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From the Experts
SIP Trunking News
[January 07, 2013]
BenchmarkPortal 2013 Top 100 Call Centers Contest Ends on January 31, 2013
Santa Barbara, CA, Jan 07, 2013 (PRWeb.com via COMTEX) -- BenchmarkPortal, a leading call center consulting services group, announces the 2013 Top 100 Call Center Contest entry deadline is January 31, 2013. Participants submit performance data on key operating metrics, using BenchmarkPortal's 12 KPI (RealityCheck) Call Center benchmarking survey.
Completion of the survey not only grants entry in the contest but also provides a baseline from which to improve call center operations and save companies money. Once the survey is completed and submitted, BenchmarkPortal will schedule a readout with one of their certified experts, who will review the data and organize it in a personalized webcast. During the readout, their expert explains how the report works and review performance gaps compared with others in the industry. This unique benchmarking process allows managers to see how they compare to others in their industry sector. The key performance indicators "KPI's" that will be collected are metrics such as abandonment rate, hold time and average call time.
Contestants must complete the survey by January 31, 2013. Winners will be broken down into three subdivisions for small (100 agents and under), medium (101-249 agents) and large call centers (250+ agents). The winners in each category will have the highest statistical values for efficiency and effectiveness. To pay for success celebrations for the winners, nine cash awards, ranging from $500 to $2000, will be given to the highest-ranking entrants in three categories of call centers. BenchmarkPortal will release the results of the contest by March 31, 2013.
In addition to identifying the best in the business, the contest will also rank call centers that have made the most significant improvements since 2012's contest. Enrollees this year will be automatically entered in the category for Most Improved Center in 2013.
"BenchmarkPortal's Top 100 Award places a contact center among the best in the industry in terms of both quality of service and cost efficiency," said Bruce Belfiore, BenchmarkPortal CEO. "Key metrics are benchmarked against the largest database in the world of contact center metrics, so the award process is based strictly on actual performance. Recipients of the Top 100 Award have demonstrated, on a very objective basis, that they provide superior service and financial performance as compared with their peers." To find more information on this contest, visit the Top 100 Call Center Contest page; find out more about the 12 KPI Call Center Benchmarking Survey (RealityCheck) and enter the Call Center Top 100 contest.
About BenchmarkPortal BenchmarkPortal's founders pioneered the first contact center benchmarking study in 1995. Now custodian of the largest database of contact center metrics in the world, BenchmarkPortal is a leader in certification, training, consulting and research for the customer contact industry. Its team of professionals has gained international recognition for expertise and innovation in best practices. BenchmarkPortal's mission is to help management optimize the performance of their center in terms of both cost and quality, encourage customer loyalty and build enterprise value. For more information on BenchmarkPortal, call 1-800-214-8929 or visit
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Tim Savage
7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. 9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. John 8
An angry mob of men brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus. These men want and wait for Him to proclaim her guilt, so they can carry out her death penalty. Jesus doesn't even give them His full attention as he writes in the dust with His finger. Finally, with everyone anxiously watching, he stopped writing and proclaimed His sentence, "…let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone." Such a wise and powerful pronouncement. He didn't ignore her sin, He set it in relation to everyone else's. He didn't excuse her sin, but He forgave it. This morning I'm reminded of Jesus' wisdom and strength. I am in awe of the way he handled the angry crowd through speaking the truth. He sets the example in His instruction to the woman by not overlooking her sin, but instead forgiving her.
I want to become more and more like Jesus: a light in the darkness and an example in turmoil.
Dear Heavenly Father, Please grant me wisdom and discernment, strength and courage. Forgive me of my many sins and weaknesses. May I be an example of You here on earth. In Jesus name, Amen

subset: commoncrawl


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Eighth in a series analyzing Raiders position groups as free agency begins (on the West Coast, anyway) tonight at 9 p.m.
Starters: CB Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Chris Johnson, SS Tyvon Branch, FS Michael Huff. Backups: CB Stanford Routt, S Mike Mitchell, S Hiram Eugene, CB Jonathan Holland, S Jerome Boyd.
Review: The Raiders were eighth in passing yardage surrendered, but part of that was because opponents were busy attacking the 29th-ranked run defense. Opposing passers compiled an 89.5 passer rating and the Raiders intercepted only eight passes. Huff had the best season of his career, Asomugha was avoided as much as possible and Johnson held up about as well as could be expected considering Asomugha was on the opposite side.
Branch, in his second year out of Connecticut, was second to Kirk Morrison in tackles with 124 _ more than any safety in the league. Depth was a problem. Routt had no interceptions, Eugene was overtaken by Huff and Holland and Boyd are projects changing positions, Holland from wide receiver, Boyd from college linebackers.
Contract status: Routt was issued the NFL's most eye-opening tender, a first- and third-round designation that brings with it a salary of more than $3.2 million. Eugene received a second-round tender, his agent confirms. Everyone else is under contract.
What's next: Do the Raiders have something up their sleeve with either Asomugha or Johnson in terms of a trade? Or is the mind-blowing tender to Routt simply another example of Davis seeing far more in a physical package than has manifested itself on the football field? It's true Asomugha had a few rough years before he blossomed, but Routt has given little or no indication he is capable of doing the same.
Huff is due a $5.75 million salary that puts him with the elite at his position, and although he played much better, it's a stretch to consider him Pro Bowl material. But at the NFL scouting combine, Cable went out of his way to say Huff had "arrived," making it sound as if his salary is not an issue. It's a big year for Mitchell, who showed promise toward the end of last season although Cable's combine assertion that the second-round pick was "sensational" was a bit over the top.
It will be interesting to see what Mitchell can do if he keeps his hamstrings loose, gets in the kind of shape he wants and hits the ground running and hitting in July. Branch had some issues with angles and missed a tackle or three, but made more than his share and is the best looking young safety the Raiders have had in years _ very good for a second-year player they got in the fourth round.
Holland was on the roster primarily to return kickoffs, and the Raiders will look to replace him that area. That means he'll have to make great strides as a defensive back to stick. Boyd will have had a full professional year under his belt as a safety, but the Raiders are more crowded at that position than they've ever been assuming Huff, Branch, Mitchell and Eugene are all still around.


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Coulee Recollections
Ten Years Ago
Wind and dry brush fueled a fire early Friday that burned a home and a barn and many acres of land before firefighters could contain it. Electric City Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bob Boll said the fire started at 3:19 am on Friday near the Banks Lake Golf and Country Club. Firefighters did not leave the area until around 5 p.m. Butch Comer and his wife Brenda lost practically everything.
When a flurry of last-minute registration was done, the area's first three-on-three basketball tournament grew from a dozen teams on Monday to 43 by court time Saturday morning.
When Virginia Berthron woke up at about 5 a.m., Friday, she noticed the television was not on. The power must have gone off, but then why was it so light in the house so early in the morning? "There was fire out every window I looked out," she said. Her world was "aglow in orange."
Twenty Years Ago
The Colville Confederated Tribes offered to buy Coulee Dam's Community Building last month. The proposal was discussed in a closed session of the Coulee Dam Town Council last Wednesday.
The Town of Coulee Dam took an official stand last Wednesday on the possibility of casino-style gambling inside its corporate limits: The mayor and the town council are "concerned."
Grand Coulee has asked Coulee Dam to help with an estimated $27,800 for an engineering firm to explore alternatives for a plant designed to meet the needs of both towns and the Bureau of Reclamation's Grand Coulee Project.
Robby Seyler, son of Wes and Chris Seyler of Coulee Dam, was pictured learning how to ride his bike without training wheels.
Thirty Years Ago
Over 400 runners have signed up for the 6th annual Over the Dam Run scheduled for Aug. 21.
Seven brothers of the Pachosa family gathered for a reunion this past weekend.
Kristen Nelson, Electric City, placed first in the junior girls' slalom event at the Western Regionals Water Skiing Championships in Berkely, CA.
Forty Years Ago
Five boys from Lake Roosevelt High School attended the sports area wrestling camp near Jewel, Ore., under the direction of Head Coach Jim Smith of the University of Washington. Those attending were Bob Davis, Steve Hood, Fred Goodwin, Ted Goldsmith and Tom Goodwin.
The new owner of the TeePee Drive-In is Jack Wright. He recently purchased the drive-in from Mr. and Mrs. George Banning, who have operated the business for many years.
Bids will be opened on Sept. 7 at the Third Powerplant Construction Office in Grand Coulee for the demolition of one commercial and one government warehouse. The bid specifications call for the removal of the well-known Green Hut Cafe.
Fifty Years Ago
The spring semester honor roll at Washington State University, announced this week included students from this area: Coulee Dam - Karen Kale, Patrick McGill and Marybeth Poch; Govan - Paul Bodeau; Grand Coulee - Loney Carlson Jr., Alan Carr, Donald Kurth and Ray Rice and of Nespelem, Lawrence Kunz.
Sixty Years Ago
Among local students who will enter EWCE next fall are Harvey Henke and Pauline Aabert of Grand Coulee and Donald Bonerts of Elmer City.
Freshman at WSC include Howard Lucas of Coulee Dam, James Hagy of Electric City and Shirley Mangus and Phillip Whitney of Grand Coulee.
Seventy Years Ago
The Coulee Dam Damsels trounced Omak 6-4. They were also scheduled to play Wenatchee and had a return game with Omak toward the end of the month.
Workmen found that the slightest whisper could be magnified and heard as clear as a bell providing they stood at the foot of any one of the 2300 foot sloping penstock tubes. They had a perfect echo cliff at that location in the powerhouse.


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For additional tips on how to raise donations using your web page Click here to see your Web Page HeartQuarters Resource Guide that includes helpful tips and cool tricks that you can do with your web page.
Tip 1 - Ask your parents, older sibling or other adult friend for help
Tip 2 - Make your own Web Page - That will be your "HeartQuarters" for raising donations using email. Creating your Web Page is fun and easy. Click the button below to login to your HeartQuarters to create your Web Page. If you still need to sign up to create your account, click here.
Did you Know? Students who use a Web Page raise three times as much in donations!
Tip 3 - Set a dollar goal and beat it!
Tip 4 - Ask everyone to donate! You can ask your parents' co-workers, family friends, grandparents, family doctors, babysitters, everyone you know.
Tip 5 - Raise donations in honor of someone you know who has a special heart.
Tip 6 - Share the story of one of the kids you're helping. See the "Kids We've Helped" section
Tip 7 - Send out lots of emails and if you don't hear back -send reminder emails!
Tip 8 - Write a thank you note to everyone who donated to you! Click here to print out a Thank You Note Heart Template
Click here for Ways To Raise Money Without a Web Page


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Additionally...Manning isn't all *that* great of a threat either. His pitiful performance in Super Bowl exposed his weaknesses when playing against a true Super Bowl worthy caliber team...Seattle. The donkey's weren't a Super Bowl caliber team, had they been, they wouldn't have lost as pathetically as they did. They had a 2013 season of which many opponents had mediocre or bad defenses. They also had refs at times appear to protect Manning by allowing his O-Line to choke hold opposing defenses without being flagged for it.
Whether those refs intentionally helped Manning or not, is questionable or debatable no doubt. He's the NFL's biggest money maker with endorsements, and he's the media's biggest money maker too, in that coverage of him draws high ratings/profits/sponsor dollars. If Manning was seriously hurt, couldn't play...money is lost on many levels of the NFL & it's partners. Most would protect their business investments, including human....IE: a billion dollar investment value NFL QB - Manning.
The officiating in the Super Bowl was fair, no protection for Manning like he'd had often in the regular season, and Manning was pressured unlike he'd been all season. As is his history, Manning chokes when under pressure, and he stayed true to that history playing in SB 2014. He's struggling with age, arthritic & troubled joints, including his knees & neck, and his throwing arm isn't what it once was. He has publicly admitted such.
The donkey's better hope Lady Luck and the refs are on their side again in 2014.


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This picture was posted a couple of days ago on this site, unfortunalty there were no details as to where or when it was taken, however it would seem to indicate that Ollie and April are still a couple. While I am a bit surprised it shouldn't be a total shock since it has only been just over two months since BB10 ended afterall if you can believe it.
The bigger surprise to me was the thought of Nick and Jen (BB8) as a couple. Seriously? Did Jen win some brains on a game show or what? I guess someone has to date Jen but she never came across to me as someone I could carry on a conversation with for more than 10 minutes.
So as far as I know the countdown to BB11 is still somewhere around 7 1/2 months. I'm still in no rush :)


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Hudson Common
356 W 58th St New York, NY 10019 (map); 212-554-6000; hudsoncommonnyc.com
Cooking Method: From freezer to griddle.
Short Order: A joke of burger so bad even Yelpers have caught on. But if you've ever felt like eating excellent fries in an Epcot Center interpretation of a New York party, this may be the place for you.
Want Fries With That? You want fries instead of that. Their thrice-cooked fries are excellent.
Price: Tiny, poorly cooked patty, $12; extra for a slice of dried out Velveeta, +$2; fries, $5
Let me start this review off by telling you that the Thrice-Cooked Fries ($5) with duck fat and sea salt at Hudson Common, the new burger joint/beer hall in the ultra-trendy Hudson Hotel, are excellent. Like, best-in-class, how-do-they-get-them-so-crisp? level good. I suggest you go in, order those fries and perhaps a beer,* then get out while the gettin's good, because it's all downhill from there.
* If you can put up with their ridiculous system of no waiters and two different lines to stand on in succession for drinks and food.
I'm not really the type of person who deals in take-downs or overly negative posts. But once in a while I feel so duped, so cheated, so entirely frustrated that I just spent $13 on the worst burger I've had since my middle school cafeteria days that I feel a bit of warning is due to our readers, in the hopes that the same fate will not befall them.
I also only choose to write this post because the burger joint in question happens to be inside a very popular hotel—one which there are good odds that a visitor to our fair city may stay at, or even choose to visit for their impressive outdoor drinking space and lounge.
If you do happen to find yourself at the bar enjoying a cocktail, I implore you to look elsewhere for your meal. It's not that difficult, seeing as they don't allow you to order food from the bar, despite the fact that the bar window and burger window are in the exact same room.
There actually, is some degree of culinary magic going on in the kitchens at Hudson Common. How else can you explain a burger that manages to be charred to the point of blackening around the edges, yet pale and steamed-looking across its entire face?
I have seriously never seen a burger patty that looks like this and am a bit mystified as to how it was accomplished. Perhaps an overly-compressed, potentially frozen patty that cooked so hot the edges shrunk, causing it to cup up and lose contact with the griddle is the answer? I really don't know.
I believe—I hope—that those frizzled things sticking to the meat were some sort of blackened caramelized onion detritus, though the menu description didn't advertise them and their flavor offered no clues.
Want to witness a bit more kitchen wizardy? Just watch as we take this slice of Velveeta cheese—well known as the processed cheese that will melt into gooey sauce if you even look at it wrong—and convert it into a plastic sheet so dry and shriveled that it will actually refuse to melt under the heat of your burger. Ta-da!!
A strangely sweet, horseradish-flavored sauce distracts you from the meat, which can be a good thing. At least the bun was properly toasted.
This is a rare case in which the veggie burgers are actually superior to the regular burgers. Though not by much. They have decent flavor and appear to be made with real vegetables, but are mushy to the point that the squeeze out of the sides of your burger as you bite.
If you're willing to spend even more money, you can treat yourself to even larger sandwiches that aren't worth eating. The breaded cutlet inside the Pork Katsu BLT ($15) is alright, albeit greasy on its own. Smears of unidentifiable creamy sauce, insipid off-season tomatoes, and clumsy fat slices of iceberg lettuce doused in Japanese Worcestershire sauce don't do it any favors.
I'm serious here: stick with the fries. If you want a full-meal, order the Bloody Mary Bacon Fries, which, for $9, is not only cheaper than almost anything else on the menu, but is also infinitely more edible.
Think poutine meets barbecue meets bibimbap meets nachos and you have a fair idea of what's going on. The awesome triple-cooked fries are topped with slices of pickled okra and jalapeño, along with plenty of squeaky cheese curds, a soft-yolked fried egg, and tender chunks of braised pork belly (which I wish they wouldn't call bacon). The dish is so damn good that it makes you forget all about the earlier trespasses.
Until the deafening house music starts pumping. Dammit, time to get the heck out of here.


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A program advocating for abused or neglected children in southern Idaho says there are too many cases for volunteers to handle.
The Twin Falls Times-News reports there are only 67 trained volunteer advocates in the region's Court Appointed Special Advocates program.
But 525 children from the region surrounding Twin Falls were abused or neglected so badly in 2012 they had to be removed from their homes.
Currently, there are more than 100 children without a volunteer.
Tahna Barton, director of the region's CASA, says children without an advocate are more likely to be incarcerated in the juvenile detention system — or bounced from foster home to foster home.
Barton says one problem is some would-be volunteers think child-abuse issues arise mainly in cities like Boise, not in rural areas.


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Casaubon's Book
Tag archives for rationalization
…you just gotta love The Onion. Not only is it a lazy-ass blogiste's best friend, providing amusing commentary when you just can't get a post up, but it also does a lovely job of illustrating the scope of our ecological problems now and again. You'll enjoy this one. "It's not like I don't care, because…


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Buy an Axon, Axon II, or Axon Mote and build a great robot, while helping to support SoR.
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
[...] An I2C bus could have up to 127 devices/sensors connected.
"AVR is forgiving" - yep - but many sensors are not. Only need a few sensors to go and its more $ than the AVR. Again - just warning others "don't do as I did"
My point is that you can always pull up your I2C bus to 3.3V rather than 5V. Add a second linear regulator if you need to. The AVR won't mind, and won't pull up the bus higher, because the bus is an open-drain sender-pulls-low design. And 3.3V is high enough for the AVR to count it as a "1."


text: Patchy Sanders is a folk orchestra based in Ashland, Oregon. In the first year of their existence, they've already recorded their debut album, Patchy Sanders and the Wild Peach Forest, with producer Sylvia Massy (responsible for albums ranging from Tool to Prince to Johnny Cash). They're also looking forward to a busy summer of west coast festivals and beyond. Before performing at Cozmic in Eugene on Thursday, May 15th, they visited the KLCC studios for a few songs and conversation with Eric Alan.


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Returns of fall Chinook to the Columbia River have reached record-high numbers, leading to the raising of the daily limit for Chinook salmon at Drano Lake and the upper Klickitat River.
Up to four adult Chinook may be retained in both places. Anglers may fish seven days a week on Drano Lake through Dec. 31, 2013.
The increase on the upper Klickitat River is effective through Nov. 30, 2013.
The daily limit on salmon in both locations is six fish. On the upper Klickitat, up to four may be adult Chinook and on Drano Lake up to four may be adult salmon of which no more than two may be Coho. Any salmon, adipose fin clipped or not, may be retained at both locations.
The upper Klickitat River is open from 400 feet upstream from the no. 5 fishway (about three miles upstream from the mouth) to the boundary markers below the Klickitat Salmon Hatchery. Closed waters remain in effect from Fisher Hill Bridge to 400 feet upstream from no. 5 fishway.
The area was originally scheduled to close Nov. 1, but is now open until Nov. 30. Only fish hooked inside the mouth may be retained and night closure and anti-snagging rules are in effect.
At Drano Lake, anglers may fish with two poles with the endorsement through the end of the year. The anti-snagging rule remains in effect.
All anglers must have a current Washington fishing license as well as a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement.
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Create the urgency
Let's face it, all good companies that have been in business for any length of time are pretty well booked from April through July, sometimes even into August. Why? Customers are motivated to buy because they have a sense of urgency. They want their outdoor projects completed for Memorial Day celebrations, high school graduations and 4th of July parties.
It's the seasonal crush we all deal with as the warm weather approaches, and outdoor activities and entertaining begins. It's the best of times to sell.
So how can we use this yearly boom to our sales advantage now? It's all about how you ask one simple question. You may currently ask the customer when they want to get their work done. However, the better question is, "When do you want your project completed by?" There is an important distinction. The first question assumes that they know how long their project will take, factoring in bad weather delays, labor issues, and work schedules of other trades that may be concurrently working on the site. The second question gives you some very valuable inforbY
Know who you are selling to
Customers who contact you now for work to be done next spring are called "planners." They are not the ones who run out and buy a pool the first 100-degree day of summer. Those people are, quite famously, called "impulse buyers." Planners tend to take more time to decide on the design of the project and the contractor. They will ask to see your work, read a testimonial list and review your website, page by page. They're the ones who never order their food in a restaurant the first time the waiter comes to the table. They want to hear all the specials and read the entire menu! Knowing about them, though, can work to your advantage.
Provide ample information about your company and yourself to the planners. This may include customer testimonials, your website address, a biography sheet, business license, insurance papers, and any certificates and commendations you have received. Were you part of a memorial project that was in the paper? Have a copy of the article in your portfolio. All of this is important to planners, who want to get to know you and, hopefully, want to do business with you and your company.
Spend the extra time and money during the design phase. Present yourself as a true professional by producing a top-notch design presentation. Use 3-D imaging software or outsource a design service to provide them with a virtual experience of their project. You increase the likelihood of winning their business when you're able to help the planners visualize their projects. They will be most appreciative of the professionalism and extra effort presented to them.
Never tell them that you can start immediately. They are savvy customers who will read your desperation and become difficult negotiators. They will wonder why you don't have a busier schedule, and will want to be reassured that they are not making a mistake by choosing you. The bottom line is that they'll make you jump through more hoops to sign a contract, and for less money. A very bad combination.
mation. This is usually the date of an important party or event.
Here is what you can do with this bit of information. Let's assume the event is an outdoor graduation party in the third week of June, and you're selling a house patio. I would remind my customer of the stubborn winter we experienced last year, the rainy spring and the surprise "add ons" people have us do once we're working on their projects. I would let them know that it would be prudent to schedule their start date at least two full months ahead of their completion date. Explain how this will allow the plantings, grass and fencing to be completed as well. These customers are planners and will appreciate your expertise on scheduling. I would often commend them for planning and to take advantage of "being ahead of the curve." I would encourage them to secure their spot in the spring schedule. They have time on their side, but not much time. Spring schedules book solid quickly.
I would also encourage them to get as much done in the fall as possible for the same reasons. I would tell them they would be assured of having the entire season to enjoy their new project, even as spring begins to warm up. This strategy may allow you to schedule their project into two different phases, hardscape in the fall and landscaping in the spring.
The time is now
Your sales window is from mid-September through November. Now is the time to advertise to gain an edge over your competitors, and follow up with phone calls to all who you gave estimates to this past year. Additionally, send a letter out to all your existing customers, informing them of a discount they could receive by securing their spot now for fall and spring projects. It is precisely the time to make extra efforts to generate sales, and spend a little extra time and money. You will reap the revenue benefits for it later.
Opportunities do not come to those who wait. They are captured by those who attack.
...General George S. Patton
EDITOR'S NOTE: Kevin Smith is president of Online DesignScapes, LLC, an internet based landscape design service. Smith owned a landscape design and construction company for 23 years before he sold it in 2006. firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Get rid of the critters today with expert Deer Valley Pest Control services from your hometown exterminator – Bills Pest Control. Family owned and locally operated we are experts at eradicating Arizona pests.
"Even the hand of compassion is stung when it strokes a scorpion."
The Deer Valley area is located in the Sonoran Desert and home to over 11,000 species of insects. Everything from poisonous spiders, roaches and scorpions thrive in the Sonoran Desert. Mild winter temperatures, wet, warm springs, and monsoon storms make the Deer Valley area ideal for desert pests. In recent years once moderate insect pressure has exploded as new construction provides moisture sources and shelter from the Arizona sun.
Maintaining a "bug free home" in the Deer Valley area is near impossible…short of endangering your health with harsh chemicals. As insect populations around the outside of your home increase…so will the threat of insects invading inside. With the right knowledge, combined with the necessary experience, and frequent service, you can keep the Arizona insects out of your home while keeping outside pests to a manageable level.
Effective Deer Valley pest control service requires knowledge about Arizona insects, specific habits and safe application methods designed to eliminate infestations.
Bills Pest Control has the experience and knowledge to handle all your Deer Valley pest control needs. Family owned and operated by Arizona natives…we provide safe, effective pest control services by experienced service technicians at affordable rates.
Bills Pest Control does not require a signed contract…as we are confident in earning your continued business with our friendly service technicians and their outstanding service.
Not all Deer Valley area exterminators are equal. Bills Pest Control stands apart because we care and reflect care in our work every day.
We take the time to carefully evaluate every pest infestation to determine the safest, most effective approach to eliminating your infestation.
We only provide the necessary service(s) you need…nothing more…nothing less.
We use the safest products available, only in the quantity necessary to get the job done without exposing your family and pets to unnecessary chemicals.
We provide the best service technicians trained in the latest methods and products to eliminate your pest infestation.
We guarantee our pest service for 30 days after the initial application…if the bugs come back…we come back until the infestation is eliminated!
Deer Valley area homeowners should be careful when selecting a pest control company. Untrained and inexperienced service technicians can needlessly expose you, your family and/or pets to dangerous chemicals without eliminating your pest infestation. Almost anyone equipped with a sprayer can apply pesticides…it takes a professional exterminator to know what pesticide(s) to apply, where to apply the pesticide and why.
Don't compromise the safety of your family and pets. Don't waste money on ineffective pest services. When the time comes that you will need a pest control company…and that time will eventually come in Arizona…call your Deer Valley exterminator…Bills Pest Control…We know Arizona bugs!


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Nice ride
Views: 186 | Added: 7 years agoMore
A few weeks ago Linda wanted to make some extra cash but her boyfriend did not approve. A few days later she caught him with another girl, so she called me up and asked me to meet with her. She was down for anything, i called up commando and we met at my place. After showing off her assets, she went down on her knees and gave commando a great blowjob. He fucked her on the back off his pickup truck and sent her home with a mouth full of cum.
Submitted by: realitykings


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The lights are on
If you are headed to the Jacob Javits Center this weekend for New York Comic Con, Capcom wants you to swing by its booth to play Strider. The title will be playable on the show floor.
Capcom has sent along a new batch of screenshots and a new trailer, too. Strider will be available on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PC in 2014. For more on Strider, read our preview from Tokyo Game Show.
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I mean, really.... Grey hair, Fred Thompson look alike... They don't exist in IT.
I see you've never been inside the building I work in.
...White House budget office's intelligence branch.
Too... many... oxymorons...
Cannot... resist...
Slightly off-topic, but am I the only one that thinks the word "cyber" is a silly 90's throwback?
It's hard to take anyone seriously who's still using that word with a straight face.
It's hard to take anyone seriously who's still using that word with a straight face.
Kevin Warwick? (Professor of Cybernetics)
It might behoove you to get over that. The head of the US National Security Agency, a four-star general, is 'dual-hatted' as the head of United States Cyber Command. I'm pretty sure most of the 'serious' world takes his efforts seriously.
Facebook links for fun:
Also, have you seen NSA's publicly-released documentation on UFO's? Hilarity.
Here's the general link full
Four-star general? Then I'll refer to him if I need any advice on friendly fire?
I'm sure you've seen the regular debates around here regarding the definition of 'hacker,' fought between those who wish to stay true to the old meaning and those who wish to accept the corrupt but more-popular meaning to avoid confusion.
Yeah, good luck avoiding confusing a layperson. I thought it was hilarious this morning watching the looks on reporters' faces when they saw "HACK!" graffittied on a wall at Facebook HQ with Zuckenberg smiling, an their confusion at the "hackathon" they pulled last night.
It's short for Cybernetics, which is a much older throw back, (nearly?) pre-dating computers, and is applicable not only to technology, but any system with information feedback loops. Cybernetic research has been a huge boon to business since at least the 50s.
Applying "Cyber" to only systems of logic in a computer or computer network is just wrong and should end. Your own mind is a Cybernetic Entity.
Further, Cyber is often used today as a short version of "Cyberspace", which I suppose, to align with your comment, is really Cyberneticsspace. agh.
I've cyber-spoken to many cyber-people in the TFA's "cyber field" and I still can't give you a straight answer.
Maybe we should build a sandboxed subset of the Internet for journalists called CYBER-SPACE that consists of nothing but their organizations' websites and a mountain of child porn. Cyber child porn.
I usually think back to a very common use/meaning of the word "cyber" in 90s chatrooms [viewonline.com]. (I have no connection to that article, it was just one of the first useful search results.)
Well for starters he knows that for every one American cyberworrier there are 100 Chinese ones.
Schmidt will be replaced by Michael Daniel, currently the head of the White House budget office's intelligence branch.
Um, come again?
Someone kindly point out what makes this manager-of-auditors-of-bean-counters, with a background totally unrelated to cybersecurity or even IT in general, qualified to coordinate the nation's response to Chinese and Iranian hackers?
He can make a great speech you insensitive clod.
Did you note "intelligence branch"? NSA and US Cyber Command are run by the same guy. The signals intelligence community in the US *is* the community responding to the nation-state hacking threat.
The Bolsheviks had the right idea when they rise up and got rid of them. But since it's America you can just lay them off and not have to shoot their wives and families.
The White house can have a policy wonk, but no need to give them " czarlike" powers or any more title than "advisor." The Guy who was elected shouldn't be insulated from responsibility by an unelected staffer with a big title and media who go along with the fiction that he hassome kind of independent authority.
In other words, in Soviet Russia, the people control the czars!
To quote the new guy, "Don't quote me regulations. I co-chaired the committee that reviewed the recommendation to revise the color of the book that regulation's in. We kept it gray."
Little people depend on the stability of banks, large corporations, and others. We all interdepend on that shit.
Only in the public eye.
In reality, it's more about how they protect government informations systems.
"How many teamsters does it take to screw in a light bulb?" "FIFTEEN!! YOU GOT A PROBLEM WITH THAT?"


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A 275-METRE-wide asteroid will make the latest in a series of close approaches to the Earth tomorrow morning.
Scientists have ruled out any possibility of a cataclysmic collision – for now – but there remains a chance of the asteroid Apophis smashing into Earth in 2036.
This year Apophis, named after an Egyptian mythological demon, will not get closer than around 14.5 million kilometres.
Scientists will use the encounter to improve their estimate of just how dangerous the space rock really is.
In 2029, Apophis is expected to come uncomfortably close, brushing past the Earth at a distance of just 30,000 kilometres. That will put the asteroid inside the orbit of communications satellites.
Current models predict a tiny but real likelihood of Apophis colliding with the Earth in 2036.
When the asteroid was discovered in 2004, scientists calculated a one-in-45 chance of an impact in 2029. Improved predictions later lifted the threat.
The asteroid's latest near approach will occur at 11am AEST tomorrow.
Members of the public can view the event online via the Slooh web-based sky-watching service, which collects images from observatories around the world.
Slooh president Patrick Paolucci said: ''Alone among all these near-Earth asteroids that have passed our way in recent years, Apophis has generated the most concern worldwide because of its extremely close approach in 2029 and potential impact, albeit small, in 2036. We are excited to cover this asteroid live for the general public.''
Scientists at the US space agency NASA have calculated that if Apophis struck the Earth it would generate a blast equivalent to more than 500 megatonnes of TNT. In comparison, the most powerful hydrogen bomb ever detonated, the Soviet Tsar Bomba, released 57 megatonnes.
Press Association


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In Part One, Barcroft talks about moving around as a child and learning adaptability, landing a job her first week in New York, playing a popular role on ANOTHER WORLD and then returning to the show many years later as a dayplayer.
We Love Soaps: Tell me about your background. You were born in D.C. but then moved around a lot?
Judith Barcroft: Yes. My father was an Episcopal minister and so we lived in Germany for two years. I studied art in Rome at the Borghese Gallery. We lived in Oklahoma and Palm Beach, very contrasting places. I went to a lot of different schools - the American School On The Rhine in Germany; the National Cathedral School in Virginia; St. Mary's Hall at Fairbault, Minnesota; Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri; and then I graduated from Northwestern University. You learn adaptability I guess.
I came to New York and got a job my first week, within five days, in the theater. It was a show directed by George Abbott, "Never Too Late." I went out on a bus and truck tour.
We Love Soaps: Did you always want to be an actress?
Judith Barcroft: Always, yes. We were living in Charleston, South Carolina, and my father was in the Navy. I went to a play when I was 2 1/2 or 3 and it was "Little Black Sambo." I said, "What is that?" They said, "That's a play." And I said, "That's what I want to do." I also wanted to be a bride when I saw my first wedding. I thought you could just wear white and walk down the aisle all the time as an occupation [laughs].
We Love Soaps: What did your parents say about you wanting to be an actress, especially your dad the minister?
Judith Barcroft: He felt called to go into the ministry after the Navy, and felt theater and religion were very close. He taught me to read with expression. He loved the theater and took me to my first concert to see Dame Myra Hess play the piano. Both of my parents loved the theater. They were very supportive.
We Love Soaps: So you came to New York and got your first job within five days. How did your role as Lenore on ANOTHER WORLD come about?
Judith Barcroft: I went on tour for a year and came back that Spring. They were casting a Broadway show and at the same time they were casting ANOTHER WORLD. I just happened to walk into this Broadway show called "Mating Dance" that lasted one night. It starred Van Johnson and Richard Mulligan and I played a stewardess that came in and out the window. That was my Broadway debut. As soon as that closed, ANOTHER WORLD was casting and I got that part the same week I also got "Dinner at Eight," directed by Sir Tyrone Guthrie on Broadway. At first the producers said they wouldn't let me do the soap, and then Tyrone Guthrie said he could work around me so I did both at the same time.
We Love Soaps: ANOTHER WORLD was still live at that point.
Judith Barcroft: Yes, it was live and that was very funny. If you forgot your lines you could just sort of mouth the words [laughs]. I had a scene with Audra Lindley (Aunt Liz) and the wall of the set fell down and we had to continue. My first day I stood up quickly and bumped by head on the mic. I didn't know anything about television.
We Love Soaps: What happened with the wall? Did they put it back up during the commercial break?
Judith Barcroft: No, we played with it falling down and we just shot around it. The whole fireplace and everything just fell down [laughs]. Audra Lindley was so funny when she had to ad lib.
We Love Soaps: I loved her on THREE'S COMPANY. I wish I could have seen her work on ANOTHER WORLD.
Judith Barcroft: She would also put a strip of scotch tape on her face to lift up her face. She was very fun. I had a honeymoon scene with Val Dufour (Walter) and it was supposed to be really romantic in Hawaii on a balcony. It was a bamboo set and the bamboo started creaking in really odd sort of fart noises. And they wanted to have more of a breeze so this big heavy guy from the crew started waving his hand at us. We practically broke up. Live television was very funny. Pretty soon it became taped and then they said, "Every mistake you make will be $4,000 cause we have to stop." It was a lot of tension.
We Love Soaps: For that time period on a lot of soaps, especially ANOTHER WORLD, there doesn't seem to be any footage left which is really sad.
Judith Barcroft: Some of my director's saved some of the footage, but they have all died now. Also, there's not footage when I first started ALL MY CHILDREN. Before it went to an hour, all those half hour shows, there's not much of that. They never show all of my time on the reruns.
We Love Soaps: Agnes Nixon was the head writer of ANOTHER WORLD when you first started?
Judith Barcroft: She hired me on ANOTHER WORLD and then wrote the part of Anne for me [on ALL MY CHILDREN]. But I was still on ANOTHER WORLD at the time. I left ANOTHER WORLD when I had my first child, Ian, then I was able to do the part. She hired me as soon as I had the baby. I didn't like to go to [the ANOTHER WORLD studio in] Brooklyn so much when I was breastfeeding. She wrote the part for me on ALL MY CHILDREN and my son played little Phillip on the show. Then she talked to my husband about writing.
We Love Soaps: You celebrated 40 years of marriage last year, and your husband, Wisner Washam, wrote for ALL MY CHILDREN for many, many years including when you were on the show. But you met before all that.
Judith Barcroft: We met on Broadway in "Plaza Suite." I was understudying the bride and he was understudying the groom. He was Mike Nichols' assistant and production stage manager for the show which starred Maureen Stapleton and George C. Scott. Later, George C. Scott hired me to understudy his wife in "All God's Children Got Wings" at Circle in the Square.
We Love Soaps: When you were on ANOTHER WORLD they spun off another soap, SOMERSET, and you made an appearance on that show as well.
Judith Barcroft: The SOMERSET cast was all there so it was fun. There was one big studio out in Brooklyn. I remember one time I was working with Bob Milli (Wayne) and he got murdered. As soon as he died his commercial came on and he said, "Mmm, that's good coffee." There was a time when SOMERSET was on and there was a lot of work for the writers so George Reinholt (Steve) and I used to rewrite the scripts. For about a month there we were rewriting the scripts everyday because they were a mess, but then it all settled out.
We Love Soaps: Many years later in 1988, after your successful run on ALL MY CHILDREN and other soap appearances, you played the role of a pharmacist on ANOTHER WORLD. What was it like returning to the show at that point?
Judith Barcroft: That was the worst job that I ever had on a soap. It was terrible going back there. I had been one of the stars on ANOTHER WORLD and to come back as a pharmacist selling condoms, and nobody knew who I was, that was sort of a degrading stint. I didn't want to do that anymore.
We Love Soaps: By that point the only remaining actor on the show was Constance Ford (Ada). Are there any actors you're still in touch with from ANOTHER WORLD?
Judith Barcroft: I'm still friends with Beverly Penberthy, who played Pat on that show. I saw Ginny Dywer (Mary) recently too. A lot of people have died, like Val Dufour.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Click here for the final part of our interview where Barcroft discusses moving over to All MY CHILDREN, her other soap roles and what she's doing now.


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FSU is my main team (stay far, far away from EJ Manuel), but USC is one of the teams I always keep a very close eye on. That was the least talented USC offense in the last 10 years. The offense, right now, is loaded beyond belief. Very close to the 2005 team. If Barkley were as consistent as Leinart was (in college), they'd be the best.
Now, being the worst USC offense of the last 10 years is like being the slowest guy in the 100m final, but I think you get the point. The guys Barkley is playing with now are on a completely different level than the guys Sanchez had.
That USC team's strength was its all-world defense. They were awesome. Average at the corners, but great everywhere else, and tremendous at linebacker.
Would rather get EJ Manuel in the 2nd.
He has been showing he's not an NFL QB for the past 2 months.


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Quoted from zenphoenix
i use a wonderful mag supplement called Mag Malate Renewhttp://www.nationalnutrition.ca/detail.aspx?ID=3134I have not had any problems with it, and it has helped me settle out my migraine issues and my muscle pain issues.I was sceptical at first as i have had a lot of problems with my tummy and most mag supplements bother me, but this one has not.
Quoted from NewHampshireGirl
I am really tempted to try this. Are the pills easy to swallow? How did you learn about this product? Do you take it once a day?


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The New York Rangers clawed back a much-needed 4-3 win against the Washington Capitals, while the Detroit Red Wings beat the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in overtime to draw even in their first-round playoff series on Monday.
The Boston Bruins downed the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2 to lead their series 2-1, while the Los Angeles Kings edged the St Louis Blues 4-3 to draw level at 2-2.
New York's Derek Stepan and Arron Asham both scored tiebreaking goals in the third period of Game 3. The Rangers still trail 2-1 in the Eastern Conference series ahead of Game 4 in New York today.
Stepan gave the Rangers the lead for good with 6 minutes, 25 seconds remaining when he deftly tipped in a pass in front from Rick Nash. Asham had put New York in front 3-2 at 2:53, but Jay Beagle got the Capitals even again 4:26 later.
Derick Brassard had a goal and two assists for the Rangers, who managed only one goal in their first two losses in Washington and had not scored since the first period of Game 1 — a scoreless stretch of 124 minutes, 6 seconds. That streak was broken by Brian Boyle's first-period goal that made it 1-1.
Damien Brunner scored with 4:50 left in overtime to lift Detroit to their series-evening win over Anaheim.
Detroit defenseman Jakub Kindl started the winning sequence, passing the puck from behind Detroit's net up the ice to Joakim Andersson. He tried to connect with teammate Gustav Nyquist, only to have Hiller poke the puck away. Brunner, playing in his first NHL season, was in perfect position in front of the net and swatted in the puck to end the game.
Game 5 is today in Anaheim and Game 6 is back in Detroit on Friday.
Pavel Datsyuk scored a second tying goal for the Red Wings with 6:33 left in regulation. Brendan Smith made it 1-1 early in the third.
Matt Beleskey gave the Ducks their first lead 5:07 into the game and David Steckel put them ahead midway through the third period.
Boston spoiled the return of playoff hockey to Toronto, scoring two quick goals in the second period to beat the Maple Leafs.
Adam McQuaid, Rich Peverley, Nathan Horton, Daniel Paille and David Krejci, with an empty-net goal with 1:17 remaining, scored for Boston.
The win came before 19,746 fans inside the Air Canada Centre. Outside, a blue-and-white throng watched on a big screen in Maple Leaf Square as playoff hockey returned to Toronto for the first time since 2004.
After being beaten 4-2 in Boston on Saturday night, the Bruins upped their game. The Leafs, meanwhile, made mistakes and were punished, although they tried to close the gap with a busy third period in which they outshot the visitors 18-6. The Leafs finished with a 47-38 edge in shots.
Game 4 is today in Toronto, with Boston leading 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.
Jake Gardiner and Phil Kessel replied for Toronto in a physical game.
In Los Angeles, Anze Kopitar equalized with 12:46 to play and Justin Williams tipped home the go-ahead goal 76 seconds later in Los Angeles' win over St Louis.
Jeff Carter and Dustin Penner also scored for the defending Stanley Cup champions. They erased an early two-goal deficit and a third-period deficit to earn their ninth consecutive home win since March 23. Jonathan Quick made 19 saves.
T.J. Oshie scored his first two playoff goals for the Blues, who had the champions on the brink of serious trouble, before Kopitar and Williams beat Brian Elliott, who stopped 25 shots.


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Concord, NC (SportsNetwork.com) - Driver Aric Almirola and sponsor Smithfield Foods have signed three-year contract extensions with Richard Petty Motorsports, the team announced on Wednesday.
Smithfield Foods and its family of brands, including Eckrich, Farmland, Gwaltney, Nathan's and Smithfield, will increase its primary sponsorship of Almirola's No. 43 team in the Sprint Cup Series to 29 races during the 2014 season. The company sponsored the No. 43 for 15 races in 2012 and then 25 events this past year.
Almirola is entering his third full season with RPM. He finished 18th in the point standings last season. The 29-year-old driver has yet to win a race in NASCAR's top series but has three top-five finishes and 12 top-10s in 107 career Sprint Cup starts. His lone pole in the series came in May 2012 at Charlotte.


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STOCKHOLM – A man convicted of smuggling in Sweden outwitted his jailers by sneaking in a friend to serve most of his yearlong sentence, prison officials said Friday.
The identity of the false convict was discovered only when he'd been released on probation after serving about two-thirds of his friend's sentence, Sweden's Prison and Probation Service said.
Lager said the in-lieu convict came to serve the sentence with a false ID. An international arrest warrant was issued for the real convict.


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Integrating her love for Spanish, science and education, Stevie Gildehaus '13 is teaching English in Brazil next year as a Fulbright winner.
"It has been my dream for a long time to be a part of this program, and it is a huge honor to have the chance to live out that dream," Gildehaus says. "I feel lucky to have the chance to be a part of a program whose core values resonate with me so strongly."
Gildehaus — who majored in environmental science and Spanish — will spend 10 months in Brazil beginning in March. While in Brazil, she will work as an English teaching assistant at a university, where she will plan conversational activities, help in language labs and give presentations on the culture, politics and history of the United States.
"I feel I am fulfilling my duty as a global citizen and getting to share my culture while diving into a new one," Gildehaus says. "I am excited to make a difference in the college experience of other students."
Pursuing her Passions
At Willamette, Gildehaus made her mark both on and off campus.
She received the Academic Achievement Award in environmental and earth science in 2011 and 2012. During her senior year, she won the William B. Webber Scholarship, enabling her to develop and teach science curriculum to fifth-graders at Highland Elementary School in Salem.
She also participated in cross country and track. In the latter sport, she placed second in both the 3,000- meter steeple chase and the 800-meter run at the 2013 Northwest Conference Championships.
Equally notable are Gildehaus's work experiences, which include assisting in field research for the Zena Ecological Restoration Project, tutoring girls in English, math and science at an orphanage in Ecuador, and interning at the Smithsonian Biology Institute in Front Royal, Va.
"My experience at Willamette undoubtedly prepared me for this next phase of my life," says Gildehaus, a native of Spokane Valley, Wash. "I am fortunate that I had the opportunity to attend a university with such supportive professors and faculty. I could not have made this journey without their help."
Looking Ahead
In Brazil, Gildehaus says she's most looking forward to improving her teaching skills, boosting her cultural literacy and making a difference in the English-learning experience of college students. She also hopes to investigate environmental issues in a new setting.
When she returns home, Gildehaus plans to attend graduate school. She hopes to one day conduct environmental research that promotes cross-cultural sharing of global environmental issues.
"My future career goal is to make scientific research more available to individuals in Latin America by being an ambassador on the interface of culture and science," she says.
"Through the Fulbright experience, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the Brazilian way of life and to develop skills that will promote the intercultural exchange of language, environmental awareness and the celebration of differences."
Other Fulbright Winners
Gildehaus was one of five Willamette students and recent graduates to earn Fulbright Grants in 2013. The other winners are:
Emily Anderson '12
Kathryn Burns '12
Beth Phillips '05
Kirsten Wesselhoeft '06
For more information on Fulbright Grants and similar opportunities, contact the Office of Student Academic Grants and Awards.


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Don't feel bad. You are giving something away for free and you are being inconvenienced having to wait for people to show up. You could have been out doing something else while you were waiting. I'd probably have been forgiving of an emergency such as a child in a hospital, but a second time? No. I'd start wondering about the truth of this "emergency."I've learned the hard way, except mine was for an item I was selling for money. The woman showed up, looked at it, and wanted it, but hadn't brought any money (who does that?). I naively promised to hold it for her as she was coming back the next day. The next day she didn't show, made some excuse when I called her, and said she'd come the NEXT day. So this was the third day I had to rush home and make sure I was there for the agreed upon time. Again she didn't show. So in the meantime someone else called, came over, cash in hand, and bought it and the whole thing took a painless 10 minutes. That is the way it should be. Then the first woman called again and was upset that I had sold it to someone else. No, just no. You show up ready to buy (or take) or risk losing it to another buyer.
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The National Hockey League announced on Tuesday it has fined Calgary Flames defenseman Mark Giordano $10,000.
The 29-year-old native of Toronto was punished financially for a slew-foot of Dallas Stars forward Antoine Roussel on Sunday, drawing a minor for tripping on the play.
According to Rule 52, "Slew-footing is the act of a player using his leg or foot to knock or kick an opponent's feet from under him, or pushes an opponent's upper body backward with an arm or elbow, and at the same time with a forward motion of his leg, knocks or kicks the opponent's feet from under him, causing him to fall violently to the ice."
Giordano is a first time offender, so under the terms of the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, he could only be fined the lesser amount between $10,000 -- which goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund -- or one-half of a day's pay.


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'New York, New York' fashion show at Saint Katherine Drexel
March 2, 2013
On Saturday, March 9, at 11 a.m., Saint Katharine Drexel Council of Catholic Women will present "New York, New York," a fashion show by Razzle Dazzle, in the Parish Hall, 1922 S.W. 20th Ave....
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Pilot Credit Closed
This pilot credit is closed, however, a similar credit is available for use through the innovation catalog.
To support the installation of distributed renewable energy generation.
Obtain structural engineer verification that the design and constructing of the building is capable of supporting planned photovoltaic technologies on the roof.
Enter into a rooftop lease agreement committing to provide renewable, solar energy for distributed generation1that meets the following requirements:
|Solar facility capacity
|250 kW
|500 kW
|1,000 kW
The agreement must specify an expected commercial operation date for the solar facility that is within 18 months of building construction completion.
Capacity of the solar facility shall be determined by summing the photovoltaic module (PV) power listed on the nameplates of the PV modules in units of watt and then dividing by 1,000 to convert to kilowatt (kW).
The PV module power ratings are for Standard Test Conditions (STC) of 1000 W/sq. meters solar irradiance and 25oC PV module temperature.
While projects may use electricity from the solar facility, the facility cannot count towards the achievement of EAc2: On-site Renewable Energy (BD&C rating systems) and EAc4 On-site and Off-site Renewable Energy (O&M rating systems).
The building is prohibited from receiving or claiming ownership of environmental attributes generated by the on-site renewable energy facility. Environmental attributes shall include, without limitation, any and all carbon credits, renewable energy credits, emissions reductions, reporting rights, offsets and allowances attributable to the electric energy produced by the solar facility.
1Distributed generation is the use of small-scale power generation technologies located close to the load being served. These systems reduce the amount of energy lost in transmitting electricity because the electricity is generated very near where it is used. Distributed generation systems are typically smaller than 10,000 kW. For purposes of this credit, distributed generation systems must deliver power to the utility distribution grid rather than to an individual building.
2As a pilot credit, project teams will earn one point regardless of the threshold achieved. USGBC is indicating multiple thresholds to display the credit's intended structure.
General Pilot Documentation Requirements
- Participate in the LEEDuser pilot credit forum
- Complete the feedback survey:
Join LEEDuser
Ask questions, share tips, and get notified of new forum posts by joining LEEDuser, a tool developed by BuildingGreen and supported by USGBC!
Sample forms
No sample form available for this credit.View all sample forms


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Jud Dillard and Dennis Ogbe scored 18 points each as Tennessee Tech surged at the start of the second half and beat Jacksonville State 78-64 Saturday night.
The Golden Eagles (9-14, 3-8 Ohio Valley Conference) led 25-24 at halftime, then opened the second half with a 20-6 run. Jeremiah Samarrippas scored six of his 15 points during the 9-minute run.
Jacksonville State (15-8, 7-5), which beat Tennessee Tech 83-62 on Dec. 19, got within 10 points, 63-53, with 6:29 left. An aggressive foul was called against Jacksonville State on the Golden Eagles' next possession, leading to two technicals for arguing being charged against Gamecocks coach James Green, resulting in his ejection. Along with the personal foul and technical charged on the play, Tennessee Tech got eight free throws and made seven for a 17-point lead.
Brian Williams scored 22 points and Tarvin Gaines 15 for Jacksonville State.


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About the Moratorium
On January 14, 2013, Governor Pence signed Executive Order 13-03 which places a "Regulatory Moratorium" on executive branch agencies' ability to promulgate administrative rules. By "freezing" the creation of new rules, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be able to review and identify existing regulations that inhibit Hoosiers' freedom to engage in individual, family, and business pursuits.
Burdensome and unnecessary rules increase costs to business owners and create barriers to employment. These implications are considerably higher for small businesses. There are more than 115,000 small businesses in Indiana and they account for more than 48% of Indiana's jobs. Governor Pence believes that every dollar not spent on regulatory paperwork is a dollar that Indiana businesses can spend putting Hoosiers to work.
The Regulatory Moratorium will also identify burdensome occupational licensing regulations, which have increased significantly over the past decade. Since 2002, there have been more than forty new professional licenses, permits, or certifications, including eighteen new licensed occupations. In contrast, licensure requirements (and regulatory mandates) for three occupations have been eliminated: Hypnotists, Environmental Health Specialists, and Shampoo Operators. Similarly, in 2004, there were approximately 340,000 professional licensees. Today, there are more than 470,000. This amounts to a 38% increase in licensed professionals, yet Indiana's population has increased just 7% in that same time period.
Not all rules and regulations are bad. The Regulatory Moratorium excludes seven categories of rules that agencies may propose; the exceptions include the following: rules necessary to avoid a violation of a court order or federal law, rules that reduce State spending, and rules whose predominate purpose and effect are to address matters of emergency or health or safety, including the promulgation of an emergency rule under Ind. Code § 4-22-2-37.1.
Pursuant to Executive Order 13-03, the Regulatory Moratorium will remain in effect "until expressly modified or terminated by a subsequent Executive Order." Read the entire executive order here.


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Advanced Tibetan Cranial Apprentice Program
Shar Lee
May 23–28, 2013
A nearly extinct energetic healing modality passed down orally from Tibetan monks throughout the centuries, Tibetan Cranial (TC) work reconnects us to our inherent healing capacity. While maintaining a state of prayer or mantra, practitioners read hundreds of pulses, and then fine tune bones in the skull, jaw, palate and neck. This work has been shown to alleviate suffering and promote a profound sense of well-being. Yoga and meditation will be taught as part of the five-day retreat so that apprentices can develop a daily spiritual practice to support their work.
This is the advanced TC apprenticeship program.
Before registering, you must experience an individual TC session from one of our practitioners or Shar Lee, have been accepted as a TC Apprentice and attended the TC beginners program. See our practitioners listed by location, and details about the program: www.tibetancranial.org. For more information, call 720-378-8044.
Shar Lee
Shar Lee, CYI, has been teaching yoga and Buddhist meditation internationally since 1966. After studying Zen Buddhism in the United States, she studied Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal with several esteemed lamas. In 1987, she began training in Tibetan Cranial work with Lama Dorje in Kathmandu, Nepal.
For more information on Tibetan Cranial work, visit www.tibetancranial.org.


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YORK, Pa. – The York College men's lacrosse team started off the 2012 campaign with a win over Randolph-Macon courtesy of a 14-7 result on a snowy and cold Saturday afternoon in York. Head coach Brandon Childs garnered his first career victory with the Spartans as York opens up at 1-0 while the Yellow Jackets start the season with a loss.
Freshman Tyler Hutson put together quite a performance to start his career with the Spartan squad as he registered four goals and one assist. His first ever goal as a collegian came with 5:40 left in the second period from fellow rookie Tyler Davis. Huston went onto to score two goals in the third and one in the fourth.
In addition to Huston's outstanding day, senior captain B.J. Blaker also started off the season in good fashion with three goals and two assists.
Down 2-1 at the close of the first quarter, York had a game-changing second period. Despite the Yellow Jackets going up 3-1 at the start o the second, the Spartans embarked on a 7-1 run to secure an 8-4 halftime. Out of the seven goals scored by the Spartans in the second period, six of them were scored under the nine-minute mark. Hutson and James Langton each recorded back-to-back goals during the spurt.
To conclude the huge second frame the Spartans had a highlight moment, scoring with just one second left in the half. With the clock quickly running down to zero, Blaker flung a desperation attempt toward the Randolph-Macon goal from the left side. Sailing wide right, an alert Davis picked the ball right out the air, aimed low and was in perfect position to score the last second goal, which brought the score to 8-4 Spartans.
Including their six-goal run to close out the first half, the Green and White registered nine-straight goals from the 8:46 mark of the second quarter to the 9:02 point in the third.
York controlled the game from the half with three goals in the third and fourth periods, respectively. The Spartan lead reached its pinnacle of eight at 13-5 with 6:11 remaining in the contest as senior captain John Powell recorded his first tally of the season
In the first quarter, Randolph-Macon started off strong, scoring a goal in the first minute. York kept persisting and only let up two goals to the Yellow Jackets. In the waning seconds of the period Blaker scored his first goal, which would set-up an exciting second period.
Langton added two goals and one assist while junior Pat Wills was 13-for-24 from the faceoff "X" for the Green and White.
Goalkeeper Tyler Powell picks up the win in the Spartan cage as he made six saves over his 60 minutes of work.
For Randolph-Macon, Jason Andrews and Jake Leddy each notched two tallies while netminder Jason Crawford registered 15 stops.
The next contest for the Spartans will be one week from today, returning to action on Saturday, February 18, at Virginia Wesleyan at 1:00 pm.
PHOTO: Tyler Hutson takes a shot during York's 14-7 triumph over Randolph-Macon on a snowy Saturday in York. Courtesy of Theresa Dark - York College (Pa.) Athletic Communications Student Photographer
Game recap written by Bridget Helmer - York College (Pa.) Athletic Communications Practicum Student


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Start mass-producing the Darwin Awards.
While keeping the yearly Darwin Award, Maybe it's time to create a World Darwin Championship, every four years. With an opening ceremony, different disciplines and medals, a Shakira song, vuvuzelas,...
As medal materials, instead of Gold, Silver and Bronze, I propose Polonium, Arsenic and compressed Gunpowder.
While keeping the yearly Darwin Award, Maybe it's time to create a World Darwin Championship, every four years. With an opening ceremony, different disciplines and medals, a Shakira song, vuvuzelas,...
You can keep your smut to yourself. The last thing I want to see on my TV is Shakira's vuvuzela.
And I think you spelled it wrong.
The Darwin Awards world cup?
Indeed. While you're at it, you can produce some for us (the "West").
I'm no leftie nutjob, but you've got to admin that the a lot of such problems are historically down to us...Africa, Middle East...)
We brought technology without knowledge - if we had spent as much time educating these people over the centuries as we had killing and exploiting them, well, maybe things would be better.
As it stands, this thing spreading out of control is just a short flight away...
I just hope this isn't a deliberate attempt to spread the virus, remove medical supplies and become martyrs
I doubt it. Most likely just the typical bullshit you get in a 3rd world country. Low education, coupled by poverty, corrupt government and when you get a health epidemic, people panic and do stupid shit.
Family supposed got some of the sick, which is understandable that they want to spend the last days with the people, and same for those that supposedly left when the riot started.
As for the looting of the place and the start of the riot, who knows the real agenda there. Panic? Planned? Stupidity? Gu
Most likely just the typical bullshit you get in a 3rd world country. Low education, coupled by poverty, corrupt government and when you get a health epidemic, people panic and do stupid shit
Terrorism is pretty common "bullshit" in some 3rd world countries. The culture of some groups that engage in terrorism celebrates self-sacrifice when engaging in terrorism. Indeed, there is essentially a death cult there when they state "we love death more than you love life." Terrible diseases like Ebola induce terror while killing many people. Modern air travel has reduced the what had been the travel of months to a few hours. Hmmm. Hmmm.
It's probably easier to let these people die of ebola than it is to change the mind of someone who stubbornly believes in things that are false. There have been many information campaigns about the causes and prevention of transmission of ebola, up to and including rap songs, and yet they can't help themselves.
I don't believe that story at all.
Unfortunately, it is true, though maybe not as prevelent in West Africa than in other regions. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misconceptions_about_HIV/AIDS [wikipedia.org]
Flanagan, Jane (2001-11-11). "South African men rape babies as 'cure' for Aids" [telegraph.co.uk]. Telegraph (London). Retrieved 2009-03-25.
Meel, B.L. (2003). "1. The myth of child rape as a cure for HIV/AIDS in Transkei: a case report" [nih.gov]. Med. Sci. Law 43 (1): 85–88.
Groce, N.E.; Trasi, R. (2004). "Rape of individuals with disability: AIDS and the folk belief of virgin [nih.gov]
I don't believe that story at all.
Why not? Is the reports by multiple newspapers not enough to convince you? How about a report from a local (me)? It's true, that they believe such crap is fact and is undisputed.
But even if it's true, what we're dealing with here is an ignorant, uneducated population most of whom don't have access to information, don't watch the daily news, don't (can't) read newspapers, haven't ever heard of the germ theory of disease, and with a government the members of which are enriching themselves in the traditional African way through corruption, coercion and violence.
You're way off base there. Look up the Marikana massacre. The idiot miners, all well past high-school with extra vocational training, went to a witchdoctor who gave them a muti that they could rub all over their body that will make them immune to bullets. They not only believed it (because that particular belief is common in this c
I think it's necessary to understand what's going on Liberia. People there are uneducated, prone to superstition and there's a lot of ignorance about the Ebola outbreak over there, however people are acting rationally based on what they see. What they've seen is that when people go to one of these facilities, they tend to end up dead. If you're living there, ignorance of modern medicine and viruses and whatnot and you witness a loved one being taken to a hospital, it's understandable why people will not take it willingly.
A lot of people think this is some "white-man's poison" that's infecting and killing folks. There's enough bad history with westerners fucking around with Africa that you can't really blame them for being predisposed to being suspicious at what doctor's are doing. Of course, that doesn't mean the situation is great for all concerned - it just isn't that surprising giving the environment.
You say they act rationally based on what they see, and then describe them engaging in post hoc ergo propter hoc logic (people going to facilities end up dead, therefore the facilities are killing them), and being prejudiced against white people and doctors. I am unsure if you are clear on what "rational" means. Hint: it's not acting based on what you 'feel' is right or true, because feelings are notoriously bad at ferreting out either.
They are forming a reasonable (but false) hypothesis which they cannot prove, given that they do not understand health or disease, and they do not believe the explanation people give them, because they lack the obedience training that westerners have.
"post hoc ergo propter hoc" is rational.
"Everyone who has eaten those berries has died frothing at the mouth a few hours afterwards, thus we should probably not eat those berries" is rational. It might not actually be true, but it's a good first step. When people keep dieing in the same way after everyone has stopped eating said berries then you can move to a different hypothesis - but when that's all the information you have it would be irrational to keep eating the berries.
In this case they already have other information - well I'm assuming the health care workers and government and so on are telling them something other than "oh yes, these are death camps where we torture and kill everyone who comes in the door".
Post hoc ergo propter hoc is sometimes irrational, otherwise it would be rational to believe that because day is followed by night day causes night, while in fact it is the rotation of the earth while being located near the sun that causes both. The specific example I mentioned in my post (people going to facilities end up dead, therefore the facilities are killing them) is also irrational, because it assumes causation where there is only correlation. Assuming causation when faced with correlation is really
Your specific example is not irrational. It's the same situation as my eating berries example. At least until people keep dieing even after not going to said facilities. Assuming causation is what rational people do. It's the people who grab the hot pot, yell "ouch" and drop it and then proceed to grab it and yell "ouch" and drop it over and over again because they refuse to assume causation are the ones being irrational.
That we "know" it's an incorrect hypothesis doesn't change that it's a rational first a
What they've seen is that when people go to one of these facilities, they tend to end up dead.
As oppose to those that are infected that don't go to the facilities who don't just tend to end up dead, but are essentially guaranteed to be die from the virus.
> There's enough bad history with westerners fucking around with Africa
You mean, like greatly extending the life expectancy of Africans and providing education regarding prevention and hygiene? Really, these Western people you speak of must be some wicked tribe! To be honest, sometimes I think that this has lead directly to the massive overpopulation we see nowadays. Should we have let Darwin in charge?
Anyone trying to breach a quarantine center should be shot.
No, it's fear mongers like you who are the problem. Ebola is spread by coming into contact with bodily fluids of an infected person. I don't know how you interact with people on the bus, but rarely do I get bled on on my way to work. Furthermore, people in 1st world countries are also less inclined to break people out of quarantine, think doctors are evil killers, or think that black magic is involved. On top of that, most of the people in the affected countries lack the wealth to transport themselves here,
If I ignore this it won't end up killing people I care about. I'm not saying it can't happen, but I am saying I'm willing to bet against those odds, much like I'm willing to bet that we're not in the matrix, that the sun will rise tomorrow, that I have hands, that solipsism is false, and that there is no god.
Ebola turning into a deadly mass plague is a real possibility
Before lecturing about risks of a plague you should read up on it (Ebola) more. For example, you mention a face mask. Ebola is not airborne. The fact that it is spread through physical contact is exactly what makes it (relatively) easy to contain in contrast with, say, influenza.
That actually brings me to the next point - the flu is a much more deadly disease and kills lots more people. But here you are worrying about an Ebola plague.
Do that thing that Slashdot blowhards rarely do: read up a little on somet
Did you ever use the toilet at work? - ever had issues of a bad stomach doing the rounds? any idea how many people don't wash their hands after taking a piss? -people you shook hands with. I'd not bet my life on this scenario being impossible.
Ebola is not as infectious as the flu. Absolute none of those scenarios would be able to transmit the disease. So yes, you are safe.
No, it's fear mongers like you who are the problem. Ebola is spread by coming into contact with bodily fluids of an infected person. I don't know how you interact with people on the bus, but rarely do I get bled on on my way to work.
Ebola can be transmitted through saliva. Often people cough, and there is a "fine mist"; if any of this lands on your skin, you can contract the disease through micro-abrasions in your skin
They don't think it's Ebola but they want to be sure:
http://www.kob.com/article/sto... [kob.com]
And this is just ONE person! Even if this one is not the one, statistics says a plane or boat full of carriers is coming sooner or later. May be time to stock up on Tyvek suits and bleach, for starters...
It's everyone's problem when some person in Liberia, is now scared for his life and flees without knowing he is carrying the virus. In 48 hours he might be sitting next to you on a bus!
Ha! Ain't going to happen.
I live in a suburb in the US with ZERO public transportation options. Not only that I won't pass them on the street either as there are no frickin' sidewalks as well.
Honestly, just substitute "bus" for any other mode of transportation. Go out on a limb and consider the greater possibilities.
There will always be something/someone that this will not affect, great. Maybe you living in a nuclear bunker with a sophisticated air and water filtration system, good for you.
What about the people at risk?
Apparently Facebook's expertise [slashdot.org] is needed here as well
You have presented the exact reason why many argue that we should shut down the US border, with the military as necessary, quarantine foreigners, and become a far more closed society.
Education is an unproven method of preventing the spread of the plague. The three proven methods are: (a) kill the sick, burn the bodies; (b) quarantine all the sick and their families until they all die; (c) vaccine. Also, combinations of a and b and c.
There is no amount of education that will guarantee that an infected carr
I'd say at least half of them have some kind of scene where panicked/ignorant locals ignore the medical experts and raid the quarantine centers. And usually it's one of those turning point moments in the narrative with disastrous consequences.
You live in a country with a wildly corrupt government that repeatedly lies to you and regularly unburdens you of your basic human rights. Then one day, officials from this government force you and everyone you know at gunpoint to submit to a series of "tests." You notice that, all of a sudden, many of the most social and/or eldest (therefore vocal, therefore most likely to be community leaders/government dissenters) among you go missing and later mysteriously die. For good measure, a number of kids randomly disappear and die as well. The ones that survive tell horrible stories about the dismal conditions in which they were held, where they were injected with any number of things and only a few days later, became sick . The government (the same government that lies to you and considers you subhuman) tells you that the cultural practices that have been with your group for a thousand years are all of a sudden, just now, for reasons they don't have time to explain, causing you to get sick and die, and it just happens to selectively be wiping out the kids and the community leaders.
If it were the US doing this, I conjecture that at the very least, this comment thread would have a radically different tone. Less "these guys are idiots," and more "these guys are heroes." What we're witnessing in Liberia is a tragic consequence of a corrupt power structure attempting, maybe for the first time, to legitimately help people that it has previously subjugated. The whole thing smacks of people acting in their and their community's best interests based on many many previous data points telling them government=bad, therefore avoid government. Unfortunately, it takes time to build a relationship of trust between a government and its citizens, and in the face of the calamity that Liberia is confronting, neither the government nor its citizens have any time to spare.
A good and insightful post.
The only thing you forgot is to mention why Liberia is one of the most miserable parts of Africa.
Liberia is the only country in Africa founded by United States colonization while occupied by native Africans. It was financed by the American Colonization Society, an organization created to remove unwanted freed black slaves from America, to avoid a slave uprising like what happened in Tahiti. The colonizers became known as Americo-Liberians and promptly started to enslave the locals and selling them back to the US (with support from the American Colonization Society). The Americo-Liberians, led the political, social, cultural and economic sectors of the country and ruled the nation for over 130 years as a dominant minority. The atrocities under that regime were too many to count.
The US continued to keep it a hell hole in the effort to fight communism, and from 1940 and forward pumped enormous sums into the budget country (about half the GNP was American aid for a while...). Of course most of this money vanished in corruption. But in return the evil communists were kept out. Eventually there was a coup in 1980, finally removing the Americo-Liberians, and starting two civil wars, killing about half a million and displacing about half of the country population. About 85% of the people live under the poverty level today.
We sometimes speak of the Ghost of King Leopold, after the horrors in Congo. But when it comes to colonialism the American version seen in Liberia was at least as bad. And by doing it as a private enterprise they ensured that, unlike the state colonies, there never was a decolonization with support for forming a stable state.
Yes, I DO live in a country with a wildly corrupt government that repeatedly lies to me and regularly unburdens many people's basic human rights. I live in the USA.
Funny thing, though. My IQ is greater than 10 (fine; I did not lose the genetic lottery), and I CHOOSE not to be profoundly ignorant. I know that amidst all those negatives, health measures are a good thing, not some underhanded nefarious attempt to harm the people when those in charge could far more easily and efficiently just mow us down with b
"If you lived today as if it were your last, you'd buy up a box of rockets and fire them all off, wouldn't you?" -- Garrison Keillor


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By Ben Levisohn
CVS Caremark (CVS) beat earnings today–and bought Brazil's Drogaria Onofre as it begins to enter emerging markets. The Bovespa stock index fell 0.8% today. The iShares MSCI Brazil Index (EWZ) exchange-traded fund fell 0.2%.
Shares of Mexican stock-exchange Bolsa Mexicana de Valores plunged after Credit Suisse cut the company's stock to a hold from a buy–becoming the fifth bank to do so this year. Mexico's IPC stock index fell 0.3%. The iShares MSCI Mexico Investable Market Index ETF (EWW) fell 0.5%.
Colombia expects "good news" from the credit-rating firms this year, Reuters reported. Colombia's IGBC stock index fell 0.2%. The Global X FTSE Colombia 20 ETF (GXG) fell 0.8%.
Ukraine is kvetching about the EU's lack of help in its gas spat with Russia. Russia's Micex stock index dropped 0.1%. The Market Vectors Russia ETF (RSX) fell 0.3%.
Poland's central bank cut its benchmark interest rate 0.25 percentage point to 3.75%, the fourth straight month of cuts. Poland's Warsaw Stock Exchange top 20 Index fell 1.2%. The iShares MSCI Poland Investable Market Index ETF (EPOL) fell 0.85%.


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Curious George and the Dam Builders - George gets acquainted with a family of beavers when he notices the impact their dam has on his favorite pond. Building a dam looks like so much fun that George decides to build his own. But when a sudden downpour sweeps both dams away, George and the beavers have to figure out how to repair the damage together or their beloved pond won't be a good place for beavers or monkeys! Curious George's Low High Score - George can't understand why his high score of 257 isn't a winner when he plays his first game of mini-golf with Steve and Betsy. How can a small number be worth more than a big number? After getting the lowdown on the principles of mini-golf, George is determined to get a low score next time, and so he builds his own mini-golf course for practice.
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Norwich manager Chris Hughton is ready to again take the flak he is likely to face following his side's 4-1 thrashing at Aston Villa.
All season long questions have been raised with regard to Hughton's future as Norwich fight to beat relegation from the Barclays Premier League.
Last week's 1-0 win over Champions League-chasing Tottenham will have kept the wolves from the door but in the wake of the Canaries' latest capitulation against Villa, they will be snapping and snarling again.
Despite Wes Hoolahan - a January transfer target for Villa boss Paul Lambert that failed to come to fruition - opening the scoring in the third minute, the home side later rattled in their four goals in a devastating 16-minute spell.
The result leaves Norwich four points above the relegation zone, but Hughton knows what to expect and how to handle the situation.
"As a team, we have to take it on the chin; as a manager I have to accept any criticism that comes my way after a defeat," said Hughton.
"You have to lick your wounds. It's a low point at the moment because we came into the game in good form, so this is a real hammer blow.
"But you have to assess, and we weren't good enough. That's a fact. We were beaten, and well beaten in that 16-minute period.
"But this is difficult because this is a result I didn't see coming."
With so many managers sacked in the top flight this season, there are no guarantees Hughton will not be next.
So when asked whether he felt he would still have the next 10 games, he replied: "I put all of my efforts into the job I do, so it (his future) is not something I think about.
"The only way I can affect things is by getting the results we need.
"We are one of 10 teams in the bottom half of the table that has had difficulties at some stage.
"So all of my efforts and thoughts go into preparing the team, trying to do the best job I can, hoping to get good enough results."
Villa, with one of the worst home records in the Premier League, were awful for the opening 20 minutes during which the fans were starting to get on the backs of the players.
But a wonder strike from Christian Benteke, volleying home from 15 yards after he had taken a Ron Vlaar pass on his chest to tee himself up, set Villa on their way in the 25th minute.
Benteke headed home his 10th goal of the season two minutes later, with Leandro Bacuna rounding off a stunning counter-attack soon after before Norwich skipper Sebastien Bassong turned a Fabien Delph cross into his own net in the 41st minute.
"It wasn't a great start for us by any stretch of the imagination, but there was no panic," said former Norwich manager Lambert.
"For a half-hour period we were then blistering. I thought we looked fantastic. That was as good a period as we have played.
"Christian's first goal set the tone for what was to happen, and his goal was brill.
"As soon as he scored that goal, his whole game changed, and there is no doubt when he is at it he is an absolute handful.
"For the third goal, the counter-attack was absolutely fantastic."
Benteke was naturally delighted with his contribution, but knows the result was crucial for the team.
"We started really bad, but made some changes and got the first goal and it was good for the team," said Benteke.
"After we scored the first goal we really played some good football and showed good character as well."
Villa are now up to 11th in the table, seven points clear of the drop zone, not that Lambert is bothered by his side's position at present.
"I never really look at it (the table)," said Lambert.
"People were saying last week West Ham (in 10th) were well and truly out of it, and now all of a sudden we're level, so it's how you want to look at it."
The victory clearly relaxed Lambert as unlike many who were asked to leave the Trinity Road stand of Villa Park when a fire alarm sounded, the Scot did not evacuate, admitting: "I knew it was a false alarm."
The alarm bells, however, are ringing for Hughton and Norwich again.
Source: PA


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On Thursday I wrote to expect zero real growth in 2013 in the U.S. economy. To be clear, that does not mean zero nominal growth. We very well could have 2% or even 3% GDP growth this year, though I do think a number with a one handle is more likely. With inflation in the low single digits that leaves little or no real growth — again.
What that means is that there is no rising tide to float all boats. High joblessness will persist, transition to a more sustainable balanced economy will drag and aggregate demand will remain flattish. With hints of growing inflation, there is risk for worse outcomes should there be any shocks or black swans.
For investors in 2013 and 2014, that means to be even more selective than the recent past as the rebound rally is about done. There will be more losers going forward than before. The broad domestic equity indexes could very well be flat this year — in fact, that is what I expect. While I have learned to expect nothing from the markets, it would not be surprising to me if 2013 was a lot like 2011.
You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away and know when to run.
In finding where the losers might be, so we can try to avoid them, we need to consider the big picture.
Inflation is on the horizon, and in fact, is already in our rents, cupboards, refrigerators and heating/cooling bills even if CPI understates that. Tighter household budgets are a clear drag on many consumer stocks. If we should get a significant move in gasoline prices back into the $4 plus range, those budgets and the consequent drag would be even more significant.
Demographics are a continuing story that will be told again and again when analyzing America. The trend of baby boomers spending less on consumer goods and more on health care will persist for a very long time. The "X" generation is small and cannot pick up the slack, and the "Y" generation is still not earning much money.
On top of inflation and demographic headwinds, the governments of America, state and federal, have limited resources to spend. State governments continue to cut, and the federal government will cut soon, even if ever so slightly while waiting for the healing impact of time.
In looking to balance an asset allocation, reducing exposure to companies that sell unnecessary consumer goods is a beginning. While I am not willing to fight the Fed and short outright, many consumer-discretionary companies have had significant runs that appear done. If I were looking to move inverse to the consumer-stocks group, I would look to buy put options on the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF XLY, -0.17% which is heavy in highly appreciated stocks over the past four years, many of which that are more likely than others to face margin pressure.
Retail stocks in particular look weak. The SPDR S&P Retail ETF XRT, -1.37% is a likely put-option buy for me if we continue to see a first-quarter stock market rally. With 28% of its holdings in apparel and another 7% in department stores, and only 9% in food, I do not like the mix of assets in the fund. Apparel and department stores have the added headwind of online competition. With the exception of The Limited, which owns Victoria's Secret and Pink, and Walmart with its growing food business, there is little in retail to excite me, and even those not at current prices.
For mutual fund investors, now is a great opportunity to move from very diversified equity-mutual funds into more focused portfolios, such as funds with 50 to 100 holdings whose managers are talking about and preparing for developing inflation. It simply makes little sense to own a little bit of everything with the rebound portion of the cyclical bull (within a secular bear) market rally nearly over.
One asset-allocation move for Vanguard investors would be to sell outright either the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index VTSMX, +0.73% or the Vanguard 500 Index VFIAX, +0.74% depending on your thoughts about small caps and find a different place for that portion of an allocation.
Owners of the American Funds Growth Fund of America AGTHX, +0.71% and American Funds Investment Company of America AIVSX, +0.66% should sell both due to the massive size of the funds hampering flexibility and returns, and consider moving to a fee-only advisor to help find more effective asset allocations using better funds (I know such an advisor).
On Monday, we will discuss some of the places to put money in 2013.


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TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -- Topeka City Council members decided to defer the budget plan for redesigning South Kansas Avenue Tuesday night (5/15), the majority of council members saying they need more information on the plan before they vote.
The Council was asked to approve a $4-million budget for downtown redevelopment. The plan drew supporters and critics, who must now wait another two months for a decision.
Deputy Mayor Larry Wolgast led the effort to defer the multimillion dollar Kansas Avenue budget proposal. Wolgast said he wants to take advantage of an extra two months, using the time to reengage the private sector, and spur enthusiasm in the community.
"We need to take another look at this project to make sure it is what the community wants it to be, so the community can be strongly in support of it," Wolgast said.
"There is no mass support for this project. It doesn't exist," Councilman Chad Manspeaker said.
Manspeaker says the whole project was a bad idea. He said the Council should instead make choices that benefit the whole city, not just one area.
Councilwoman Karen Hiller, and Mayor Bill Bunten said the support was huge.
"I care about this city. It's the Capital City of Kansas. We should be making every possible effort to make it a very special place for all the people of this state," Bunten said.
Manspeaker, and Councilman Andrew Gray were the only votes against the deferral.
The redesign plan includes reducing Kansas Avenue from five to three lanes. The plan would cost nearly $6-million in debt service over 20 years.
-- From Tuesday, May 8, 2012 --
Topeka City Council members heard a plan Tuesday night (5/8) that supporters say will bring Kansas Avenue to life. The conceptual design plan would dramatically change the look and feel of several blocks of the avenue.
The new theme for Kansas Avenue comes from the state motto, ad astra per aspera, meaning to the stars through difficulty. Money for the project was allocated in the city's Capital Improvement Plan.
Designers say they'll bring more people downtown by reducing Kansas Avenue from five to three lanes. They'll divide sidewalks into three zones, an 11-foot commerce zone for outdoor sales and dining, an 8-foot walking zone, and five feet of landscaped area to separate the sidewalk from the street.
The $5.6 million plan features lots of light, crosswalk medians with natural light, and a ceiling of lights to keep the avenue alive at night.
Designers say the street scape will reflect the state motto of reaching for the stars.
Plans are also in the works to move art from Washburn University to downtown; to create a public plaza at 8th Street, and a city center plaza at 6th street, with a performance stage, an interactive fountain, and a larger green space for kids and families.
Opponents worry about the cost, and say the construction will displace businesses.
You can see the plan online at www.activatetheavenue.com.