text:
Here in Massachusetts, we've watched the nation's health care debate – four years long and counting – from a singular perch: We've been living with a version of the Affordable Care Act since 2006.
Here in Massachusetts, we've watched the nation's health care debate – four years long and counting – from a singular perch: We've been living with a version of the Affordable Care Act since 2006.
We've had strong opinions about Obamacare, pro and con, but the wild fears and exaggerations we hear from other parts of the country don't ring true. Politicians and pundits in other states wring their hands about the destruction of the American health care system, but here it's not all that big a deal. Most of us - those who get their insurance through their employer or a government program - are still dealing with the same insurance companies and the same doctors as before the adoption of what our former governor's GOP primary opponents dubbed "Romneycare."
Conservatives have raged for years against the slavery of the individual mandate. Republican governors in other states are making heroic efforts to keep their low-income constituents from getting a better deal on health insurance. Here in Massachusetts, we've seen friends and relatives go online to the Health Connector exchange and find insurance, often subsidized, that was a real comfort to them.
Opponents of the Affordable Care Act predict employers will drop their coverage and convert their workers to part-time to avoid having to ensure them. But in Massachusetts, more people are covered through employer policies and more employers offer insurance than before the law took effect.
It would still be much much cheaper for them to pay the state penalty than to provide health insurance, but it turns out Bay State business owners aren't as heartless as conservatives seem to assume. Most of them want to see their workers have health benefits. One example: Cumberland Farms, a Framingham-based convenience store chain, just announced that in response to the ACA it will convert part-time workers to full-time, extending health benefits to 1,500 additional employees.
Physicians like Romneycare – the state officials I talked with this week prefer to call it "Chapter 58" – because doctors want their patients to be able to afford the treatments they prescribe. People like it too. Polls consistently find majorities like the new system, and one place you never hear calls for repeal is in the Massachusetts Legislature.
So here comes Obamacare, to Massachusetts as well as 49 other states. Will the big bad federal program mess up the successful state one?
Not according to top state health officials. They say Obamacare will make Romneycare better.
For starters, more people will be eligible for Medicaid, and more will be eligible for larger subsidies for policies bought through the state insurance exchange.
There's a new, improved website coming to make comparison shopping for insurance easier. Thanks to information technology made possible through federal grants, the system will be able to identify other safety net programs insurance applicants may be eligible for.
The state employer mandate, which required insurance be offered by all companies with more than 11 employees, has been dropped. The federal mandate, which only applies to companies with more than 50 employees, now takes effect in January 2015. Officials don't expect anyone to drop their coverage, and dropping the state mandate relieves them of some paperwork.
Then there are the ACA benefits already kicking in: Coverage on family plans for children up to age 26, elimination of co-pays for preventive care, and the closing of the Medicare prescription drug "donut hole," which is saving Massachusetts seniors an average of $667.
Plus there's a big bonus for the state budget, since costs that have been borne by the state will now be reimbursed by the feds. That's going to plow an extra $400 million into state coffers in 2014, and more than that in the years that follow. Some of that savings will be used for long-overdue increases in reimbursements to physicians and hospitals serving Medicaid patients.
And the skyrocketing premiums the anti-Obamacare lobby keeps warning us about? Not happening. In state after state, insurers are offering policies through the new exchanges at prices sharply lower than under the old system.
The newest rates for Massachusetts increased less than 2 percent for individuals and small companies purchasing through the exchange. There's one point of contention, an Obamacare rule that prevents insurers from taking a few "ratings factors" into consideration when setting premiums, including the industry the business is in. That will end up raising some premiums for companies with fewer health claims, but just as many other companies will see their premiums go down. A fitness center may end up paying more; a construction company considerably less.
Health care's far from perfect here in Massachusetts. Costs are still too high, though the days of double-digit premium increases appear to be over. But 97 percent of Bay State residents have health insurance, and that's a good thing, right?
Not in the minds of the Obamaphobes in other states, apparently. Some of them are now promoting a boycott of the new state health insurance exchanges, figuring there's no better way to protest a president you don't like than to risk medical bankruptcy and your children's health by going without insurance.
From our perch in Massachusetts, those people look pretty crazy.
Rick Holmes, opinion editor for the Daily News, blogs at Holmes & Co. (http://blogs.wickedlocal.com/holmesandco). He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
The state has at least temporarily abandoned an effort to drill on Delta farmland in San Joaquin County, drilling that officials say is needed to study Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed twin tunnels project.
The state has at least temporarily abandoned an effort to drill on Delta farmland in San Joaquin County, drilling that officials say is needed to study Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed twin tunnels project.
Over the course of more than a year, landowners successfully stonewalled the state's attempt under eminent domain law to acquire tiny pieces of private property on which crews would drill softball-sized holes hundreds of feet deep to study the composition of Delta soils.
On Thursday, the state formally dropped its request in San Joaquin County Superior Court. Similar requests are still pending in other counties.
"They just gave up," said Stockton attorney Thomas Keeling, who represents the Delta landowners. "Do I think they'll come back at some point? I don't know, ... but part of the takeaway here is Delta landowners who are fighting for the future of their properties can win battles against the state."
The Department of Water Resources said Friday that its decision to drop the San Joaquin eminent domain case was merely to correct a "procedural error." The department plans to seek the blessing of the California Water Commission to file corrected eminent domain complaints that would allow the work to move forward.
Landowners have already delayed that work, however. And state officials warned in court papers over the summer that any further delay could drive up the cost of the $14 billion tunnels or even render them infeasible.
Judges in three Delta counties over the fall denied the state's request to speed up the process so that drilling could be conducted before the rainy season. Water Resources has, in fact, completed some drilling on other lands but maintains that it needs access to the contested lands as well.
The tunnels would divert water past the Delta rather than through it. The plan is widely opposed in San Joaquin County, with some landowners resisting any effort by the state to access private property.
In addition to drilling, they have also challenged other kinds of environmental surveys. That issue is pending before an appeals court.
Contact reporter Alex Breitler at (209) 546-8295 or firstname.lastname@example.com. Visit his blog at recordnet.com/breitlerblog.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Feline atopy—are you seeing more cases in your veterinary clinic lately?
What is atopy?
No set pattern of signs occurs in cats as it does in dogs, but the face, feet and perineum can be affected (Photos 1-3). On physical examination, atopic cats may show self-induced alopecia, miliary dermatitis, eosinophilic granuloma complex lesions, exfoliative dermatitis, chin acne with or without Malassezia otitis, seborrhea, eosinophilia or lymphadenopathy.
Difficult to diagnosis
The signs of atopy can mirror other diseases, such as dermatitis (flea allergy or Malassezia), Cheyletiella or Notoedres species infection, food allergy, dermatophytosis, demodicosis and pemphigus foliaceus. Most atopic cats are corticosteroid-responsive, but so are cats with the above differential diagnoses. Flea allergy dermatitis, cheyletiellosis, Notoedres species infection, demodicosis and dermatophytosis can largely be ruled out by performing skin scrapings, combings and trichography during the first appointment.
Taking a good history is essential since atopy tends to affect a patient at the same time every year—this can also be true for a flea allergy, especially in the Midwest where fleas tend to be eradicated in the cold winters. In a patient with nonseasonal signs, food allergy or allergy to dust mites should be considered once ectoparasites have been ruled out. Note that some food-allergic cats can be somewhat corticosteroid-responsive, so response to corticosteroids to rule out food allergy isn't dependable.


text:
Roundup: Vintage Clocks
Nothing makes a graphic statement on the wall like a big, black and white clock. We especially love the look of the old Seth Thomas clocks from the 60s and 70s, with their stripped-down, functional aesthetic. In case you're a fan of vintage timepieces, we've rounded up a few examples from across the web, including wall and alarm clocks that all claim to be in working condition...
• Seth Thomas Clock from Salvage One, $40
• 1980 GE Clock Radio from Etsy Seller Pudding, $26
• Bakelite Wall Clock from Etsy Seller Chronology, $64
• Raymor German Travertine Clock from Hi and Lo Modern, $275
• Spartus 70s Asterisk Wall Clock from Hi and Lo Modern, $95
• Helvetica Wall Clock from Etsy Seller FoundVintageStyle, $38
• Small Face Alarm Clock from Ruby Lane, $20
• Mid Century Modern Clock from Etsy Seller Jill Ruth, $52
• Hermes Clock and Barometer Set from Branded Luxury, Price on Request
• Seth Thomas Vintage Wall Clock from Etsy Seller The Brick House, $28


text:
I will be starting my fifth year of teaching in August...I have taught several grades including Kindergarten, First grade, third grade... last year I was back in Kindergarten and next year I will be back in first grade. I really enjoy being a "floating teacher"...I learn learn a lot and it keeps me on my toes!
I like to have my classroom be a mixture of student centered as well as teacher directed. I strive to make my classroom a fun, safe learning environment for all of my students.
I have recently graduated from Capella University with my Masters degree in Reading and Literacy. I look forward to implementing my new ideas and learnings into my everyday classroom
I received my Bachelors degree from Mayville State University in 2008. I graduated with a major in Elementary Education, minor in early childhood education, with a Kindergarten endorsement. I graduated from Capella University in 2012 with my Masters degree in Reading and Literacy.
I work in a small school in small town North Dakota. I have taught Kindergarten, first grade, and third grade. Last year I was back in Kindergarten and what an exciting year it was! Next year I will be back teaching first grade and I am so looking forward to it! :)
PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, Homeschool, Staff
English Language Arts, Creative Writing, Reading, Grammar, Spelling, Vocabulary, Specialty, Math, Arithmetic, Basic Operations, Geometry, Graphing, Numbers, Social Studies - History, Arts & Music, Music, Other (Specialty), Geography, For All Subject Areas, Literature, Classroom Management, Study Skills, Short Stories, Writing, Reading Strategies, Holidays/Seasonal, Back to School, Mental Math, Place Value, For All Subjects, Handwriting


text:
If you are considering a group child care arrangement, ask for a
complete written list of policies. Ask questions if all of your answers are not
answered by documentation. You will need to know basic facts about the center
as well as details about safety, rules, activities, and what's expected of the
General operations
Emergency procedures
Food preparation
Hygiene practices
Rules for children
Other information
For examples of questions to ask, see:
Next Section:
Previous Section:
Last Revised:
September 14, 2012
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics & John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.


text:
GABORONE, Botswana (AP) -Match-fixing affects only a tiny percentage of football games across the world and the sport is "so big, we will overcome,'' FIFA President Sepp Blatter said on Saturday, playing down the European Union police agency's damaging report into corruption.
Speaking in Botswana after Europol said Monday that nearly 700 recent games have or may have been fixed, the head of world football insisted more than a million matches a year were clean.
"Football is so big, we will overcome,'' Blatter said in Gaborone. "It (match-fixing) is a small percentage. Football will not die.''
Blatter is on a four-country tour of Africa ahead of Sunday's African Cup of Nations final at Soccer City in Johannesburg between Nigeria and Burkina Faso.
But with the world game facing another damaging period of introspection after Europol reported 680 matches were under suspicion worldwide from the last 18 months - including World Cup and European Championship qualifiers and two Champions League games - the FIFA head played down the extent of corruption on visits to Mauritania, Guinea and Botswana.
Blatter said in Mauritania that most cases of alleged match-fixing that Europol raised had already been dealt with or were being dealt with.
"Most of the matches which they (Europol) put in this tray, 600 or 800, have already been analyzed, dealt with and even were at court,'' Blatter told reporters.
Blatter said FIFA was fighting the "pure delinquency'' of match-fixing for illegal betting scams.
"We're fighting against that,'' he said in French. "Because if the matches are fixed there's no more interest in going to watch football.''
In Africa, Zimbabwe banned players and officials for life and the former chief executive of the national federation is facing criminal charges for corruption after an investigation uncovered the national team had thrown games on tours to Asia.
South Africa has conceded it will have to investigate any possible links with match-fixing gangs after "compelling evidence'' that at least one of the country's World Cup warm-up games from 2010 was fixed.
A high-profile friendly between Nigeria and Argentina is also believed to be under suspicion for spot-fixing.
On Saturday, Blatter said that racism was a bigger problem for the world game than fixing and FIFA was examining ways of introducing more serious punishments for teams if their fans or players were guilty of racism.
"We can also explore deducting points,'' he said. "If it is a knockout competition, it will mean that we must kick out the team.'


text:
Enjoy the Color Longer: Tips for Extending Tulip Season
Tulip season is upon us, and depending on where you are, it generally lasts about two weeks. Usually it starts sometime in mid to late April and ends in early May. If you ask me, the season for these brightly colored harbingers of spring is entirely too short. But it doesn't need to be. Here's how to extend the color riot.
Tulips that you buy in the store are timed to bloom at a very specific (retail-friendly) time of year. If you purchase potted tulips, they will give you a display for maybe two weeks and then it will be all over. If however, you go with inground bulbs (planted in the fall), you can extend your tulip season to at least a month for the same money, since bulbs that you grow yourself are much cheaper and come in a much wider variety than those already potted up and forced.
The real key to extending the season is paying attention to bloom time. There are early bloomers, mid season bloomers and late bloomers. They will all overlap each other, but if you time it correctly, you will have a succession that can go as long as a month or more.
I like to organize my succession of bulbs by color theme, so I pulled together 3 series of early bloomers, mid and late season bloomers. They will overlap each other as they come and fade, but you will have some nice combinations as spring rolls through.
Pretty Pinks:
Top Row: Early Season Tulipa 'Toronto', Early- Mid Season Tulipa 'Apricot Emperor'
Bottom Row: Mid- Late Season -Tulipa 'Annelinde' and Tulipa 'Black Hero'
Orange Obsession
Top row : Early Season - Tulipa 'Orange Emperor', Early- Mid Season - Tulipa Princess 'Irene'
Bottom Row: Mid Season Tulipa 'Orange Princess', Late Season Tulipa 'Double Focus'
Deep Red & Pure White Drama
Top Row: Early Tulipa 'Purissima', Early-Mid Season : Tulipa 'Couleur Cardinal'
Bottom Row: Mid Season Tulipa 'Jan Reus' , Late Season Tulipa 'Uncle Tom'
(Images: Brent and Becky's Bulbs (where all varieties can also be purchased))


text:
With the year 2014 starting with an almighty bang- Corey Anderson slamming the fastest ODI century of 36 balls breaking Afridi's long standing 16 year old record- many may have already forgotten the hustle and bustle of 2013.
More in Cricket
- IPL 11: Six Hyped Players Who Have Flopped
Get IPL Tickets here The script isn't new. Rohit Sharma's Mumbai Indians have destroyed the Kolkata Knight Riders twice in four...May 10, 2018
- IPL 11: Scenarios for Playoff Qualification
Only last week, excited by the young, unabashed talent in the Delhi Daredevils top order, I had put forth the most...May 7, 2018
- IPL 11: India's Young XI
Get IPL Tickets here It's quite ironic. Though the "Dad's team" Chennai Super Kings are the ones topping the table and looking...May 3, 2018
- IPL 2018: 5 Predictions At Halfway Stage of IPL-11
Just about halfway through the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League – routinely the trend-setting stage of any IPL tournament...May 2, 2018
- 5 Surprise Stars of IPL 2018
Each of the eight teams has played six games each in the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League. 24 games...April 26, 2018
- IPL 2018: 5 Problems Plaguing Mumbai Indians
We are almost midway through the group stages of Indian Premier League's eleventh edition. And though it might sound like a...April 25, 2018
- IPL Preview: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
In the 14th match of the VIVO IPL 2018, two of the Indian Premier League's most popular T20 teams will face...April 16, 2018
- Opening Lessons From Vivo IPL 11
A lot can be learned about the opening stages of an Indian Premier League season from the way an IPL cricket...April 11, 2018
- VIVO IPL 11: Dream Team XI
With the 11th edition of the biggest domestic cricket tournament in the world just three days away, it's time to take...April 6, 2018


text:
Intermediate Hackker
Last Activity: October 4th, 2014 8:16 AM
About Me
- About papayaperson
- Biography
- I don't spend a lot of time here on PC, so you may notice it's hard to find a time when I'm active, but if you contact me I'll reply ASAP.
I'm a Freshman in high school (I'm not sure if that's very old in comparison to many members here...) and I'm in one honors class and very busy with schoolwork at the moment as we're winding down to the end of the school year. Right now I'm working on a ROM hack called Pokemon Steam with my Steam Team (Click the link in my siggy if you want to join). I have a wild imagination and can help a lot with storyline ideas. I'm also very talented with physical sketching, albeit that's not that much of a useful skill for ROM hacking.
I'm also on Serebii.net, but more frequently I can be found on Pokebay.com if I'm not here.
- Interests
- Running, Track & Field, Hockey
- Location
- United States
- Gender
- Male ♂
- Nature
- Relaxed
- Also Known As
- Anthony
- Favorite Pokémon
- Wash Rotom, Mow Rotom, Whimsicott, Sableye, Gengar
- dontL00Kdown
Showing Friends 1 to 7 of 7
- bluedeedrocks
- Professional Coolguy
- ep!c
- Banned
- Hound of Justice
- Banned
- Nicholas4231996
- Nicholas_Falcons19
- reshilegend
- Focus.
- Zoroyoyo41
- Novice Expert


text:
Discussions about eggcorns and related topics
You are not logged in.
Registrations are currently closed because of a technical problem. Please send email to
The forum administrator reserves the right to request users to plausibly demonstrate that they are real people with an interest in the topic of eggcorns. Otherwise they may be removed with no further justification. Likewise, accounts that have not been used for posting may be removed.
Thanks for your understanding.
Chris -- 2018-04-11
As a computer ignoramus, I began posting as "fishbait1" from my work computer. Then, when I changed ISP's, I registered against as "fishbait2." My point? I'm an eggcornista, with 58 posts under these 3 names!
As an employment lawyer, I not only demand immediate promotion. I want back pay. . . Where's the HR dep't?
David F
Hi David. This is the Human Resources Dept—and you've thrown everyone in the office into a tizzy. Last thing we need is yet another lawsuit against the Eggcorns Forum from a disgruntled contributor. But the Eggcornista label is awarded automatically upon reaching 50 posts, and no one back here can figure out where we put the override switch.
I noticed that the CEO—Chris Waigl—posted today, so maybe she'll work some computer magic. And I'll also see if I can be cleverer. In the meantime, you're an Eggcornista in all our hearts.
Oh-ho, it's the computer's fault! I should have seen that one coming. . .
Well, I'll soldier on. Can I change my screen name to "Antigonus of Sokho"?
Antigonus of Sokho received the tradition from Simon the Just.
He used to say,
Be not like servants who serve their master for the sake of a reward
but rather like those who serve their master without hope of a reward;
and let the fear of heaven be upon you.
Pirkei Avot, I, 3.
You guys crack me up! I want my rank elevated to a 5-star Eggcornista; One star for every fifty posts! (And never mind that my posts are just comments on other people's posts!)
Last edited by jorkel (2006-10-17 08:19:10)
David—well, I think I do know how to change the name of one of the Fishbaits to "Antigonus of Sokho"—or any other Mishnaic figure you're interested in.
Seriously, though, it occurred to me that I could experiment with trying to change all the FIshbaits to "Fishbait." The program might or might not allow that. Tell me if you want me to try it. I don't think I can hurt anything attempting it.
Jorkel—well, you should have followed David's example. If you had different servers to work with, you could be Jorkel1, Jorkel2, etc. and abandon each persona just as it got to the magic number—getting full Eggcornista credit along the way.
Pat—Thanks for the kind offer. Certainly if I were going to become any Mishnaic figure I would choose "Ben Bag-Bag." "Turn it and turn it, for everything is in it (in the Forum?)" No one who accepts contingent fees can claim the mantle of Antigonus of Sokho.
So—you needn't do anything. I've already put "eggcornista" on my resume. Just back me up if anyone calls you for a reference.
David—If you ever do decide to go with Ben Bag Bag, we'll need a Ben Heh Heh to complete the set.
As for the Forum, I hope I'll be able to "grow old and worn in it [...] for there is nothing better."
How many Talmud scholars post to this site anyway? Oy!
Just one, I think—the rest of us are merely good at using Wikipedia.


text:
News & Features Archive
- Previous news
- 1 to 20
- Next news
125 Years of Service and Lasting National ImpactJanuary 9, 2018
In order to share stories of ASM's history and national impact with you, we have produced a series of video interviews with ASMers, past and present.
Tribal Leadership in ArizonaApril 14, 2017
Tribal Leadership in Arizona; this information last updated: April 14, 2017.
New Volunteer Opportunity!March 31, 2017
Help us welcome and engage our visitors. Let's make ASM a top Tucson attraction!
Information for Educators Bringing a Group to the MuseumAugust 22, 2016
Chaperones are a must! Invite parents to enjoy the Arizona State Museum and help make your field trip experience successful. We require three chaperones or teachers for each class, or 1 adult per 8 children. Self-Guided visits are free for students and $5 per chaperone/teacher and must be pre-scheduled.
The CollectorsAugust 19, 2016
Tim Price, manager of Native Goods, the museum store, talks about the ins and outs of collecting Native art.
Recommended Reading for Grades K-5August 18, 2016
Explore the following list of recommended resources for Grades K-5
2016-2017 Active DocentsAugust 16, 2016
Arizona State Museum wishes to express our sincere appreciation for the following volunteers who work hard every day to enhance our community engagement offerings at the museum.
Active Volunteers - Information PortalAugust 16, 2016
On this page the active museum volunteer will find important resources and information about volunteering at ASM.
Assistant Curator for American Indian Relations, Martina M. Dawley, Ph.D.August 5, 2016
Dr. Martina Dawley is ASM's Assistant Curator for American Indian Relations.
Online Research and ResourcesAugust 5, 2016
Online Research and Resources
More About the Documents Held in the ASM ArchivesAugust 3, 2016
The Arizona State Museum Archives currently cares for over 1,500 linear feet of paper records in addition to the map collection.
Associate Director, James T. Watson, PhD.July 1, 2016
James T. Watson, PhD, is Associate Director and Associate Curator of Bioarchaeology at the Arizona State Museum.
Museum Director, Patrick D. Lyons, Ph.D.July 1, 2016
Patrick D. Lyons, Ph.D., is director of the Arizona State Museum, an associate professor in the School of Anthropology at the University of Arizona...
Meet the Friends of the ASM CollectionsJune 22, 2016
We are grateful to those who enthusiastically and generously support the collections division at the Arizona State Museum. Thank you!
The Photography ProjectJune 17, 2016
Arizona State Museum is among the beneficiaries of a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, funds from which will be designated for much-needed environmental upgrades to the museum's photographic collection.
ASM's Role in the History of American MuseumsJune 6, 2016
The first anthropology museum in the Southwest, today, ASM, the Peabody Museum at Harvard, and the University of Pennsylvania Museum are the three premier university anthropology museums in America in terms of the scope, size, and importance of their collections.
History of the Museum BuildingJune 6, 2016
The ASM Library is located in the historic reading room of the University of Arizona's former Main Library. The article that follows gives a description of the building a few years after construction was completed in 1925.
"Bones Beneath the Ballpark"May 30, 2016
Coming in September 2016: "Bones Beneath the Ballpark: Zooarchaeology Training for Middle & High School Teachers
Stanley J. Olsen and the Zooarchaeology Endowment FundMay 12, 2016
Professor Stanley J. Olsen, curator of zooarchaeology at Arizona State Museum from 1973-1997, was Internationally recognized as one of the founding figures of the field.
Nancy Odegaard, ASM Head of PreservationMay 5, 2016
Nancy Odegaard is Head of the Preservation Division at Arizona State Museum.


text:
(a) Describe similar assertions for wait and signal using Mesa monitors and briefly explain why.
(b) The Mesa Monitors paper describes how programmers should test and wait for conditions using Mesa monitors:
... [1] while ( ... ) { [2] ... [3] b.wait [4] ... } [5] ...Notes:
Considering the code snippet above, create a table with five rows corresponding to the five placeholders in the code and two columns corresponding to the invariant I and condition B. For each entry in the table, write "hold", "!hold", or "unknown" depending upon what can be assumed about the invariant or condition, respectively, at each point in the code snippet.
Butler Lampson once gave a set of principles for system design. Among these, he gave two conflicting pieces of advice on the nature of implementations. He said, "Keep secrets of the implementation. Secrets are assumptions about an implementation that client programs are not allowed to make... Obviously, it is easier to program and modify a system if its parts make fewer assumptions about each other." And yet, "One way to improve performance is to increase the number of assumptions that one part of a system makes about another; the additional assumptions often allow less work to be done, sometimes a lot less." That is, on the one hand we should hide an implementation for ease of development, and, on the other, we should expose our implementations for speed. For example, Xen's paravirtualized x86 interface exposed the implementation of the hypervisor to its guest OSes, largely for speed, while Sprite's process migration took advantage of secrets in hiding the distributed nature of its implementation from processes subject to migration.
GMS and Exokernel are two more systems which exemplified this advice. For these two systems, explain:
For each of the three systems, consider the path a network packet containing an HTTP request takes as it travels from the network interface card to a Web server process running at user level:
For example, if the system were standard monolithic Linux, the protection domains would be the kernel and the Web server process with its address space. The kernel is privileged, and the server process unprivileged.
For example, if the system were standard monolithic Linux, the CPU would raise an interrupt, halting the Web server process, and vector to a Linux kernel interrupt handler for page faults. The page fault handler would allocate a physical page from Linux's free physical page list and update the page table entry with the valid mapping. The Linux kernel would then return from the interrupt.


text:
|Austin, Texas
|High School:
|ATA College Prep
2013-14:Two-year letterwinner ... among the top players on the team and one to watch on the national level.
2012-13: Earned First Team All-ODAC honors at No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles during his sophomore season ... garnered First Team All-America honors in doubles after advancing to the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament with Michael Holt ... posted a 14-14 singles record and a 26-7 doubles mark ... went 26-6 with Holt, tied for the fifth-best season win total by a doubles team in school history ... advanced to the quarterfinals of the ITA Southeast Region Doubles Championships during the fall season.
2011-12: Notched a 14-9 record while playing primarily at No. 2 singles ... logged a 15-10 record in doubles, playing mostly at the No. 1 and No. 2 positions ... earned All-ODAC honors at No. 2 singles and No. 2 doubles.
High School: Earned four letters as a member of the tennis team at Austin Tennis Academy Prep ... twice named the Austin Tennis Academy Mentor of the Year.
Off the Court: Business administration and pyschology double-major.


text:
I have been watching the fourth series of US 'real-time' action-adventure show 24. It is certainly not as good as series one but better than two or three. It is not the most compelling drama available to watch right now - but I am comfortable with the format and it helps me relax at the weekends. It is good enough TV.
As I work in a very casual shared office and I am my own boss I tend not to worry much about how I dress before I go off to earn a crust. No tie, rarely a pressed shirt: jeans and jumpers do me just fine most days. Call it good enough work attire.
Distinctly average There are lots of other examples of how we can accommodate the suitable but possibly mediocre in our lives. What is interesting is modern business leaders seem to have started adopting the same approach when it comes to their IT needs. They are happy - and only want to pay for - good enough computing.
This is the conclusion of IDC, which recently released a survey of European IT budget holders' thoughts. As many companies in Europe keep major IT projects on hold, the single greatest inhibitor of IT spending increases is the growing culture of 'good-enough computing', says the analyst group.
IDC characterises this as when their existing technology infrastructure is 'good enough' to support business needs and new applications - and that increased investment in new technology is often unnecessary. "Business managers in Europe are exerting considerable influence over the IT buying process and with an eye on retaining as much existing infrastructure as possible," says IDC - a view held by some 60 per cent of respondents it talked to in larger enterprises and around 50 per cent in the medium-sized company sector.
In combination with other factors, such as a perception of a skills shortage - 40 per cent of larger firms say lack of experienced staff is putting them off embarking on large IT jobs - the 'good enough computing' attitude will translate to 2005 being a year of unspectacular growth in Europe in terms of IT spending, of around four per cent, forecasts IDC.
The good enough concept - like all neat conceits - probably is not describing anything radically new. Good CIOs cut their teeth on sweating their assets and if nothing else the Y2K phenomenon showed how much venerable infrastructure was - and is - still out there. And why not? Good enough is really the same as the engineering dictum, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.
Long-term thinking
And yet, there is something not quite satisfactory about both the notion and the budget sloth it is meant to describe. Patently I could find something better than 24 to watch - habit, as one of the characters in Waiting For Godot puts it, is a great deadener. By the same token I could possibly look less like a folk roadie from 1974 and more like a thrusting 21st century thought leader if I wore something that had seen the steam of an iron.
And organisations could save time and money by stopping looking after equipment they bought five years ago and which by now is costing more to keep going than refresh. That is what is really holding convergence back - people do not want to part with their PABXs until the last nickel and dime has been amortised, which is sensible, but the technology is there now to up the pace communications wise.
This is not a plea for mindless 1999-style spending - but we could do with some energy getting back into the market, and in a way it is deeply odd that the biggest growth areas in IT in the UK are still in the public sector. Which also makes me wonder if 'good enough computing' is not actually a handy refuge for the ignorant.
A strong word - but what else could one say about management boards that still shy away from discussing IT in any depth?
CEOs still congratulate themselves on not having been sullied by knowledge of technology and processes and the admitted excesses of the dot-com are still used as an excuse for not thinking differently.


text:
LAST CHANCE! - Schecter 006 Deluxe Only £169!!
The Schecter 006 Deluxe Normally £249.00 LAST CHANCE Now £169.00!!
The Schecter 006 Deluxe VRS (Vampire Red Satin) and the Schecter 006 Deluxe SB (Satin Black) electric guitar features a basswood Omen body with a carved top.
The Schecter 006 Deluxe guitar has a bolt-on maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. 25-1/2' scale with 22 jumbo frets and dot markers. String-thru tailpiece, diamond tuners, chrome hardware, and dual humbucker pickups.
Normally £249.00 don't miss out on this FANTASTIC bargain, with a genuine saving of £70.00 you would be mad to miss it!
- Body: basswood
- Neck: Bolt-on maple
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale: 25-1/2"
- Number Of Frets: 22 jumbo frets
- Neck Markers: Dots
- Tailpiece: String-thru
- Machine Heads: Diamond
- Hardware: Chrome
- Pickups: 2 humbuckers


text:
Kim Eslinger
David Tinjum
Ryan Ojard
Staff Photographer
Claudia Kittock
Columnist / Non-Profits
Email Claudia...
Merle Minda
Small Business Columnist
Email Merle...
Michael Rainville Jr.
History Columnist
Email Michael...
Brianna Ojard
Meg Forney
Doug Verdier
Mill City Times is a not-for-profit community service. We do not sell advertising on this site.
Key contributors to the Central Riverfront Neighborhoods.
Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul
Public spaces and landmarks along the Minneapolis Riverfront.
Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway
Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
North Mississippi Regional Park
Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory
Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock & Dam
A complete list of Minneapolis Parks.
Organizations involved in preserving and rivitalizing the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis Riverfront. Thank You!
Friends of the Mississippi River
Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership
MN Mississippi River Parkway Commission
Mississippi Watershed Management Organization
National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics
River Talk | Institute on the Environment | U of M
St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board
St. Anthony Falls Laboratory | U of M
Mill City Times | 35W Bridge Memorial | Mill District Block Party | Mill City Media


text:
Arizona Proposition 200 (Gonzalez v. Brewer)
The U.S. Supreme Court is considering the constitutionality of a provision in Arizona's Proposition 200, a 2004 anti-immigrant law, that requires that new voter registration applicants provide one of a limited set of documents to prove citizenship. Since its implementation, over 31,500 applicants have been rejected for failing to provide the additional paperwork required . In Arizona's largest county, voter registration through community-based drives dropped 44%. Individuals whose registrations were rejected under Proposition 200 reflect the general demographics of Arizona and include people of all races, ages and political affiliations.
On May 9, 2006, MALDEF filed the first suit challenging the voter restrictions of Proposition 200. MALDEF represents Latino organizations and individuals who are negatively affected by the new law. In 2012, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with MALDEF and struck down portions of the law and Arizona filed an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court.
MALDEF remains committed to fighting laws and regulations that place unreasonable economic and bureaucratic burdens on U.S. citizens seeking to vote.
This case is about the power of the U.S. Congress to make rules for federal elections. Because Arizona's voter registration law conflicts with federal law, the federal law prevails.
Congress enacted the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) in 1993 to simplify and increase voter registration in federal elections. The NVRA creates a national postcard voter registration form and requires states to accept and use the federal form for the registration of voters in federal elections.
Arizona Proposition 200 blocks U.S. citizens from registering to vote by imposing burdensome paperwork requirements. All new voter registrants must include with their registration form documentation from a list that Arizona claims proves U.S. citizenship.


text:
Receive a FREE copy of the Gurney's Seed & Nursery catalog PLUS a coupon for $25 OFF by simply filling out the information below. And don't forget to fill one out for each of your gardening friends.
Get the latest deals from Gurney's Seed & Nursery!
Preview exciting new products, learn about special sale events and lots more. Sign up to start receiving Gurney's Seed & Nursery e-mail updates.
Thank you for signing up for our special offers and promotions! Your $25 coupon is being applied.
Start Shopping Now


text:
The TPWD 2013 Devils River Working Group has been appointed and will have its first meeting before February. The group is smaller than the 2011 DRWG but remains comprised of stakeholders - ranchers & landowners, paddlers & anglers, conservation professionals, at least one outfitter, and TNC. The Draft General Management Plan for the Devils River SNA was published April 2012 and is available here: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks ... ation-use.
First, be aware that a pilot program for Devils River access is being implemented now. They call it "DRAP". Processes and information will likely be refined as input and feedback are received. As of Jan. 2, there is no info about DRAP on the TPWD DR website (see draft below). Other notable changes:
• TPWD has acquired ROW from TXDOT at the Hwy 163 Bakers Crossing bridge.
• North Unit San Pedro Point can be a put-in or take-out.
• Blue Sage sub-division is no longer an allowable put-in or take-out by outfitters or public.
• South Unit Devils Back camp can be a put-in or take-out or the Lake Amistad tow out option.
Just in case you're planning a trip soon... the former DRSNA Superintendent, Joe Ranzau paddled the DR before Christmas and reported that it was lower than he had ever seen it, especially from BX to San Pedro. As you will see in the following document, Gerald Bailey remains the sole shuttle provider for DR at this time.
The following was sent from Regional Parks Director, Deidre Hisler. It is a brief, general DRAFT. More details will follow as the pilot proceeds or as requested.
For those of you making application this winter/spring/summer to camp overnight on the Devils, please post on this forum a brief report of your experience - good or bad - in the pilot permit process (and on the rio) + fish porn.
Richard Grayson, Dallas
Devils River State Natural Area
Devils River Access Permits
For Paddlers
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) acquired and has managed the Devils River State Natural Area (DRSNA) since 1988. In December 2010, TPWD acquired additional acreage approximately 13 river miles downriver from the original SNA. In September, 2012, TPWD entered into an Agreement with TxDOT to manage the river access and adjacent Right-of-Way at Baker's Crossing, on State Highway # 163, approximately 14 river miles upstream from the original SNA. The three areas are being managed as one unit of the Texas State Park's System under the overall name of Devils River State Natural Area, and with a specific sub-title for each area.
The 20,000 acre original SNA is designated DRSNA - Del Norte. The newly acquired 17,000 acre lower river area will be known as DRSNA - Big Satan, and the paddler access site at the Baker's Crossing Bridge will be known as DRSNA – Baker's Crossing.
The Three Areas of DRSNA:
- Del Norte has been opened to the public since the early 1990s with very limited public access to the Devils River itself. During this time, 'non-motorized access only' has been allowed to the river through the SNA, (except for limited concessionaire shuttle access) with a gate preventing motorized access for the last 0ne or so miles to the river. The SNA access road meets the river at a location known as San Pedro Point. Del Norte encompasses 1 mile of river frontage. The San Pedro Point Paddler Camp offers one night 'only' primitive camping (for paddlers only) who are moving down the river. There are 16 individual paddler camping spots and a reservation is required. Day use (no camping) is also authorized for visitors hiking or biking to the river.
- Big Satan is not presently open to the general public and planning is underway to determine public use and an opening date.
- Baker's Crossing - Paddlers who have the required permit will be allowed to put-in at the Baker's Crossing Bridge access, at the northeast side designated put-in.
Most lands adjacent to the Devils River from Baker's Crossing Bridge to Amistad Lake (approximately 37 miles) are privately owned.
TPWD does not have legislative authority to manage the Devils River proper. However, as one of the primary conservation Agencies of the state, TPWD does have a broad scope and some specific responsibilities for land and water conservation resource protection and public recreation on public waters and TPWD managed lands.
All public access to the Devils River from Baker's Crossing to Lake Amistad National Recreation Area is across TPWD managed lands. TPWD intends to establish a limited number of permits for paddler access to the river through TPWD managed lands at Baker's Crossing, at Del Norte-San Pedro Point, and at Big Satan-Devils Back.
Devils River Access Permits (DRAPs): On a one year pilot basis, TPWD will issue up to 12 individual river access permits each day for the public to access to and/or from the river across TPWD managed lands for overnight trips. Additionally, 12 individual permits will also be issued for day trips only (trips to be completed in one day, no overnight). This one year pilot program will help TPWD determine appropriate access and use levels. These data will be helpful in designing and managing a long term permit system and process.
Any paddler accessing the Devils River through:
• DRSNA Baker's Crossing Paddler Access
• DRSNA Del Norte Unit (San Pedro Point)
• DRSNA Big Satan Unit (Devils Back)
• Or who have launched from private property and are accessing the shores of the Del Norte or Big Satan Units from the river
• Or who have launched from private property and who are staying at the San Pedro Point paddler campground
must have a TPWD Devils River Access Permit (DRAP) in their possession. These permits will be available by reservation only and can be obtained through the Texas State Park's 'Customer Service Center' (instructions to follow). As a 'condition of the permit', anyone seeking a DRAP will be required to agree to the basic Devils River etiquette and orientation requirements as specified in the TPWD Devils River 'Critical Paddler Information' document.
Shuttle Service Providers: TPWD has allowed concessionaire operated shuttle service since the 1990s to utilize SNA lands. TPWD has determined that continuing to allow shuttle service access to and from TPWD managed lands along the Devils River is reasonable and appropriate. Two TPWD approved concessionaire shuttle service providers are authorized a one year pilot permit to provide shuttle service to the three access sites managed by TPWD, including taking paddlers out at Devils Back, at Big Satan.
Camping in DRSNA:
• San Pedro Point Paddler's Camp: Camping will be allowed at San Pedro Point paddler's campground in the Del Norte Unit. This is a 'paddler's only' campground and there is a one night maximum stay limitation. Reservations are required and there is a $5 per night per person camping fee (There have historically been four, 4 person campsites at this campground for $20 per campsite. TPWD will maintain the same maximum capacity of 16 campers, but will make it 16 individual campers, instead of 4 @ 4 = 16).
• RM 29 Paddler's Camp: A primitive paddler's camp is available at river mile 29 for up to 8 paddlers, one night only maximum stay, and $5 per night per person. A reservation is required. More than one paddling group (up to a total of 8 individual paddlers) may use this campsite at the same time.
• Baker's Crossing Paddler Camp: A small primitive camping area approximately 0.25 of a mile south of Baker's Crossing bridge, on the southwest side of SH 163, is available for paddlers the night before their launch. There is a picnic table, no fires, and all trash must be removed.
These three sites are the only designated public campsites on the river at this time. Camping permits are available through the Texas State Parks Customer Service Center.
All other camping must be below the Gradient Boundary, on an island, or with permission from a private landowner.
Planning your trip down the Devils River: It is highly recommended that any person considering paddling the Devils River review the Devils River State Natural Area Web page (insert URL here) and specific details about paddling the river from other sources "Preparing for a Trip on the Devils River", and other publications/Web pages on the subject, prior to obtaining a DRAP.
Anyone obtaining a DRAP will be required as a condition of their permit, to abide by the "Critical Paddlers Information" requirements which is available on the TPWD Web-page.
Conditions of Permit - Requirements:
• Waste Alleviation and Gelling Bags (WAG Bag) are required to be carried and used by paddlers (enough bags to cover paddling group for duration of trip). All human waste must be removed from the river
• All trash/garbage to be carried out in heavy duty bag or container that will not rip or spill garbage into the river
• No glass containers
• Adequate line/rope/cord to secure gear in/on vessel. All gear must be secured well enough in the paddler's vessel to not spill out if vessel rolls over
• All vessels must have attached and display an identifier 'band' supplied by TPWD for duration of the trip
• A basic 'Trip Plan' must be provided and left in the Iron Ranger at the Baker's or San Pedro Point put-in location or with the outfitter. This will assist with Search and Rescue of overdue paddlers and will help monitor use
• Signing a TPWD supplied acknowledgement of receiving and understanding the conditions of the DRAP and 'River Etiquette'
Permitting Procedure: To obtain a Devils River Access Permit (DRAP) or a San Pedro Point or RM 29 paddler camping permit, call the Texas State Park's 'Central Reservation Center' at 512-389-xxxx and ask for the Devils River agent.
• Paddlers should ask the agent if there are DRAPs available for the date for which the paddler(s) wish to put-in. There will be 12 individual overnight permits and 12 'day use' permits available each day. The permit numbers for 'overnight' permits are counted based on launches each day (with intent to camp). Paddlers launching from private property who are going to use a TPWD campsite or 'take-out' site, will be counted the day they actually launch from the private property.
• Permits may be obtained for up to 11 months in advance and will cost $10 each. Each paddler will need an individual DRAP, though a 'trip leader' may reserve and pay for an entire group. Once the reservation is made and the DRAP purchased, it will become non-refundable after 72 hours.
• The DRAP will be mailed to the permit holder. If the paddler is not using a TPWD Shuttle Service Provider, an identifier 'band' will also be mailed with the permit, with instruction on attachment.
• If a TPWD Shuttle Service Provider will be used for shuttle to the river access, the Shuttle Service Provider will supply the identifier 'band'.
General Advice: Once the paddler has reviewed all Critical Paddler Information and other necessary information about paddling the Devils River, they should decide their logistics of how they will get to the river and where they will launch and get picked up.
If a paddler (or one of the party) is an experienced Devils River paddler, then the group probably knows what to do as far as planning the support logistics of the trip.
If a paddler(s) is new to the Devils River, and wants to consider shuttle service support to and from the river, they should contact a TPWD authorized Shuttle Service Provider before obtaining their DRAP to ensure that the Shuttle Service is available on the dates planned for the trip. They will also want to contact the TPWD 'Central Reservation Center' prior to making a commitment with the Shuttle Service Provider to ensure that DRAPs are available on the date desired to launch. This process will take at least three phone calls. Once the pilot project has been completed, TPWD hopes to have a web-based DRAP process.
Leaving a vehicle unattended at Baker's Crossing is not recommended. A personal drop-off/pick-up or a Shuttle Service Provider drop-off/pick-up is the recommended manner in which to paddle the Devils River.
TPWD authorized Shuttle Service Provider(s): At this time the following TPWD sanctioned Shuttle Service Provider(s) is authorized to utilize all designated DRSNA put-in/take-out points - Baker's Crossing Paddler Access; San Pedro Point – Del Norte; and Devils Back – Big Satan.
• Devils River Outfitter - email@example.com - 830-395-2266
Devils River SNA - 2013 New Info
Non-Trout pursuits
Post Reply
1 post • Page 1 of 1
Post Reply
1 post • Page 1 of 1


text:
New Document Answers Frequently-Asked Questions, Challenges Stereotypes
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today issued a question-and-answer document on the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to people in the workplace who are blind or who have vision impairments. The new publication, is available on EEOC's web site at http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/blindness.html.
The latest Q&A document is the fifth in a series of fact sheets issued by the EEOC for persons with disabilities, and/or focusing on the ADA and specific disability issues, in accordance with President Bush's New Freedom Initiative. It is the second ADA document made available by the Commission in the past two weeks, in observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
"This publication will help eliminate unfounded fears and stereotypes that lead to employment discrimination against so many people who are blind or visually impaired," said EEOC Chair Cari M. Dominguez. "As with prior ADA fact sheets, our goal is twofold: first, to make clear that all people with disabilities are protected from workplace discrimination and, second, to educate employers and promote access and inclusion."
Among the issues the new Q&A document addresses are:
The fact sheet helps to advance the goals of the President's New Freedom Initiative, a comprehensive strategy for the full integration of people with disabilities into all aspects of American life. The New Freedom Initiative seeks to promote greater access to technology, education, employment opportunities, and community life for people with disabilities. An important part of the New Freedom Initiative's strategy for increasing employment opportunities involves providing employers with technical assistance on the ADA. Information about other EEOC activities under the Initiative also is available on the agency's web site at www.eeoc.gov.
In addition to enforcing Title I of the ADA, which prohibits employment discrimination
against people with disabilities in the private sector and state and local governments,
and the Rehabilitation Act's prohibitions against disability discrimination
in the federal government, EEOC enforces laws prohibiting race, sex, color,
national origin, religion, and age discrimination in employment.
This page was last modified on October 25, 2005.
Return to Home Page


text:
U.S. Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission
Meeting of July 15, 2009 – Age Discrimination in the 21st Century-Barriers to the Employment of Older Workers
Cathy Ventrell-Monsees has been practicing in employment discrimination law since 1983. She is the co-author of AGE DISCRIMINATION LITIGATION (James Publishing 2008). She is currently President of Workplace Fairness, a nonprofit dedicated to educating workers about their employment rights (www.workplacefairness.org). She has litigated several ADEA class actions and has written more than 50 amicus briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court and federal circuit courts. Ms. Ventrell-Monsees has a part-time law practice and also teaches employment discrimination law at the Washington College of Law at American University. From 1985 to 1998, she directed the age discrimination litigation project at AARP. Since 1996, she has been a member of the Board of Directors of the National Employment Lawyers Association, where she served as its Vice-President of Public Policy and as Chair of the Age Discrimination Committee.


text:
"We have a great atmosphere, we're very family oriented and I personally remember my patients first names and what type of purchase they made," said Dr. Melania Napolitano, optometrist and co-owner. "We care about our customers, we want them to come back and we offer them the best services we possibly can."
Offering a wide variety of sunglasses and eyeglasses, the new facility accepts most insurances, according to Napolitano. The new facility also offers comprehensive eye care exams, contact lens fittings and treatment for glaucoma, dry eyes and red eye.
Originally from Naples, Italy, Napolitano first moved to Middle Village with her family in 1995 and has been here ever since.
"We're from the neighborhood, we love the neighborhood, so we decided to open our second location here," she said, referring to the other location in Mineola.


text:
During his confirmation hearing last year, Scott O'Malia, a Republican Senate aide nominated to be a commissioner on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, testified that while working for an energy firm years earlier, the "Enron debacle" had opened his eyes "to the very serious consequences of...inadequate oversight." O'Malia, who'd been nominated by President George W. Bush, added, "I learned firsthand the devastating impacts a flawed market design can have on consumers and markets." What he didn't tell senators was that he'd learned all this as a lobbyist for a company engaged in Enron-like misconduct that had pushed for deregulation of energy trading. His appointment to the CFTC, an important watchdog agency that oversees the trading of agricultural and energy futures, was subsequently blocked for reasons unrelated to his nomination. But now O'Malia is back. The former lobbyist has been nominated to the CFTC once again, this time by President Barack Obama, who's following a traditional practice and allowing the top Senate Republican—in this case, minority leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)—to select candidates for certain seats on independent agencies.
O'Malia, now the Republican clerk of the Senate Energy and Water Development subcommittee, worked as an aide to McConnell for nine years before becoming the director of federal legislative affairs for Mirant, an Atlanta-based electricity company. At Mirant, according to House and Senate records, O'Malia was registered in 2001 and 2002 to lobby for deregulation on a number of legislative fronts, including repealing the Public Utility Holding Company Act, which limited the investments (or speculation) of electric, natural gas, and water utilities in areas beyond their core business. He was also signed up to lobby Congress on matters related to energy deregulation in California.
During the years O'Malia lobbied for Mirant—a spin-off of Southern Co., a major utility holding company—the firm was a key player in the Enron-driven energy crisis in California, intentionally withholding electricity from the state's market. This drove prices sky-high, caused rolling blackouts, and, ultimately, a statewide emergency. According to a report by California's Public Utility Commission, Mirant, one of the state's top electricity suppliers, along with four other companies, "did not produce needed power even though their plants could have met California's electricity needs." That is, Mirant held back power when it was needed most.
Following this crisis and Enron's collapse, Mirant, which had been one of Enron's trading partners in the energy market, came under investigation by various federal and local authorities, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and California's attorney general. Soon, the company faced an onslaught of lawsuits alleging, among other things, that it had artificially inflated its earnings and manipulated California's energy market. In 2005, Mirant, which was forced to declare bankruptcy in July 2003, agreed to pay the state around $500 million to settle claims that it had bilked California consumers during the electricity crisis.
Mirant's business practices also drew scrutiny from the regulatory body that O'Malia now hopes to join. In 2004, the CFTC—which is supposed to protect consumers and investors by preventing misconduct in futures trading that could distort the prices of agricultural and energy commodities—fined the company's energy trading subsidiary $12.5 million for attempting to manipulate natural gas prices by reporting false transaction information to industry publications compiling pricing data.
After Bush nominated O'Malia to the CFTC in April 2008, his confirmation hearing that June was a brief affair. Sen. McConnell introduced his friend and former staffer to the Senate agriculture committee with written remarks, noting that after he left the Senate and joined Mirant, O'Malia had gained "experience that makes him a superb candidate to fill the position that brings him before this Committee today." The nominee was also praised by other GOP senators who had worked with him over the years. And Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow declared her support for O'Malia, a fellow Michigander, saying that she had known his parents for years.
Testifying before the committee, O'Malia mentioned that he had worked for Mirant, but gave a limited description of his job, saying that he had set up the "Committee of Chief Risk Officers" to develop practices to "put an end to the manipulative trading behavior deployed by Enron and others." He said nothing about Mirant's own manipulations or his work in the firm's five-person lobbying shop in Washington, where he was also registered to lobby against environmental measures. Moreover, the material O'Malia submitted to the committee said he'd been a "director" for Mirant and had "developed a policy organization within Mirant and financial trade associations to bring together commercial interests, investor relations and legal staff to review federal legislative initiatives and develop the appropriate policy responses." His résumé failed to note that he'd been one of Mirant's top lobbyists. (Following his two-year stint at the firm, he returned to the Senate and worked on energy issues.) At the confirmation hearing, not one senator asked O'Malia about his role at Mirant.
Following the hearing, O'Malia and two other CFTC nominees seemed poised to win Senate approval—until Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) stepped in. After the agriculture committee green-lighted the three, Cantwell blocked all the nominations, protesting what she said was the CFTC's loose regulation of energy commodities markets. "To date, the CFTC hasn't used their authority to police the oil and gas markets from possible manipulation," she explained. "Until they do so, I will keep these holds in place." O'Malia's nomination eventually died in the Senate.
But the Obama administration has revived it. And this comes at a time when the White House is pushing a financial regulation reform initiative that would expand the CFTC's power to monitor certain securities and cause the commission to become a more important player in policing the financial sector. And if Congress passes cap-and-trade climate legislation, the CFTC will also be responsible for monitoring trading in carbon derivatives. (In 2000, Republican Senator Phil Gramm, the chair of the Senate banking committee, and Clinton administration officials smothered a CFTC effort to regulate credit default swaps.)
Michael Greenberger, director of the CFTC's division of trading and markets in the late 1990s, is puzzled that the Obama White House has brought back O'Malia. Under federal law governing independent agencies, two of the CFTC's five commissioners cannot be members of the president's political party. Usually these nominees are recommended by the senior leader of the opposition party—in this instance, McConnell. But, Greenberger notes, Obama could have challenged tradition and looked for non-Democrats with demonstrable commitments to protecting consumers and the markets:
The fact that O'Malia worked for an institution that was the focus of a major investigation and took advantage of loopholes in the regulatory apparatus raises serious questions. He doesn't come with any credentials of being an expert economist or being an expert in regulatory laws and he will be in an agency that has been brought to the forefront of Obama's new regulatory reforms.
Permitting McConnell to chose O'Malia for the commission, a White House official says, "is the sort of precedent that we defer to." And in a press release announcing O'Malia's new nomination last week, the White House made it seem he was qualified for the position, noting that at Mirant he had "worked to establish rules and standards for corporate risk management and energy trading." There was no reference to his lobbying work or to Mirant's wrongdoing. O'Malia did not return a call seeking comment. (Obama is also re-nominating two current CFTC commissioners, including Republican Jill Sommers.)
"The CFTC's mission," Greenberger remarks, "goes to the very heart of the prices we pay for the bread we put on the table and the fuel we put in our car. I can't understand why the president would jeopardize that mission by appointing people who do not support his commitment to financial reform."


text:
Linked by Thom Holwerda on Thu 13th Dec 2007 22:51 UTC, submitted by andrewg
Ars takes a look at the new RC2 release of KDE 4.0. "Transitions are always hard, but when the dust settles, a clean break between versions and an opportunity to introduce some innovative new ideas should lead to a stronger user experience. After years of development, unnecessary cruft builds up and things tend to get disorganized. The KDE 4 transition, though it will definitely be rocky at first, gives developers the ability to cut away the cruft and reorganize code in a manner that makes the whole environment more future-proof and easier to maintain."
Permalink for comment 290716
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
RE[2]: to aseigo...
by rx182 on Fri 14th Dec 2007 08:09 UTC in reply to "RE: to aseigo..."


text:
For only $3 per month you can become a Travellerspoint Supporter
and enjoy an ad free experience.
© Travellerspoint 2002 - 2018
Enter your information, or create a new account using your Facebook profile by clicking the button below
Join chschen
Travellerspoint membership is free!
I agree to the Terms and Conditions


text:
The Gulf County Tourist Development Council advisory board on Monday engaged in a spirited and educational discussion about the potential for adding to the county�s bed tax.
The Gulf County Tourist Development Council advisory board on Monday engaged in a spirited and educational discussion about the potential for adding to the county�s bed tax.
The consensus that emerged was that the TDC and Board of County Commissioners must collaborate on how best to address issues of beach driving, trash on the beach, animals not on a leash and moving to a �leave no trace� policy for county beaches.
A proposal to add a fifth cent to the county�s bed tax was discussed at the previous TDC board meeting, and a county budget committee meeting, as a method to increase the presence of officers, specifically Gulf County Sheriff�s Office deputies, on the beaches.
Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison said given his budget constraints he could not fund additional patrols on the beach to increase enforcement of existing county ordinances.
County attorney Jeremy Novak said Monday that state law governing such agencies provides the TDC to assist by creating a beach safety program. He said once a plan was in place, it would provide opportunities for the TDC to act.
The framework of that plan, said TDC executive director Jennifer Jenkins, would be to purchase equipment and fund training, including water rescue, for officers to create a combination code enforcement/law enforcement/�brand� ambassador officer, while the GCSO would fund the two additional full-time officers to patrol the beaches.
Tourism is up in Gulf County and trending ahead of neighboring counties of Bay and Walton, Jenkins said. Through June bed tax collections are up 13 percent and every month in the fiscal year has finished in the black save for November 2012.
But, Jenkins said, the condition of the beaches is a nagging problem, with trash, tents, grills and other items left behind.
Dogs were off leashes as the county promotes pet-friendly beaches and the ability for even safety vehicles to reach portions of the beach was compromised.
Sgt. Chris Buchanan of the GCSO also noted that the beaches area continues to experience a problem with car and home break-ins, more than a dozen over the holiday weekend alone.
�If we don�t get ahead of this it could get out of control very quickly,� Jenkins said. �We re-launched a brand in February and all indications are that it is resonating. We need to manage the brand.�
How to do that was where the board lacked a consensus.
Ronald Pickett and Alyson Gerlach each expressed a reluctance or outright opposition to any increase in the bed tax.
For Gerlach, the issue was simply the costs to bed tax collectors and their guests.
�We are a price-sensitive market,� Gerlach said. �When we talk about raising bed taxes we are going to lose customers.�
Pickett added, �We�ve lost revenue the past seven years because the economy sucked. We are starting to see that change. We are a thrift brand.�
County Commissioner Warren Yeager said as an elected official he must look at the broader picture. Given the county�s own budget straightjacket, the BOCC was forced to look at options other than property taxes to fund services.
�We have to look at alternative sources of revenue to fix the problems we need to fix,� Yeager said. �I can�t justify spending (property taxes) when most of the problems are caused by tourists.
�We all agree there is a problem. We need to fix the problem. At the end of the day we do need to protect our brand.�
Yeager said the county could not continue to provide required services at its current funding level and property taxes were almost certain to rise.
But he added that the county was also looking at user fees, service fees and other sources of income.
Pickett said citizens and visitors did not want to be �user-feed to death� and he opposed the county asking another entity, the TDC, to provide services the county should be funding.
The suggestion was also made that while the county had ordinances on the books for issues such as beach driving and maintaining a pet on a leash, the fines should be more substantial.
Pat Hardman, president of the Coastal Community Association, said the county advertises pristine beaches which are not currently so pristine after a busy holiday weekend. She also noted that tourists create most of the problems and should foot the bill.
�Our visitors are leaving a mess,� Hardman said. �Why should my (property taxes) go for that? I think it is totally justified to put on the backs not of our property owners but on the backs of tourists.�
She said it was not logical that one additional penny in bed taxes would lead to fewer visitors.
Pickett agreed that he would like to ultimately see �leave no trace� as county policy, but was against the TDC subsidizing a portion of the county�s budget by adding to the bed tax.
He said he supported a short-term solution � a fee for guests during the summer aimed at bringing about leave not trace, for example, but not funding year round � and wondered if the TDC didn�t have the revenue or savings to address the problem in the short-term.
�I am against an increase across the board,� Pickett said, adding that the does not believe the county�s tourist corridor receives the services commensurate to the amount of its tax base, which represents roughly 38 percent of the entire county�s property tax collections.
�I�m against a long-term commitment via a tax.�
Board member Patty Fisher said the TDC budget committee should look at the TDC budget and examine if there was money to be moved toward the beach safety program.
Warriner summed up the discussion and asked for the TDC budget committee to meet next week with the full advisory board meeting after the first county budget meeting next week.
�We have had a growing budget,� Warriner said. �Maybe it is time to reprioritize. Maybe we don�t need the extra penny. If it is a short-term deal, maybe we can dip into savings. Adding a new program at this time of austerity may not be a good idea.
�We aren�t the only source of funds. It�s smart to look at other sources, such as (a state agency) grant. We have to be very focused on what (state law) says we can use the money on. Do we have a bad enough problem that it will impact our image?�


text:
Popular Bike Shops
Wiggle UK
Join the Cycling Forums on Strava
Australian Cycling Forums on Strava
Latest Reviews and Articles
Will your next bike be Intelligent? ABS and Smart Bike Tech
Vitus Vitesse EVO Disc Review – Speed Machine indeed!
Bad ankle - need a bike
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Tue Mar 20, 2007 10:35 am
- Location: Canberra
Bad ankle - need a bike
Postby sandcastle_it » Tue Mar 20, 2007 10:47 am
Haven't ridden a bike since I was a kid. My ankle is growing old faster than the rest of me (old injury) and so I've been told to cut back on the running and try some cycling. I'm 5'11", around 77 kg.
At this stage (although I see how some get quickly addicted ) I'd only be doing it for fitness. We have lots of cycling paths around my suburb (in the ACT), and I don't plan on real long distance stuff or even doing the commute to work at this stage. Nor am I planning on flying through the air or heading on trails that even walking on would be challenging...
I'm looking at three options at the moment.
New, Giant Sedona AX around $400.
Very much a comfort hybrid. Figure it'd do some dirt paths if I want to, and wouldn't have any trouble with uneven concrete bike paths. Easy option as they sell 'em up the road.
2nd hand, Shogun Metro GS around $450.
Hybrid, a model up and maybe less "mountany"? Would need to have shipped from Adelaide as well (+$60 shipping and hassle).
2nd hand, Shogun Mach 3 around $500.
Seems much more "road". Another model up the quality scale I think. Not sure how it would go with the bumpy concrete of some of the bike paths, or if I'd ever be able to ride over some of the dirt parts of some of them? Involve a drive to Sydney to collect (+$60 petrol and a day of time).
Thoughts, advice?
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Fri Feb 16, 2007 7:56 am
- Location: Melbourne, VIC
Postby wndrdr1111 » Tue Mar 20, 2007 11:13 am
I can't comment on the first two bikes, but I did have a Shogun Mach3 for a while and thought it was a very good bike. Very solid, fast and has fairly good components (105 groupset is very good). I was running Schwalbe Marathon tyres and found them very good and puncture resistant. My bike has also been converted to drop bars by the previous owner for comfort and speed.
I don't see the shogun having any problems handling rough roads or bike paths. They are very solid. I never had a problem with mine and even though I weigh almost 90kgs I havent had any problems with running across potholes etc.
Personally, that would be my choice as it will handle any commuting and can be converted to a decent road bike just by adding drop bars.
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Tue Mar 20, 2007 10:35 am
- Location: Canberra
Postby sandcastle_it » Tue Mar 20, 2007 11:25 am
What about a dirt path or two? Or is that the trade off of having a bike that's much better for roads/sealed paths? That you really can't do anything that's not sealed?
- sogood
- Posts: 17164
- Joined: Thu Aug 31, 2006 7:31 am
- Location: Sydney AU
- Contact:
Re: Bad ankle - need a bike
Postby sogood » Tue Mar 20, 2007 11:29 am
sandcastle_it wrote:At this stage (although I see how some get quickly addicted ) I'd only be doing it for fitness...
Yep, that was also my famous last word when I returned to cycling...
RK wrote:And that is Wikipedia - I can write my own definition.
- Posts: 20
- Joined: Fri Feb 16, 2007 7:56 am
- Location: Melbourne, VIC
Postby wndrdr1111 » Tue Mar 20, 2007 11:35 am
- Posts: 1817
- Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2006 8:38 pm
- Location: Warrnambool
Postby stryker84 » Tue Mar 20, 2007 11:36 am
The hybrids will be better off the road compared to the Mach3, due to them being more upright, wider tyres, front suspension, etc. If you want to just cycle around the neighbourhood, the occasionaly short-medium ride, then they will be adequate. Plus, they handle better on paths/offroad. Just from memory, the Sedona is closer to a mountain bike, the Metro is closer to a road-style hybrid.
The flat bar roadie (Mach3) will be better i.e., quicker on the road, but do you really need this, if you're not going to be commuting with it, just for cruises around and about? To think about, what will you eventually use the bike for. The pros are you're smoother/quicker on the road, it's less energy to push it around quickly, less upright position = less wind resistance... Cons - less upright possie may take some getting used to (i.e., may be uncomfortable if you're not used to it), will be a rougher ride over rough surfaces (no suspension, more rigid).
Remember: The MOST important thing is to get out to the shops, sit on the bike, take it for a spin, and see how you feel on it. Most shops will let you go for a ride at least around the carpark, if not the block. If your heart tells you pick a flat-roadie over a hybrid, or if you're feeling more comfy on the hybrid, then you know which to choose. Also look at other models, and test them out, see how they compare. They may not be in your price range, but at least you know what you like or don't like, and look for those features in what you're interested in.
- Mulger bill
- Super Mod
- Posts: 29016
- Joined: Sun Sep 24, 2006 2:41 pm
- Location: Sunbury Vic
Postby Mulger bill » Tue Mar 20, 2007 11:50 am
Not being from ACT I can't comment on the riding, but I'd plump for a hybrid here, if you're not hitting rough trail you won't need an MTB, and most of the roadie type bikes out there are too narrow focused for general ridin' about.
Addiction comes easy, DON'T SAY NO!
Good luck with the search, let us know how you go.
- Posts: 448
- Joined: Thu Feb 15, 2007 7:49 pm
- Location: Brisbane
Postby Halfanewb » Tue Mar 20, 2007 5:25 pm
Like you i started for fitness and weight loss but got bitten by the bug. 3 months later i upgraded to the shogun team issue which i'm very happy with.
I read a story in the local rag that came out when bike week started, that there is a growing demographic of people 35+ who are buying bikes for a way to get low impact exercise because of old sporting injuries coming back to haunt them and that last year new bike sales outstripped new car sales in aussie.
If your religious about your running and you want to replace that with cycling then a good road bike would probably be more beneficial, if your going to ride pavement 90% of the time then a roadie will eat it up and be far more satisfying to ride than a much heavier hybrid bike.
Here is a link to a very useful site for folks just starting out.
http://www.cobr.co.uk/e-cobr_informatio ... ence.shtml
You wouldn't believe the number of cyclists i see everyday who haven't even heard of cadence and this is the key to fitness in cycling.
Happy trails
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Tue Mar 20, 2007 10:35 am
- Location: Canberra
part II
Postby sandcastle_it » Fri Mar 30, 2007 2:17 pm
I've done a lot more looking around, and I'm currently looking at the Avanti Black Thunder. Logic being that while the Giant Hybrid is more comfortable to sit on, it doesn't seem like it would be more comfortable to ride... too upright. The main use of the bike will be riding (hopefully around 30 mins at a time) to get fit, not lazy Sunday sightseeing (no time).
So, the Avanti is a MTB not a hybrid, but feels very comfortable. Got a chance to ride around the parking lot, which is not much but boy, it sure felt better to ride than my last bike over a decade ago. Very light etc. by comparison.
So, a bit more advice if you'd be so kind. I'm currently looking at MTBs, as you can put more road appropriate wheels on 'em if needed but otherwise they seem more likely to last and more comfortable to me for the sort of riding I'd do. I realize that a road bike (or road hybrid) would be easier to ride on road, and I'd go faster/further, but the point is to be able to get a good work out in 30 minutes, not be able to get to work without a sweat or go the fastest and furthest with the least effort. Extra effort on road is almost a positive! If I end up wanting to do all that later, then maybe I'll justify a bike for that purpose as well. The MTB seems more likely to be good enough for every situation.
Thoughts on that rationale?
Thoughts on the Black Thunder specifically?
Given the above, I think what I need most is something that will be of sufficient quality to last, and hopefully last with the minimum of maintenance as that is a large ongoing cost if you pay the bike shop to do it on your behalf (getting quoted $70 per service!). Anything else I should be looking for? Is Avanti cheap/easy to service, find parts for, low maintenance etc.?
Also, just as an "incase", what about things like the ODIN Evolution or Exceed and the like from ebay?
Search for item no 200093958408
(not quite a link, as I'm too new here apparently)
I assume there's a reason they are asking less than half RRP, and that I can't find a seller anywhere locally?
Thanks all!
- Posts: 2613
- Joined: Tue May 17, 2011 8:06 pm
- Location: Rivervale WA
Postby moosterbounce » Fri Mar 30, 2007 2:38 pm
The only reason he converted to a road bike was that he was sick of being beaten by the wife (me!!) on all rides!! He is still getting used to the switch, but is glad he made it as 99.9% of his riding was on the road.
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Tue Mar 20, 2007 10:35 am
- Location: Canberra
Postby sandcastle_it » Fri Mar 30, 2007 2:53 pm
Happy to be one of the slower ones out there.
- Bnej
- Posts: 2880
- Joined: Fri Jun 30, 2006 11:43 pm
- Location: Katoomba, NSW
Postby Bnej » Fri Mar 30, 2007 3:25 pm
Cheap eBay bikes are often cheap for a reason. You can't trust the running gear will be good quality, it's a like buying a department store bike. If you go with your Avanti, you are getting a good bike from a good brand, and you can trust that.
An MTB will get you around fine. Do yourself a favour and get some bar extensions and possibly slicks though. Chunky off road tyres don't handle as well on the road, especially with high speed cornering. Bar extensions are good for comfort if you are riding on flat bars.
Road bikes under normal use will be just as durable as an MTB, but off road and getting thrashed a bit, yes an MTB will be more durable. But the road bike shouldn't go there!
You may also prefer the lower gearing on the MTB, which is likely to be easier on the ankle (spin up hills rather than mash). They're also easier to ride as a beginner (or re-beginner) IMO.
If you can find some good trails, I'd take the MTB on them for preference, getting an MTB in the dirt feels good vs on the road.
- Mulger bill
- Super Mod
- Posts: 29016
- Joined: Sun Sep 24, 2006 2:41 pm
- Location: Sunbury Vic
Postby Mulger bill » Fri Mar 30, 2007 4:39 pm
As a resident MTB geek, I'm with you 100% on buying an MTB for what you're planning, but I wouldn't be suprised if the roadie crew here had something to say too.
I had a bit of a stickybeak at the Black Thunder She looks like a pretty good way to get back in the saddle, but the sizes quoted there look odd, get thee to a decent LBS and check one out face to face before handing over the plastic.
I'd be shocked if the shop didn't give the first service free, DIY maintenance is relatively simple, have a look around in here there's many threads devoted to tools and tweaking, but the first check after about 30hrs riding really should be left to a pro IMO.
If you intend mainly road riding a set of semi slicks will serve you well, and I definitely recommend barends for the extra hand positions and greater climbing effiency.
Remember mate, you're doing this for fun, carry that attitude into your riding and the fitness comes as cream on top and of course, the more fun you have, the more you'll ride.
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Tue Mar 20, 2007 10:35 am
- Location: Canberra
Postby sandcastle_it » Fri Mar 30, 2007 6:34 pm
But now I'm just frustrated... Was about to take the plunge and:-
The place that had some, and said "no need to put one on hold, pay now etc, we have heaps" the other day is sold out.
So I call another place, they have L and XL in stock. Head down and not so much. Only S and M. Also told that there's no way I'm XL (at 5'11"). Given they didn't have either in stock, don't know why they'd be lying, but the first place had some of L and XL originally so don't know why they'd be either.
They also said the front forks on the Black Thunder will either snap off or wear out within six months, and it isn't meant to be ridden off road (says so in the manual??? It's a MOUNTAIN bike, is it not?) so no warranty there. Apparently $200 to replace 'em if they wear out and that's half the bikes cost. Can't go below the $600 model Avanti I'm told.
Except then they said a Scott Elite 50 (I think) for $500 would be OK as the forks are better (plastic pedals and bad seat by comparison IMHO though).
What's a guy to do? How can it be this hard? I know I over research most purchases, and I'm out of my depth in this field compared to usual, but usually when you go to bite the bullet you can get something you're happy with and move on. Much harder with a bike. I can't believe everyone says something different (re suitability, price point, brands etc.) and they apparently are so expensive before they are worth buying. $600 would by a family supply of bikes for life in most countries... why is it that will apparently only get me something that will last for 12 months here?
Sorry for the rant - just wasted 2 hours pulling 2 baby seats out of the car, driving around and doing it all over again. I just want something suitable that I don't have to replace in 12 months. If a few hundred bucks now means I'll use it for 5 years rather than 1, then so be it... but everyone says something else! I'm meant to be finishing my assignment, blast it!
- Bnej
- Posts: 2880
- Joined: Fri Jun 30, 2006 11:43 pm
- Location: Katoomba, NSW
Postby Bnej » Fri Mar 30, 2007 7:10 pm
$400 buys you a Giant Boulder, which is decent for off road/trails etc, but better than the Black Thunder I think.
If you want to go fast & hard at rocky trails, you need to spend more. If you're going to take it easy, then you're unlikely to break even a relatively under-specced bike. Between $400 and $500 is a good price to be looking at an entry level MTB.
Now, maybe *they* would snap off the fork from the Avanti in 6 months, but it's doubtful it would cop the same abuse from you. But you can always look one or two models up from where you start.
$600 will buy a family supply of crappy bikes, or low feature bikes (single speed shopping bikes), but will buy one mid-low end hardtail mountain bike.
- Posts: 1817
- Joined: Thu Sep 28, 2006 8:38 pm
- Location: Warrnambool
Postby stryker84 » Sat Mar 31, 2007 12:41 am
Return to "Buying a bike / parts"
- General Australian Cycling Topics
- Info / announcements
- Buying a bike / parts
- General Cycling Discussion
- The Bike Shed
- Cycling Health
- Cycling Safety and Advocacy
- Women's Cycling
- Bike & Gear Reviews
- Cycling Trade
- Stolen Bikes
- Bicycle FAQs
- Serious Biking
- Audax / Randonneuring
- Retro biking
- Commuting
- Recumbents
- Fixed Gear/ Single Speed
- Track
- Electric Bicycles
- Cyclocross
- Dragsters / Lowriders / Cruisers
- Children's Bikes
- Road Racing
- Road Biking
- Training
- Time Trial
- Triathlon
- International and National Tours and Events
- Cycle Touring
- Touring Australia
- Touring Overseas
- Touring Bikes and Equipment
- Australia
- Western Australia
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Victoria
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
- Country & Regional
- The Market Place
- Member to Member Bike and Gear Sales
- Want to Buy, Group Buy, Swap
- My Bikes or Gear Elsewhere
- Cycling Brands
- Azzurri
- Bianchi
- Campagnolo
- Cannondale
- Cervélo
- Colnago
- Focus
- Fuji
- Garmin
- Giant
- Malvern Star
- Merida
- Scott
- Shimano
- Specialized
- Surly
- Trek
- Custom Builders
- Generic Carbon
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users
- All times are UTC+11:00
- Top
- Delete all board cookies
About the Australian Cycling Forums
The largest cycling discussion forum in Australia for all things bike; from new riders to seasoned bike nuts, the Australian Cycling Forums are a welcoming community where you can ask questions and talk about the type of bikes and cycling topics you like.


text:
Police say marijuana cultivation operation discovered in Jewett City; four charged
Jewett City - State police arrested four people Friday in connection with the alleged discovery of a marijuana cultivation operation at an apartment in Jewett City.
As part of an ongoing investigation, police said they served a warrant at 36 Soule St., Apt. B, where they discovered several marijuana plants, packaged marijuana and drug paraphernalia, along with cultivation and packaging materials.
An eight-month-old child was found sleeping in close proximity to the grow operation, police said. The child was taken into the custody of the Department of Children and Families.
The two residents, Gregory Vowels, 59, and Julie Vowels, 60, were each charged with possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, cultivation of marijuana, operating a drug factory and risk of injury to a minor.
A subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Jeffrey Vowels, 32, and Jillian Nazarian, 32, both of Mathewson Street in Jewett City. They were each charged with risk of injury to a minor.
The arrest was a result of work by state police from Troop E in Montville, the Jewett City Resident Troopers Office and the Statewide Narcotics Task Force – East Field Office.
Gregory and Julie Vowels were each held in lieu of a $75,000 bond and scheduled to appear Monday in Norwich Superior Court. Jeffrey Vowels and Nazarian were released on $1,000 bond and also due to appear in court on Monday.
Highlights: Woodstock 1, Plainfield 0 in ECC girls' soccer final


text:
Ox: Cup win built Arsenal confidence
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain believes Arsenal are still benefiting from the feel-good factor of winning the FA Cup and thinks the triumph could spur the team on to more success this season.
The Gunners ended a nine-year wait for silverware when they beat Hull at Wembley in May -- a victory that eased the disappointment of another underwhelming Premier League finish.
Arsenal spent more than 100 days at the top of the Barclays Premier League last season but had to settle for fourth, seven points behind champions Manchester City, who they face in the Community Shield on Sunday.
"When there's a lot of talk about a team that should or could be winning things and it's not happening it can become a little bit frustrating," Oxlade-Chamberlain said. "There's been a little bit of negative media about Arsenal in recent years, but we always believed we would win a trophy soon and the squad we're putting together could do it.
"The fact it did happen, I don't know if it was a relief, it was a really nice reward for the togetherness we've had to show for a while now. It does start a winning momentum and once you know you can win, it gives you confidence -- you can go into competitions thinking you can win and expecting to go far."
Arsenal have made bold moves in the transfer market this summer with the signings of Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy, Calum Chambers and David Ospina.
Sanchez, who scored 19 goals for Barcelona in La Liga last season, cost around 35 million pounds and is the club's second-most expensive signing after Mesut Ozil arrived for 42.4 million pounds last year.
"It's really exciting to see someone like Alexis Sanchez come in as well as Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers,'' Oxlade-Chamberlain said.
"It definitely brings a really good lift to the squad -- I feel it myself. When you're playing with new players like that you want to get to know them, try to impress them and you want to gel with them as quickly as possible.
"It does bring a massive lift of excitement to the squad and we haven't even seen Mesut Ozil yet - - when our Germany World Cup winners come back it will give us another lift again."
Oxlade-Chamberlain's trip to Brazil was less successful, though.
The 20-year-old suffered a knee injury towards the end of the season and, while he was included England's squad, he was unable to take part as Roy Hodgson's side crashed out in the group stages.
"I got to be around an England team at a World Cup in Brazil and that was an amazing experience," Oxlade-Chamberlain said. "I had it in my mind I was going to play -- come the last group game I would have been fit to play but then I got a little niggle in training and we didn't feel the need to risk anything considering we were already out.
PREMIER LEAGUE: Arsenal | Aston Villa | Burnley | Chelsea | Crystal Palace | Everton | Hull City | Leicester City | Liverpool | Man City | Man Utd | Newcastle | QPR | Southampton | Stoke | Sunderland | Swansea | Tottenham | West Brom | West Ham
"It's just a shame we went out and we didn't go far enough for me to participate. It was a great experience, it was my first World Cup, I went to the Euros but to see a World Cup was an amazing thing."
Oxlade-Chamberlain has his work cut out to get on the pitch for Arsenal this season too given the wealth of midfield options at Arsene Wenger's disposal.
The youngster is jostling for a starting spot alongside the likes of Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini.
"It's going to be tough for everyone to get in the team this year," Oxlade-Chamberlain said. "There's going to be a lot of competition for places and that's a good thing. In the back of my mind I'd obviously like to play as much as I can, but I haven't set any real goals other than the ones we've all set.
"We want to win the Premier League, to win the FA Cup and to try to win the Champions League. They are the only things I'm focused on, especially after the FA Cup last season -- it makes you want to strive for more."
One player who looks increasingly unlikely to feature in Arsenal's season is defender Thomas Vermaelen.
Recent reports indicate that Vermaelen is close to a 15 million-pound move to Barcelona and could complete the transfer this weekend.
On Thursday, manager Wenger suggested the club's preference was to sell the Belgian abroad, rather than to a domestic rival, with Manchester United also interested.
Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on ESPN's media platforms. Learn more.