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It's been a week of bundles and anniversaries in the Android app world. Today we'll take a look at how Google is celebrating the first anniversary of its Google Play store and which games are being offered up in the latest Humble Bundle for Android. We'll also take a peek at a photo-sharing platform targeted specifically at photographers and a video-sharing platform that stitches together the footage that you and your friends make.
Update: Although many of the deals were indeed splendid when we had initially written this post, it looks like Breaking Bad is no longer available for the low price of free. Some of the deals seem to still be available, however, like the free download for LCD Soundsystem. Looks like Google didn't get enough party favors for everyone at the party.
It's been a year since Google re-branded its Android marketplace into the all-inclusive Google Play Store. To celebrate, Google is giving away some free stuff this week, including a download of the Breaking Bad pilot and tracks from LCD Soundsystem and The Velvet Underground. Hotels.com is also offering 10 percent off a hotel stay if you book through the Android app, while Fancy is giving away a $15 gift card for those of you who might need some new threads. As the gal who picks through "free stuff" boxes she sees on the street, I'm all in favor of the digital equivalent of that. Fair warning: it seems like these deals are limited to the end of the week.
Humble Bundle 5, by donation
Need some new games or music? Humble Bundle with Android 5 features six games for Android, including Beat Hazard Ultra, Dynamite Jack, Solar 2, and NightSky HD, and you'll also get the soundtracks to three of these games. If you pay more than the average donation price, you can unlock Dungeon Defenders and all of its downloadable content, as well as the incredibly addicting but slightly aggravating Super Hexagon. You can alsograb their respective soundtracks. The games are cross-platform and work on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Additionally, your donation will help organizations like Child's Play Charity and the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
500px, Free
If Instagram just seems too reductive these days, 500px is a photo sharing service that caters specifically to professional photographers—and there are no filters. You can browse popular works or curate your own homepage by following your favorite photographers. You can also show off your camera kit in your profile, down to the collection of lenses in your photography arsenal. The service is free for up to ten uploads per week, and you'll get the ability to sell your photos in 500px's marketplace. You can upgrade to $20 a year for unlimited uploads and sets. There's also a $50 tier for the ultimate professional, which also includes analytics and a subdomain. The app on Android is mostly for eye candy, but you can upload your own photos through the website on your desktop browser.
Vyclone, Free
If you're out and about and into filming a video of your adventures, Vyclone will find other people filming at the same time as you and stitch those videos together. We can imagine that if you often travel in packs, using this app alongside your friends would produce a great video keepsake of your day out together. You can also choose whether or not you want to make the video public to all Vyclone users. Unfortunately, we were unable to get any friends to film along with us, and this application is still in beta for Android, but feel free to let us know what you think about it in the comments.


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Photo By: Rethink Design Studio
Photo By: Chad Mellon
Photo By: Ashley Olmsted
Photo By: Morgan Howarth Photography
Photo By: Joe Dodd
Photo By: Ryan Garvin
Photo By: Steve Silverman Imaging
Wood Paneled Wall and Shower Bench
In the generous walk-in shower, a wood-paneled accent wall and bench brings organic warmth to the space as well as a convenient spot to stash toiletries.
Visit Original Photo
Open Kitchen Includes Pretty Pendant Lights
To update the cottage for its new owners, the design team opened the kitchen and outfitted the space with a large island. Glass pendant lights illuminate the space overhead, while four wood barstools give the family room to share a meal together.
Contemporary Backyard With Sleek Pool, Spa
The backyard, too, is a geometric wonder, with square pavers outlining a sleek swimming pool and spa. With walls on almost all sides, the owners can lounge by the water or soak up the sun in their private paradise.
Backyard Boasts Private Pool, Lovely Landscaping
The back of this home is just as lovely as the front, thanks to a large pool, lush green lawn and thoughtful landscaping by Surrounds Landscape Architecture + Construction. Back here, the owners can swim a few laps or recline in chairs right by the water.
Brilliant Blue Tennis Court Works Overtime
This bright blue tennis court does more than encourage its owners to practice their serves; it also disguises a storm water infiltration area below. Multiple retaining walls were used to build up the hillside along the left property line as well.
Backyard Includes Charming Greenhouse
Past the pool lies a gorgeous green lawn, complete with garden beds and fresh flowers. Beyond that, visitors can explore a newly constructed greenhouse, which contains a variety of tropical plants.
Stone Columns, Wood Gate Make Eye-Catching Entry
Identical stone columns and a charming wood gate invite visitors to step inside this sprawling Virginia estate. Follow the granite cobble driveway past the lawn and take in views of the local vegetation.
Fresh Master Bath With Black Accents
With a modern tub, double vanity and chic pendant lights, this black-and-white master bathroom feels both fresh and a little bit glamorous. At the same time, wood floors encourage a sense of flow from the bathroom door to the closet.
Pristine Stone Path Leads to Outdoor Lounge
Stunning though it may be, this outdoor space also faces unique maintenance challenges, like caring for the lawn joints between the stone pavers. To keep the yard flawless, the landscape architects carefully trim around the concrete and so create a pristine pathway.
Contemporary Living Room Designed for Whole Family
After a long day by the water, the owners and their kids can retreat to this comfortable living area. Here, a plush gray sectional allows everyone to stretch out, while a modern fireplace promises to keep the space cozy and warm all evening. Rustic wood trim, meanwhile, makes for a unique visual.
Covered, Contemporary Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen with a steel and wood arbor creates an ideal space to prepare meals or serve drinks. Meanwhile, four barstools below offer additional seating for visitors.
Contemporary Backyard With Central Fire Pit
A wood landing pulls the interior floors into the backyard and so blurs the line between inside and outside. With a sitting area, fire pit, full-sized kitchen and modern fountain, this contemporary outdoor space becomes another perfect spot to entertain.
Ivy Wall Adds Beauty in Winter
In the winter, that same ivy wall defoliates and leaves behind a beautiful display of intertwined, veining tendrils that reflect the changing seasons.
Black Master Bedroom With Shiplap
Black shiplap dresses up the wall behind the bed in the master bedroom. For another intriguing layer of texture, black grass cloth covers the ceiling.
Soothing Neutral-Hued Master Suite
With plush pillows and soft white linens, this master suite easily encourages the owners to put up their feet for the evening. A floating nightstand keeps essentials like a glass of water within reach, while a modern lamp allows for late-night reading.
Black Beams, Chandelier Showcase Vaulted Ceilings
Stepping inside, guests will find a great room that's rich with natural light. Steel beams painted black offer a cool contrast to the crisp white walls, while a large chandelier further accentuates the vaulted ceilings.
Intimate Corner for Dining Al Fresco
A second fire pit brings ambiance and warmth to this intimate dining area. With eight chairs all around the table, the owners can comfortably share a meal with their family and friends.
Fire Pit Draws Owners Outside
By placing the fire pit and fountain in view of the backdoor, the Envision Landscape Studio team both created a point of interest and found a way to lure the homeowners and their guests outside.
Pool Area with Swing Bed, Pergola and Lighting
The swing-bed pergola defines a space for homeowners to sit back and enjoy their backyard. Palm trees were added to add more of a resort-vibe to nights by the pool. Touches of home can be seen in the columns, which mimic the front porch, and dainty white picket fences on either side.

subset: commoncrawl


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This U.S.-made wheel hoe does an outstanding job of keeping garden beds
weeded and cultivated. Its design stems directly from that of the famed
Planet Jr. wheel hoe, a popular tool with home and market gardeners a
century ago.
The 1-1/2" wide, 15" diameter steel wheel makes it remarkably maneuverable,
and the powder-coated steel base provides a sturdy mount for the attachments.
The 58" Amish-made hardwood handles are height adjustable and comfortable
to grip.
The wheel hoe is supplied with a removable set of three tines, which
are particularly good for shallow cultivation, breaking up and aerating
compacted soil, preparing seedbeds, and raking debris from the soil surface.
Optional sweep, plow and oscillating attachments are also available.
The sweeps are adjustable to cut between or beside rows, running just
below the surface to loosen soil and slice weeds off at the root. The
plows can be positioned to open or close a furrow and for hilling. Available
in 8" and 12" widths, the oscillating attachments have hinged arms to
pivot 20°, and the self-cleaning blade is sharpened on the front and
back edges, allowing it to cut through weeds and soil in both directions.
The wheel hoe is a superb tool for preparing and maintaining garden beds,
faster and with much less effort than a regular hoe, and without the noise
and smell of a power tiller.


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TEACH in SAISD
Help shape today's learners into tomorrow's leaders.
Top 5 reasons to Teach at San Antonio ISD
|Great salaries and benefits.
|The starting salary for first-year teachers is $51,500 – the second highest starting-teacher pay in Bexar County. A master's degree earns an additional $2,000. Teachers enjoy a low cost health insurance option, dual retirement pension plan, free dental and life insurance.
|A chance to make a difference.
|SAISD teachers have a chance to positively alter students' lives forever.
|Opportunities to innovate.
|The SAISD Foundation supports your innovative ideas by investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in teacher grants each year.
|Cutting-edge partnerships and grants.
|Join exciting partnerships and take advantage of multi-million dollar grants that push the boundaries of public education, including Eastside Promise Neighborhood, GEAR UP, Diplomas NOW, City Year and Communities in Schools.
|Career advancement.
|With over 7,000 employees, SAISD offers a multitude of promotion options for teachers seeking to further their careers. The District also provides a New Teacher Mentor Program that promotes professional growth in curricula and classroom management.
Come Teach Our Minds. Come Touch Our Hearts.San Antonio ISD is committed to develop, recognize, reward, recruit and retain talented teachers.
We are seeking diverse, highly skilled, innovative and passionate teachers who are focused on empowering students to reach their full potential.
We believe that the best teachers provide consistent, high-quality instruction that engages and challenges all students in acquiring the skills, strategies, understanding, and knowledge necessary for the 21st century.
Come Teach Our Minds. Come Touch Our Hearts at San Antonio ISD!


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'22 Jump Street' - Ice Cube, Chris Miller and Phil Lord: Cuddly
'22 Jump Street' star Ice Cube discusses his transition from hard core rapper, to cuddly star of family-friendly movies.
'22 Jump Street' star Ice Cube discusses his transition from hard core rapper, to cuddly star of family-friendly movies.
Now we all know that Monét is not shy when it comes to talking about sex. So who else better for her to chat with than the adorable, groundbreaking sex therapist, Dr. Ruth? Check out what advice she gave Monét, the audience and see if you can spot an adult toy when you see one! 🤔 (Photo Credit: Noam Galai /BUILD )
This Hall of Famer's hands are responsible for some of the best plays NFL fans have ever seen. The one and only John Elway joined us to talk about the league, its latest trends and his mission to raise awareness about the hand condition, Dupuytren's contracture. Be sure to watch. (Photo Credit: Mike Pont /BUILD )
Dark comedies are always hard to pull off, but these fine folks definitely delivered with "Ready or Not." It's thrilling, funny and keeps you on the edge of your seat! Hear how much fun Samara Weaving, Mark O'Brien, Andie MacDowell and the creators had filming the movie. (Photo Credit: Mike Pont /BUILD )
There's no one in the music game that sounds quite like this man! A$AP Ferg is not only moving music forward, but the culture. If you truly ride with The Mob, don't miss our conversation with the multi-platinum artist. (Photo Credit: Mike Pont /BUILD )
Isn't she lovely? The answer is yes! 😊 We had a pleasure chatting with Valerie Bertinelli about her role on the popular Food Network show, "The Kids Baking Championship." She also told us what we can expect from her new show, "Family Restaurant Rivals." (Photo Credit: Mike Pont /BUILD )
We've loved Lela Loren in "Power" for 5 seasons and we can't wait to see what's in store for her character, Angela, in this final season. BUT we're not ready to let go! 🤧 So we definitely appreciated every second of our talk with her. You will too! (Photo Credit: Mike Pont /BUILD )
We had a blast talking to the loveable and Emmy-nominated Chris Sullivan, aka Toby from NBC's "This is Us." We went over the show's biggest storylines and memorable moments so far. See what details he gave us about the highly-anticipated fourth season. (Photo Credit: Noam Galai /BUILD )
Words cannot express how fierce this photo is! 😩🤩If this picture didn't give it away, we had quite the time with "Pose's" Dyllón Burnside. Both Dyllón and Monét blessed us with vocals, dance moves and answered some very salacious questions. 😏Did Monét find her soulmate in Dyllón? Find out! (Photo Credit: Noam Galai /BUILD )
It was truly a pleasure to sit down and chat with Lee Pace! 😊From his role as Ronan in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the dance battles on the set of "Driven," we talked everything with the talented actor. Watch! (Photo Credit: Noam Galai /BUILD )
You know Kirsten Dunst from "Woodshock," "The Beguiled," "Spider-Man," "Jumanji" and countless other great projects. But trust us when we say you're going to love her in the Showtime series, "On Becoming a God in Central Florida." Tune in to our chat with her about her work on the show. (Photo Credit: Noam Galai /BUILD )
Why are all these "Euphoria" actors are so easy on the eyes and insightful?! 🙌 Clearly, Algee Smith is no exception. The socially conscious actor told us what attracted him to the hit HBO show, what's going on with his music and more. (Photo Credit: Noam Galai /BUILD )
Can you think of a better trio?! 😍And don't let these looks fool you, these three can tussle, as seen on their hit Netflix show, "GLOW." 💪 How has the show evolved in season 3? What's next for our favorite characters? Stars Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin and Marc Maron answered all these questions and more. (Photo Credit: Noam Galai /BUILD )
We are so happy to see Brian Austin Green return to the role of David Silver on the FOX reboot, "BH90210!" But we were even happier to have the opportunity to sit down and chat with him about the show. Find out how he felt coming back to "Beverly Hills" and his 90's castmates. (Photo Credit: Noam Galai /BUILD )
It's been a while since "The O.C." came to an end but our love for Adam Brody hasn't waned at all, so we were happy to have him stop by! Check out what he had to say about his work on the thriller, "Ready or Not," a possible "The O.C." return and more. (Photo Credit: Noam Galai /BUILD )
This ensemble is everything! 🥰These lovely people brought their talents to the movie based on the popular book of the same name, "Where'd You Go, Bernadette." Watch the cast and director describe their time on-set and what they enjoyed about their characters. (Photo Credit: Noam Galai /BUILD )
While Monét was off somewhere being fabulous, we couldn't think of anyone better to hold it down than Marti Gould Cummings! Our favorite drag queen politician filled us in on the latest in politics, chatted with Congressional candidate Ritchie Torres and even called a senator live! Tune in for a spin on politics you won't find anywhere else. (Photo Credit: Mike Pont /BUILD )
Telling it how it is is part of Whitney Cummings' hilarious charm and we love her for it! ❤ From sex robots to gender dynamics in today's society, Cummings touches on everything worth talking about in her latest Netflix special. Check out our time with the comedian. (Photo Credit: Mike Pont /BUILD )
Certain stories are hard to hear, but they MUST be told. Brian Banks' story is, unfortunately, one of those. Greg Kinnear, Sherri Shepherd, Justin Brooks and Banks himself came to speak on the film based on the injustice that he suffered. Be sure to watch. (Photo Credit: Noam Galai /BUILD )
Some of the best in the business today! We had a wonderful discussion with the lovely folks behind the film, "After the Wedding." Tune in to see what stars Julianne Moore, Billy Crudup, Abby Quinn and director Bart Freundlich had to say. (Photo Credit: BUILD /BUILD )
Wow, what a group! 😍Shia LaBeouf, Dakota Johnson and Zack Gottsagen became family after their time working on the touching adventure drama, "The Peanut Butter Falcon." Find out what each of them cherished most about the film and working with each other. (Photo Credit: Noam Galai /BUILD )
Jerry O'Connell is a one-man show and quite the entertainer! 🤣It's truly no surprise that he's been given his own daytime show, "Jerry O." Find out what guests he wants on his show and what reality series he can't get enough of. (Photo Credit: Mike Pont /BUILD )
He may be hilarious but, like his first Netflix special suggests, Marlon Wayans is woke too! Don't miss our great conversation with the comedian about his Netflix movie, "Sextuplets," what's next for him and if there's a "White Chicks 2" on the way. 👀 (Photo Credit: Noam Galai /BUILD )
The three lovely stars of the touching new film, "The Art of Racing in the Rain,"...Kevin Costner was there in spirit! 😩Watch as Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried and director Simon Curtis rave about filming together and working with the adorable dogs. (Photo Credit: Noam Galai /BUILD )
The 90210 gang is back! 🙌 But this time viewers will see quite a different spin to our favorite 90's California residents. Tori Spelling and Jennie Garth gave us details on what we can expect in and from the highly-anticipated FOX series, "BH90210."(Photo Credit: Noam Galai /BUILD )
Hot girl summer is in full effect 👏 👏...but a little shade never hurt anybody. 😏Monet gave some fortunate souls priceless advice on health and wellness, said farewell to "Orange is the New Black" with star Reema Sampat and so much more. Do yourself a favor and watch! (Photo Credit: Noam Galai /BUILD )
What a photo! 😧 But there's more to Willa Ford than meets the eye, because as good as she is at posing for a pic, she's just as good at flipping houses! You can see her in her element alongside Scott Disick in the new E! series, "Flip It Like Disick." Get a sneak peek! (Photo Credit: Mike Pont /BUILD )
Isn't her smile just contagious? 😁 The lovely Hannah Brown, from the unforgettable season 15 of ABC's "The Bachelorette," came back to BUILD to open up about her journey on the show. From the ups and downs she experienced to what's next for her, don't miss everything we covered! (Photo Credit: Mike Pont /BUILD )
There aren't too many people as wholesome as the great journalist and even better person, Ann Curry. On her latest project, TNT's "Chasing the Cure," she's helping to solve some of the world's biggest medical mysteries. Find out how you can get involved and help the cause. (Photo Credit: Noam Galai /BUILD )
Too much talent and beauty in one photo! 😍Smart, funny, dramatic, "Dear White People" is everything you want in a show. To break down how the Netflix series has evolved, we sat down with Justin Simien, Logan Browning, Ashley Blaine Featherson and Antoinette Robertson. Check it out.(Photo Credit: Noam Galai /BUILD )
Keep calm and 🤘on! 😝Imagine how much fun it would be bringing Meat Loaf's one of a kind journey to life. Well, Andrew Polec and Christina Bennington get to do just that! Watch as the "Bat Out of Hell" stars rave about working on the hit musical and alongside the composer Jim Steinman. (Photo Credit: Mike Pont /BUILD )


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These deeds were reported as recorded by the office of Marion County register of deeds. Property addresses come from appraisal records. All are warranty deeds unless otherwise noted.
Devon and James C. Abbas to Devin C. Sutherland; 110 N. Buller St., Goessel.
Katherine M. Boesker to Michael Steven and Rita Sue Dome; 301 S. Cedar St., Marion.
Linda P. Britton to O. Ronald and Mary L. Shipman, quitclaim deed; 123 E. Sixth St., Florence.
Anthony R. Buchanan to Randy S. and Cynthia S. Dallke; 601 N. Vine St., Peabody.
Frances Buckle to Myrtle Swan, quitclaim deed; 624 Main St., Florence.
Mildred J. Buller, trustee, to Brooke S. Teer, trustee's deed; 739 Vista Rd., Florence, and 309 N. Maple St., Peabody.
Paul E. and Kathy Epp to Paul E. Epp and Kathy F. Epp, co-trustees, quitclaim deed; 706 S. Washington St., Hillsboro.
Constance A. Galle Trust No. 1 to Steve D. and Paula L. Gann, trustee's deed; 870 Highway 56, Hillsboro.
Norman R. Galle Trust No. 1 to James C. Enns and Brenda C. Enns, co-trustees, trustee's deed; part of N/2 NW/4 of Section 30 of Risley Township.
Norman R. Galle Trust No. 1 to Naomi S. Morris Trust, trustee's deed; SW/4 of Section 17, SW/4 SE/4 of Section 17, and SE/4 NW/4 of Section 17, all of Risley Township.
Norman R. Galle Trust No. 1 to Jean L. Winter Trust, trustee's deed; E/2 NE/4 of Section 16 of Risley Township.
Judith F. and John Harris, Jolene and Ronald Loewen to Joetta Whitcomb; S/2 NW/4 of Section 4 of Wilson Township.
Sandra K. Jackson to Stacy J. Ehlers and Devin W. Jackson, transferrable on death warranty deed; 1836 Pawnee Rd., Marion; SE/4 of Section 2 with exceptions, N/2 SE/4 of Section 3 with exceptions, and N/2 SE/4 of Section 11 with exceptions, all of Wilson Township; and NW/4 of Section 10 of Gale Township.
Marilyn K. Jones to Matthew Ryan Stuchlik; 310 S. Grant St., Marion.
Lucille Irene Klassen to Judith P. Harris and Jolene A. Loewen, transferrable on death warranty deed; NW/4 of Section 36 of Liberty Township.
Jaime L. and Sean Larue to Lennice Peterson, quitclaim deed; 407 N. Spruce St., Peabody.
Jonathan M. and Dana J. Maxfield to Joseph Goering; 220 N. Ash St., Hillsboro.
Karen Mick formerly known as Karen Suffield and Stephen Mick to Kevin and Kelly Krch, quitclaim deed; 501 W. Main St., Lincolnville.
Tara Nickel to Christopher W. Nickel and Anthony W. Nickel; S/2 S/2 SE/4 of Section 4 of Menno Township.
Betty J. Price Revocable Trust to Janie W. Barnett, trustee's deed; 312 E. A St., Hillsboro.
Alan R. Prieb to Ae Ye Meyers, executor's deed; 206 E. Kansas St., Lehigh.
Craig A. and Leah Stutzman to Lennice Peterson, quitclaim deed; 407 N. Spruce St., Peabody.
Jon A. and Nicole Stutzman to Lennice Peterson, quitclaim deed; 407 N. Spruce St., Peabody.
Marlin and Diana Thiessen to Andrew and Carmen Fasnacht, quitclaim deed; 2074 10th Rd., Burns.
Richard J. and Terri Ann Toal to Aron L. and Shari L. Miller; 119 S. Ash St., Hillsboro.
Victory Resources LLC to Gerald D. Klassen, trustee; S/2 NW/4 of Section 21, SE/4 with exceptions of Section 21, and NE/4 SE/4 of Section 22, all of Lehigh Township; Lot A except the S 200 feet thereof, all of Lot B, and Lot C except the S 29.33 feet thereof, Krause's Addition, Lehigh.
Donald Luis Zinn to Matthew J. and Tish L. Keesling, warranty deed; part of SE/4 of Section 15 of Lost Springs Township.


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Tell me please how to make sure that the service is already running? This is the postgres database, which can be seen in the task manager.
Sometimes there is a situation that immediately after the start of the computer, the user quickly launches my application and gets an error because my application try access to postgres database. If the user waited for extra seconds 10-30, there would be no error.
I would like to handle this situation and give the user a message that Windows has not yet uploaded the postgres service.
How can I make sure that the service is already running and really works?


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EPA List of
Drinking Water Contaminants
Please write in the comments the Pros and cons of drinking water in Yangshuo China?
Drinking Water Defined:
Drinking water or potable water is water pure enough to be consumed or used with low risk of immediate or long term harm. In most developed countries, the water supplied to households, commerce and industry is all of drinking water standard, even though only a very small proportion is actually consumed or used in food preparation. Typical uses include washing or landscape irrigation.
Over large parts of the world, humans have inadequate access to potable water and use sources contaminated with disease vectors, pathogens or unacceptable levels of toxins or suspended solids. Such water is not wholesome, and drinking or using such water in food preparation leads to widespread acute and chronic illnesses and is a major cause of death and misery in many countries. Reduction of waterborne diseases is a major public health goal in developing countries.
Water has always been an important and life-sustaining drink to humans and is essential to the survival of all organisms. Excluding fat, water composes approximately 70% of the human body by mass. It is a crucial component of metabolic processes and serves as a solvent for many bodily solutes. The United States Environmental Protection Agency in risk assessment calculations assumes that the average American adult ingests 2.0 liters per day. Drinking water of a variety of qualities is bottled. Bottled water is sold for public consumption throughout the world.
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With the Ravens' pass defense currently floundering near the bottom of the league (23rd), it might be time for head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Greg Mattison to consider some personnel changes. Since the big play has been the downfall of this team on defense all season (the team has surrendered 6 pass plays and 1 running play of 40+ yards), the obvious scapegoats seem to be the safeties, who are getting caught out of position regularly.
I assumed it was Ed Reed who left Frank Walker 1-on-1 with Sidney Rice at the end of the Minnesota game, but after looking at the play on NFL Playbook (on the NFL Network), I saw that Reed was on the other side of the field, and it was strong safety Dawan Landry who watched Rice run right by him.
Landry has been a big disappointment this season. Despite his two interceptions, he often looks confused in coverage (as he did against Minnesota on Visanthe Shiancoe's 2nd touchdown), and has been missing tackle after tackle in run support, an inexcusable sin for a strong safety. He is likely still hesitant after his spinal cord concussion suffered in 2008, but his trepidation is costing the Ravens on defense.
Ed Reed could stand to do a bit less freelancing, but let's be honest – he isn't going anywhere. So, is there anybody on the Ravens' roster who can possibly step in and, if not start for, at least spell Dawan Landry from time to time? Let's look at the candidates.
Tavares Gooden
"But isn't Tavares a linebacker?" I hear you saying. Well yes, he is. However, according to Baltimore Sun rabble rouser columnist Mike Preston, he may be more suited to safety in the NFL.
I wonder if the Ravens ever considered moving linebacker Tavares Gooden to safety? He has great football instincts and hustle, but after watching him in the first four games, he isn't very physical.
It's a good move by the team to use Gooden as well as Dannell Ellerbe and Jameel McClain in a rotation. Ellerbe is a bull and McClain is a good pass rusher. Gooden has to spend more time in the weight room and become stronger. Or, the switch to safety might not be a bad idea.
Physically, I'm not sure he can hold up as a linebacker for a year.
Two Saturdays ago, as I was sitting at Byrd Stadium with WNST Ravens analyst Glenn Clark watching the Terps embarrass themselves against Virginia, I asked him if he agreed with Preston. "Certainly," he replied, although he was quick to point out that asking a player to switch positions midseason would be pretty drastic, and growing pains would be expected.
Haruki Nakamura
Currently listed as the Ravens' backup strong safety is 2nd year player Haruki Nakamura. Haruki has seen action in all 22 games over the past season plus, but hasn't made much of an impact. Former coordinator Rex Ryan seemed to prefer using Nakamura to blitz rather than to help out in coverage, but he has yet to register his first sack in the NFL. Nakamura picked up 2 tackles each in the New England and Minnesota games.
At 5'10" 200 lb, Nakamura compares, physically at least, favorably to such starting NFL strong safeties as Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu (5-10 207), Indianapolis' Bob Sanders (5-8 206), and Landry (6-0 210). Now, maybe it's just me, but he sure doesn't look that big out there.
Tom Zbikowski
Another 2008 draft pick, Tom Zbikowski is currently listed as the backup free safety on the Ravens' depth chart. Zibby is also plenty big enough, at 5-11 210, and has the right attitude for the Ravens' defense, being an amateur boxer. He was deactivated for the San Diego game, but has played in every other contest in 2009, after playing in all 19 games in 2008. However, he has contributed more to the Ravens in the punt return game than he has on defense.
According to CDS's draft profile, Zibby had the following strengths and weaknesses coming out of Notre Dame:
Unbelievable football player who just has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Solid technique and tackling abilities. Really versatile, with enhanced value coming from his return abilities. Strong, smart, aware. Will be a leader on the field and in the locker room. Very productive. Takes good angles and overcomes his limitations with smarts. Never gave up during Notre Dame's very tough 2007 campaign. A warrior.
Not a safe bet in coverage. Will need to be a SS paired with an elite coverage FS to be succesful at the next level. Lacks make up speed.
On the bright side, Ed Reed definitely qualifies as "an elite coverage FS." Unfortunately, "not being a safe bet in coverage," isn't exactly what the doctor ordered at the moment.
Lardarius Webb
The Ravens' new unquestioned kickoff return specialist, Lardarius Webb is quickly becoming a household name for Ravens fans (which is why I'm finally spelling his name right). Although listed as a CB, Webb can play safety as well, as his NFLdraftscout.com profile attests:
Lardarius Webb, a cornerback drafted in the third round, was compared by some analysts to Bob Sanders. He plays bigger than his size (5-10) and is versatile. He can make an impact as a cornerback, safety or returner. Webb has intriguing upside.
And, from CDS:
A versatile athlete who has played quarterback for one game,as well as: wide receiver, kick return punt return, safety, and corner.
A playmaking ballhawk with superior hands, ball skills and he loves to hit. His natural position is safety but can play nickel and corner because he can cover in man. Also a good punt blocker and gunner on the punt team.
He has the range and everything else except the frame you'd like to see, he can be a reserve right away at any position in the secondary. In addition to 4.46 40 speed his 6.77, 3-Cone and 4.1 in the short shuttle all illustrate his quickness.
Lean frame, I have seen him listed at 205, but I just don't see it. I think he's much less than that: 190-187 at most. He also needs to be as good at and solid in reading play action as he is is in other areas. Like most top CB/safety prospects at this level he is very nosy and can get out of position trying to do too much.
He weighed in at 179 at the combine to be a FS he'll need at least 10-15 lbs.
That bit about being too "nosy" and getting out of position gives us hesitation, but Webb still seems like the best bet of the four to see increased playing time after the bye. It is more likely to be at corner though , where the Ravens' are also obviously having plenty of problems. Whether in place of Dawan Landry or Chris Carr, or as something completely different, Greg Mattison NEEDS to figure out ways to get Webb on the field.
In summary, there is no "quick fix" when it comes to the problems at safety. Dawan Landry has proven himself to be a very capable player in the past, and perhaps he can improve on his early season play in coming weeks. If he can, and if Lardarius Webb (or Nakamura or Zbikowski) can emerge as playmakers on defense, the much maligned secondary may slowly climb back into the top half of the league in pass defense.
If not, well…just hope you have Ray Rice and Joe Flacco on your fantasy team.


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Senior Vice President, Engineering,
Manufacturing, and Supply Management
Deere & Company
Brian J. Rauch is Senior Vice President, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Management, Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division, a position he's held since March 2013. He is responsible for all manufacturing, engineering, supply management, quality, and remanufacturing activities for the division.
Rauch joined John Deere in 1994 as a product engineer. Since then, he's held a number of positions in the Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division including Manager of Advanced Research and Development, Program Manager, and Director of Engineering and Technology. In 2007 Rauch was appointed Vice President of Engineering. In this position, he was responsible for design engineering, product validation and verification, and research and development for all construction and forestry products worldwide.
Rauch holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and an M.S. and a Ph.D. in engineering mechanics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also holds an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land—those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich, and build upon the land to meet the world's dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter, and infrastructure. Since 1837, John Deere has delivered innovative products of superior quality built on a tradition of integrity. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at www.JohnDeere.com.


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Tennis players smashing their rackets in frustration happens all of the time.
But four rackets? With two still in the plastic covers? That might be a first.
Marcos Baghdatis took out his frustrations in the third set of his four-set loss to Stanislas Wawrinka Tuesday in the Australian Open.
Baghdatis, a former Open runner-up, was fined $800 for the must-watch tantrum.
During a changeover in the third set, Baghdatis sat in his chair and whacked his racquet seven times on the court until it was completely mangled.
He then calmly gave it to a ballboy before picking three more from his bag and breaking those one by one.
The tantrum briefly boosted Baghdatis, who recovered to win the set before falling out of the tournament with a 7-6 (7-3), 6-4, 5-7, 6-1 defeat.


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The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is a genuine workers' state in which all the people are completely liberated from exploitation and oppression. The workers, peasants, soldiers and intellectuals are the true masters of their destiny and are in a unique position to defend their interests.
KFA trips have become popular amongst our KFA members as well as other people, who are welcome to join, to experience North Korea outside the tourist trail and have interaction with North Korean citizens first hand.A visitor joining the KFA Delegation is not treated as a tourist but as a friend of the DPRK, having access to places, information, insights and events not allowed for regular visitors


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Many types of aid may be available to help you pay for college when you decide to transfer, including:
The financial aid office at the college or university you want to attend can help you determine if you qualify for institutional aid, including aid not listed above. You can also learn more about aid from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority.
Most colleges and universities also offer scholarships to transfer students. These are usually competitive scholarships with minimum GPA and credit hour requirements. For more information about transfer scholarships, consult a Transfer contact or website of the college or university you want to attend.


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QIAGEN achieves Personalized Healthcare milestone with U.S. approval of companion diagnostic for colorectal cancer
U.S. launch of therascreen® KRAS RGQ PCR Kit offers enhanced approach to guide treatments for approximately 110,000 patients annually in U.S. with colorectal cancer
- First FDA approval of a QIAGEN companion diagnostic marks a milestone in its global expansion of rapidly growing Personalized Healthcare business
- Important cancer assay adds valuable content for an expanding QIAGEN automation platform
HILDEN, Germany, and GERMANTOWN, Maryland, July 06, 2012 - QIAGEN N.V. (NASDAQ: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) today announced it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to market the therascreen® KRAS RGQ PCR Kit (therascreen KRAS test) to provide guidance on the use of Erbitux® (cetuximab) as a treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
The U.S. FDA approval of the KRAS test kit marks a milestone in QIAGEN's global expansion of its Personalized Healthcare franchise which includes an industry-leading portfolio of molecular companion diagnostics to aid treatment decisions in oncology. QIAGEN already markets a broad range of companion diagnostic tests covering 30 biomarkers in Europe, Asia/Pacific and Japan.
"We are very pleased to receive FDA approval to launch our therascreen KRAS test in the United States and to play a role in transforming the care of colorectal cancer patients. This approval marks an important step for QIAGEN, but also an important step in Personalized Healthcare, as we are now launching a major molecular companion diagnostic product in the U.S.," said Peer M. Schatz, Chief Executive Officer of QIAGEN N.V. "With a growing portfolio of innovative tests and efficient automation platforms, we are proud to be helping to make healthcare more effective, providing ways for payers to more efficiently use healthcare resources and, most important, making a positive impact on the care of patients."
Pioneering role in Personalized Healthcare
QIAGEN is at the forefront of developing and validating a range of tests that provide physicians with an individual patient's molecular information to select the most appropriate medicines.
The entry into the U.S. market with the approval of the first therascreen test builds on our success in the European market, where QIAGEN offers 10 CE-marked assays, based either on real-time PCR technology or on Pyrosequencing. QIAGEN currently markets therascreen assays in Europe for biomarkers including KRAS, EGFR, NRAS, BRAF, PI3K, JAK2, MGMT and UGT1A1. In Japan, the therascreen KRAS and EGFR kits were approved in 2011, solidifying QIAGEN's leadership position for companion diagnostics in the second biggest market for Personalized Healthcare. A range of assays and related Sample & Assay Technologies are also marketed to customers use during the research and development of new medicines.
QIAGEN is actively expanding its pipeline of Personalized Healthcare technologies and intends to submit several companion diagnostics in the coming years for U.S. regulatory approval. QIAGEN has more than 15 projects under way to co-develop and market companion diagnostics with leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies such as Amgen, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Company, and Pfizer.
Benefiting patients and providers
Introduction of the therascreen KRAS test provides an FDA-approved diagnostic available for making treatment decisions for colorectal cancer patients. Approximately 110,000 colorectal cancer patients each year in the U.S. could benefit from KRAS testing, according to QIAGEN estimates.
Studies show the U.S. healthcare system could save more than $600 million annually by avoiding unnecessary use of medicines in colorectal cancer patients through determinations of their KRAS status. In metastatic colorectal cancer patients for whom standalone surgery and chemotherapy are insufficient, treatment with an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor has been shown to improve overall survival. However, the presence or absence of KRAS mutations in tumors affects outcomes: Approximately 60% of patients with mutation-negative (wild-type) KRAS genes may benefit from anti-EGFR therapy, while 40% whose tumors have KRAS mutations may not benefit.
The first FDA approval of the therascreen KRAS test pairs this companion diagnostic with Erbitux®, a leading EGFR inhibitor marketed in the U.S. by Bristol-Myers Squibb in partnership with Eli Lilly and its ImClone Systems unit. According to the U.S. product information for Erbitux®, KRAS status evaluation using an FDA-approved diagnostic test is used to determine treatment, and the therascreen KRAS kit is currently the only test with this status. Based on the FDA approval for use in metastatic colorectal cancer patients, the current annual U.S. market potential for sales of the therascreen KRAS kit in this indication only is approximately $20 million.
In contrast to laboratory-developed tests (LDTs), the FDA-approved therascreen KRAS test gives healthcare providers a fast, consistent and reliable process to determine optimal treatment for colorectal cancer patients who are candidates for EGFR-inhibitor therapy. The therascreen KRAS kit has been shown to have higher sensitivity (i.e. a lower limit of detection, LOD) for KRAS mutations between 0.8% and 6.4% depending on the assay which is critical to ensuring reliable and consistent data for treatment decisions.
Following FDA approval, a number of laboratories will begin offering KRAS status evaluation with the therascreen KRAS test:
- Applied Diagnostics, Inc.
- Boyce & Bynum Pathology Laboratories
- Cellnetix Pathology & Laboratories
- Clinical Molecular Oncology Laboratory, The University of Kansas Medical Center
- Colorado Molecular Correlates Laboratory (CMOCO), University of Colorado
- Companion Dx Reference Lab, LLC
- Dahl-Chase Diagnostic Services
- Lab21 Inc.
- Mayo Clinic
For more details and actual status visit www.qiagen.com/therascreen
Adding value to QIAGEN's automation platforms
In line with QIAGEN's strategy of driving platform success, the therascreen KRAS test offers laboratories an efficient workflow based on the Rotor-Gene Q MDx, an automated molecular detection instrument that uses real-time PCR technology. All other companion diagnostics in development, as well as a range of other molecular diagnostic tests, are being developed for U.S. regulatory approval on the Rotor-Gene Q MDx.
The therascreen KRAS kit is the second assay cleared/approved by the FDA for use on the Rotor-Gene Q MDx. Earlier in 2012, QIAGEN's artus Infl A/B RG RT-PCR for the detection of Influenza A/B was cleared for use on Rotor-Gene Q MDx, with the instrument also receiving FDA 510(k) clearance at the same time.
About QIAGEN
QIAGEN N.V., a Netherlands holding company, is the leading global provider of Sample & Assay Technologies that are used to transform biological materials into valuable molecular information. Sample technologies are used to isolate and process DNA, RNA and proteins from biological samples such as blood or tissue. Assay technologies are then used to make these isolated biomolecules visible and ready for interpretation. QIAGEN markets more than 500 products around the world, selling both consumable kits and automation systems to customers through four customer classes: Molecular Diagnostics (human healthcare), Applied Testing (forensics, veterinary testing and food safety), Pharma (pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies) and Academia (life sciences research). As of March 31, 2012, QIAGEN employed approximately 3,900 people in over 35 locations worldwide. Further information can be found at http://www.qiagen.com.
Certain of the statements contained in this news release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. To the extent that any of the statements contained herein relating to QIAGEN's products, markets, strategy or operating results, including without limitation its expected operating results, are forward-looking, such statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that involve a number of uncertainties and risks. Such uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, risks associated with management of growth and international operations (including the effects of currency fluctuations, regulatory processes and dependence on logistics), variability of operating results and allocations between customer classes, the commercial development of markets for our products in applied testing, personalized healthcare, clinical research, proteomics, women's health/HPV testing and nucleic acid-based molecular diagnostics; changing relationships with customers, suppliers and strategic partners; competition; rapid or unexpected changes in technologies; fluctuations in demand for QIAGEN's products (including fluctuations due to general economic conditions, the level and timing of customers' funding, budgets and other factors); our ability to obtain regulatory approval of our products; difficulties in successfully adapting QIAGEN's products to integrated solutions and producing such products; the ability of QIAGEN to identify and develop new products and to differentiate and protect our products from competitors' products; market acceptance of QIAGEN's new products, the consummation of acquisitions, and the integration of acquired technologies and businesses. For further information, please refer to the discussions in reports that QIAGEN has filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).


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Let me start by making this clear: I have no opinion about the truthfulness of Jackie Harris' voter-fraud allegations against Linda Blackmon after the Nov. 8 Lancaster City Council election. There aren't enough facts on the table yet.
With that out of the way, let me tell you a peculiar story.
If you were driving past The Lancaster News parking lot on White Street late Wednesday afternoon, that was me in the white button-down shirt with my arms crossed, listening and looking perplexed.
Choosing among bad alternatives is sometimes part of life, unavoidable and unpleasant. You hunker down, minimize the damage and cause the least hurt.Slam into an 18-wheeler or drive off a cliff. Close your business and lose everything, or dig the hole even deeper by borrowing in hopes of an unlikely turnaround. Let your life end quickly and painlessly, or undergo months of miserable treatment for a bit more time with those you love.
Horrible choices. It's depressing just to think about them.
When candidates make colossal blunders, you learn a lot about them.
Donald Trump declared war on a Muslim Gold Star couple who criticized him at the Democratic convention. And he ranted for a week after the first debate about a Miss Universe who gained weight.
Imagine that this newspaper is being accosted by organized complainers demanding that our publisher take action on their long-standing concerns.
The publisher calls a big public meeting to hear their gripes and get her editor's recommendation on how to proceed.
I had never killed anyone before.
The two men stepped out of their pickup truck after I stopped them for speeding. One reached inside his coat, pulled out a handgun and pointed it at me. I shot him a half dozen times from 10 feet away.
The other man was moving toward me, and I saw his hands jerk. I shot him too, pulling the trigger as fast as I could until my sidearm was empty. By the time the last few shots hit the man, he was already on the ground.
Billy McCoy and his band of merry plagiarizers came up with a head-scratcher of an explanation.
Yes, they acknowledged, we copied almost every word of an N.C. police department's strategic plan and called it our own, but that's not plagiarism. And besides, every law enforcement agency in America does this, so who cares?
I encounter angry people often in this job, and that's OK.
Usually it's because of something we published, like a recent story about a young man charged with several violent crimes. His mother called to scream at me that we had no right to drag him through the mud this way, that we should wait to see if he's convicted. I listened for a while, but when she started repeating herself, I told her I understood why she was angry and said goodbye.
Today, we present a sizable batch of letters from our readers about Tuesday's school bond referendum.
Traditionally, newspapers refrain from opinion coverage in the final paper before an election, because if someone writes something incorrect that might bias the vote, there's no way to correct it before the polls open.
Vote "yes" on the $199 million school bond referendum Tuesday, March 22. It will benefit every school in the district and will cost less in immediate tax increases than Band-Aid solutions, like mobile classrooms.
Lancaster County voters have an important decision to make Tuesday, March 22, when they vote on the school bond referendum.
Ward Faulkenberry would be grateful.
The Christmas charity that bears his name blew the top off its $10,000 goal with a last-minute surge of donations, raising $12,660 through Dec. 23 with a week still to go before the drive's year-end close.
There have been 129 donations so far this year, helping nearly 750 Lancaster County residents with boxes of food for a Christmas meal and stockings full of gifts. The recipients were selected through the Department of Social Services, the Lancaster County Council on Aging, other agencies and churches.
Copyright © 2019
The Lancaster News is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Lancaster County and Lancaster, South Carolina, and the surrounding area..


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For ex-rebels in Syria, detention is part of transition to freedom
Hungry, encircled by better-armed Syrian troops and desperate to flee the Islamist rebels who'd tortured him for months before forcing him to join them, Alaa al Dagastani seized his chance during a U.N.-brokered evacuation of civilians from the shell-blasted ruins of the Old City of Homs.
"To be honest, at first we were scared to return to the government. We were afraid we'd be killed," recounted Dagastani, a former soldier who was one of hundreds of insurgents who surrendered during the six-day evacuation in February. "We walked out between the civilians."
But Dagastani still isn't free. He and about 120 other former insurgents who were promised amnesty in return for surrendering are living under armed guard in a dilapidated art school for women. They sleep in dingy classrooms on grimy mattresses on the floor, undergoing counseling by clerics and psychologists as they wait to be released.
The makeshift detention center is part of what President Bashar Assad's regime says is a program to rehabilitate some of those who've fought against it during the civil war, now in its fourth year. Some 10,000 former insurgents have been granted amnesty in just over the past year, according to the Ministry of Reconciliation. There's no way to confirm the number.
Maj. Ammar Heshme, the army intelligence officer who runs the al Andalus school detention center, said detainees were freed once investigations determined that there were no outstanding criminal charges or court cases against them. Their names are then removed from nationwide "wanted" lists, he said.
"This war has lasted three years, and during those three years we collected a lot of information. So we know a lot about who was where and what they were doing. We believe that many of these guys joined these rebel groups without knowing what they were doing," said Heshme, a father of two whose face was disfigured by a sniper's bullet in June 2012.
"I can't be sure it wasn't one of these guys who shot me," he told a McClatchy correspondent who was given permission to visit the school recently. "But we have to try to recover them."
Yet amnesty doesn't necessarily mean a return to a normal life.
Heshme admitted that a few of those who've been given reprieves rejoined the rebels. Moreover, amnestied former rebels may face threats from both their erstwhile comrades _ who consider them traitors _ and the unruly pro-Assad militias that the government has used to bolster the manpower-short army. It's largely the militias that maintain local security and enforce sieges around insurgent-held areas.
"Because the groups that they left now consider them infidels, that creates problems between them and the groups. So they've moved closer to us," said Heshme. "Infidels can be killed, you know."
For that reason, a few parolees have chosen to continue living inside the school, protected by its high walls and armed guards.
McClatchy visited the school recently and found most of the detainees apparently well treated. They mixed comfortably with their guards and the frolicking children of some 16 families displaced by fighting who also are housed in the center.
It was difficult to know whether the school had made special efforts to prepare for the McClatchy visit. Permission had to be obtained from the Homs provincial governor's office, which issued a letter granting access, but Heshme, dressed in sweatpants, appeared surprised when a reporter arrived. He later changed to a business suit.
On the day of the visit, a sound system in the courtyard blared popular music as part of a celebration that Heshme asserted the detainees had requested. Some danced in a semicircle, whistling and kicking their feet, and then formed a human tower by standing on one another's shoulders.
But others sat glumly against the courtyard walls, declining to mingle, talking quietly among themselves and refusing interviews.
While some of the detainees had escaped from Old Homs in the U.N.-supervised evacuation, others made their way out later after contacting army commanders by cellphone and agreeing to surrender in return for amnesty.
The second category includes Hamza Meshalji, a 31-year-old former construction worker who sports a close-cropped beard and a large forearm tattoo of an eagle seizing a snake. He's waiting for the government to decide what to do about the cigarette-smuggling charges brought against him before the war, he said.
"I talked to a general and he helped me to get out. I got his number from people who'd made it out before me," explained Meshalji, a native of the Old City neighborhood of Khalidiya. He said he'd defected with 50 other rebels on March 15.
Meshalji, who claimed he commanded a 240-man unit of the Farouk Brigade, part of the U.S.-backed Free Syrian Army, said he was instructed to go to a point on the front line and call an army officer when he got there. Once he did, regime troops held their fire until he made it across and surrendered his gun.
Meshalji marched with tens of thousands of protesters – who were overwhelmingly from Syria's Sunni Muslim majority – who took to the streets in Homs in March 2011 demanding an end to 40 years of Assad family rule. Government security forces fired on the peaceful gatherings in Homs and elsewhere, sparking the civil war.
"We didn't have weapons at the beginning. Then the orders came down that we had to fight the infidels. We had to fight for Islam. It was a jihad," Meshalji said, adding that local Islamist leaders had distributed arms purchased with money from supporters in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
As the rebels gradually were driven back by blitzkriegs of shells and eventually encircled by the army in the centuries-old historic heart of the Old City, tensions between his unit and another rebel group erupted into a gunfight in which he was wounded, Meshalji said.
"It was very tough in the end because we didn't have food, but we had a lot of weapons," he said. "We got a lot of weapons through the tunnels, but not a lot of food. They wanted us to fight, not eat."
Virtually all the rebels, he said, were from Homs, but there was a small number of foreign fighters who were restricted to one section of the Old City.
Disillusioned and hungry, he decided to defect.
"I didn't want to surrender. But I found out that it wasn't a jihad," he said. "I want to go back to my family and my job. I will never fight again. Why? To lose 10 more years of my life?"
Not so for Dagastani, who said he wanted to rejoin the army once he was amnestied.
"I want to fight them (the rebels) and I am ready to kill them because of how they tortured me," he said, sitting in a classroom, mounds of U.N.-supplied blankets, books and torn papers piled along the walls and moldering in dusty cupboards. "I am just waiting to fight them. We cried blood. The torture you cannot forget."
As the music blared outside, Dagastani explained that he'd joined the army in January 2012 and was captured last year while trying to make his way to his home in a suburb of Homs to attend his father's funeral.
He underwent four months of brutal interrogation, including more than a month of being hung by his handcuffed wrists from a beam in a room with 13 other captured soldiers, he said. Some of his fellow captives were executed because they belonged to Assad's minority Alawite religious sect, said Dagastani, who himself is a Sunni.
"For the rebels, being soldiers is like being Israelis. You have no idea how tough it was for us," said Dagastani, who claimed that his captors belonged to the al Khair Brigade, another unit of the Free Syrian Army, and that he knew some of them.
The abuses, he said, included knives being drawn across his chest – he lifted his shirt to display the scars – and salt rubbed into the wounds. His captors forced him to step on broken glass _ he pointed to scars on the soles of his feet _ broke one of his ribs during frequent beatings, shot him in his legs _ he lifted his pants' legs to reveal round scars on his limbs _ and then repeatedly jammed a metal rod into the bullet holes, he said.
After four months, he said, the rebels put him to work digging tunnels and filling sandbags, although the abuse continued periodically. Eventually, they gave him a weapon and ordered him to stand guard duty. But they didn't trust him enough to have him fight, he said.
"I had no choice," said Dagastani, who explained that he has relatives in the al Waer district, which is still under rebel control. "They said that if I did anything wrong, they'd kill my family."


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Why Big Oil Companies Are Courting Good Credit
Ever since U.S. oil production began its resurgence several years ago, oil and gas giants have continually increased their capital expenditures, each year spending billions of dollars more than the last. ExxonMobil , for instance, spent $36.76 billion in 2011, $39.80 billion in 2012, and $42.50 billion in 2013. The same upward trend holds for Chevron , which spent $29.06 billion, $34.23 billion, and $41.90 billion in capital expenditure in 2011, 2012, and 2013 respectively.
Why have oil bigwigs increased their spending so much?
The cost of finding and producing unconventional oil and gas is much higher than the cost of finding old conventional resources. This is because applying technologies such as fracturing and horizontal drilling is costly relative to traditional methods. Similarly, integrated oil players, such as ExxonMobil, and midstream players, such as Enterprise Products Partners , need relatively higher amounts of capital each year to meet the high demand for transport and storage infrastructure in the oil sector.
As is, the mismatch between the oil being produced domestically and the infrastructure needed to support these increasing volumes is as wide as the gap between the rich and the poor. Despite efforts by midstream players and integrated oil companies to fill this gap, a capital investment of more than $200 billion is needed by 2035, according to a recent study by Deloitte.
Debt: a viable financing option
To furnish the ever-increasing capital expenditures, big oil companies are turning to external sources of capital -- debt and equity. However, the latter is losing its luster.
Because of low natural gas and oil prices, big oil companies are suffering thinning margins. The price of the product is simply not high enough to accommodate the ever increasing cost of production. In the fourth quarter of 2013, for instance, ExxonMobil saw its upstream volumes reduced by 1.8%, reflecting the reduced incentive to produce a product that doesn't bring in sustainable profit. Chevron, on the other hand, saw its full year 2013 earnings come in at $21.4 billion, down from $26.2 billion a year earlier.
This slow growth in earnings as well as production has kept away some equity investors, placing a drag on upward share price movement, and in effect limiting big oil companies' ability to raise sufficient capital through equity. Similarly, thinner margins limit the capital that can be returned to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks.
ExxonMobil presents a good case in point. It has scaled back on its signature share repurchase program, which over the past decade has reduced shares outstanding by more than 30.5%. ExxonMobil cut back the value of repurchases from around $5 billion in Q1 2013 to $4 billion in Q2 2013, and just $3 billion in Q3 and Q4. This is despite the earlier figure of around $5 billion having remained unchanged for the preceding ten quarters.
The outlook for equity will remain low -- at least until oil prices increase. While the consensus is that oil prices will increase in the long term, it is highly unlikely for that to happen this year. It is an election year, and the folks over at Capitol Hill won't risk their careers by accommodating an energy policy that is out of touch with the average American. In consideration of this, big oil companies are no longer as confident in equity as source of capital. In response, they have made plans, all along knowing this day would come.
Most big oil companies have put internal controls in place to ensure impressive credit ratings. ExxonMobil has a rating of AAA from all major rating agencies (Moody's, Standard & Poor's, and Fitch), the highest designation, and better than most governments in the developed world. Chevron, on the other hand, has a rating of AA from S&P and Aa1 from Moody's, both of which are impressive.
Enterprise Products Partners had a rating of BBB+ as of October 2013. Although lower than Chevron and ExxonMobil, it is the highest in the master limited partner (MLP) space.
These three players' debt-to-equity ratios also provide some insight.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (quarterly) as at December 31 2013
Enterprise Products Partners
The debt-to-equity ratios are reflective of the trends in the sector. ExxonMobil and Chevron both have low ratios, showing that they are not as highly leveraged and that they can take on far much more debt in the future. To sweeten the pot, they both have impressive credit ratings essential to taking on this needed debt.
Enterprise Products Partners, being in the midstream sector, needs more capital to meet the gaping infrastructure gap. Its high debt levels, signaled by the negative debt-to-equity ratio, reflect the amount of debt it has taken so far to meet high infrastructure demand -- negative debt-to-equity ratios are typical of MLPs. However, it has the best credit rating in the MLP sector and will be able to take on even more debt going forward.
Now would be a good time to look at debt instruments being offered by oil bigwigs. The yields are likely to be attractive because of their desperate need for capital as well as the Fed's bond buying taper, which has placed an upward pressure on interest rates, prompting seekers of credit to increase their interest rates to make their debt securities more attractive in order to tap into the limited pool of external capital.
How you can profit from rising energy spending
Imagine a company that rents a very specific and valuable piece of machinery for $41,000... per hour (that's almost as much as the average American makes in a year!). And Warren Buffett is so confident in this company's can't-live-without-it business model, he just loaded up on 8.8 million shares. An exclusive, brand-new Motley Fool report reveals the company we're calling OPEC's Worst Nightmare. Just click HERE to uncover the name of this industry-leading stock... and join Buffett in his quest for a veritable LANDSLIDE of profits!
The article Why Big Oil Companies Are Courting Good Credit originally appeared on Fool.com.Lennox Yieke has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Chevron and Enterprise Products Partners L.P.. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright © 1995 - 2014 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.


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Obviously archived redo logs are backed up as frequently as required, but does it make any sense to backup online redo logs? Is the online redo log an open and active file such that copying it in this state is a waste of time (same as backing up an open database)?
If the online redo log hasn't switched for 20 minutes (so that the log was available for archiving) then if the system fails and media recovery is required and you haven't backed up the online redo log, surely you've just lost the last 20 minutes of transactions?
I know there are other, more robust ways of transporting redo information to ensure nothing is lost, but I'm still interested in the state of the online redo log files.
Thanks for your time.
Clarifying Update...
There is a regular background process running regularly that ships off archived log files and online log files. I don't have much control of this process. Are the online log files usable, or could they be corrupt if the log was being written to when the backup was taken?


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UBS has revealed that it lost £227 million during the botched Facebook IPO and that it intends to take legal action against Nasdaq to recoup its financial losses.
The investment bank division of UBS reported losses of £85 million in its second quarter results, where it largely placed blame on Nasdaq's "gross mishandling of Facebook's market debut".
The IPO was riddled with technical problems, which led to a delay of 30 minutes on share trades being processed. The problem stemmed from Nasdaq's IPO Cross - a pre-IPO auction process that the exchange put in place in 2006 that allows traders to place orders and agree on an IPO price before the stock is officially launched - which couldn't handle the trading demand.
This led to a number of brokerages suffering financial losses after losing out on half an hour of trading and not receiving up-to-date information.
UBS said to investors: "As a market maker in one of the largest IPOs in US history, we received significant orders from clients, including clients of our wealth management businesses. Due to multiple operational failures by NASDAQ, UBS's pre-market orders were not confirmed for several hours after the stock had commenced trading."
"As a result of system protocols that we had designed to ensure our clients' orders were filled consistent with regulatory guidelines and our own standards, orders were entered multiple times before the necessary confirmations from NASDAQ were received and our systems were able to process them."
Because of this Nasdaq filled all of the orders entered by UBS, exposing the bank to far more shares than its clients had ordered.
"UBS's loss resulted from NASDAQ's multiple failures to carry out its obligations, including both opening the Facebook stock for trading and not halting trading in the stock during the day. We will take appropriate legal action against NASDAQ to address its gross mishandling of the offering and its substantial failures to perform its duties," the bank said.
"Although as in all such matters there can be no assurance as to the amount of any recovery we may obtain, we intend to pursue compensation for the full extent of our losses."
Nasdaq originally revealed that it had earmarked $13.7 million (£8.8 million) for compensation, but later said that it would add to its $13.7 million compensation by offering brokerages reduced trading costs, to bring compensation fees up to $40 million.
However, these initial plans were not well received within the financial industry. Knight Capital, one of Wall Street's largest trading firms that suffered losses during the IPO debacle, has blasted the compensation as paltry and has also hinted that it might also take legal action.
The boards of the Nasdaq OMX Group and the Nasdaq Stock Market are yet to unveil a full compensation plan for brokerages that suffered losses during the Facebook IPO glitch.
Sources recently revealed that it is planning compensation as high as $100 million (£64 million), more than the $40 million (£26 million) that was originally put forward by the exchange, but is still significantly short of the market losses.


text: Cooperative Internship Program is starting here in Lexington. Dennis Group and our primary sponsor partner are excited about the additional benefits this program will offer to the students your program already provides service and support. It is our hope to be able to combine all of our efforts to the empowerment and betterment of minority and disadvantaged students and to equip them to confidently accept the reigns of the future. Please see the link above for more information on this opportunity.


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Since the modern commemorative coin program began in 1982, the U.S. Mint has raised more than $500 million to help build new museums, maintain national monuments like the Vietnam War Memorial, preserve historical sites like George Washington's home, support various Olympic programs, and much more.
Although these coins are legal tender, they are not minted for general circulation. Each commemorative coin is produced by the U.S. Mint in limited quantity and is only available for a limited time.


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This website accompanies our Team App smartphone app available from the App Store or Google Play. Download Team App now and search for Doncaster Baseball Club to enjoy our team app on the go.
To access all the features of this site you need to Log In or Sign Up.
Sun, 9 Sep 2018
from 11:00am to 2:00pm
by Carla Gibson
Posted: 12 months ago
Updated: 12 months ago by Carla Gibson
Visible to: public
Time zone: Melbourne
Reminder: None
Ends: 02:00pm (duration is about 3 hours)
Bicentennial Park Thames Promenade, Chelsea Heights


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i will try to report all i've found asap but tbh i will need some time...lol
i will try to report all i've found asap but tbh i will need some time...lol
Yes I can definitely say that's a Chrome issue on desktop.
Easy workaround:
RT @extdesenv Fix #SenchaTouch title ellipsis bug = .x-title{padding:0 .3em;}.x-title .x-innerhtml{padding: 0;}
Sencha Inc.
Robert Dougan - @rdougan
Sencha Touch 2 and Ext JS 4 Core Team Member, SASS/Theming Wizard.
Thanks, slipped
into my CSS and it solves the problem.Code:.x-title{padding:0 .3em;} .x-title .x-innerhtml{padding: 0;}
Using 2.1 Beta 2, we're getting seven-letter words truncated in Chrome, which eliminates our ability to use this beta. It was reported previously as "fixed in the next version", but isn't Beta 2 "the next version" already?
Be sure to compile your CSS. We don't see this internally post Beta 2 any longer. If you are still having issues, can you provide more details on your case?
Sencha Inc
Jamie Avins


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In this case, that winner was The West Side Tennis Club stadium at Forest Hills, which survived a club members' vote to destroy the stadium and use the site to build luxury condos. A two-thirds majority was needed for the condo deal to go through, but members instead voted in a 123-123 tie. The future of the club, which hosted the US Open until its move to Flushing Meadows in 1978, is now unknown.
Potty Problem: In case you missed it, Ana Ivanovic had a little bathroom trouble in Linz while working her way to her first career title in two years. FortyDeuce has the video (second from the top). Ivanovic was docked a game for taking too long a break in her second round match against Barbora Strycova.
You betchya: Depending on which way you see it, Roger Federer's name was (or is?!) swirling in a betting controversy that claimed Fed provided insider info to IMG agent Ted Forstmann during the 2007 French Open. Federer claims to have no part in the scandal, but a few days after the story broke, Forstmann admitted to betting, but said he received no insider info.
Austrian alliance: Thomas Muster continues his comeback attempt in Vienna this week, where he lucked out by not only receiving a wildcard into the main draw, but then getting a lucky loser in the opening round after Ernests Gulbis pulled out for "personal reasons". Our fave Austrian, Jurgen Melzer, is the tourney's top seed.
More short balls including a survey of surveys, short(er) balls and another look at The West Side Tennis Club after the cut. (more…)


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Jennifer Dalven
Reproductive Freedom Project
In her role as Director, Jennifer oversees and directs the ACLU's litigation, state advocacy, and communications work on issues affecting access to reproductive health services. That work runs the gamut from legal challenges to laws that would ban abortions and shut down women's health centers to initiatives to stop state legislatures from passing further restrictions on access to reproductive health care to communications strategies to move public opinion and galvanize supporters.
Prior to becoming Director, Jennifer was a staff lawyer for more than 10 years. In that capacity, she successfully litigated numerous reproductive rights cases around the country, including state laws denying Medicaid coverage for abortion, laws permitting health care providers to refuse to provide reproductive health services, and bans on abortion procedures. Most notably, she argued Planned Parenthood v. Ayotte, a challenge to New Hampshire's parental notice for abortion law, before the United States Supreme Court.
Jennifer graduated magna cum laude from New York University Law School in 1995. After law school she served as a law clerk for Judge Pierre N. Leval of the U.S Court of Appeal for the Second Circuit and worked as an associate at the N.Y. law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton, and Garrison.


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Side Dishes
We just love putting this stuff on our desserts instead of whipped cream!
I celebrated Thanksgiving earlier in the yera (Canadian style) but I totally just inhaled this amazing list. I think I need to try making that pumpkin ice cream- and maybe some of those tasty looking drop biscuits. Love this. :)ReplyDelete
Woohoo Thanksgiving! Lots of tastyy yummies up in this list!ReplyDelete
I love lists too! They appease my obsessive, compulsive neurosis. And I'll have one of everything above, please! (And by one, I mean 3...as in 3 heaping scoops of ice cream.)ReplyDelete
I'll take one, make that two, of everything!!ReplyDelete
Wonderful round-up!ReplyDelete
Wonderful list!All those dishes look amazing....I love making lists and I make a different list every morning(one list for the blog, one for house work, one for kids stuff and one for errands)ReplyDelete
I missed some of your recipes this past week but will now catch up. all the dishes in this roundup look good.ReplyDelete
I love lists, too! They make me feel so organized. Everything looks so good!ReplyDelete
I don't know which to eat first and we do not even celebrate thanksgiving :)
Choc Chip Uru
i am a total list person. i get it! those mushroom puffs look so yummy!!ReplyDelete
Thank you so much for this extensive and inspiring Thanksgiving list! I've just added your Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe to my list :DReplyDelete
I'm also a list maker and am currently hip deep in Thanksgiving lists. :) Great round up. I would happily eat everything here!ReplyDelete
Love your list!! Such great ideas for the Holidays or any gathering for that matter :)
Would love to try a few of these especially the risotto!!
Love your list!! Such great ideas for the Holidays or any gathering for that matter :)
Would love to try a few of these especially the risotto!!
I missed this year's Thanksgiving and am drooling over all of your recipes. I wish all these dishes were in front of me!ReplyDelete
What a mouthwatering list of delicious thanksgiving treats.
Thanks for posting.


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Artist's description:
Please understand colors may vary slightly between the actual painting and the image on your screen due to my digital camera's results and your monitor.
The painting will be shipped in 3-5 business days after receiving your payment.
Transit time will take about 3 to 14 business days to most locations.
Materials used:
Cold pressed watercolour paper Fabriano Artistico 300g, watercolors Aquarius.
Marina Venice ,Italy (2018)
Watercolor by Eve Mazur
- Watercolor on Paper
- One of a kind artwork
- Size: 15.75 x 11.81 in (unframed) / 14.96 x 11.02 in (actual image size)
- Signed certificate of authenticity
- Style: Impressionistic
- Subject: Landscapes, sea and sky
This artwork is sold by Eve Mazur from Austria


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GameHitZone.com - Games For Free!
English | Русский | Español | Français | العربية | Português | Deutsch
Zombie Apocalypse Shooter Gameplay Trailer
Download Free Game Zombie Apocalypse Shooter
3D zombie first person shooter game. People around the world are beginning to be infected by a virus that turns them into the walking dead - zombies. The infected are aggressive and attack healthy people. A few of those who survived are trying to escape, clearing their way with weapons. Use four types of weapons - the Desert Eagle, Uzi, an army shotgun, and AK-47 to kill all the zombies on your way!
File Size: 36.9 MB


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Friday, February 26, 2010
Carolyn Massey London AW10 Menswear coverage for Dazed Digital
The East London-based designer kicks off the menswear shows at LFW
Text by David Hellqvist | Published 26 February 2010
First out on London Fashion Week's busy menswear schedule was Carolyn Massey. The East London based designer has carved out a nice niche for herself during the last few seasons as a subtle and formal tailor, often evoking army influences and monochrome shades.
This AW10 show was a successful follow-up on past achievements. Citing an anonymous donor, Massey went on to darker and moodier military elements, some dating back as far as the Second World War. Massey's 'Obsolete Prototype C53' collection saw her mix staple pieces – such as her collarless shirts and flowing wool coats – with extensive use of leather. Over sized T-shirts, some with big chest pockets, come out in both black and a light pink shade, apparently inspired by "the muted hues of a Tokyo morning".
The army influences were quite subtle though, which was refreshing in a scenario where epaulettes, bomber jackets and chunky boots often pop up. 1940s inspired stripy tops featured heavily, and generally speaking knits and shirts came either slightly over sized or very long in the body. All in all, a pukka Carolyn Massey show. As usual.
Dazed Digital: What was the main influence behind the collection?
Carolyn Massey: The initial inspiration came from the patterns. We toiled them up and fitted them, whilst editing into a more contemporary story. With this, my Tokyo travels inspired the colour pallete. It feels like cities have different colours, these were the colours of my jet lagged mornings. That and the word 'elegance'. It's haunting me at the moment - a desire for elegance in my work. Sometimes a feeling can be more inspiring than an image.
DD: Could you say anything about the 'donor'? Has he in the war?
Carolyn Massey: I have been asked not to - for security reasons.
DD: It isn't often we see prints in your collection - how did they come about?
Carolyn Massey: It's about making the garments mine, developing a deeper aesthetic story with the line up, and on the rail. The prints were designed in collaboration with print designer Sam Cotton. I'd been to see the Ray Johnston exhibition at the Raven Row gallery and was inspired to create postal prints. The faded agedness of them was reflected in the silk twill.
DD: There were a lot of loose tops and tighter bottoms - did you just feel like playing around with proportions?
Carolyn Massey: The looser looks came from a military smock, I love the contrast of silhouettes, it seems somehow refreshing at the moment when collections can look so straight up and down skinny.
DD: Congratulations on being selected for the Unica On Stage project - are you coming back to London, or are you planning to show in Milan from now?
Carolyn Massey: The award is to work with Italian mills and be sponsored for next season. It involves a show in Milan during Unica. It couldn't replace London!
DD: What was your favourite piece from the show?
Carolyn Massey: The sleeveless tailored jacket. And yes, I'm having one.
Posted by DAVID HELLQVIST at 1:12 pm
Labels: Carolyn Massey, Dazed Digital, London Menswear AW10
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Community Developments Investments (August 2013)
A Look Inside…
Barry Wides, Deputy Comptroller, Community Affairs, OCC
This issue of Community Developments Investments examines the availability of capital in Indian Country and the opportunities for banks interested in doing business there.1 While doing business on sovereign Indian lands may present some challenges, there are incentives that make investing and lending in Indian Country a profitable proposition.
By helping banks better understand the economic and banking landscapes in Indian Country, and by presenting examples of how other banks and financial institutions have experienced success working with Native communities, we hope to open the door to more investments and loans in places that need them most.
Before trying to understand the challenges and opportunities facing Native American communities, it is useful to review the economic condition of these communities.
Economic Landscape
The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund's 2001 "Native American Lending Study" reflected the prevalent perception among Native Americans surveyed then that mortgages, home equity loans, business loans, and private equity investments were "difficult" or "impossible" to obtain.
More than a decade later, these perceptions have been confirmed by the National Congress of American Indians in its economic survey of Indian Country, which is highlighted in this newsletter. The article reports that while Native American economies have fared better in the last two decades than in the previous two, the Great Recession hit Native American communities hard and exposed holes in the economic and financial infrastructure of Indian Country.
Faced with depreciating real property values, tightening credit standards, and severe job losses, Native American communities are experiencing exceptionally high unemployment and poverty.
Who Is Doing Business in Indian Country?
Despite the financial contraction caused by the recession, some banks have been able to weather the storm and continue to extend loans and make investments in their markets, including Native communities. These banks have been able to do so because they understand the unique business dynamics and cultures of these communities and have been able to adapt and remain active partners during the downturn.
U.S. Bank, First National Bank Alaska, First National Bank & Trust of Shawnee, Okla., and Bank of Oklahoma provide examples of loans and investments they made in Indian Country in the last few years. Some of these banks took advantage of federal loan guarantee programs when underwriting mortgages and small business loans. Others used long-standing relationships and innovative approaches to doing business—all while making sure their investments and loans were underwritten on a safe and sound basis.
Financial services are not, however, the sole domain of banks. For years, nonprofit organizations and other financial institutions have entered the arena to help local community development efforts in Native communities by making small loans and providing technical assistance to Native individuals and small businesses. Native CDFIs are a type of these financial service providers. The Four Bands CDFI of South Dakota gives us an insight into the working of a Native CDFI by discussing the institution's myriad efforts in helping South Dakota Native Americans obtain loans, learn about entrepreneurship, and receive financial education.
It is difficult for capital access to take hold in areas with no business rules or with rules that are not clear or enforceable. When it comes to lending and investment, it is important to have secured transactions codes in place so that lenders have a clear understanding of business rules in Indian Country. Not all tribes and Native communities have adopted uniform commercial codes or their necessary enforcement mechanisms. The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis has done much work in this area and shares knowledge of the topic in this newsletter.
What Can Banks Do?
Banks with little or no experience doing business in Indian Country need not shy away from viable business opportunities just because of a lack of familiarity with Native American tribes or communities. There are several viable options banks can take to venture into this important community.
For example, banks can collaborate with Native CDFIs to provide loans, technical assistance, and financial education. Banks already well versed in U.S. Small Business Administration programs, such as the 7(a) loan guarantee program, can use the programs to extend loans to Native small businesses. Also, banks can take advantage of other federal loan guarantee programs to mitigate the risks of lending in Indian Country. This newsletter touches on three such programs: the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program; the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program; and the U.S. Department of the Interior's Loan Guarantee, Insurance, and Interest Subsidy Program.
And, because many of the census tracts on Indian reservations are considered low-income communities or are targeted for redevelopment by federal, state, local, or tribal governments, bank loans and investments in these areas may qualify for Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) consideration. In this newsletter, we provide a primer on the CRA and how it can serve as an added incentive for banks to lend and invest in Indian Country.
How the OCC Helps
In addition to capital access promotion, federal agencies play other constructive roles in these community development efforts. For example, in 2011 and 2012, the OCC—along with the Federal Reserve Bank and other federal and state agencies—organized a series of workshops around the United States called "Growing Economies in Indian Country." The workshops provided opportunities for tribal leaders and community members to voice their concerns and venues for federal agencies to highlight programs available to tribes, Native businesses, and private, non-Native enterprises—including banks. Findings from the workshops were presented at a national summit hosted by the Federal Reserve Board in May 2012. Summit speakers reiterated the anecdotal evidence shared by workshop participants that capital for many in Indian Country continues to be difficult to access. For more information on the summit, click here.
The OCC has 14 district community affairs officers, located in four regions around the country, who offer assistance and consultation to national banks and federal savings associations on all issues related to community development, including those related to rural and tribal communities. For more information, see the Community Affairs home page.
In addition, our resource directory on Native American banking provides listings for a host of OCC and other federal agency resources on all facets of banking and finance. For example, tribes interested in founding or acquiring their own bank can consult our "Guide to Tribal Ownership of a National Bank." Banks interested in learning more about lending opportunities in Indian Country may consult our report "Commercial Lending in Indian Country." The Native American Banking Resource Directory can be accessed here.
Banks that consider Indian Country for business stand to reap more than profits. Loans and investments help create jobs, revitalize communities experiencing record unemployment, and open the door to local Native entrepreneurs seeking to build and grow businesses, pushing forward the wheel of growth.
We hope you find this publication useful, and for those banks located in or near a Native American community, we hope that after reading this publication you will have a renewed sense of confidence about doing business in Indian Country.
Barry Wides, Deputy Comptroller for Community Affairs, can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Community Developments Investments is produced by the OCC's Community Affairs Department. Articles by non-OCC authors represent their own views and not necessarily the OCC's.
USDA B&I Program
Banks interested in doing business in Indian Country may want to consider the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan (B&I) Program. Designed to improve the economic and environmental climate in rural communities, this program bolsters the existing private credit structure through the guarantee of quality loans that provide lasting community benefits. Here is a summary of some of the program's provisions.
For more information on the program, please refer to the USDA Rural Development Website.
Community Developments Investments is produced by the OCC's Community Affairs Department. Articles by non-OCC authors represent their own views and not necessarily the OCC's.


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Exit Strategies of the Rich and Famous
Estate conservation is too important to put off. Do you have a smart exit strategy?
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How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.


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Latest media releases
UBS Vitainvest - new funds for Pillar 3a
UBS is now offering its clients the perfect way to save for their retirement with securities investments: Vitainvest public investment funds. These funds combine the tax advantages of investing in Pillar 3a with the flexibility of investment funds.
UBS is launching four new public investment funds in Switzerland on 20 January: UBS Vitainvest 12, 25, 40 and 50. They replace the Fiscainvest 12, 25, 40 and 50 sub-funds of the Fiscainvest Investment Foundation of UBS. The change of legal form will enable those saving for their retirement to extend their investment horizon beyond the statutory retirement age, as well as enhancing the attractiveness of retirement saving with an equity element.
UBS Vitainvest funds offer substantial advantages over the investments in investment foundation sub-funds that UBS has offered up to now. Unlike holdings in a Pillar 3a investment foundation, for example, UBS Vitainvest fund units do not need to be sold when the investor reaches retirement age, and this extends the investment horizon. UBS Pillar 3a securities investments feature an equity component of up to 50%, which makes for higher earnings potential but naturally results in exposure to price fluctuations. Clients can now retain all or part of the securities investments they have built up in their Pillar 3a even after they reach retirement age, transferring them to a normal UBS custody account. There are no restrictions on the time of sale of the investments, so earnings can be optimized. The tax advantages for clients are identical until they reach retirement age.
UBS Vitainvest funds comply with the legal requirements relating to Pillar 3a, and their investment policy is identical with the Fiscainvest 12, 25, 40 and 50 sub-funds of the Fiscainvest Investment Foundation of UBS. They are designed as funds of funds, with investments being managed by UBS Global Asset Management and other leading domestic and foreign asset management companies.
Existing investments in UBS Fiscainvest 12, 25, 40 and 50 will automatically be converted into UBS Vitainvest fund units on a 1:1 basis on 20 January 2006. There is no requirement for clients to take action, and they will not incur any extra costs.
Zurich / Basel, 5 January 2006


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