister, brother, and me, when we were real young. I was glad that the tape existed as we lost my brother 20 years ago. My kids have never seen him other than in pictures. But here he was moving on the screen. Precious.
So.. here is your call to action.. Document your families, not for you, but for the next generation.
This is also a good idea to pass on to your Scouts. I am certain that there is a Merit Badge out there that this could help with.
Have a Great Scouting Day!


text: Have done a search on this subject and am sure I have seen the answer somewhere but can't find it! The only water I currently have available (due to the dams drying up in our extreme summer) is a medium sized oval one with only 3 clearly defined edges (and they will probably turn into mud also if we don't get some rain). Am trying to figure out how to do this without giving the young dogs excessive swimming or running through mud. We started off on a smaller dam which was working really well but that has now dried up. Have never had the perfect one like Evan uses and posting a picture is beyond me! Any ideas greatly appreciated.


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Well, well, well. . . now that we've all spent a day or two getting our admission badges, and reserving our hotel rooms its time to think about the actual event!!! So what is it that you are looking forward to next April? What events do you hope will be hosted? Who do you really want to meet? I'm sure most of the stuff is already in the works, but maybe we can get some suggestions out there as well. This is my first Celebration, so I'm sure some of my wishes have already taken place in previous installments. Well. . . Here it goes:
We all know there are going to be numerous guests, but who do you hope makes an appearance?
I would love to see:
Christopher Lee
Liam Neeson
all of the Jabba Puppeteer's
a Bounty Hunter reuinion (Although I believe Alan Harris-Bossk) doesn't travel overseas)
Battle of Yavin reunion (not sure how many you'd get, but to get the Rebels Pilots in one room would be cool.)
I think "themed" guests would be cool, but I'd be excited for anyone really. I didn't want to list all of the "big" names, but felt I had to put at least two up there. I understand the chance of any of them coming is miniscule, but it is a wishlist, right?
I want to see a lot of interactive stuff. Trading Card Game, Roleplaying Game, the new miniatures, video games, all being demonstrated would be cool. I don't really play those games, but would love to try them with other SW fans.
I remember reading about a concert last time. . . that sounds pretty neat. Especially after seeing the DVD, and John Williams conducting the orchestra while SW was playing sans sound in the background was incredible!!!!
Speakers, dealers, yadda-yadda. . . the normal convention stuff. Don't forget the little things that always happen, and keep us going to the "smaller" conventions.
A breakfast or two would be cool. I think the fan club has done this at previous events. I've yet to experience one so if anyone has anything to share, please do.
Oh yeah, and finally. . . show some films!!!! Cartoons, rare footage, DELETED SCENES!!!!! I know the stuff will never see the light of a DVD, but show it to us in person!!! That would be the coolest!!!!
Eh. . . I probably went on too much, and most definitely left out some important aspects. . . but that's where you all come in!!!!!
So what do you want to see??????


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by IBM
Jul 02, 2013
A shift of power in commercial relationships from producers and sellers to buyers has changed marketplace and leadership thinking toward greater collaboration with customers, partners and employees. Fortunately, new capabilities in technology and business practices can help organizations adapt and harness these marketplace dynamics. Social business can be combined with mobility and cloud to:
• Enable organizations to innovate and execute faster
• Better understand and serve their customers
• Empower a more engaged workforce
Read this white paper for more information about seven examples of repeatable approaches for using social business practices and capabilities to impact your business, to create competitive advantage and to gain identifiable and measurable ROI.


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Best Of :: Food & Drink
If we've learned anything from drinking in the mason-jar-issuing borough that is Brooklyn, it's not to judge a cocktail by its glassware. So when Julie Reiner and the team at Clover Club present us with a somewhat precious Nick and Nora glass filled with a serious manhattan, we know better than to swig it — even if the accompanying sidecar, a small carafe in a bowl of crushed ice, suggests extra booze is just a hand-grab away. As for the specs, the team stirs two ounces of Rittenhouse Rye with Angostura bitters and house vermouth — equal parts Punt e Mes and Cinzano Sweet Vermouth — before straining it into the '30s-style stemware and sinking the concoction with a pick of Luxardo cherries. For your second round (more like third — that sidecar is generous), opt for the Slope, a Bulleit Rye–based variant that balances Punt e Mes with apricot liqueur and Angostura bitters.
A good diner serves you delicious food from breakfast to dinner, and a great diner specializes in more than one type of cuisine. And in the heart of the East Village sits the greatest diner of them all: Stage Restaurant. Open from 6:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., this sliver of an establishment scratch-makes classics like eggs and omelets, chicken salad, and meatloaf, plus Ukrainian and Eastern European offerings, like blintzes with homemade ricotta filling, stuffed cabbage, and soups to keep you warm on a cold winter day. With friendly and prompt service that would give any Michelin-rated establishment a lesson in hospitality, it's an excellent place to perch with the paper, though it does most of its business in carry-out. A word of warning: Stage is cash-only, and it doesn't have a bathroom — so take care of business before you stop in.
Much has been made of late of the rapid gentrification of Crown Heights, and all one needs is a quick stroll through the neighborhood to see why — especially if you happen upon the area's first Starbucks. Whether you're of the belief that this is good, bad, or questionable, one thing can't be argued: Many of the 'hood's new restaurants are top-notch. See Lincoln Station, for example, where you can fulfill your egg-on-a-roll needs with a breakfast sandwich that goes far beyond the old-fashioned bodega variety. Here, you'll find a perfectly fried over-easy egg resting between warm ciabatta, crisp bacon from a rotating cast of farms, and a touch of tart salsa for an unexpectedly added bit of flavor and moisture. The drippy yolk and sauce combine to push this sandwich into five-napkin territory, but we think you'll find it's well worth the mess.
Buvette is the French neighborhood café you thought you would have to pack up your things and head for the Seine to find, except that it's located in the heart of the West Village, which makes it much easier to afford. Chef Jody Williams envisioned this as a place her neighbors would hang out in all day, and that starts with breakfast. Stop in for light and airy steamed eggs scrambled with the wand of an espresso machine, little croissants with dollops of butter and jam, Belgian waffles with berries, or croques. Williams is exacting in her coffee drink specifications — don't even think about asking for a cappuccino with skim milk — and the latte art is on point, too.
When you put your name on the brunch wait list at Queens Comfort, the host might ask you to name a supervillain, divulge your favorite '80s show, or reveal what your mama says to wake you up. It's a ploy to keep the hungover sidewalk hordes entertained — and it works. Beyond the front doors, guests time-warp to the Saturday mornings of their childhood, with Weird Science or WWF projected on the big screen amid walls and shelves decked with toys and plastic figurines. The food here has gradually elevated to far more than just comforting fare: Benedicts are stacked with bacon and avocado, candied bacon, or Brie and fig jam; buttermilk biscuits are slathered with maple cheddar sausage gravy. Try the Mexican waffles! Just be sure to BYOB if you need a little hair of the dog.
Open for just shy of a decade, Pacificana and its grand banquet hall — a sea of white, brown, red, and gold on the second floor of a nondescript office building — sets the standard for Cantonese grandeur in Sunset Park's Chinatown. Waitstaff loll around the dining room, pushing carts brimming with delicate rice rolls, steamer baskets holding dumplings, and glutinous rice wrapped with lotus leaves. It seems like business as usual until you scan the nearly 250-item menu for dish after dish of regional Chinese specialties, like crisp suckling pig and fried Dungeness crabs. Bonus: As at many of the hangar-sized dim sum palaces, brace for the possibility of crashing a wedding or two.


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Enterovirus D68: What Parents Need to Know »
"Sept. 9, 2014 -- A fast-spreading virus related to hand-foot-and-mouth disease is hospitalizing kids across the Midwest and parts of the South and Northeast.
The virus, enterovirus D68, or EV-D68, was first discovered in 1962 in California."...
Read the Enterovirus D68: What Parents Need to Know article »
Ambisome Consumer (continued)
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: swelling/pain at injection site, muscle/joint pain, unusual tiredness, weakness, muscle cramping, change in the amount of urine, painful urination, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, vision changes, hearing changes (e.g., ringing in the ears), dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, swelling ankles/feet, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, cold sweats, blue lips, easy bruising/bleeding, other signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), mental/mood changes, seizures, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Read the Ambisome (amphotericin b) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects
PRECAUTIONS: Before using amphotericin/lipid complex, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: white blood cell (leukocyte) transfusions, heart disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat, congestive heart failure), liver disease, kidney disease.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Ambisome Consumer Overview
Additional Ambisome Information
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.


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In 1986 I was at the Wisconsin Amateur Field Trial grounds in the last series , amateur all-age looking out at a quad, that my dog had never seen before. He had to climb a old gravel pit through the water three times with a shot flyer off the side. He was completely amateur trained, non-collar, went on back, marks and blinds. I was shaking in my boots he climbed that hill three times through the water after he picked up the flyer. We won that trial, the first win we ever had. I dropped the trophy on the ground and still has the dent to this day. Tears came to my eyes with that win. Like Bill we had better dogs that did some nice things, but, I will remember that win forever.
Lets back up Shotzy a Golden Retriever male, was given to me as a three year old as a divorce settlement between my daughter and ex-son-in-law. I gave my ex a hunting dog and he gave me Shotzy. A bitch like name misspelled from his tours of duty in the Army in Germany. Al had been shot in the service and could only raise left arm half way. So Shotzy would only take good right overs and turned the same way. He was three years plus when I started to train him. Working odd shifts as a cop and limited funds kept us from the big time. Entered him in a Qual and got fourth place at 4 years old. Said what the heck and entered him in a open and we got a JAM our first all-age JAM ever. We got a bunch of green ribbons and after a couple of years of limited trialing got a second place in a amateur all-age, my first all-age placement and Shotzy's. He earned a MH along the way, why? and a CDX in obedience. Money got short and we dug into some household funds much to my wife's dismay. She said my priorities had to change or ? we couldn't afford to play this all-age game. Didn't listen and the training became all consuming sometimes we would call in sick, used all my vacation time up, created job problems with promotions. Took a promotion went from days to the midnight shift, whoopee more time to train. Then took a Lab puppy on in 1987, now we are running a old 8 year old in the all-age trying to title and running a derby dog. Of course that took away from running Shotzy. Shotzy was retired at age 10 short of his AFC, never got the extra few points and he received a JAM at close to his tenth birthday. He lived until age 16 and cancer took his life. Oh he was a siezuring dog and had to pick him up on more then one occasion at a trial as he could drown sometimes in the last series. This is my first all-age dog story, not as good as Bill's but hope entertaining. So we field trialers aren't all these rich guys you here about. That's why we perhaps chuckle at some of the hard luck stories that people post, about being dropped, driving many miles, spending maybe a thousand bucks in a year etc. It's all about how bad do you want it? and what are you willing to give up. Oh it got better started to sell dogs to run dogs. The problem you have to be willing to sell the best dog you might ever own. Then years later sit empty handed.


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After three and a half busy years, the KidsWell Campaign's health care reform tracking effort is winding down. The KidsWell Partner Hub will remain intact through Spring 2015, but as of early October we will no longer support the other pages on the website. We encourage you to follow KidsWell's national and state partners for the latest health care reform and children's advocacy news! Thank you for your support!
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Welcome to the Quilting Board!
I refuse to do battle for cheap consumer goods. We stay home and enjoy leftovers, play board games and in general enjoy our holiday.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now I see. [John Newton (1725-1807)]
I don't battle the crowds on the roads nor the stores but online is fun... if you happen to be in the market for a big ticket item.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now I see. [John Newton (1725-1807)]
I did Black Friday one time before it was called Black Friday. NEVER AGAIN have I been so dumb. I had my daughter and one year old granddaughter and those people would have trampled them if we got in the way. But we headed for the door and got safely away. We have never done that again.
I used to back in my younger days! It was an outing with my sisters and mom but since our mom passed (over 10 years ago) we gradually stopped. If we did go, it was in the afternoon. If we see something we just HAVE to have, we will send the guys to stand in line at midnight!! HeHe!! Now, I pre-shop on line and as soon as the new prices kick in, I place my orders!!
I got the Wal-Mart Black Friday Week email but haven't taken the time to browse!!
Living in Canada we do not have Black Friday, though some stores near the border are thinking of doing sales that day to stop Canadians from heading south to get the deals.
We do however have Boxing Day Sales on December 26th. Similar to Black Friday, people would line up early to get the best deals. One music store had really low prices on components that one day.
Our fabric chain had a big sale last weekend with 50% off on just about everything.
I have only once got up really early for a super sale. I bought the fabric for my wedding dress at 70% off 21 years ago. It was worth getting up early to buy it.
Attending University. I will graduate a year after my son and year before my daughter.