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Bent Tree Wind Farm up and running
The 122 turbine facility, located near Albert Lea, MN will produce enough electricity to power about 50,000 homes.
Wisconsin Power and Light Co. said it has finished construction of its Minnesota wind farm and that it is generating power. The $460 million project began delivering power to the Midwest electricity grid Monday morning, about a week ahead of the company's most recent projection, utility spokesman Steve Schultz said.
The Bent Tree Wind Farm near Albert Lea, Minn., consists of 122 turbines capable producing up to 201 megawatts of electricity. Over a year's time, that's enough to power about 50,000 homes, according to the utility.
Wisconsin's renewable electricity mandate requires that 10 percent of the state's electricity come from renewable sources by 2015. The Legislature last year opted not to up the ante on the state's renewable mandate when it didn't vote on a bill that would have required 25 percent of the state's power to come from renewable sources by 2025, similar to Minnesota's standard.
The state Public Service Commission said the Madison utility has generated more than 5 percent of its power from renewable sources in 2009 and that the Bent Tree project would enable it to comply with the 2015 mandate.
The utility began generating power from its first wind farm, Cedar Ridge in Fond du Lac County, in late 2008. WP and L is a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corp., Madison.
Customer groups and state regulators had criticized Alliant for not disclosing details about transmission line constraints that prevent some of the power generated from the project from getting onto the power grid.
In a recent report, Alliant said it saw far fewer such grid bottlenecks in recent months as the project started generating test power. It's still forecasting that it won't be able to achieve full output from the wind project onto the grid until a power line upgrade is completed early next year.
- Edited by Gust Gianos, CFE Media, Consulting-Specifying Engineer, www.csemag.com
Log in or create an account to submit your comment for this article.


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Lockport, NY
Built in 1886
Architect M.E. Beebe and Son
William J. Blackley of Lockport, builder
Lady Justice spire was removed circa 1914.
Park Avenue & Hawley Streets, Lockport, NY
Built in 1886
Houses Supreme, County, Family, Surrogate Courts and Commissioner of Jurors.
Eighth Judicial District
The current Niagara County Courthouse in Lockport is an unusual mixture of various architectural styles. Consisting of two major wings, the older one dating from 1914 and a newer 1959 addition of non-descript design. This older, original wing of grey stone masonry features a high lonic portico above the central entrance and a central rotunda within the building surrmounted by a dome. The mansard roof and the arched openings at windows and doors complete this amalgam of Greek Revival, Renaissance, and French Second Empire styles.
Source: "Survey of Court Facilities in New York State", NYS Office of Court Administration. 1981 pg. 409

subset: commoncrawl


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Gomez in an 'awkward' transition with 'Breakers'
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- "A little awkward" is how Selena Gomez describes her transition from Disney girl to Disney girl gone wild in the new R-rated independent film "Spring Breakers," in which she plays a bikini-clad and heavily armed college student bent on a good time with three friends and some drugs, sex and violence.
"I am getting a little bit older, so I wanted to push myself and kind of get into a little bit more of an indie world. And it was a really great experience for me. And at the same time it has been, of course, a little awkward, but great," the 20-year-old Gomez said Thursday at the film's Hollywood premiere.
Known for her role on Disney's "Wizards of Waverly Place," Gomez actually began moving to a faster track as Justin Bieber's now ex-girlfriend. "Honestly, it's been a weird transition. You never really know what's right or wrong and you can only do the best you can," she said.
Directed by art-house favorite Harmony Korine and also starring James Franco and Vanessa Hudgens of Disney's "High School Musical" fame, "Spring Breakers" follows four young women on a Florida coast vacation romp they financed with a diner robbery.
Some of Gomez's young fans were gathered outside the ArcLight Theatre hoping to catch a glimpse of the star. But she warned them not to go inside.
"I think they're really here to see me. I don't think they're here to see the movie," she said. "This was a little bit different. So yes, they shouldn't go see this."
Gomez is also getting attention these days for her own recent reactions to her split with Bieber. A breakup song from her new album called "Rule The World" just leaked on the Internet. "Our love was made to rule the world. You came and broke the perfect girl," she sings.
Commenting on the song, Gomez would only say, "That's not my first single. But it was a song I recorded. But you'll get to know my album a little bit soon -- sooner than later."


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The CW's 'Plain Jane,' a not-so-extreme makeover show
Sunday, July 25, 2010
With an endless list of subjects that can be improved via reality show -- cars, houses, pets, restaurants, parents, significant others, etc. -- CW goes old-school this week with "Plain Jane," a six-episode series about the most classic makeover subject out there: ourselves.
Turns out, there may be a reason that self-improvement shows like "Extreme Makover" and "The Swan" flamed out so quickly back in the day. While it could be captivating to watch an everyday person change everything about themselves to gain confidence (Hollywood-speak for "become hotter"), it's simply unsatisfying when the magical transformation takes place thanks to a highly trained team of stylists, a personal life coach and pricey electronic equipment. Sorry, folks, we live in a "Biggest Loser" world now -- that's not going to cut it. If someone is going to get the chance to look amazing (for free!) on national TV, they better suffer for the prize.
"Plain Jane," premiering Wednesday night, is also hindered by this silly issue: The protagonists, one "ugly duckling" a night, aren't ugly at all. As if to drive home this point, the show's opening scenes include shots of Drew Barrymore in "Never Been Kissed," Molly Ringwald in "Sixteen Candles" and Taylor Swift in her "You Belong With Me" music video, examples of how throwing a hideous pair of glasses on a beautiful person is supposed to make us forget they're beautiful.
In the first episode, Cristen, a music business assistant from Los Angeles, appears in a video, begging to be chosen for a life makeover. Hear her pain:
"My wardrobe is a disaster, I'm really bad at hair and makeup. Please . . . help," pleads Cristen -- a fresh-faced 24-year-old with a big smile who shows no signs of being anything except utterly charming.
Host Louise Roe -- a leggy, brunet, self-proclaimed fashion expert with a fabulous British accent -- is simply horrified by the spectacle. "She's . . . sweet," Roe says lightly, though her eyes widen when Cristen confesses that on occasion, she has been known to wear pajamas out of the house.
Cristen's family also weighs in on her sad status. "Cristen's real quiet and shy. . . . It doesn't surprise me that she's single," says Aunt Heather, who probably should not expect anything exceptionally nice this Christmas.
Thus begins the adventure. As a frizzy-ponytailed Cristen, dressed in jeans and a gray T-shirt with a baggy plaid shirt thrown on, meets with Roe to confess that even though she's been surrounded by almost exclusively male friends her whole life, she has been on only one real date -- plus, she harbors a hard-core crush on her buddy Ty, who has categorized her in "the friend zone" since college. Ty, a musician with an "unusual but cute" face, isn't going to stay single for long, so it's time to get to work.
"I'm going to make you over top to bottom, inside and out," Roe says. "Ty is going to be drooling."
After some quick Ty-stalking so Roe can see if the object of affection is cute enough to be worth the trouble (he is), the women set off for a blow-out at a hair salon and requisite wardrobe upgrade, where, lo and behold, Cristen actually has potential. "How skinny are you?" Roe shrieks when her project emerges in a form-fitting outfit. "Why are you hiding this bod?"
And during a bedroom decor critique, Roe proves she can throw out quality one-liners: "Did some sort of 'Sesame Street' muppet die on your bed?" she inquires, examining a tattered pink blanket.
The series -- perhaps a result of being co-executive-produced by the same people who run CBS's wacky reality show "Big Brother" -- does get points for a few off-the-rails stunts, such as having Cristen overcome her bizarre, extreme fear of snails by hiding a $1,000 Bloomingdales gift card in a jar full of the slimy critters. Later, Roe arms Cristen with an electronic shock collar of sorts during an entertaining montage of "flirting lessons," and sends her off to pick up guys at a dog park, where she'll feel a volt of electricity if she doesn't get at least one man's phone number, or uses boring pickup lines. ("Do you come here a lot?" Zap!)
No spoilers here, but fear not -- there's only one type of ending for this manufactured fairy tale. After a day of reaping the benefits of Roe and her experts, who arrange for Ty to show up on a date to meet his improved "friend zone" gal, Cristen gushes: "I feel like I'm in a movie."
But sadly, she's just in a reality show, one that makes the stakes so low and so simple, it's difficult to care about the outcome.
Plain Jane
(one hour) debuts Wednesday at 9 p.m. on the CW.


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Pacific knows that a healthy home starts with clean carpets. Nothing cleans more thoroughly or protects your investment better than the Pacific steam cleaning method, also known as hot water extraction. Since 1987, Rancho Santa Margarita have relied on the professionals at Pacific Carpet Cleaning to keep their carpets clean and free from harmful allergens and toxins.
Pacific's residential and commercial cleaning and restoration services are second to none. Contact us to book our steam carpet cleaning services in our Rancho Santa Margarita area to maintain and improve the beauty of your carpets. Or try our easy and convenient 4-step online order system to custom build your order, book your appointment and get a free quote for our services.
Pacific uses two steam cleaning methods to freshen and clean your carpets from pet odors and stains: regular Steam Carpet Cleaning and Dry-Steam Quick Dry Carpet Cleaning for heavily soiled carpets. Our Steam Carpet Cleaning uses the hot water extraction method to remove stains, dirt and allergens from the fibers of your carpets. Our Dry-Steam Carpet Cleaning also uses hot water extraction, but it actually processes and extracts more hot water through the carpet, and cleans heavily soiled or stained areas and leaves your carpet dry to the touch.
If you need our carpet cleaning expertise, we are ready to assist you. We will pre-vacuum, pre-condition, and offer spot treatments so that your carpet looks as good as it did when you first bought it. Our Carpet Cleaning Services in the city of Rancho Santa Margarita steam extraction process is done by highly trained Professional Carpet Cleaning personal.
Our technicians know what type of cleaning products and supplies (Eco-friendly Carpet Cleaning) should be used on each carpet or rug material. We will safely clean one room of carpet or an entire house or building full. We understand the importance of having clean and deodorized carpets while using the most powerful steam cleaning machines to to help your building look its best. Backed by our 30-day, 100% Clean Carpet Guarantee you can feel confident the Pacific Carpet & Tile Cleaning of Rancho Santa Margarita is the best selection for your carpet cleaning needs. When you add it all up we can deliver the lowest Carpet Cleaning Services Prices in all of the Rancho Santa Margarita and Orange County area and Pacific will provide the Highest quality & most cost effective carpet cleaning experience!
Residential Carpet Cleaning Services - Services Areas:


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Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson told Bob Koshinski of his team's 35-34 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, "that one burns." Jackson made those comments Monday during the live broadcast of his WBBZ-TV program, "The Fred Jackson Show."
Koshinski and Jackson talked about the turnovers from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Jackson said, "Turnovers are going to hurt us. ... We have to play consistent."
Koshinski's website, www.allsportswny.com, reports, "Fitzpatrick had played his best game of the season for three quarters, but his interception late in the fourth quarter and weak attempts on the last drive have fans shaking their heads."
The Bills had an 83-yard drive down the field early on that ended with Jackson taking a 3-yard screen pass from Fitzpatrick in for a touchdown. Fitzpatrick was aided by a strong rushing attack that saw running backs C.J. Spiller and Jackson combine for 141 yards on 21 carries.
Jackson had 120 scrimmage yards in the game against the Titans, moving him into seventh place on the Bills' all-time yards from scrimmage leaderboard (5,660), passing Elbert Dubenion (5,620).
Fullback Corey McIntyre joined Jackson and Koshinski to talk about the game, and how the team will move on to face the Houston Texans after a bye week. When asked what McIntyre's main mission was on the field, he responded with a smile, "To knock 'em out!"
Members of the St. Joe's Marauders and JFK Bears high school football teams filled the studio audience.
Audience reservations for "The Fred Jackson Show" can be made online at www.wbbz.tv.
WBBZ-TV is on Time Warner Cable Channel 5 in Buffalo/Niagara Falls (HD 710); TWC Channel 99 in Dunkirk; TWC Channel 21 in Olean; Channel 5 on Verizon FiOS (HD 705); Channel 5 on Dish Network; Channel 6t7 on DirecTV (where available); and Channel 67.1 over the air.


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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. --A 16-year-old boy accused of shooting a classmate at a California high school has been charged as an adult.
The Kern County district attorney's office announced on Monday that Bryan Oliver has been charged with attempted murder and other counts in the shooting on Thursday at Taft Union High School.
A 16-year-old boy was wounded in the shooting. People in the small San Joaquin Valley town who know the suspect have said he was teased for his small stature.
They describe him as smart but say he sometimes said irreverent things that brought scorn from classmates.


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Prof. Rick Garnett quoted in The Observer on crticizing execution
Professor criticizes execution
The Observer
Rick Garnett, professor of law and associate dean at the Notre Dame Law School, said the execution highlighted the American courts' inability to properly handle new evidence in cases after a conviction has been reached.
"The publicity [Davis'] case received had the useful effect of reminding us that it is very difficult for any criminal justice system — even one that has as many safeguards as ours does — to deal with evidence that is discovered, or that changes, after a person is convicted and sentenced," Garnett said. > Read Article


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Flying High: Wiz Khalifa Shares His Five-Year Plan
It's hard to gauge five years, My music is based off my life and what I know at that time. The more I learn and go through, the more I have to talk about. But definitely putting out my second or third album. I'll just be five years deeper in the game.


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Barely a year after state officials helped keep Church & Dwight in New Jersey, business experts say its acquisition of a West Coast vitamin maker is a strong sign for the company's future.
The Arm & Hammer brand manufacturer, based in Princeton, announced Monday that it would buy Avid Health Inc. for $650 million. The firm said the integration of the Vancouver, Wash.-based company would save it millions of dollars in 2014, a goal that observers said was a key piece of the deal.
"Distribution gains are sort of reoccurring benefits," said William Keep, dean of The College of New Jersey School of Business. A firm can reap those savings annually, he said, "so that kind of operational synergy has a strong appeal, particularly in the consumer products industry."
Keep also said Church & Dwight invested wisely by expanding into a growth industry: While consumers may cut their discretionary spending during a weak economy, "vitamins and supplements will be considered part of their necessary purchases."
The deal comes as the manufacturer prepares to move into a new 250,000-square-foot corporate headquarters in Ewing, while making investments at its Lakewood plant. The firm, which considered leaving New Jersey, announced the plans in October after the state awarded it a $13.5 million incentive grant to stay.
Ethné Swartz, a Fairleigh Dickinson University business professor, said Church & Dwight's new acquisition was not surprising for a company that has a penchant for strategy, especially under Chairman and CEO James R. Craigie. She said it was essential for such a firm to expand, "otherwise they'll get squeezed out."
"I think that's something that the company really excels at," Swartz said. "They find really good niches, and they're trying here to leverage very high-value health care."
The deal is also a positive sign for large companies in New Jersey, Keep said. Firms have been tentative to expand in recent years, but the move "certainly signifies that they're out looking."
"We've known for a while that companies have been holding onto cash reserves and other assets during a period of time of relatively low mergers and acquisitions," he said. "It's encouraging to see a strong company now looking to go into that acquisition area and invest."


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Akka Main in Java
Actor based version of obligatory Hello World program using the generic launcher class akka.Main.Tweet
Actor based version of obligatory Hello World program using the generic launcher class akka.Main.Tweet
There are several ways to get this template.
akka-sample-main-java in the Lightbend Activator UI.
Already have Lightbend Activator (get it
here)? Launch the UI then
search for
akka-sample-main-java in the list of
project as a zip archive
If you haven't installed Activator, you can get the code
by downloading the template bundle
In your File Explorer, navigate into the directory that the template was extracted to, right-click on the file named "activator.bat", then select "Open", and if prompted with a warning, click to continue:
Or from a command line:
This will start Lightbend Activator and open this template in your browser.
C:\Users\typesafe\akka-sample-main-java> activator ui
akka-sample-main-java project from the command line
If you have Lightbend Activator, use its command line mode
to create a new project from this template.
activator new PROJECTNAME akka-sample-main-java on the command line.
The creator of this template maintains it at https://github.com/akka/akka.
We've included the text of this template's tutorial below, but it may work better if you view it inside Activator on your computer. Activator tutorials are often designed to be interactive.
Since every programming paradigm needs to solve the tough problem of printing a well-known greeting to the console we'll introduce you to the actor-based version.
Open HelloWorld.java
HelloWorld actor is the application's "main" class; when it terminates the application will shut down—more on that later. The main business logic happens in the
preStart method, where a
Greeter actor is created and instructed to issue that greeting we crave for. When the greeter is done it will tell us so by sending back a message, and when that message has been received it will be passed into the behavior described by the
onReceive method where we can conclude the demonstration by stopping the
HelloWorld actor.
You will be very curious to see how the
Greeter actor performs the actual task. Open Greeter.java.
This is extremely simple now: after its creation this actor will not do anything until someone sends it a message, and if that happens to be an invitation to greet the world then the
Greeter complies and informs the requester that the deed has been done.
Go to the Run tab, and start the application main class
sample.hello.Main. In the log output you can see the "Hello World!" greeting.
Main.java is actually just a small wrapper around the generic launcher class
akka.Main, which expects only one argument: the class name of the application's main actor. This main method will then create the infrastructure needed for running the actors, start the given main actor and arrange for the whole application to shut down once the main actor terminates. Thus you will be able to run the application with a command similar to the following:
java -classpath akka.Main sample.hello.HelloWorld
This conveniently assumes placement of the above class definitions in package
sample.hello and it further assumes that you have the required JAR files for
typesafe-config and
akka-actor available. The easiest would be to manage these dependencies with a build tool.
If you need more control of the startup code than what is provided by
akka.Main you can easily write your own main class such as Main2.java
Try to run the
sample.hello.Main2 class by selecting it in the 'Main class' menu in the Run tab.
This sample also includes a Maven pom.xml.
You can run the main classes with
mvn from a terminal window using the Exec Maven Plugin.
mvn compile exec:java -Dexec.mainClass="akka.Main" -Dexec.args="sample.hello.HelloWorld"
mvn compile exec:java -Dexec.mainClass="sample.hello.Main2"


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Skip to content
Moderators: Rob's Flat Mods, Challenge Mods
amynkansas wrote:OKAY people...I think I need my supportive healthy eating group back. I was invited last night to do a local challenge of sorts. It's called DietBet. I have been challenged to lose 4% of my weight in 4 weeks. I have to pay $25 but if I complete the challenge I get some or all of it back, {plus more if others fail in the challenge}.
There is some sort of official way to weigh in which in on January 13th. I'm not saying we should be doing the dietBet but I am saying that I will be doing it and will need you guys to talk me down from eating binges (PMS is right around the corner) and to encourage me to get on that dusty treadmill in the basement. There might be a few others in this room who might need to start getting back on track again. Exercise, healthier food, organizing your life so things aren't so stressful...and *maybe* even getting that Christmas tree taken down.
New Year. New Beginning.
What do you need to work on that might make things easier, healthier and happier this year? Not a resolution...but a wish, that we can turn into a plan... and with some work and love from all of us, make it happen, for a better life for you (or someone else).
So are you in?
BakingNath wrote:I m in !! I m in !!
AMy, how do you want to proceed ? We use this thread only for cheering each other on ? or do we set up some kind of challenge ?
amynkansas wrote:BakingNath wrote:I m in !! I m in !!
AMy, how do you want to proceed ? We use this thread only for cheering each other on ? or do we set up some kind of challenge ?
I'm up for suggestions..What do you think will work best for you? I will lose weight if a) I eat less and b) exercise more. Duh. but I haven't figured out a great way to make this constantly happen. I seem to do better when I know that someone is going to ask me about it later and we all promise we're going to do it. I feel like I'm letting a friend down if I don't follow through and they're trying and I'm not. SO I guess i respond to old fashion guilt...
However if you guys think some sort of guide line or set of rules will be best for you, I can make that happen.
I am 6 pounds shy of my highest weight ever (I was never this big even the day before I gave birth to last kid ) so something needs to be done. Plus I go to the doctor in 5 weeks and want to show her that i can lose weight and that I don't need to be on old people meds.
Tell me what works for you and what doesn't. We can use Twitter too in case logging in here is hard to do each day.
(Belgium sounds like fun! What will you be doing there Nat?
amynkansas wrote:here is what we have used in the past.
You'll earn points for the following activities:
1) Sleep 7 hrs/per night (Naps can take up the slack)
2) Drink 64 oz. water
3) Exercise at least 20 minutes
4) Be ready to present myself to the world by 11am
5) Eat 3 servings of fruit or 2 servings of vegetables (if you can do both, even better!)
6) Enjoy no more than two (2) small treats/per day (200 calories or less per treat)
7) Take 20 minutes for yourself. Whether you watch TV, read ff, sit in a dark closet and rock. Just something for you, to you and about you. You decide.
8) Eat or drink some dairy (or calcium of some kind. No, ice cream doesn't count)
9) Finish eating by 10 pm
10) Wild Card - this will change every week
what do you want to keep, what to toss and what to alter? (good luck on that sleeping point Amanda)
I am not good at excel spread sheets so if we need one of those...send it to me when you're done.
absolutelyvlc wrote:I'd like to join.
I can do up WILD CARD challenges if we want to keep that?
-What do we think of changing #4 altogether? Being ready by 11am was never much of a challenge for me either - even on weekends. Maybe we can change it to something like eat at least one properly balanced meal per day (1/2 your plate should be veg/fruit, 1/4 your plate a protein and 1/4 a good carb) or something like that?
Or maybe changing it to a personal challenge where we work on something that each of us wants to work on?
I didn't see the tweet about this starting back up again, so I for one would like to keep this thread as an available option for checking in - just in case (my phone is moody when it comes to giving me messages/notifications).
Shall we try for either an 8 week (2 months) or a 12 week ( 3 months) challenge?
.BakingNath wrote:
Thanks abs any Wildcards ideas are welcome !!
I am quite in favor of having #4 as a customizable one, with the only condition that each of us defines her own and shares it the first week of the challenge.
As for the duration, i don t mind either 8 or 12 weeks.Do we want to start on monday ? Do we share it in the other thread ?
If so we need at least 1 wildcard for the week, and the rest can be defined next week..
I propose to keep the xls file from the last challenge, with all its additional tabs for those who need it and update it with the dates and rules of this new challenge.
BakingNath wrote:The challenge has not yet started, but i am proud to share with you that after almost 1 week of WW (it will be tomorrow morning) i have lost more than 1kg. Next week may be more difficult to keep up with points with 2 "picnic" lunches and 2 dinners&drinks at restaurants
mandaliz wrote: For the very first challenge we did on here we had to state the reason why we were joining and mine was to take care of myself & get healthy since I'd been trying to get preggers for-ev-er and eventually I got there so thanks for all the support y'all!
SeattleLisa wrote:Hello, All. I haven't been around these parts in a long, long time. Thank you Obava for letting me know this is starting again.
Just a drive by for now, will post more later. Just returned from cycling!! woot!
SeattleLisa wrote:Hello, All. I haven't been around these parts in a long, long time. Thank you Obava for letting me know this is starting again.
Just a drive by for now, will post more later. Just returned from cycling!! woot!
SeattleLisa wrote:Hello, All. I haven't been around these parts in a long, long time. Thank you Obava for letting me know this is starting again.
Just a drive by for now, will post more later. Just returned from cycling!! woot!
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text:
1. Re: Please help - board won't boot! PLEASE!Boyet Aug 16, 2010 11:00 PM (in response to tylerl06)
Removing the ram and getting 3 beeps indicates that there is a problem with the memory. Aside from this it also indicates that the board is probably ok. Testing the ram one by one and finding out that your system does not work means ram problem and not the board. This is confirmed by replacing the board which still resulted to the same problem. Is the PSU adequate? Is the ram voltage requirement properly satisfied in the bios? These are only some of the information that you should check. Others might be the power connectors to the video card (you need one) and processors.
2. Re: Please help - board won't boot! PLEASE!tylerl06 Aug 17, 2010 6:53 AM (in response to Boyet)
Yes- when I remove the RAM I still get 3 beeps.
The PSU is 430 watts- which should be adequate.
The motherboard supports RAM voltages 1.3-1.65 and the RAM is 1.5. The BIOS is still at all of it's defaults because I have never got to a point where I can even access the BIOS. I get the 3 beeps immediately after hitting the power button- there is no video output.
The video card I have does not required a power connector.
Thanks for the suggestions! Unfortunately I'm still lost :/
3. Re: Please help - board won't boot! PLEASE!Cpt.Dogfruit Aug 17, 2010 8:03 AM (in response to tylerl06)
When you tunr it on, are three beeps one after another, or one then a bit after the next 2? are they all teh same tones?
Do the fans spin up and stay spinning? or do they start and stop?
When you say you have tested 4 RAM moduls, were they all the same make model?
4. Re: Please help - board won't boot! PLEASE!tylerl06 Aug 17, 2010 8:25 AM (in response to Cpt.Dogfruit)
The three beeps are all the same tone and are all right after one another, then a long pause, then the three beeps again- and it just continues to repeat. The fans spin up and stay spinning. The RAM modules were all the same make and model but 4 different sticks.
I'm totally lost :/
5. Re: Please help - board won't boot! PLEASE!Cpt.Dogfruit Aug 17, 2010 8:46 AM (in response to tylerl06)
Ok, i would def try with another make model of RAM.
Also what make model PSU do you have?
I would prob, just for teh hell of it do a CMOS clear and a BIOS recovery update, see if it helps.
Saying that what happens if you put the board into maintenbance mode does it still give three beeps?
6. Re: Please help - board won't boot! PLEASE!tylerl06 Aug 17, 2010 8:54 AM (in response to Cpt.Dogfruit)
Yeah I think I will try a different make/model of RAM- but it's frustrating/confusing because this RAM matches the specs of the motherboard exactly. I used the Crucial memory tool to find it. The power supply unit is a 450W coolmax ca-series. I have tried clearing the CMOS and putting the board into maintenance mode I still get three beeps
7. Re: Please help - board won't boot! PLEASE!Cpt.Dogfruit Aug 17, 2010 9:03 AM (in response to tylerl06)
yep the first thign to do will be to test anotehr set of RAM.
If that dosen't work, i would suggest testing another PSU, although i doubt it will be that, the PSU only has ATX 2.01... shoul;d prob be 2.2
Also check that teh PSU meets these:
Output Voltage 3.3 V 5 V 12 V1 12 V2 -12 V 5 VSB
Current 2.38 A 3.17 A 5.92 A 2.95 A 0.04 A 0.64 A
As i said i doubt it is, but in your situation.....got to try everyhting!
8. Re: Please help - board won't boot! PLEASE!DJones1001 Aug 17, 2010 8:02 PM (in response to tylerl06)
I am having the exact same problem, any assistance would be appreciated.
I have:
Two separate Intel DP43BF motherboards
1 Crucial 2GB Kit #CT2KIT12864BA1339
1 Crucial 4GB Kit #CT2KIT25664BA1339
1 Intel Core 2 Q9400
1 Intel Core 2 E8400
Testing w/ an Antec BP430 430W power supply.
It doesn't matter what combination of motherboard, CPU, or memory I try, I am getting the 3-beep code at power-up.
You'd think that between all these parts I could get at least one working system. Suggestions?
9. Re: Please help - board won't boot! PLEASE!tylerl06 Aug 17, 2010 9:39 PM (in response to DJones1001)
D Jones- if you look on your actual RAM DIMMs there is a product number on it. there will be a long string of characters and then a "." and then 3 more characters. What are the characters after the "."
is it .000? or something else?
10. Re: Please help - board won't boot! PLEASE!DJones1001 Aug 17, 2010 10:23 PM (in response to tylerl06)
The two DIMMs from the 2GB kit both end in ".4FD", while the two DIMMs from the 4GB kit both end in ".8FD".
The DIMMs are branded Crucial but actually made by Micron. The DIMMs from the 4GB kit contain all these numbers:
On the Micron label:
On the Crucial label:
11. Re: Please help - board won't boot! PLEASE!tylerl06 Aug 17, 2010 9:58 PM (in response to DJones1001)
I can't tell you for CERTAIN but this is what happened with me...
I called crucial and explained to them the situation. They had me read them the model number- specifically the last 3 numbers. There are either 8 chip modules or 16 chip modules (i dont know exactly what this means but the support person at crucial told me that this board only supports 16 chip modules which is why mine did not work) I also had the 4 gb kit which ended in .8fd she said the 8 stood for 8 chip- so i am guessing you had the exact same problem as me. When I told her this she said it was not a problem at all- and that she would send me the 16chip version for free if i send the 8chip version back. I would recommend doing that and seeing how it goes. My RAM comes in Friday so I am hoping it will do the trick...
Good luck!
12. Re: Please help - board won't boot! PLEASE!DJones1001 Aug 17, 2010 10:25 PM (in response to tylerl06)
Please post what happens when you get your memory. I might wait to see what you post before I call Crucial. Need to decide if I want to work with Crucial, or return these to the retailer and then try I don't know what.
According to this page (http://http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/dp43bf/sb/CS-031268.htm), the DP43BF supports single-sided 8 chip 1 GB DIMMs, double-sided 16 chip 2GB DIMMs, single-sided 8 chip 2GB DIMMs, and double-sided 16 chip 4GB DIMMs. Which would mean that the 2GB kit I received is incompatible (since they are single-sided 4 chip DIMMs) but the 4GB kit *should* work.
If the 16 chip version fixes your problem, I'll be on the phone to Crucial chop-chop.
13. Re: Please help - board won't boot! PLEASE!Cpt.Dogfruit Aug 18, 2010 4:01 AM (in response to sabariacet)
Hi SABARINATH,
I know you are trying to help...but erm...how? have you read the previous posts?
"2. what is the operating system and any service pack ?" the systems are not posting, no boot no video, therefore tehre is no OS installed.
"3.what is the BIOS version and is there any latest version is available?" the systems are not posting, no boot no video, tehrefore tehy cannot access the BIOS.
"4.what are the hardware you are using with this mother board ?" Most of teh systems config are posted.
"5.what is the message available after the beep sound ?" There is no video therefore no error message
"6.it is get into CMOS or BIOS ?" As per teh previous posts, no.
"7. NOTE the cpu temparature?" How exactly, if there is no post?
"8.what is the type,size,quantity of the HDD?" No post and no video, three beeps... whats the HDD go to do with anythign,the system hasn't even tried to acces tehm yet.
"10.what is the capacity of the RAM ?" Already stated in previous posts.
"13.using the DDR2 what happen?" how do you put DDR2 memory in a DDR3 motherboard??????????
and why "can you send it ?reply to firstname.lastname@example.com"??? why not post it on here...being a forum and all.


text:
posted by Eugenia Loli on Wed 12th Sep 2007 04:14 UTC
Here is an interview with Richard Stallman about a range of free software topics including GPLv3 and comment on the Microsoft patent issue. Stallman has a go at Linus Torvalds even suggesting that if people want to keep their freedom they better not follow Torvalds. From the interview: "The fact that Torvalds says "open source" instead of "free software" shows where he is coming from. I wrote the GNU GPL to defend freedom for all users of all versions of a program. I developed version 3 to do that job better and protect against new threats. Torvalds says he rejects this goal; that's probably why he doesn't appreciate GPL version 3. I respect his right to express his views, even though I think they are foolish. However, if you don't want to lose your freedom, you had better not follow him."


text:
Join the Nation's Conversation
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Many unhappy with decision on gay Boy Scouts
WILMINGTON, Del. -- The Boy Scouts of America's decision Thursday to open its ranks to gay youths but not gay leaders has all the markings of a fiercely contested compromise: It disappointed almost everyone.
Sandy Rakowski of Elsmere, Del., whose son is a Scout, wanted the ban lifted completely.
"It's a step. That's what counts. Sometimes you have to take small concessions," Rakowski said.
But Terry Murphy of Newark, Del., who was an Eagle Scout and longtime adult leader, wanted the ban left in place.
"I am disappointed that the Boy Scouts have given in to politically correct pressure," Murphy wrote in an email. "The organization is and should be all about boys developing into men and not about sexual orientation."
The new policy will have little practical impact, said Beatrice Polk of Newark, a troop volunteer and longtime member of the Del-Mar-Va Council executive board, which covers the Delmarva Peninsula. Most troops have long operated under an unofficial "don't ask, don't tell" membership policy, though they were less accepting of gay leaders, she said.
"That's kind of how it was all along," Polk said. "I don't think it ever was about the kids. It's always been about the leaders."
STORY: Boy Scouts vote to allow gay members
Polk said she hoped the Scouts would have let each sponsoring organization decide whether to allow gay members and leaders. The BSA executive committee suggested such a compromise in January, but it won little praise.
Instead, the BSA surveyed leaders, parents and supporters this spring, a process that led to the recommendation that was enacted Thursday.
Of the roughly 1,400 voting members of the BSA's National Council who cast ballots, 61 percent supported the proposal drafted by the governing Executive Committee. The policy change takes effect Jan. 1.
"While people have different opinions about this policy, we can all agree that kids are better off when they are in Scouting," the BSA said after announcing the results at the council's annual meeting near Dallas.
The new policy will leave gay Scouts in "limbo land" because they're accepted as members but will not be able to carry on as leaders, said Glenn Simmonds, a former scoutmaster who lives in New London, Pa.
"It's a shame if young men reach Eagle and then are told to go away," Simmonds said. "The topic, I'm sure, is not settled."
Indeed, liberal Scout leaders — while supporting the proposal to accept gay youth — have made clear they want the ban on gay adults lifted as well.
In contrast, conservatives with the Scouts — including some churches that sponsor Scout units — wanted to continue excluding gay youths, in some cases threatening to defect if the ban were lifted.
"We are deeply saddened," said Frank Page, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's executive committee, after learning of the result. "Homosexual behavior is incompatible with the principles enshrined in the Scout oath and Scout law."
The Assemblies of God, another conservative denomination, said the policy change "will lead to a mass exodus from the Boy Scout program."
The result was welcomed by many gay-rights groups, which joined in the call for an end to the ban on gay adults.
"I'm so proud of how far we've come, but until there's a place for everyone in Scouting, my work will continue," said Jennifer Tyrrell, whose ouster as a Cub Scout den leader in Ohio because she is lesbian launched a national protest movement.
The simmering dispute has taken its toll elsewhere, too.
After the 2000 U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding the Scouts' right to set membership standards, the United Way of Delaware rewrote its funding policy so that agencies could not discriminate against members based on sexual orientation. While some United Way donors began specifically excluding the Scouts from their donations, others gave more money to the group.
Several Delaware churches have cut ties with the Scout troops they sponsored. Most recently, Silverside Church in Brandywine Hundred told Troop 70, which it had sponsored for 40 years, to find a new sponsor. Two church members left over the dispute, and the troop is now sponsored by Saints Peter and Paul Ukranian Orthodox Church in Holly Oak.
Of the more than 100,000 Scouting units in the U.S., 70 percent are chartered by religious institutions.
Those include liberal churches opposed to any ban on gays. But some of the largest sponsors are relatively conservative denominations that have previously supported the broad ban — notably the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Southern Baptist churches.
Chalmers also reports for The (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal; contributing: The Associated Press


text:
Moore O Matic Wireless Keypad 310 MHz for openers with 8 dip switches
The Linear DTKP / DNT00062 is compatible with Moore O Matic openers that have 8 on/off switches for programming. Programming is a snap just note the switches on your remote or opener that are in the on position and that will be your code in reverse.
Please Note: This unit will not work on Moore O Matic openers that use the Mega Code radio receiver with a learn button programming that unit is available HERE.
Product Features
-Frequency: 310 MHz
-Codes: 1-8 digit PIN
-Can activates multiple Delta-3 receivers
-Backlit keys for easy viewing at night
-Mounting hardware supplied
-Power: 9 V battery (included)
-Dimensions: 7.5 x 2.5 x .875 inches
-One year manufacturers warranty
- Brand: Moore-O-Matic
- Product Code: DTKP
- Availability: In Stock
- Compare Price: US $39.95
Our Price: US $34.50
- 2 or more US $32.75
- 5 or more US $31.95
US Shipping - US $5.95
Canada Shipping - US $13.30
(Quantity shipping discount applied at checkout)


text:
Remember Danny Almonte, the dominant Little League World Series star from The Bronx from a few years who turned out to be two years older than the maximum age? Well — at this should make anyone who remembers the Almonte business feel extremely old — he just got married ... and she's 11 years older than he is.
From the New York Daily News:
[Almonte's new wife] said she's known Almonte since his infamous Little League days.
"He always used to tell me things and I was like, 'You're a minor . . . we'd get in trouble," the pretty, freckle-faced bride said with a smile from a couch in the Bronx apartment she shares with Almonte.
The time she's referring to, by the way, is when Almonte was 14 and she was 25, which would indeed count as "trouble." Careful, Danny: Your new wife's biological clock is ticking. Don't be surprised to see another Almonte Little Leaguer sooner than you think, friend. Hell, if you lie about his age, you can sneak him in a couple of years early.
Glove Struck [New York Daily News]
Danny Almonte Still Can't Keep A Secret [The Big Lead]
Danny Almonte [Wikipedia]


text:
Reborn Cardboard Sofa by Monocomplex
Great inspiration can come from garbage, as is the case with the Reborn cardboard sofa from Korean design studio Monocomplex.
Taking 127 sheets of corrugated cardboard from the trash, bonding them together into a solid block, and then cutting out the shape with a grinder and saw, Monocomplex created an object that's more sculpture than it is furniture.
The rough-hewn chair was shaped freehand, with the designer sitting on the cardboard and gradually carving away pieces until the contours felt just right.
Check out their video for a behind-the-scenes look at how a stack of discarded cardboard became "Reborn."
• Award-Winning PaperChair by Peter Plantan and Nusa Zupanc
• Dala by Stephen Burks: Outdoor Furniture Made From Recycled Food Packaging
• Emeco's 111 Navy Chair: Made From Plastic Coca-Cola Bottles
(Images: Monocomplex)


text:
Mr Intelijent Master Friday 30/09/2011, 04:07
This is the long anticipated DT Guide. I have won DTs in both formats so should know what I am talking about.
These rules apply for both formats.
1.In DT there are two types of decks that generally see great results. The high damaging deck and the low star deck. A High damage deck is one where you will get at least two 6 damaging cards half the time or more. A low star deck in Type 1 Is a deck with less than 23 stars while in Type 2 it is usually a 9 – 10 card deck which is under 27 stars.
2.Normally I say to include these cards but not this time, Damage Reducers, Heal Cards and + Life cards will slow you down. Try not to include them in your deck and if you must then make it 1 Max.
3.Rule 2 being said, Jungo, Pussycats and Sakrohm will generally slow you down and dramatically lower your chances in any format. Recommended you do not use these clans even in half deck.
4.Try and go mono (1 Clan) as this will make your deck stronger. Sometimes the difference between winning and losing is drawing a 3/1 split and not getting the bonus you wanted or needed. La Junta and Montana are good examples for this. That rule only applies for the Low star deck. If you are going for the High Damage deck then using two clans will be the best way. A good example of this would be Bangers with All Stars or Uppers.
Mr Intelijent Master Wednesday 08/02/2012, 05:07
Thankyou that means a lot to me
Simple answer to your question ANON_32 - I am waiting for new updates to happen before finalizing any stickied thread in the message board.
Once it's out, I'll check for any major differences that will make the current guide(s) outdated and will update them as necessary (Yes this applies to all other guides in this message board). Of course, I won't be the only one deciding this - I will involve other EN moderator in the process, which could mean I might end up getting Mr Intelijent update this thread.
Besides, If I stickied this straight away, soon after I'd see somebody else creating a guide and wanting for it to be stickied too - proven and tested in the past. Most of the time they become too repetitive. Just learning from experience.
To clear things up, of course I am not taking credit for the DT guide - hence the reference and citations.
For any other questions about my actions - I would prefer to hear from them straight away, so please consider PM'ng me next time.
badass_zoro Senior Saturday 07/04/2012, 02:58
In your opinion, what deck is the best for newbs like me in dt? 2hko ones or the low star count ones
Mr Intelijent Master Saturday 07/04/2012, 09:42
The best deck for news would be 2HKO ones. Low star ones put you at a disadvantage that is why only experienced players tend to use them or prosper with them while 2HKO decks give you equal if not better opportunities than your opponent which makes them easier to use and more straight forward. PM me if you want a deck idea.
4D whitebeard Senior The Fourth Dimension Monday 09/04/2012, 10:36
What is happening with the new deck formats? is there still a 25 star limit an do you have to use standard/nonstandard cards? i just dont understand whats going on
about4turtles Imperator URBAN MADNESS Tuesday 10/04/2012, 01:17
U can use any where from 16 to 40 stars but, from what i know, it auto matches u w/ decks of similar star count
Mr Intelijent Master Tuesday 10/04/2012, 13:11
@4D whitebeard
What jayceone said is correct for the Extended format. In Extended you can use any start count with any card while in Standard you can use any star count with only Standard cards. It matches you with similar decks as stated so do not think that if you run a 40 star deck you will verse 25 star ones.
ShazamFTW Titan Time To Hymn You Monday 16/04/2012, 23:26
Very impressive guide. Would like to see this stickied.
wasteroftime Titan Open Casket Tuesday 17/04/2012, 01:22
Every DT guide will basically come down to this
yk-lyss - Legend - Youth Kriminals
Sunday 27/11/2011, 01:42
Guys, guys, guys, just play fast, low stars, and win a lot.
sticky that and you are set.


text:
© ® The Nobel Foundation
IPCC honoured with the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize
Phone: +41-22-730-8208/84 e-mail:
Estimates of atmospheric composition resulting from the SRES emissions scenarios
are presented in TAR WGI Chapters 3-5.
Information on CO2 and ground-level O3 concentrations
is given in Tables 3-2 and 3-9.
More detailed regional estimates of pollutant concentrations and deposition
of acidifying compounds based on these scenarios also are beginning to emerge
(e.g., Mayerhofer et al., 2000; see Section 3.4).
To interpret the possible range of global temperature and sea-level response
to the SRES scenarios, estimates have been made with simple models for all 35
of the quantified SRES scenarios (Table 3-9; see
also TAR WGI Chapters 9 and 11).
Estimates of global warming from 1990 to 2100 give a range of 1.4-5.8°Csomewhat
higher than the 0.7-3.5°C of the SAR. The main reason for this increase
is that the levels of radiative forcing in the SRES scenarios are higher than
in the IS92a-f scenarios, primarily because of lower sulfate aerosol emissions,
especially after 2050. The temperature response also is calculated differently;
rather than using the conventional idealized, equilibrium climate sensitivity
range of 1.5-4.5°C (IPCC, 1996a), the simple model is tuned to the
effective climate sensitivities of a sample of individual AOGCMs (see TAR
WGI Chapter 9 for details). Sea-level rise between
1990 and 2100 is estimated to be 9-88 cm, which also accounts for uncertainties
in ice-melt parameters (see TAR WGI Chapter
Estimates of regional climate change to 2100 based on AOGCM experiments are
described in TAR WGI Chapters 9
and 10. The results of nine AOGCMs run with the A2 and
B2 SRES scenarios5 display many similarities with previous runs that assume
IS92a-type emissions, although there also are some regional differences (see
below). Overall, rates of warming are expected to be greater than the global
average over most land areas and most pronounced at high latitudes in winter.
As warming proceeds, northern hemisphere snow cover and sea-ice extent will
be reduced. Models indicate warming below the global average in the North Atlantic
and circumpolar southern ocean regions, as well as in southern and southeast
Asia and southern South America in June-August. Globally there will be
increases in average water vapor and precipitation. Regionally, December-February
precipitation is expected to increase over the northern extratropics and Antarctica
and over tropical Africa. Models also agree on a decrease in precipitation over
Central America and little change in southeast Asia. Precipitation in June-August
is projected to increase in high northern latitudes, Antarctica, and south Asia;
change little in southeast Asia; and decrease in Central America, Australia,
southern Africa, and the Mediterranean region.
The main differences between the SRES-based and IS92-based runs concern greater
disagreement in the SRES runs on the magnitude of warming in some tropical and
southern hemisphere regions and differing intermodel agreement on the magnitude
of precipitation change in a few regions, possibly as a result of aerosol effects.
However, there are no cases in which the SRES and IS92a results indicate precipitation
changes of opposite direction (see TAR WGI Chapter
Only a limited number of AOGCM results based on the SRES emissions scenarios
have been released and analyzed to date (i.e., results for the A2 and B2 scenarios),
and none were available for the impact studies assessed in this report. In the
meantime, alternative approaches have been used to gain an impression of possible
regional changes in climate across a wider range of emissions scenarios. One
method uses results from existing AOGCM simulations and scales the pattern of
modeled regional climate change up or down according to the range of global
temperature changes estimated by simple climate models for different emissions
scenarios or assumptions about climate sensitivity (Santer et al., 1990;
Mitchell et al., 1999; see also detailed discussion in TAR
WGI Chapter 13). This "pattern-scaling"
method has been employed by Carter et al. (2000), using results from
simulations with seven AOGCMs, all assuming a radiative forcing approximating
the IS92a emissions scenario (for GHGs but excluding aerosols) scaled across
a range of global temperature changes estimated by using a simple climate model
for the four preliminary marker SRES emissions scenarios.
Regional-scale summary graphs of scaled temperature and precipitation changes
were constructed for 32 world regions, at subcontinental scale, chosen to represent
the regions being assessed by Working Group II (Carter et al., 2000).
Examples of individual plots are shown in Figure 3-2.
Changes are plotted alongside estimates of "natural" multi-decadal
variability of temperature and precipitation, extracted from two multi-century
unforced AOGCM simulations. The graphs thus provide a quick assessment of the
likely uncertainty range and significance of each AOGCM projection; they also
show the extent to which different AOGCMs agree or disagree with regard to regional
response to a given magnitude of global warming. Although a preliminary comparison
of these results with SRES AOGCM runs (which also include aerosol forcing) suggests
broad agreement on regional temperature and precipitation changes, more rigorous
comparison remains to be carried out, offering a useful test of the pattern-scaling
Table of contents
IPCC Homepage


text:
WAUSAU � Come March 25, Wausau Mayor B.J. Phillips wants to stop the flow of city water � at least the water flow to the town's delinquent customers.
WAUSAU � Come March 25, Wausau Town Council members want to stop the flow of city water � at least the water flow to the town's delinquent customers.
City Clerk Margaret Riley presented a report to the Town Council on Thursday showing that collection of past-due water bills has improved steadily over the past few months, but there is still quite a bit to be collected.
�We�ve gotten something from all of them,� Riley told the council members. �Every one of them has come in and made a payment, and we�ve got one on Monday that we�re cutting off.�
As of March 14, the city was still looking to collect $13,253.02 in late payments from Wausau water department customers. Of that amount, $7,443.25 is owed to the city on bills that are more than 90 days delinquent, Riley said.
The late paying customers became an issue for the city in July when the State Auditors noted the $25,000 deficit. Town Council members acted last summer to step up collection efforts.
According to Riley�s report, as of March 14 the town was owed $19,752.08 for water payments. Of that amount, $6,415.38 is the amount due in the current billing cycle.
�Let�s be sure we don�t let this happen again,� council member Dallas Carter said.
�Once we get this done, I say we have no more �hardship� cases,� Mayor B.J.Phillips said, adding that in the past, the town has let people go without paying their water bill and without cutting off the service. �We don�t want any new accounts getting three months behind.�
Phillips said he wanted to see the water shut off in a more timely fashion. �If we say it�s due on the 27th, then come the 28th, I say we shut it off.�
Riley said she has been telling customers that if the bills weren�t paid by the 25th of the month, the water service was going to be discontinued that day.
�This is nothing we like to do, but we have to get this caught up and keep it that way,� Phillips said.
The council also heard a proposal from Chipley attorney Jeff Goodman to provide attorney services for the city. For $300 a month, Goodman offered to provide the city with one hour�s service and to attend one city council meeting a quarter.
�I want to be up front with you, I am also the attorney for Washington County, and if there were to be a case where the interests of the town conflicted with the county, then I would have to recommend you seek other representation,� Goodman said.
He noted that he is also the county attorney for Holmes County and the city attorney for Esto, and he had yet to encounter a legal conflict between the city and the county.
The council voted to table Goodman�s proposal until the next meeting so the council members could read Goodman�s service contract before voting on whether or not to accept his offer.
In other business, the council members also discussed the town�s policy of providing compensation time to employees who are called in on their days off.
The city policy states that comp time is provided on a 1-to-1 basis, Riley said. In other words, if an employee is called in to work for 45 minutes, then he receives 45 minutes of comp time.
The also tabled the compensation discussion until they could get a legal review of the city�s personnel policies by whoever is retained as the next city attorney.


text:
Russet potatoes cut into french fry sticks and tossed in homemade buffalo wing sauce then baked to a crispity-crunchity golden brown tinted with a spicy red hue.
They aren't in-your-face, burn-your-tongue-off hot. The heat is more bearable than a traditional hot wing and won't have you reaching for a glass of milk after every bite.
If you're looking for lip-numbing-hot french fries then I can give you that too.
I'm all about choices.
For the best french fries, you need to plan a little. Rather than cooking the potatoes straightaway, I add a few more steps.
After cutting them (this is how I cut mine) I soak them in cold water for at least 20 minutes all the way up to an hour or two if I have time.
This will help your french fries crisp up better, especially since we're baking them, a process that doesn't always yield the best french fry. I don't know the exact science behind the soaking but it has something to do with removing the starches. When you drain the potatoes you will see how cloudy the water becomes.
While the fries soak I go to work making the buffalo sauce. It's ridiculously easy and I find it a lot better tasting than bottled.
All you need is your favorite hot sauce – mine is Cholula – a few tablespoons of butter, garlic powde, and black pepper. Melt them all together over low heat and you will have most wonderful buffalo wing sauce you can imagine.
Then I move on to the ranch dipping sauce, a spinoff from my buttermilk ranch dressing. I make it a little thicker and cut down on the herbs a bit.
You can use a food processor or whisk it all together by hand – mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic, chives and parsley.
Stop here or crumble up some of your favorite blue cheese – mine is Roquefort – and mix it into the ranch.
Now we get to the french fry making. After soaking them in water, drain, pat dry on a kitchen towel and toss them into a big bowl with about half of the hot sauce. I let them marinate for about 20 minutes to help the hot sauce permeate them a little.
Only now are you ready to bake them. On a lightly greased baking sheet, the largest one you own but not the heavy-duty aluminum type because they're too thick. Make sure the fries aren't crowded or they'll steam and be soggy.
Bake them in two batches if needed, flipping them a little more than halfway through so they turn spotty golden brown on all sides.
If you want them super spicy hot you can drizzle the leftover hot sauce right on them, toss them right in it or just go for a little dunking action.
I think these might be the greatest french fries I ever made!
I love the golden crunchy edges and the sharp bite of the sauce paired with the cool ranch dunking sauce. I could and would stuff my face with these every single day.
Instead, I'll settle on once a week. . .
Maybe twice.
- 1 + ½ to 2 pounds Russet potatoes (3 - 4), cut into stick fries*
- ½ cup hot sauce (like Cholula Original )
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon white wine vinegar
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese, optional
- coarse salt and pepper to taste
- olive oil, for greasing the pan
- Fill a large mixing bowl with cold water. Wash, peel(or not if you prefer them with the peel on) and cut the potatoes into fries* - put them in the water and soak at least 20 minutes or a few hours on the counter - don't refrigerate.
- Add all the ingredients to a small saucepan set over low heat. Stir until the butter melts then turn heat up to medium-low and cook 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat.
- Pulse everything together in a food processor or whisk together until well combined in a small mixing bowl. (Stop here for ranch dip or mix in the blue cheese now to make blue cheese dip). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate.
- Drain the potatoes and place them on a clean kitchen towel. Blot off the excess water. Add them to a large mixing bowl with about half (about ⅓ cup) of the hot sauce. Toss until the potatoes are completely coated and let sit 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly grease a large, rimmed baking/cookie sheet(not the heavy duty aluminum type) from edge to edge.
- Toss the fries again and then use tongs to place them on the baking sheet so they don't touch each other. If they're crowded bake them in 2 batches. Discard the excess hot sauce left on the bottom of the bowl. Sprinkle the fries with salt. Bake 20 minutes.
- After about 20 minutes remove the pan from the oven and turn the fries over. Bake 10 - 15 more minutes until fries are crispy with golden brown spots and cooked in the center. (Take one out, cool and taste test!) For super spicy fries you can drizzle them with some of the leftover sauce, toss them right in it (they may get a little soggy this way) or dunk them in it.
- Serve with ranch/blue cheese dipping sauce(s) and extra hot sauce, if desired.
©Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice by Reeni Pisano All Rights Reserved


text:
Some veteran subscribers to Microsoft's Xbox Live service will receive a nice piece of recognition for their loyalty in the form of a free, custom-designed Xbox 360.
Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry Hryb announced the giveaway on Twitter, and included an image of the specialty consoles that will be sent to the service's long-term subscribers.
"I can confirm we're surprising some of the #Xbox LIVE members that have been with us the longest with one of these," he wrote.
Over at All Games Beta, there are photos of the 250 GB console and the XBL-themed box it will arrive in, as well as a letter from the Xbox Live team that will accompany it. The letter indicates that the console will be sent to subscribers who have been with the service for more than ten years, and the console will also come with a free year of Xbox Live.
Given many of the recent updates to Xbox Live that have pushed it further away from standalone gaming console and toward the realm of all-purpose media center, there's a good chance that the number of subscribers over the next ten years might make a similar console giveaway impossible — though we're probably not alone in hoping it happens.
Editors' Recommendations
- For $22 a month, an Xbox One system could soon be yours
- Nintendo Switch vs. Xbox One: Can the new hybrid best the established console?
- 'PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds' is free to try on Xbox One right now
- Microsoft is reportedly planning an Xbox One without a disc drive for 2019
- The most common Xbox One problems, and how to fix them


text:
This bag is equipped with a flap and a delicate chain, which can be adjusted to carry for any occasion. Long and off the shoulder, for a sophisticated look. Or short, for a casual
Hobo bag
Colors: Pilot blue
- Pilot blue
- Black
Product details & care
- Materials: Leather
- Dimensions: 30X19X7,5 cm
- Reference: L1358930729
Closing : Magnetic snap closure
Strap : Chain and leather
Compartment : 1
Patch pocket : 3
zipper pocket : 1
phone pocket : 1
All Longchamp items are created with the utmost care in our workshops.
To guarantee their longevity, we recommend that you follow a few simple rules:
• protect the product from heavy rain;
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John P Iblis/JPI
Will he be a little outlaw?
Owen Wilson and his girlfriend Jade Duell named their newborn son Robert Ford Wilson, PEOPLE has confirmed — not Ford Linton Wilson, as has been erroneously announced in some reports online.
The couple haven't spoken publicly about their choice, though of course, in America, the name Robert Ford brings to mind the famous American outlaw who killed Jesse James in 1882.
Wilson, 42, and Duell welcomed the new baby late last week in Hawaii. This is the first child for the actor, who is currently starring in Little Fockers.
— Tim Nudd with reporting by Elizabeth Leonard


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This week, delegations from around the world are gathering in Dubai for the World Conference on International Telecommunications, or WCIT. There, interested parties from 193 countries will vote on updates to an international treaty that could change the very nature of the global Internet and the World Wide Web.
Surprising to no one, the chatter surrounding WCIT has been nothing short of panic. The likes of Google and Mozilla, the U.S. House of Representatives, the White House, and the European and Australian Parliaments have all come out against changes to the way the Internet rules are set up. So have public advocacy groups like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), the Internet Defense League, Public Knowledge, and more than 1,000 other organizations, all of which have issued warnings that WCIT could be the end of the online world as we know it.
Their reasons for worry are legitimate: The WCIT is a (mostly secret) meeting of governments, member states of a United Nations body called the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). Many of these governments seek to gain more power over the Internet, power that is currently wielded by the U.S. More government means more regulation, which means a less free and open global Internet for all of us. That's the theory, and it's a perfectly understandable one.
Vint Cerf, a "father of the Internet," and Google's "chief Internet evangelist," has become the face of the ITU opposition movement. He had this to say in a recent op-ed for CNN:
Several authoritarian regimes reportedly propose to ban anonymity from the web, making it easier to find and arrest dissidents. Others have proposed moving the responsibilities of the private sector system that manages domain names and Internet addresses to the United Nations. Yet other proposals would require any Internet content provider, small or large, to pay new tolls in order to reach people across borders.
The upshot? The next garage-based phenomena would face a steep and probably insurmountable financial hurdle in its effort to become the next YouTube, Facebook or Skype.
This basically sums up the controversy surrounding WCIT and the ITU. But here's the thing: Most of these problems are not anything the average Web user in the United States should concern himself with. These are, literally, someone else's problems.
Unlike the Stop Online Privacy Act, which sought to block access to foreign-based websites in the U.S., the censorship Cerf and others warn of will not happen in the United States. Instead, it will happen to those who live under oppressive regimes around the world.
And the so-called tolls on Internet traffic – a knotty issue called "sender party pays" – would mean companies like Google, Facebook, and presumably any other high-volume website, would have to pay to provide access to users in countries that adopt this model. But again, this would only limit access to other people; namely, people in developing nations whose "worth" to companies that rely on advertising revenue is lower than the cost of providing them with access.
"The eyeballs of a rural person in Thailand to an advertiser is probably not that valuable," former U.S. Ambassador David Gross, who is involved in the WCIT negotiations, told me earlier this year. "So as a result, what [sender party pays] imperils, among other things, is the ability of poor people in developing world countries to have access to content on the Internet."
None of this is to say that the complaints against the WCIT are illegitimate, or that it benefits the average person anywhere. As Neelie Kroes, Vice President of the EU Commission responsible for Europe's "Digital Agenda," recently tweeted, "The Internet works, it doesn't need to be regulated by ITR treaty. If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Nor am I advocating that those of us in the U.S. just kick back and ignore what's happening at WCIT. If any of the worst proposals make it through the gamut, they will, at some point, come back to bite us all in the ass. It might come in the form of greater fees for Internet services, frustrating changes in the domain name system, or simply a lack of access to innovations created outside our borders.
Some A-hole governments may use the WCIT as an excuse to break the Internet as it works today so they can try to put it back together in a shape they prefer. We should fight back against this.
That said, I will leave you with two things to think about: First, oppressive regimes already have the power to censor dissident speech, stifle innovation, and sometimes even shut down the Internet altogether. There is little any of us can do to stop that. Second, the worst-case scenarios that everyone fears will almost certainly not happen. Changes made at the WCIT will be by consensus, not a majority-wins vote. And the U.S. has a whole lot of power over what will and will not get through at WCIT, especially with a horde of allies from Europe and Asia standing beside us.
So sign the petitions, send out tweets, and bombard your friends with speeches about how horrible the whole WCIT thing is. But remember: The U.S. Web will be fine. It's the rest of the Web that hangs in the balance.
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5 Fitness Tips for Soccer Players
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Chris Sale has had a forgettable year when pitching against the Cleveland Indians.
Sale was knocked around for six runs and nine hits over 5 2-3 innings during a rain-delayed 7-1 loss for the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, dropping to 0-4 with an 8.61 ERA against Cleveland.
"They roll out of a lot of righties," Sale said. "When someone has your number, they have your number, much like Victor Martinez. There's not much you can do when someone is on to you and kind of has your number. You just have to try to fight through that and battle through it."
Sale (11-13) allowed three homers and dropped to 6-11 following a 5-2 start. He said the 4-hour, 23-minute delay before the first inning should have helped him.
"A little bit more time to prepare, a little bit more time to get ready," he said. "It just didn't work out in my favor."
Nick Swisher homered from both sides of the plate for the 13th time, Asdrubal Cabrera hit a three-run homer and the Indians pulled within a half-game of Tampa Bay and Texas in the AL wild-card race.
The Indians achieved a franchise first by sweeping a four-game series from the White Sox for the third time in a season.
"We come in every game trying to win it, and they outplayed us for four games," White Sox first baseman Adam Dunn said. "You can take getting beat, but when they just flat out outplay, they pitch better and they hit better, they just outplay you."
Zach McAllister (8-9) allowed one run and six hits in 6 2-3 innings with five strikeouts and a walk.
Last-place Chicago has lost six in a row, and at 58-91 is 33 games under .500 for the first time since finishing 1976 with a 64-97 record, according to STATS.
"They've been swinging it pretty good, and it continued tonight," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "I think once they got a couple on the board, they just seem to be a little more in rhythm than most teams."
Matt Carson put Cleveland ahead in the second with an RBI single, starting only the second three-hit game of his major league career. His solo homer in the fifth was his first home run since Sept. 26, 2010, for Oakland.
Swisher, batting right-handed, homered leading off a four-run sixth, and Cabrera's home run made it 6-0.
"I gave up a few homers, a changeup up to Cabrera and you obviously can't do that to a hitter of his caliber," Sale said. "I got a 3-2 count to Carson and, obviously, more times than not I'm coming in with a fastball there. They just put some good swings on some bad pitches, and they put some good swings on good pitches."
Josh Phegley singled in a run for the White Sox in the seventh.
Switching around to the left-hand side against right-hander Ramon Troncoso in the ninth, Swisher hit his 20th home run of the season.
His 13 games with home runs from both sides tied former New York Yankees teammate Mark Teixeira for the most in major league history. Swisher has 20 career multihomer games.
"The way things are kind of going down the stretch, you've got to step your game up in situations like this," Swisher said. "Seasons like this don't come around very often. We have a chance to make it into the playoffs and that's what we're doing."
NOTES: The White Sox have not been 34 games under .500 since finishing 1970 at 56-106, according to STATS. ... The 12 consecutive losses against Cleveland ties the White Sox record for most against one opponent, set against the Boston Red Sox from Aug. 5, 1921, to May 15, 1922. ... Chicago CF Avisail Garcia was scratched from the starting
lineup to be with his pregnant wife. Leury Garcia replaced him. ... The White Sox offered fans with tickets to Sunday's game a free ticket to an April 2014 home game excluding opening day and the series against Boston (April 15-17).


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Eating foods that are processed and high in sugar not only take a toll on your waistline, but they also affect the appearance of your skin. Consuming foods with healthy, natural ingredients can dramatically improve your complexion and help the fight against premature ageing.
Healthy skin cells can be achieved by consuming the right amount of nutrients everyday. Natural and organic foods and beverages will boost radiance and help prevent sudden breakouts. We've compiled a list of ingredients that are prefect for perfecting your glow.
Flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids which can be extremely beneficial for your skin; they have anti-inflammatory characteristics, which are perfect if you suffer from acne, psoriasis or eczema. If you happen to have dry skin, flaxseeds can also be helpful by providing improved hydration. When applied to your face in the form of a lotion or cream, they help to attract water to your skin cells, which leaves your skin looking radiant. Sprinkle some flaxseeds into your smoothie or over your morning oatmeal to help you improve your glow and fight the onset of fine lines and wrinkles.
Carrots are great for your general health, your eyes, digestive system, teeth and skin. They are rich in the antioxidant, beta-carotene, which helps to keep your skin healthy and enables a radiant glow. Carrots are perfect if you suffer from sudden skin flare-ups, as they assist with the over-production of cells in the outer layer of your skin. The vitamin A that is found in carrots can also help reduce the development of cancerous skin cells.
Kale is a dark leafy-green vegetable that contains beta-carotene and lutein which helps to improve the firmness and elasticity of your skin. Kale also contains a large amount of vitamin C which can reduce free radical damage that can occur when you spend too much time in the sun. Free radicals can attack the fibres in your skin which help to support elastin and collagen. When this happens, you can experience premature ageing. Steam or dry your Kale and sprinkle with a little sea salt.
Almonds are packed full of vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant and helps protect your skin from UV rays. Almonds nourish your skin leaving it smooth and radiant. They can also help protect against free radicals. Just a note – almonds are extremely calorie dense so only eat them in moderation — 8 per day is just fine.
One of the most important ingredients for your skin is water. Water flushes out any toxins from your body and supplies your cells with nutrients that help keep your body operating at a high level. Water also keeps your skin cells plump which can make your skin look firmer and younger. Make sure that you drink at least 2 L of water every day. Increase this when the weather is hot and when you are exercising.
You will be amazed at how quickly your skin responds to consuming these healthy ingredients on a daily basis. Make them part of your weekly grocery shop and you will see and feel the difference.


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Woman who lost legs after surgery awarded $62 million
A woman who sued a hospital after complications from a laparoscopic procedure lead to the amputation of her legs and partial deafness has been awarded $62 million by a New York City jury.
Stacey Galette was awarded $58 million for pain and suffering and another $4 million in special damages Friday following a 12-week trial in state Supreme Court in Brooklyn.
Galette sued Winthrop-University Hospital on Long Island and three doctors after the 2009 laparoscopic removal of an ectopic pregnancy. Galette's attorney Sanford Rubenstein argued a punctured colon during the procedure lead to infections and blood poisoning.
A hospital spokesman says Friday doctors diagnosed the complication quickly and treated it as best they could but her condition deteriorated quickly. He says their efforts saved her life but left her disabled.


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My Deconversion Story--Criticized
Dave Armstrong criticized my deconversion experience here. Please note my comment afterward. Does anyone understand why I don't bother to respond in detail to such drivel? He wants to fault me. So why bother dialoguing with him about it? No matter what I say, I'll be wasting my time. Oh, but I wish rather than fault-finding some Christian would seek to understand. But they cannot try, even though on any other issue of disagreement intelligent people will try. It's called respecting people as people, and Dave's Christianity does not do that with people who don't agree with him.


text: Christmas bells Ornaments Classical Style – Christmas tune – beautiful melody in the classic style on the sound background of bells – gentle sound of the noise of bells and Christmas Ornaments toy Glass – holiday decorations for New Year's. This Melody mid-tempo, MODERATO, low-key, unhurried sound gives solemnity of a festive atmosphere, carefully hand over hand and toys Christmas tree bells – decorating, ornament for the holiday Christmas tree at home waiting for the arrival of Santa Claus with gifts! Decorate a Christmas tree toys made ??of glass and the sound of bells ringing – at home with his family. Joy – a sense of Celebration during the Holidays.


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BRISTOL, Tenn. – In the latest NCAA Most Dominant Wrestlers standings, King University's JA Jones and D'Marcus Spencer are near the top of Division II's leaders in falls. Jones actually leads all of Division II and Spencer ranks fifth.
Last weekend, Jones took a pair of wins by fall in King's victories over Ohio Valley University and Coker College. Earlier in the week, the Alabaster, Ala., native took a win by fall in King's win at Belmont Abbey College. With his last three wins being by fall, Jones now has a remarkable 14-1 record in matches decided by fall to sit atop the Division II fall standings. Jones also ranks seventh on the list of Division II's most dominant wrestlers.
Spencer ranks fifth in all of Division II with nine, falls, and is 9-0 in bouts decided by fall. Last week, the junior took two of his three wins by fall, defeating Belmont Abbey's Gabe Pastirik in 1:50 and Ohio Valley's Cory Parsons in 28 seconds.
The duo along with the rest of the Tornado will be in action again on Sunday at the Maryville College (Mo.) Duals in their final preparation for the NCAA Division II Regionals on March 1-2.


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LITTLE ROCK (AGFC) – This week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in its lawsuit seeking just compensation from the United States Government for repeatedly flooding and, as a result, destroying thousands of acres of timber and habitat on Dave Donaldson Black River Wildlife Management Area. In an 8-0 opinion, the Court reversed the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit's decision that overturned a $5.7 million trial court judgment for the AGFC.
The Federal Circuit had held that compensation is due only when flooding is "a permanent or inevitably recurring condition, rather than an inherently temporary situation." Justice Ginsburg writing for the Supreme Court disagreed and held "that recurrent flood¬ings, even if of finite duration, are not categorically ex¬empt from Takings Clause liability." The Court remanded the case to the Federal Circuit for further proceedings consistent with the Court's opinion.
"Obviously we are thrilled with the Supreme Court's decision," AGFC Chief Legal Counsel Jim Goodhart said. "It's been a long road to get to this point and we've still got a ways to go, but the 8-0 decision sends a strong message about what our agency has been litigating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the past seven years. Justice Ginsburg summed it all up when she wrote that there is 'no solid grounding in precedent for setting flooding apart from all other government intrusions on property.' Ultimately, this is a victory for the citizens of Arkansas and outdoor conservationists everywhere," Goodhart added.
The AGFC filed suit against the U.S. on March 18, 2005, to recoup the value of dead and dying timber and to restore areas where timber died on Dave Donaldson Black River WMA, which covers about 24,000 acres in Clay, Randolph and Greene counties. The damages were caused when the Corps of Engineers deviated from the water control plan for Clearwater Lake and Dam in southeast Missouri between 1993 and 2000 over the AGFC's repeated objections. After an 11-day trial in December 2008, the Court of Federal Claims awarded AGFC $5.7 million, plus interest, costs and attorney's fees, finding that the Corps' actions had destroyed and degraded more than 18 million board feet of timber, left habitat unable to regenerate and prevented the use and enjoyment of the area.
The Federal Circuit reversed the trial judgment on a single point of law. A sharply divided 2-1 panel ruled that the U.S. did not inflict a taking because its actions were not permanent and the flooding eventually stopped. The Federal Circuit denied rehearing en banc in a fractured 7-4 vote. The Supreme Court granted the AGFC's request for review "to resolve the question whether government actions that cause repeated floodings must be permanent of inevitably recurring to constitute a taking of property."
The corridor of bottomland hardwood timber in Dave Donaldson Black River WMA is the largest contiguous block of forest along the Black River in Missouri and Arkansas, and is among the largest contiguous areas of bottomland hardwood timber remaining in the Upper Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Much of the WMA land was purchased by the AGFC in the 1950s and 1960s to preserve bottomland hardwoods and provide wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl. The AGFC operates the WMA as a wildlife and hunting preserve, placing special emphasis on the waterfowl that pass through the area in the late fall and early winter on the Mississippi River flyway. "While flooding caused by the Corps has taken its toll on this valuable resource," Goodhart remarked, "hopefully today's decision will be a huge step towards the much needed recovery of one of our state's most important wildlife management areas."


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UC Davis Partners with CalPERS for an Innovative Education Program
What's the most effective way to manage an investment fund to help people retire? What are the fundamental differences in investment options for pension funds and private funds? These lead questions open up the dialogue in a new Pension Fundamentals Educational Program designed by the UC Davis Graduate School of Management in partnership with California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), launched in September 2013.
These uniquely tailored educational experiences are designed for the professionals who work in and with the asset managers at CalPERS. The objective is to provide these individuals, many from the private sector, a clear understanding of the fundamentals of pension fund management. The program will be run multiple times for CalPERS, educating approximately 350 employees.
This Pension Fundamentals Educational Program is one piece of a three-part educational strategy at CalPERS. The other sections include "Financial Fundamentals," delivered online via CFA's Claritas certificate program, and "CalPERS Fundamentals," where departmental leaders within CalPERS describe their day-to-day workings in detail.
"Talent management is a strategic priority for CalPERS," said Kami Niebank, Division Chief of the Investment Policy and Business Services Division at CalPERS. "And people who are knowledgeable in their job are more productive and better prepared to serve the organization. The Pension Fundamentals Educational Program is one of our core courses to help us get there."
Although the program topics might appear straightforward at first glance, designing a comprehensive program about pension fundamentals is no easy feat. UC Davis Executive Education designed a solution by leveraging the strength of the Graduate School of Management faculty in finance, many of whom are world-renowned scholars and researchers. Furthermore, breaking the curriculum into three key segments allows participants to absorb detailed strategies without getting overwhelmed by the complexity of the topics.
The first was taught by Paul Griffin, Associate Dean and Professor of Management, who is a leading international authority in accounting and financial information and disclosures. He covered liabilities, expanding on topics such as future cash flow needs of the system, liquidity requirements for retirement, and issues and solutions for underfunding.
Associate Professor of Management Joseph Chen led the second segment, teaching how investments are made, high-level investment strategy, and the theory and tools that are available to investors to help create optimal portfolios across different asset classes. Professor Chen's research focused on stock market reward-to-risk returns.
Finally, Robert Yetman, Professor of Management, covered CalPERS governance. Professor Yetman is an expert on corporate tax, financial accounting, income tax, U.S. and international financial accounting, and nonprofit accounting and tax issues.
CalPERS is a public nonprofit and is governed by a Board of Administration. Professor Yetman explained how the Board members are elected, their terms and roles, and how they keep up to date with investment strategy. Of particular interest is that a majority of these board members are public servants such as school district or municipal employees without a background in investing.
Rob Feckner, President of the Board of Administration for CalPERS, participated in a "fireside chat" with Professor Yetman to provide participants with a "feet on the street" version of the responsibilities involved with being a CalPERS Board Member along with the challenges and opportunities of the role of President.
UC Davis Executive Education was in the final bidding process for this custom program with several business schools in California. CalPERS decision makers were swayed by the quality of the Finance faculty, as well as the program focus of directly tying business theory to participants' roles. The key differentiator for UC Davis Executive Education programs is presenting practical strategies for hands-on applications that can be leveraged back at the office the very next day.
To learn more about Custom Executive Education Programs at the UC Davis Graduate School of Management, please contact Wendy Beecham, Managing Director of Executive Education.


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May/June 2002
Usually, patients on antiretroviral treatment demonstrate a drop in viral load (often to undetectable levels) while improving their immune system with an accompanying T-cell rise. The disconnect syndrome of rising viral load along with stable or improving immune markers such as T-cells is more common among patients who have a longer history of being on several antiviral regimens. Viral drug resistance, which is associated with decreased efficacy of treatment, is not uncommon for these patients. They have fewer options than patients on their very first antiviral regimen.
Usually, patients with an overtly failing regimen need to undergo changes in their antiviral treatment. This is a basic tenet of care for the chronically HIV-infected individual. This is done to halt progression of HIV disease, to preserve immune system function and to avoid further resistance development.
Thus management of patients who are highly treatment experienced and who have a discordant response is a real quandary. It is believed that continuing the failing regimen further selects for resistance mutations, therefore further limiting future therapeutic options. But when there is stability in the elevated viral load together with increasing CD4 counts going yet higher, patients are obviously still deriving clinical benefit. No large prospective clinical trial has been performed to help provide insight for this situation.
Individuals with a discordant response usually exhibit high numbers of mutations against the nucleoside drug class, which often includes the M184V mutation. This specific mutation of M184V (refers to a change in the amino acid switch in HIVs viral gene strand) is most known for being the tell-tale sign of 3TC (Epivir) resistance. But having the 184V resistance mutation has also been associated with sustained responses to antivirals, confirmed in several studies. Generally, cross-resistance would be a concern. Mutations that resist one drug may also resist another, especially one in the same drug class. This may lower the efficacy of new drugs which a patient has never taken before. However, if one has the 184V, without other nucleoside mutations, it does not confer resistance to other nucleosides such as ddI, d4T, ddC or abacavir (Videx, Zerit, Hivid or Ziagen). Also, the M184V seems to result in re-sensitization of the virus to AZT (Retrovir) in patients who previously developed resistance to AZT. Finally, the presence of 184V in highly experienced patients is associated with a better antiviral response to the newest HIV agent, tenofovir (Viread).
The initial status of the patient, including CD4 T-cell count and presence of the 184V mutation before antiviral treatment, is predictive of responses to HAART and development of discordance. A lower CD4 count is more predictive of discordance. The more damaged ones immune system has become prior to treatment, the more difficult it may be for the immune system to assist in suppressing viral load later.
Often, T-cells remain stable or rise despite not obtaining optimally suppressed viral loads because HIV (though resistant) becomes weakened by antiviral drugs, impairing its ability to replicate. Thus the immune system is able to continue its restoration process. In other words, the antiviral treatments cause a decreased replicative capacity of the virus. In fact, there is a firm relationship between the high numbers of mutations and decreased replicative capacity of virus from people with discordance.
The disconnect syndrome can be explained in an alternative way. The M184V and other mutations may result in the virus becoming less fit than wild type. (Wild type is virus that has not mutated, seen usually in non-treated individuals.) The less fit the virus, the less able it is to overcome the effects of other antivirals. Additionally, the reverse transcriptase enzyme, which HIV uses to reproduce itself, is also crippled despite the presence of resistance, and thus becomes less able to help make copies of the virus. HIV can not process its DNA strand (viral gene), and is therefore unable to replicate.
Finally, development of increased mutations does not interfere with immune recovery during HAART. Measured by immune cell proliferation and response to interleukin 15 (a specific cytokine, protein produced by immune cells used for research purposes to measure immune response), researchers found that discordant patients had responses similar to fully respondant patients (Stephano Vella and colleagues, 9th Retroviruses Conference, Seattle, February 2002).
This is compounded by the fact that data regarding the long-term outlook of patients continuing in this disconnect pattern is sorely lacking. Some researchers have demonstrated higher progression rates while others concluded that the immunologic deterioration is delayed by an average of three years (Stephen Deeks and colleagues, University of California at San Francisco). However large trials of disconnected patients who continue to maintain good clinical immunologic response to HAART for a specified duration would provide greater insight into the risks. It seems that patients manifesting a disconnect who continue their treatment are stable clinically and not developing opportunistic infections. However, with the ongoing epidemic of resistance, it would be helpful to understand what it all means to a patients health and longevity.
Daniel S. Berger, M.D. is Medical Director for NorthStar Healthcare; Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago and editor of AIDS Infosource. He also serves as medical consultant and columnist for Positively Aware. Inquiries are welcomed by Dr. Berger; he can be reached at email@example.com or 773.296.2400.
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